Since 1997-98, 100 Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS) have been sanctioned by the Ministry of Tribal Affairs to 22 States of the country of which 89 schools are reported to be functional.  A list of these EMRSs is at Annexure - I.  Funding for EMRS is done out of grant under proviso to Article 275 (1) of the Constitution of India. Till 2006-07, the Ministry had released an amount of Rs. 307.45 crore to States for EMRS. From 2007-08, release of funds for EMRS is being done as a part of overall proposals of the State Governments for funding under Article 275(1) proviso of the Constitution.  A statement indicating the grant released by the Ministry through grant under Article 275 (1) to various States during the last three years and the current financial year is enclosed at Annex - II.  

      As per the revised guidelines on EMRS issued in June, 2010, the capital cost for the school complex is Rs. 12.00 crore with a provision to go up to Rs. 16.00 crore in hill areas, deserts and islands. Any escalation will have to be met by the State/ UT Government. Recurring cost is Rs. 42,000/- per child for first year with a provision to raise by 10% every second year to compensate for inflation etc.  For procurement of essential, non-recurring items like furniture/ equipment including for kitchen, dining, hostel, garden etc.- @ Rs. 10.00 lakh per school  is  allowed once in every five years. It is solely the responsibility of the States concerned to effectively run such EMRSs in accordance with the guidelines. To ensure proper utilization of fund, grant for EMRS is released only when physical and financial reports of the grant under Article 275 (1) of the Constitution of previous years are furnished by the concerned State Government.

ANNEXURE-I

ANNEXURE-II

This information was given by Shri. Tushar A. Chaudhary, the Minister of State for Tribal Affairs, in a written reply to a question in Lok Sabha today.

SB/AP

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