“We are aiming to achieve the target of a Developed and Fit India by making our children healthy today”, stated Union Minister for Tribal Affairs; Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, Shri Arjun Munda while launching the joint National level Project for Screening and Health Management of tribal students through Ayurvedic Interventions, along with Union Minister of AYUSH; Ports, Shipping, and Waterways, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal, in New Delhi today. The Minister suggested the inclusion of medicinal plant gardens on lines of Poshan Vatikas in Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS), to raise awareness among future generations about the importance of traditional in ensuring good health. It will help in developing healthy lifestyle practices in children as per the principles of Ayurveda, thereby improving and protecting their health and overall well-being with emphasis on prevention of diseases, he added.

The Ministry of AYUSH, in collaboration with its Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences (CCRAS), has undertaken this health initiative for tribal students in partnership with the Ministry of Tribal Affairs and ICMR-National Institute of Research in Tribal Health (NIRTH), Jabalpur. It aims to cater to the healthcare requirements of students residing in EMRS across tribal areas in the country. This project is set to benefit over 20,000 tribal students.

Addressing the event, Shri Sonowal highlighted, "To make India a self-reliant Nation, we have to make every Indian disease free”. He added that both Ministries are joining forces to study the health needs of the tribal population and provide public healthcare services through Ayurvedic interventions, which have proven to be effective in addressing these health needs. The Minister further informed that this project aims to benefit students aged 10-18 years enrolled in classes 6^th to 12^th in 55 identified EMRS across 14 States of the country. The screenings will focus on identifying issues such as Anaemia, Haemoglobinopathies, Malnutrition, and Tuberculosis.

In October 2022, a Memorandum of Understanding was signed between the Ministry of Tribal Affairs and the Ministry of AYUSH to explore collaboration, convergence, and synergy for tribal development. As part of this initiative, CCRAS developed 72 Poshan Vatikas in EMRS across 20 States. Additionally, CCRAS Institutes actively participated in mega health camps during the Janajati Mahotsav in Saraikela, Jharkhand.

The Ministry of Tribal Affairs is implementing the Central Sector Scheme of Eklavya Model Residential School (EMRS) to provide quality education to tribal students in their own environment. EMRSs are established on par with Navodaya Vidyalayas, offering special facilities for sports training and skill development. Under the new central sector scheme for EMRS, infrastructure has been improved to create a conducive learning environment by standardizing norms for school construction, including campus layout, built-up area, facade design, and material specifications.

Ekalavya Model Residential Schools (EMRSs) play a crucial role in providing quality education to Scheduled Tribes (ST) children in remote areas, enabling them to access higher education and employment opportunities across various sectors. These schools emphasize not only academic education but also the holistic development of students, including their health. Currently, there are 402 functional EMRSs across the country, each offering state-of-the-art facilities for quality education, sports training, and skill development.

During the announcement of the Joint Research and Development and Public Health Initiative of the two Ministries, Shri Arjun Munda and Shri Sarbananda Sonowal also unveiled an e-book and released a brochure outlining their collaborative health initiatives. Dignitaries present on the occasion included Shri Vibhu Nayar, Secretary (Tribal Affairs), along with other senior officers of both Ministries, among others.

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NB/VM