A state with a strong tribal background, Jharkhand has always struggled with the aim of delivering quality education to the indigenous people in the state. The NGO seeks to fill this divide in education by initiating a model residential schools program (EMRS) that was launched by the government of India in 1997-98. These schools are meant to provide free and quality education to Scheduled tribe (ST) students who study Class VI to XII especially in remote and tribal dominated regions.
Establishment and Reach of EMRS in Jharkhand
In 2025, Jharkhand is assigned a total 91 EMRSs, including 68 EMRSs under the new scheme and 23 under Article 275(1) of Indian Constitution. Such growth articulates the effort by the state of improving the educational opportunities of its tribal grouping.
Key Benefits of EMRS for Tribal Children
1. Access to Quality Education
EMRSs offer a curriculum that is so well-structured and comprehensive that it tends to accrue to the norm of Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE). This makes sure that the students belonging to this tribe get an education that is similar to their urban counterparts thus eliminating higher learning and other career opportunities.
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2. Residential Facilities in Proximity
EMRSs are situated in tribal influenced regions and this has the benefit of ensuring clients do not have to travel far to access the amenities. The invitee character promotes frequent attendance and reduces the probability of drop out that has been felt in remote areas.
3. Holistic Development
In addition to academics, EMRSs adultly focus on the development of students in general. They provide vocational training, after school activities and life skills education and equip the students against the different challenges as well as self reliance.
4. Promotion of Tribal Languages and Culture
EMRSs then acknowledge the significance of having cultural identity and so, teachers in their programs have integrated tribal languages and traditions in their curricula. This is a method that does not only help in preserving the culture of indigenous people, but it makes students feel distinguished and belonging.
5. Empowerment of Girls
EMRSs have played a major role to facilitate equality in remote regions with women as they offer equal opportunities to girls at the educational-levels. The result of this empowerment is social status and increased involvement of women in the development of the community.
6. Integration of Technology
EMRSs have also come up with computer literacy programs to close the digit divide. As an example seven EMRS in Jharkhand have taken around 1500 students in capacity-building rudimentary and advanced computer-specialized training programs.
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7. Support for Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs)
To facilitate the working of PVTGs, the government has made EMRS admission regulations that limit the selection of PVTG students to 5% of total admission. This helps make sure that the most hostile groups are able to gain attention and resources required.
Challenges and Areas for Improvement
In spite of the achievements, high dropout rates among PVTG students, in particular, are one of the issues affecting EMRSs. Some of the factors that lead to this would be socio economic pressures, the loss of connections and not being surrounded by sufficient support. These problems can only be solved through focused interventions, communal engagement and regular observation.
Conclusion
The Eklavya Model Residential Schools have gone a long way in changing the face of education to tribal children in Jharkhand. EMRSs are significant in creating empowerment among tribal communities by enabling the use of quality education, preservation of cultural heritage and holistic development. Nevertheless, significant work should be conducted to address current hurdles and make sure that rewards of this action apply to all tribal children in the state.
