The Gujarat government has increased the number of Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS) to 44 since their launch in 2003, with over 11,000 tribal students enrolled, officials said Monday.

Beneficiaries appreciate these schools for their cutting-edge classrooms featuring six interactive LEDs, smart technology, and green boards for immersive e-learning, offering free quality education for children from Classes 6 to 12.

Tribal Development Minister Kuber Dindor reported that more than 1.2 million tribal students have received pre-matric scholarships, and approximately 250,000 students have benefited from post-matric scholarships.

“Thanks to the state government’s efforts, education levels among tribal communities have risen, with children and youth now actively contributing to nation-building,” he said.

An EMRS in the tribal-dominated Dahod district boasts a well-equipped library and computer labs with over 40 computers and WiFi, providing modern, internet-based education, according to principal Vishnu Kumar.

“Our school offers smart classes in every classroom, a projector room, a library, and sports facilities, all free of cost. The objective is to ensure the overall development of children from Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes communities,” Kumar said.

The EMRS has separate hostels for boys and girls, with canteens serving nutritious meals, sports facilities, and cultural exposure.

“I have been studying here for six years and have received many facilities and training. We are proud of our teachers,” said Prithvi Damor, a student at EMRS Dahod.

The government also provides a grant of Rs 4,000 per student for uniforms.

The first EMRS was launched in June 2003, and today there are 44 schools covering 11,066 students, a government statement said. Admission is based on a centralized test, and qualifying students are allocated a school within 30 km of their home.

The Gujarat State Tribal Education Society (GSTES) manages the EMRS, along with 43 Girls Literacy Residential Schools (GLRS), 12 Model Schools, and 2 Sainik Schools.

“Under the Gyankunj Project-Smart Interactive Board Scheme, 28,012 smart classrooms have been introduced in 7,408 government primary schools across Gujarat’s tribal areas, providing a modern and interactive learning environment,” it said.

Source: PTI

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