**Summary:**
The Ministry of Tribal Affairs and Coal India Limited (CIL) have entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to enhance infrastructure and capacity building in 76 Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS) across Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, and Odisha. The MoU was signed on September 9, 2025, in New Delhi between CIL and the National Scheduled Tribes Finance and Development Corporation (NSTFDC), a Section 8 company under the Ministry of Tribal Affairs.
Under this collaboration, CIL will provide support through its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives. The project aims to benefit over 30,000 tribal students by:
* Establishing computer labs with 1200 computers and 1200 UPS units to strengthen digital learning in STEM fields.
* Installing 420 sanitary pad vending machines and 420 sanitary pad incinerators to promote menstrual health and hygiene.
* Providing career counseling and mentorship to over 6,200 students in Classes 10-12.
CIL has sanctioned ₹10 crore for the project, which will be implemented by NSTFDC in a time-bound manner. The initiative seeks to bridge the digital divide, promote menstrual health hygiene, and provide tribal students with access to career guidance and opportunities. The collaboration aligns with CIL's CSR focus areas, including education, healthcare, women's empowerment, livelihood promotion, and rural development.
Key Entities Referenced
Ministry of Tribal Affairs: A government ministry responsible for the welfare and development of tribal communities in India.
NSTFDC: National Scheduled Tribes Finance and Development Corporation, a Section 8 company under the Ministry of Tribal Affairs.
Coal India Limited: A state-owned coal mining company that has partnered with the Ministry of Tribal Affairs.
Eklavya Model Residential Schools: Schools established by the Ministry of Tribal Affairs to provide quality education to Scheduled Tribe children.
Chhattisgarh: A state in India where EMRS schools will be upgraded.
Jharkhand: A state in India where EMRS schools will be upgraded.
Madhya Pradesh: A state in India where EMRS schools will be upgraded.
Odisha: A state in India where EMRS schools will be upgraded.
Ministry of Tribal Affairs
MoU signed between NSTFDC & Coal India to
Empower 30,000 Tribal Students with Digital
Learning, Mentorship & Better Infrastructure in
EMRS
Posted On: 09 SEP 2025 6:59PM by PIB Delhi
In a landmark initiative, the Ministry of Tribal Affairs and Coal India Limited (CIL) have joined hands for the
upgradation of infrastructure and capacity building in 76 Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS) across
Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, and Odisha.
A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed today (09.09.2025) in New Delhi between CIL and the
National Scheduled Tribes Finance and Development Corporation (NSTFDC), a Section 8 company under the
Ministry of Tribal Affairs. The ceremony took place in the august presence of Shri Jual Oram, Hon’ble Union
Minister of Tribal Affairs, and Shri G. Kishan Reddy, Hon’ble Union Minister of Coal & Mines.
Currently, 479 EMRS are functional across the country, providing quality education, nutrition, health care,
and overall development opportunities for Scheduled Tribe (ST) children. These schools are a flagship
intervention of the Ministry to empower tribal students by enabling them to access higher education and
gainful employment.
Recognising the scope of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) in supplementing government efforts, CIL
has committed to support the Ministry under its CSR initiatives. Through this collaboration, the following
provisions will be made in 76 EMRS:
1200 computers and 1200 UPS units
(cid:108)
110 tablets
(cid:108)420 sanitary pad vending machines
(cid:108)
420 sanitary pad incinerators
(cid:108)
Career counselling and mentorship for over 6,200 students of Classes 10 & 12
(cid:108)
CIL has sanctioned ₹10 crore for the project, which will be implemented by NSTFDC in a time-bound
manner.
Speaking on the occasion, Shri Jual Oram, Union Minister of Tribal Affairs, welcomed the initiative and
support received from the CIL, and expressed confidence that more companies will come forward with
dedicated CSR support for tribal education and development.
Shri G. Kishan Reddy, Union Minister of Coal & Mines, highlighted that CIL’s CSR focus areas,
education, healthcare, women’s empowerment, livelihood promotion, and rural development, will gain wider
impact through this partnership with the Ministry of Tribal Affairs.
Objectives of the Project
Bridging the digital divide: Establishment of computer labs to strengthen digital learning and open new
opportunities in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics).
Promoting menstrual health & hygiene: Enhanced retention and performance of girl students.
Career counselling & mentorship: Providing tribal students with access to guidance and opportunities at par
with their urban counterparts.
Overall, more than 30,000 tribal students are expected to benefit from this initiative, marking a
significant step towards inclusive, technology-driven, and holistic education for tribal youth.
****
RN/
(Release ID: 2165043)