Six More Eklavya Model Residential Schools to Start in Tripura in August, Total 21 Sanctioned

Tripura is set to witness a major expansion in tribal education infrastructure as six new Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS) will commence operations across the state starting in August 2025. This development, announced by State Tribal Welfare Minister Bikash Debbarma on Sunday, brings the total number of operational EMRS institutions in the state to 12.

Designed specifically for tribal students from classes VI to XII, the EMRS initiative provides free and quality residential education, aiming to bridge the learning gap and boost academic performance in remote and underserved tribal regions.

According to Minister Debbarma, the Central Ministry of Tribal Affairs has sanctioned a total of 21 Eklavya schools for Tripura. While 12 schools will be operational by August, the remaining nine are expected to be established in the next phase, possibly by 2026.

An official from the tribal welfare department said that around 2,700 tribal students are currently studying in the six existing EMRS institutions. With the six new schools becoming functional, the total student capacity is expected to double, providing access to quality residential education for nearly 5,400 tribal children.

In addition to the EMRS network, Tripura’s government also runs three Ashram residential schools. These state-run facilities currently serve 800 indigenous students and are part of broader efforts to improve educational outcomes for Scheduled Tribe (ST) populations.

“The establishment of more EMRS and residential schools in tribal-dominated areas is expected to significantly reduce dropout rates while encouraging more tribal families to prioritize education for their children,” said the official.

The Eklavya Model Residential School scheme, launched by the Government of India in 1997-98 and revamped under the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, seeks to set up one EMRS in every block with at least 50% tribal population and 20,000 tribal residents. The Tripura government’s active implementation of this scheme underscores its commitment to educational inclusivity and tribal welfare.

As construction continues on the remaining sanctioned schools, the government is also focusing on improving teacher recruitment, residential facilities, and digital classrooms in existing EMRS institutions to ensure a holistic learning environment for tribal students.

The expansion of EMRS in Tripura aligns with broader national goals under the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which emphasizes equitable access to education and inclusive development for all communities, particularly marginalized groups.

The opening of the new schools in August marks a crucial step forward in that mission—offering hope for thousands of indigenous children in Tripura’s remote villages, who now have a better chance at quality education and future opportunities.