Mewar in Parliament: Coaching Facilities Introduced in Eklavya Model Residential Schools to Support Competitive Exam Preparation

Udaipur,To enhance access to higher education for tribal students, the Ministry of Tribal Affairs has initiated special preparatory courses and coaching programs within Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS) through NESTS (National Education Society for Tribal Students). These programs are designed to support students in preparing for competitive exams like NEET, IIT-JEE, and CUET.

This information was provided by the Minister of State for Tribal Affairs, Durga Das Uikey, in response to an unstarred question raised by Udaipur MP Dr. Mannalal Rawat in the Lok Sabha. Dr. Rawat sought details about the establishment of new EMRS institutions and their operational status across tribal-dominated districts.

In his reply, the minister informed that only 123 EMRS were operational before 2014, whereas 555 new EMRS have been approved since 2014. Out of these, 312 schools are currently functional, 211 buildings have been completed, and 344 are under construction.

Status of EMRS in Tribal-Dominated Districts of Rajasthan

Responding to Dr. Rawat’s question regarding the proposal for new EMRS in tribal districts such as Udaipur, Salumber, Pratapgarh, and Dungarpur, the Minister confirmed that EMRS have already been sanctioned in Udaipur and Salumber. Similarly, four EMRS have been approved in both Pratapgarh and Dungarpur districts.

Coaching for Competitive Exams

Dr. Rawat also asked whether the government has plans to introduce coaching for competitive exams under EMRS. The Minister stated that special preparatory programs have been provisioned to assist tribal students in preparing for NEET, IIT-JEE, and CUET. At present, three EMRSs are functioning as Centres of Excellence (CoEs), and online coaching is also being provided through NGOs in other schools.

Establishment of NESTS

The Minister also informed that for effective management and implementation of the EMRS scheme, a dedicated autonomous body named the National Education Society for Tribal Students (NESTS) has been set up in coordination with the State EMRS Societies. The Ministry allocates funds to NESTS, which in turn provides financial support to states, union territories, public sector undertakings, and construction agencies based on their requirements for EMRS construction and school operations.

This initiative marks a significant step towards integrating tribal students into mainstream education and preparing them for national-level competitive exams.