Tripura Chief Minister Prof. (Dr.) Manik Saha on Thursday said that the government is committed to strengthening the educational ecosystem for tribal communities while preserving their rich cultural and linguistic heritage. Speaking after inaugurating a new Eklavya Model Residential School (EMRS) at Pravapur, Jampuijala, the Chief Minister announced that construction work for six more EMRS institutions will be completed by March 2026. The newly inaugurated school, which can accommodate up to 480 students, aims to provide high-quality education to Janajati students from Classes 6 to 12.

I am writing about this because EMRS institutions have emerged as one of the most impactful education models for India’s tribal students. In states like Tripura, these schools are not just academic centres—they act as cultural anchors that preserve indigenous languages, traditions, and values. By focusing on both learning and identity, they are helping bridge educational inequalities while promoting social inclusion. The Chief Minister’s remarks highlight how education can empower tribal youth to succeed without losing touch with their roots. This balance between progress and preservation makes the EMRS initiative especially relevant in today’s fast-changing education landscape.

A flagship initiative for tribal empowerment

The Eklavya Model Residential School (EMRS) scheme, launched by the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, aims to provide quality education to Scheduled Tribe (ST) children living in rural and remote areas. It is one of the central government’s flagship programmes to ensure that tribal students receive holistic education—from academics and sports to arts and culture—within a residential setup.

Dr. Saha noted that before 2014, the concept of EMRS was not widely implemented, but under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, the initiative gained significant momentum. “After PM Modi came in 2014, we have seen what EMRS truly means. Across India, the Prime Minister has physically and virtually inaugurated these schools to bring quality education closer to tribal communities,” he said.

He added that out of 21 EMRS projects sanctioned for Tripura, 12 schools are already operational, while six more will be completed by March 2026. Each school has modern facilities, including science labs, hostels, libraries, and digital classrooms designed to support both academic growth and cultural learning.

Education with roots in culture and values

Highlighting the broader vision behind the EMRS network, Dr. Saha said that these schools serve a dual purpose—providing modern education and preserving Janajati traditions. “The main aim of EMRS is to provide quality education to Janajati children from Class 6 to 12. PM Modi always says that we must provide proper education and facilities to the last mile of society,” he said.

The Chief Minister also emphasised the importance of protecting tribal languages and traditions, noting that education should be culturally sensitive and inclusive. “Through EMRS, we can preserve the Janajati culture and language, ensuring that education helps build identity and pride,” he said.

Dr. Saha mentioned that the government plans to integrate local cultural elements—such as folk art, crafts, and festivals—into school activities, helping students connect with their heritage while developing academic skills.

Tripura’s progress in tribal education

Tripura, with a significant tribal population, has been prioritising inclusive education policies to bridge the urban-rural divide. According to official data, more than 25 per cent of Tripura’s population belongs to Scheduled Tribes, and initiatives like EMRS have become crucial to ensuring equal learning opportunities.

Currently, Tripura’s EMRS institutions collectively cater to over 5,000 tribal students, offering free education, accommodation, and meals. The state government also plans to introduce vocational training programmes in these schools, helping students gain practical skills in areas such as agriculture, handloom, computer literacy, and entrepreneurship.

Officials said the newly inaugurated school at Jampuijala will soon complete its first round of admissions. “Around 60 students have already taken admission, and the total capacity will reach 480 soon. The admission process will begin shortly,” Dr. Saha informed.

Community participation and accountability

The Chief Minister highlighted that EMRS success depends not just on government efforts but also on active community involvement. He urged local leaders, parents, and educators to take ownership of these institutions and ensure that every child gets the opportunity to attend school. “We must all work together to ensure that no child from the Janajati community is left behind,” he said.

Dr. Saha also stressed the need for transparency in implementation and regular monitoring of EMRS projects to maintain high standards of education and infrastructure. He instructed officials to ensure that each school maintains proper student-teacher ratios and that teachers receive training to handle the specific learning needs of tribal students.

National significance of the EMRS model

The EMRS initiative has grown rapidly since 2014. Nationally, over 740 EMRS schools have been sanctioned across India, covering nearly all tribal-majority districts. Each school follows CBSE curriculum standards and aims to prepare students for competitive exams like NEET, JEE, and UPSC.

The model has received global attention for its focus on culturally relevant education—a concept that integrates local traditions with modern pedagogy. Many educationists see EMRS as a sustainable way to promote both equity and diversity within India’s schooling system.

Dr. Saha’s remarks also align with the central government’s emphasis on “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas”, where inclusive education is seen as a cornerstone of national development.