Parliament Question: Measures to reduce dropouts in EMRS

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF TRIBAL AFFAIRS RAJYA SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO- 4301 TO BE ANSWERED ON- 01/04/2026 MEASURES TO REDUCE DROPOUTS IN EMRS 4301 SHRI JAGGESH: Will the Minister of TRIBAL AFFAIRS be pleased to state: (a) whether Government has introduced a system of home-based Parent-Teacher Meetings (PTMs) for students studying in Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS) to reduce dropout rates among tribal students and strengthen parental involvement in education; (b) whether teachers of these schools have been directed to visit the homes of students at least once every academic year to brief parents about the academic performance, health parameters and overall well-being of their children; (c) whether Government has issued any guideline to principals of these schools regarding planning, monitoring and scheduling of such home visits; and (d) if so, the details thereof? ANSWER MINISTER OF STATE FOR TRIBAL AFFAIRS (SHRI DURGADAS UIKEY) (a to d): National Education Society for Tribal Students (NESTS) has introduced a unique initiative of Home based Parent-Teacher Meetings (PTMs) in Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRSs) through annual home visits by teachers with the objective of strengthening school–parent–community engagement, enhancing parental involvement, improving student retention and holistic development. The features of this initiative are: i. Teachers of EMRSs are required to undertake at least one home visit per student in an academic year, preferably during vacations or other designated outreach periods. ii. During such visits, teachers interact with parents/guardians to discuss the student’s academic progress, behaviour, health parameters and overall well-being to encourage active parental participation in education.iii. The home visit programme is to be systematically planned and monitored by the Principal of the EMRS, taking into account safety, logistics, and administrative feasibility. iv. Teachers are expected to conduct visits with dignity, professionalism, and cultural sensitivity, respecting the customs and traditions of tribal communities.