Meghalaya has shown little progress in the setting up of Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS).
The Ministry of Tribal Affairs has approved the setting up of 38 EMRS in the State. Construction for 23 schools has been allocated to the State government.
However, out of 38 EMRS sanctioned by the Central government, only two have been completed. Most of the EMRS including those sanctioned way back in 2016-17 are yet to start construction.
In East Khasi Hills, the EMRS that have been sanctioned include Kharang (sanctioned in 2019-20), Khatarshnong Laitkroh (2021-22), Mawphlang (2021-22) and Mawmluh (2021-22).
In Ri-Bhoi, two EMRS have been sanctioned by the Centre. These are for Pahamsyiem (2016-17) and Umtrai (2018-19).
In South West Khasi Hills, the EMRS sanctioned for the district are for Domjyrti (2018-19) and Nonghyllam (2021-22).
In West Khasi Hills, the EMRS that have been sanctioned are for Sohparu (2018-19) and one under Mawshynrut Block (2021-22).
In Eastern West Khasi Hills, the EMRS that have been sanctioned are for Mawlyntriang (2021-22) and Mawlangren (2021-22).
In Jaintia Hills, the EMRS that have been sanctioned are Amlarem (2018-19), Kairang (2018-19) and Laskein (2019-20).
In East Garo Hills, the EMRS that have been sanctioned are for Songsak (2018-19), Nengkra (2018-19), Songsak (2018-19), Rikwarenggre (2019-20) and Radi (2021-22).
In South Garo Hills, the EMRS that have been sanctioned are for Rongara (2018-19), Gittinggre (2021-22), Jetragre (2021-22) and Rongsepgre (2021-22).
In West Garo Hills, the EMRS that have been sanctioned are for Boldamgre (2018-19), Rabukong (2018-19) and Jelbongpara (2021-22).
In July this year, the State government through the Meghalaya Infrastructure Development & Finance Corporation Ltd has floated a tender for engagement of consultants for preparation of Detailed Project Report (DPR) and consultancy services for construction of 15 EMRS in the State.
The 15 EMRS schools are for Jaurang village under Khliehriat Block (East Jaintia Hills), Sakhain under Saipung Block (East Jaintia Hills), Kenbah Malai under Mawsynram Block (East Khasi Hills), Phlangdkhi under Pynursla Block (East Khasi Hills), Warmawsaw – Umwsohbar under Jirang Block (Ri-Bhoi), Dadenggiri (West Garo Hills), Rangdapara under Dalu Block (West Garo Hills), Saka Boldamgre under Gambegre Block (West Garo Hills), Samin Songkama under Dalu Block (East Garo Hills), Nongchram (East Garo Hills), Rangtangsora under Rongara Block (South Garo Hills), Chopapara under Zikzak Block (South West Garo Hills) and Kharkutta Songittal under Kharkutta Block (North Garo Hills).
Eklavya Model Residential Schools aim to impart education to students belonging to Scheduled Tribes in remote regions. These schools were established by the Ministry of Tribal Affairs and offer tuition-free education from Class VI to Class XII, ensuring equal opportunities for both male and female students.
The primary objective of EMRS schools extends beyond mere academic learning as they strive to provide comprehensive education and promote the overall growth of students. Each school has a maximum capacity of 480 students, with class sizes limited to 60 students. For Classes XI and XII, there are three sections catering to the Science, Commerce, and Humanities streams, with a maximum of 30 students per class.
EMRS schools are designed to be on par with Navodaya Vidyalayas and offer abundant opportunities for students from Scheduled Tribes by granting them access to higher education and improved employment prospects.
