Replying to the un-starred questions of Smt. Malvika Devi, the Union Minister of State for Tribal Affairs Shri Durgadas Uikey informed lok sabha today that a total of 2 EMRSs have been made functional in the last quarter. The National Education Society for Tribal Students (NESTS), established as an autonomous society under Ministry of Tribal Affairs to establish, endow, maintain, control and manage the EMRSs across the country, has urged the State Governments to make all the approved EMRSs functional.

To ensure their equitable access to quality education and holistic development for tribal students, following facilities are provided in EMR schools: -

1. Educational Infrastructure:
   • Well-equipped classrooms with modern teaching aids.
   • Science and computer laboratories.
   • Libraries with diverse learning resources.
2. Accommodation and Amenities:
   • Residential facilities for students and staff.
   • Separate hostels for boys and girls with essential amenities like bedding, furniture, and hygiene facilities.
3. Sports and Extracurricular Facilities:
   • Playgrounds and sports equipment.
   • Facilities for extracurricular activities like music, art, and sports
4. Health and Nutrition:
   • Regular health check-ups and medical facilities.
5. IT and Digital Learning:
   • Smart classrooms for digital education.
   • Computer labs with internet access.
6. Vocational Training:
   • Skill development and vocational training programs to enhance employability.

As far as digital learning is concerned, the Ministry is implementing several initiatives in collaboration with other government bodies to provide tribal students with access to digital and skill-based education. These initiatives include:

1. Free, high-quality digital coaching for competitive exams such as IIT-JEE and NEET, providing online classes and academic support to tribal students. These efforts aim to enhance their preparedness and improve their prospects of securing admission to premier engineering and medical institutions across the country.
2. Provision of Smart classrooms equipped with digital boards established in partnership with ERNET, Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY).
3. The Amazon Future Engineer (AFE) program is a comprehensive initiative aimed at enhancing access to computer science education for undeserved and underrepresented communities. Learning Links Foundation (LLF) has implemented the AFE program in 430 EMRSs to provide hands-on computer science education through interactive modules like the Hour of Code and Code-a-thon, students gain essential skills in programming and problem solving.
4. Set-up of 400 Skill Labs in 200 EMRSs in collaboration with the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MoSDE) to provide hands-on vocational training and industry-relevant skills to students.
5. A dedicated DTH TV channel – EKLAVYA (Channel No. 32), has been developed by CIET-NCERT, exclusively for EMRS students, which provides curriculum-based learning and competitive exam content for Classes 9^th to 12^th, ensuring uninterrupted access to quality educational resources even in remote locations.

The use of local languages in EMRSs is encouraged as part of the school’s overall pedagogy, ensuring that it supports tribal students in their academic journey at these levels. In this regard, the following efforts are being made:

1. Cultural Festivals and Events are organized that celebrate tribal customs, music, dance, art, and cuisine, fostering a sense of pride and unity within the community.
2. Bharatiya Bhasha Utsav is celebrated for promoting language learning among tribal students through the use of regional language and technology. Supporting efforts to maintain and revive indigenous languages through language programs, education, and documentation.
3. Celebration of Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas to acknowledge the glorious history and cultural heritage of tribal communities.
4. Organization of various activities and events for tribal children such as plays/skits, drawing and painting, dancing, singing, poem recitation, essay writing, debates, and discussions helps in preserving their culture.
5. EMRSs promote local art, culture, and traditions through extracurricular activities, cultural festivals, and integration in school activities.
6. States/UTs have been asked to establish tribal corner in each EMRSs across country which will serve both an educational and inspirational space, nurturing a deeper understanding and reverence for tribal heritage among students.
7. Learning content in tribal languages is delivered on dedicated DTH TV channel – EKLAVYA (Channel No. 32) to preserve and promote linguistic diversity.
8. Regional language teachers have been recruited to teach local language to EMRS students.

******

RN

(Release ID: 2147878)