**Summary of Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS) Status**
On March 23, 2026, the Union Minister of State for Tribal Affairs, Shri Durgadas Uikey, provided an update to the Lok Sabha regarding the status and staffing of Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRSs) as of March 15, 2026.
**Operational Status and Infrastructure**
* **Sanctioned Schools:** A total of 723 EMRSs have been sanctioned.
* **Functional Schools:** 499 EMRSs are currently functional, managed by various State Governments.
* **Ongoing Projects:** Remaining schools are in different stages of construction. To expedite functionality, State Governments have been advised to utilize available government buildings or rented premises.
* **Construction Challenges:** Delays in completing EMRS facilities are primarily attributed to topography challenges, a lack of proper approach roads, and the non-availability of encumbrance-free land.
**Staffing and Sanctioned Strength**
* **Standard Allocation:** For an EMRS with a full strength of 480 students (classes up to XII), the sanctioned strength is 31 teaching posts and 21 non-teaching posts.
* **Deployment Criteria:** Actual staff deployment per school varies based on the number of sections, student enrollment, and the highest class currently functional.
**Recruitment Initiatives**
The National Education Society for Tribal Students (NESTS) is managing recruitment through the EMRS Staff Selection Exam (ESSE):
* **ESSE-2023:** The first direct recruitment drive targeted 10,391 posts. Currently, 9,111 teaching and non-teaching staff members have been posted to various schools.
* **ESSE-2025:** The second phase of recruitment has been initiated for 7,267 additional teaching and non-teaching positions.
* **Interim Measures:** To ensure academic continuity, State Governments are engaging guest teachers and outsourcing non-teaching staff to fill vacancies locally.
**Administrative Details**
* **Release ID:** 2243827
* **Source:** PIB Delhi, Ministry of Tribal Affairs
Key Entities Referenced
Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS): A government initiative to provide quality middle and high-level education to Scheduled Tribe students in remote areas.
NESTS (National Education Society for Tribal Students): The autonomous body under the Ministry of Tribal Affairs responsible for managing and conducting recruitment for EMRSs.
Ministry of Tribal Affairs: The primary central ministry responsible for the policy and implementation of programs concerning the development of Scheduled Tribes.
ESSE (Eklavya Model Residential Schools Staff Selection Exam): The national-level recruitment initiative (including ESSE-2023 and ESSE-2025) for filling teaching and non-teaching positions in EMRSs.
Ministry of Tribal Affairs
STATUS OF EMRSs
Posted On: 23 MAR 2026 2:13PM by PIB Delhi
The Union Minister of State for Tribal Affairs Shri Durgadas Uikey today informed Lok Sabha that as
on 15.03.2026, 723 EMRSs have been sanctioned, out of which, 499 EMRSs have been made functional
by the State Governments. Remaining EMRSs are at various stages of construction and State
Governments have been advised to make these schools functional in available Government or rented
buildings. Delay in completion of EMRSs are largely due to non-availability of encumbrance-free land,
lack of proper approach roads, topography challenges etc.
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. However, as on 15.03.2026, 499 EMRSs are functional
with different level of functional classes. The number of posts filled in an EMRS depends upon number
of sections, number of students and highest class functional.
NESTS carried out its first drive for direct recruitment of 10391 posts through ESSE-2023 and staff
selected have been posted in various EMRSs. A total of 9111 teaching and non-teaching staff has been
posted through ESSE-2023. Further, second phase of recruitment has been initiated for 7267 teaching
and non-teaching posts under ESSE – 2025. In addition, State Governments are engaging guest teachers
against vacancies, and non-teaching staff on outsourcing basis/local engagement, so that academic
activities are not hampered.
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