Parliament Question: EMRSs in Andhra Pradesh

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF TRIBAL AFFAIRS LOK SABHA STARRED QUESTION No: *548 TO BE ANSWERED ON 02.04.2026 EMRSs IN ANDHRA PRADESH *548. DR. GUMMA THANUJA RANI: Will the Minister of TRIBAL AFFAIRS be pleased to state: (a) the number of Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRSs) established in Andhra Pradesh, district-wise; (b) the total number of students enrolled in these schools, district-wise; (c) whether the Government has taken any measures to ensure quality education, infrastructure and availability of trained teachers in these schools and if so, the details thereof; and (d) the steps taken to address challenges related to student retention, dropout rates and overall academic performance in EMRSs? 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. *548 FOR 02.04.2026 RAISED BY DR. GUMMA THANUJA RANI REGARDING "EMRSs IN ANDHRA PRADESH” (a and b): In the State of Andhra Pradesh, 28 EMRSs have been sanctioned and all are functional. District wise details are as below- S. Name of District No. of EMRS No. of EMRS Number of Students Enrolled No. Sanctioned Functional (2025-26) 1 Alluri Sitharama Raju 17 17 6300 2 Eluru 1 1 445 3 Manyam 5 5 1936 Paravathipuram 4 Prakasam 1 1 402 5 SPS Nellore 1 1 430 6 Srikakulam 1 1 422 7 Tirupathi 2 2 775 Total 28 28 10710 (c and d): Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRSs) have been established with the objective of providing quality education to Scheduled Tribe (ST) children in their own socio-cultural environment. They have the provision of well-equipped campuses having modern design spread over 15 acres, with a capacity of 480 students from Classes VI to XII which includes separate Boys’ and Girls’ Hostels, integrated dining and kitchen facilities, quarters for teaching and non-teaching staff, well-ventilated classrooms, state-of-the-art laboratories and library to support academic learning. As on date, 499 EMRSs are functional with different level of functional classes. 31 teaching posts and 21 non- teaching posts per EMRS have been sanctioned for EMRSs with classes up to XII having a full strength of 480 students. First phase of recruitment has been completed and selected candidates have been posted in various EMRSs across the country including Andhra Pradesh. Further, second phase of recruitment has been initiated under ESSE – 2025. In addition, State Governments have also been advised to engage staff on deputation and through outsourcing against the vacancies so that academic activities are not hampered. NESTS provides training to teaching and non-teaching staff as per NEP Guidelines and requirements in residential system in schools. As on date, around 4455 teaching and non-teaching staff have been trained. The training is delivered with the support of subject experts from premier institutes like ISTM, Delhi University, IITs, Central Institute of Education, NCERT and CBSE etc. The training module includes interactive sessions on practical learning, student well-being, tribal sensitization and use of technology in education etc. Although student’s dropout rates in EMRSs have been observed as minimal over the years, still NESTS is closely monitoring the same. Additionally, various initiatives have been undertaken to reduce dropout which include awareness camps, home visits by teachers, career counselling, vocational and skill trainings etc. *****