Parliament Question: Dropout of Children from EMRS

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF TRIBAL AFFAIRS LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO- 3045 TO BE ANSWERED ON- 07/08/2025 DROPOUT OF CHILDREN FROM EMRS 3045. SHRI S JAGATHRATCHAKAN: ADV GOWAAL KAGADA PADAVI: Will the Minister of TRIBAL AFFAIRS be pleased to state: (a) whether the Government is aware that out of the 716 Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS), only 476 are functional as per the NEST report and if so, the details thereof along with the measures taken to address it; (b) whether there is a mechanism in place to review the quality of education, infrastructure and learning outcomes in these schools and if so, the details thereof; (c) the details of initiatives taken to address infrastructural gaps, teacher shortages and the funds allocated for the purpose in EMRS during the last five years, year-wise; (d) the steps being taken by the Government to recruit qualified teaching staff and ensure holistic development of tribal student in EMRS; (e) the details of the dropout of children from EMRS during the last five years, year and State/UT-wise; and (f) the details of the initiatives taken by the Government to address the dropout of children belonging to Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) in EMRS? ANSWER MINISTER OF STATE FOR TRIBAL AFFAIRS (SHRI. DURGADAS UIKEY) (a): As of 14.07.2025, 479 Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRSs) have been made functional out of the 728 approved EMRSs. The Government has undertaken several comprehensive measures to operationalize non-functional Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS), including accelerated infrastructure development through close monitoring and support to implementing agencies, active recruitment to fill teaching and non-teaching vacancies, and collaboration with State Governments to resolve issues relatedto land, infrastructure, and staffing. Regular training programs are being conducted to build the capacity of teachers and administrative staff, while adequate financial allocations and timely disbursements under the EMRS scheme are being ensured to avoid delays. A robust monitoring and review mechanism has been established to address challenges and ensure effective functioning, and digital learning facilities such as ICT tools and digital classrooms are being provided to ensure continuity of education in the absence of complete infrastructure. (b): The performance of the Eklavya Model Residential School (EMRS) Scheme is assessed on the basis of key performance indicators such as student enrolment, academic outcomes, dropout rates, quality of infrastructure and residential facilities, capacity- building training for teachers, and the implementation of co-curricular and skill-based programmes.The Scheme is regularly monitored and evaluated at the national as well as the State level, through a multi-tier mechanism, comprising the following levels: 1. Central Level – The National Education Society for Tribal Students (NESTS), an autonomous body under this Ministry to manage and implement EMRS Scheme, oversees overall policy formulation, planning, and national-level review. 2. State Level – The State EMRS Societies are responsible for implementation, supervision, and coordination within the respective States. 3. District Level – The District Level EMRS Management Committees monitor and support the functioning of individual EMRSs within the districts. In addition, digital dashboards are used to capture real-time data, enabling continuous tracking, performance evaluation, and timely interventions. These mechanisms ensure a structured review of the functioning of EMRSs and aid in identifying areas requiring improvement. To further strengthen the implementation of the Scheme, several measures have been undertaken, including enhanced budgetary allocations for infrastructure development, regular capacity-building programmes for teachers, and a special focus on Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education. (c): To address infrastructural gaps in EMRSs, including expediting construction, strengthening quality monitoring mechanisms, and ensuring timely provision of essential facilities such as hostels, classrooms, and staff quarters, the following initiatives have been taken:- i. The construction cost of EMRSs was enhanced in 2021–22 to ₹37.80 crore in plain areas and ₹48 crore in hilly areas (from earlier ₹20 crore and ₹24 crore) for schools approved in 2018-19. ii. Construction of EMRSs has been entrusted to CPWD, State Government agencies, and other PSUs to ensure professional execution and accountability. iii. Coordination with State Governments to resolve land, forest clearance, and encroachment issues delaying construction.iv. Provision of funds for upgradation of old EMRSs at ₹5 crore per school. v. Additional funds sanctioned under Article 275(1) for construction of staff quarters, boys’ and girls’ hostels, approach roads, water facilities, and to bridge infrastructural gaps in old EMRSs. vi. Comprehensive review and monitoring mechanisms put in place to ensure timely completion of projects. vii. Independent Third Party Quality Assurance (TPQA) agencies engaged to monitor construction quality. viii. Structural