**Summary:**
In response to Lok Sabha Starred Question No. 264, raised by Shri Sukanta Kumar Panigrahi on August 7, 2025, regarding Ekalavya Model Residential Schools (EMRSs) in the Kandhamal district of Odisha, the Ministry of Tribal Affairs provided the following information.
The Government of India is expanding EMRSs across tribal districts, including Kandhamal, Odisha. This initiative stems from the Union Budget of 2018-19, which announced the establishment of EMRSs in every block with a Scheduled Tribe (ST) population exceeding 50% and at least 20,000 tribal persons, based on Census 2011 data. The EMRS scheme, initiated in 1997-98, aims to deliver quality education from Class 6 to 12 to ST students in remote areas. A total of 728 EMRSs have been approved, including 288 schools sanctioned under Article 275(1) of the Constitution and an additional 440 proposed schools.
In Kandhamal district, 10 EMRSs have been sanctioned across its 12 blocks. Currently, 2 EMRSs are functional. Construction is complete for 2 EMRSs, ongoing at 5 locations, and at the pre-construction stage for 3 locations.
While the approval of EMRS schools requires satisfying twin criteria related to ST population, the Ministry is not considering sanctioning new EMRSs beyond the 728 already approved by the Union Cabinet in 2018-19 and earlier EMRSs sanctioned under Article 275(1) of the Constitution. The current focus is on the implementation of these 728 approved EMRSs.
Key Entities Referenced
Ministry of Tribal Affairs: The Indian government ministry responsible for the welfare and development of Scheduled Tribes.
Ekalavya Model Residential Schools (EMRSs): A scheme to provide quality education to Scheduled Tribe (ST) students in remote areas in India.
Kandhamal District, Odisha: A district in the state of Odisha, India, with a significant tribal population and the focus of the question regarding EMRSs.
Shri Sukanta Kumar Panigrahi: Member of Parliament who raised the question about EMRSs in Kandhamal District, Odisha.
Jual Oram: The Minister of Tribal Affairs at the time of the response.
Union Budget of 2018-19: The Indian government's budget for the fiscal year 2018-2019, which included an announcement about expanding EMRSs.
Scheduled Tribe (ST): A group of historically disadvantaged indigenous people recognised by the Constitution of India.
Article 275(1) of the Constitution: A provision in the Indian Constitution related to grants from the Union to certain States.
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF TRIBAL AFFAIRS
LOK SABHA
STARRED QUESTION NO- * 264
TO BE ANSWERED ON- 07/08/2025
EMRS IN KANDHAMAL DISTRICT OF ODISHA
* 264. SHRI SUKANTA KUMAR PANIGRAHI:
Will the Minister of TRIBAL AFFAIRS be pleased to state:
(a) whether the Government has taken significant steps to expand Ekalavya Model Residential
Schools (EMRSs) across tribal districts including Kandhamal in Odisha and if so, the details
thereof;
(b) the present status of EMRSs in Kandhamal district including the number of functional schools
and those under various stages of development;
(c) whether the Government is considering sanctioning new EMRSs in tribal-dominated blocks
such as Khajuripada and Chakapad in Kandhamal which are currently not covered under the
scheme and if so, the details thereof; and
(d) if not, whether the Government would consider their inclusion in the next phase?
ANSWER
MINISTER OF TRIBAL AFFAIRS
(SH. JUAL ORAM)
(a) to (d): A Statement is laid on the Table of the House.STATEMENT REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO LOK SABHA STARRED QUESTION
NO.* 264 FOR 07/08/2025 RAISED BY SHRI SUKANTA KUMAR PANIGRAHI
REGARDING "EMRS IN KANDHAMAL DISTRICT OF ODISHA".
(a) Yes, in the Union Budget of 2018–19, the Government of India announced the establishment
of Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRSs) in every block with more than 50% Scheduled
Tribe (ST) population and at least 20,000 tribal persons, based on Census 2011 data. The EMRS
scheme, originally launched in 1997–98, aims to provide quality education from Class 6 to 12 to
ST students in remote areas, enabling them to access better educational opportunities and bridge
the gap with the general population.
In addition to the 288 EMRSs sanctioned under Article 275(1) of the Constitution, 440 more
schools have been proposed across the country, bringing the total number of approved EMRSs to
728.
(b) In Kandhamal District, out of 12 blocks, a total of 10 EMRSs have been sanctioned. 2 EMRSs
are functional. Construction of buildings has been completed for 2 EMRSs, work is in progress at
5 locations, and 3 locations are currently at the pre-construction stage.
(c) and (d) Though the twin criteria is to be satisfied for approval of EMRS Schools in a block, no
new Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRSs) are under consideration, apart from those
already approved by the Union Cabinet in 2018-19 and earlier EMRSs sanctioned under Article
275(1) of the Constitution, as the Ministry is currently focusing on the already approved 728
EMRSs only.
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