audits conducted for completed and ongoing buildings to identify and rectify deficiencies. ix. Capacity building of implementing agencies and regular review meetings to expedite progress. x. Simplification of the payment process through introduction of escrow accounts. xi. NESTS carried out its first drive for direct recruitment of 10391 posts through ESSE-2023 and staff selected have been posted in various EMRSs. In addition to the direct recruitment, NESTS also has advised State Governments to depute staff on deputation. Further, directions have been issued to State EMRS Society to engage guest teachers against vacancies, and non-teaching staff on outsourcing basis/local engagement, so that academic activities are not hampered. Fund Allocated during the last 5 years Financial Year Rs. in crore 2020-21 1,200.00 2021-22 1,153.00 2022-23 1,999.90 2023-24 2,471.81 2024-25 4,748.92 (d): NESTS has also recruited teaching and non-teaching staff for EMRSs through the centralized all India recruitment exam during 2023-24. Since, these staff are selected through open examination, best quality teachers have been selected to teach in these schools. Against the remaining vacancies, if any, guest teachers are engaged to ensure that academic activities are not affected. Further, to ensure equitable access to quality education and the holistic development of tribal students, several facilities are being provided in Eklavya Model Residential Schools. These include well-equipped classrooms with modern teaching aids, science and computer laboratories, and libraries with a wide range of learning resources. Residential facilities are available for both students and staff, with separate hostels for boys and girls, furnished with essential amenities such as bedding, furniture, and hygiene provisions. To promotephysical and extracurricular development, schools are equipped with playgrounds, sports equipment, and spaces for activities like music, art, and other cultural programs. Regular health check-ups and access to medical facilities are ensured to safeguard students' well- being. In support of digital education, smart classrooms and computer labs with internet access are provided. Additionally, vocational training and skill development programs are conducted to enhance the employability of students. (e): As reported by NESTS, the State/UT-wise details of dropout rates of students for the last five years are at Annexure-I. (f):The Government, through the National Education Society for Tribal Students (NESTS) and State Societies, is taking several targeted measures to reduce dropout rates among children of Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) in Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRSs). A 5% reservation in admissions has been mandated for PVTG students, and guidelines for EMRS admissions for the academic year 2025–26 have been issued to all State EMRS Societies to ensure strict adherence to this provision. State Governments have been advised to increase enrolment of PVTG students and to run awareness campaigns highlighting the range of facilities offered by EMRSs. These include safe and well-equipped hostel accommodations, particularly for girls; quality education aligned with the CBSE curriculum to prepare students for higher studies and competitive exams; and the provision of nutritious food to support student health. ICT-based education is being introduced to promote digital literacy and future readiness. In addition, excursions, sports events, and cultural activities are being organized to maintain student engagement and motivation, while also preserving tribal heritage through creative expression. A 1:1 gender ratio in admissions is mandated to ensure equal opportunities for girls. Efforts are also being made to mobilize tribal communities through outreach programs in remote areas. Schools and hostels are being constructed in inaccessible regions to improve access, and students are provided with free education, boarding, uniforms, books, and meals to remove financial barriers. Vocational training and modern subjects such as artificial intelligence and coding are being introduced to attract students and prepare them for future careers. Counselling programs are in place to guide students about career options, and infrastructure is being upgraded along with timely recruitment of qualified teachers to enhance learning outcomes.Annexure I Annexure as referred in part (e) of the reply to Lok Sabha Unstarred question No. 3045 raised by Shri S Jagathratchakan and Adv Gowaal Kagada Padavi regarding “Dropout of Children from EMRS”. State/UT-wise details of dropout rates of students S. State 2024-25 2023-24 2022-23 2021-22 2020-21 No. 1 Andhra Pradesh 66 7 - - 2 Chhattisgarh 88 46 17 2 Dadra & Nagar 3 Haveli and Daman 5 - - - & Diu 4 Gujarat 7 20 6 - 5 Himachal Pradesh 2 - - - 6 Jammu & Kashmir 3 1 - - 7 Jharkhand 6 5 30 25 8 Karnataka 9 2 9 23 9 Kerala - - - - 10 Madhya Pradesh 71 42 101 14 Data not 11 Maharashtra 68 24 8 3 maintained 12 Manipur 6 7 1 1 centrally 13 Mizoram 13 1 - - 14 Nagaland 1 3 - 2 15 Odisha 87 84 24 6 16 Rajasthan 45 23 29 2 17 Sikkim 2 1 - - 18 Tamil Nadu 1 14 - - 19 Telangana 37 31 8 - 20 Tripura 12 2 1 - 21 Uttar Pradesh 18 7 4 33 22 Uttarakhand - 1 - - 23 West Bengal 5 8 3 - Grand Total 552 329 241 111 *****