STATUS OF EMRSs IN WEST BENGAL
Issued by Ministry of Tribal Affairs
Read or download the official PDF of this gazette notification issued by the Ministry of Tribal Affairs on 13th August 2026. Classified under Press Release.
Executive Summary & Key Takeaways
Executive Summary Union Minister of State for Tribal Affairs, Shri. Durgadas Uikey, presented a status report to the Lok Sabha on August 13, 2026, regarding Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS) in West Bengal. The document confirms that all nine approved EMRSs in West Bengal are functional, serving a total of 3,152 students for the 2025-26 session. The report also details the governance structure and the specific demographic criteria required for establishing these schools.
Key Points / Main Content
EMRS Establishment and Purpose
- Objective: To provide quality education to tribal students in their own environment while preserving local art and culture.
- Eligibility Criteria: Schools are established in blocks with over 50% ST population and a minimum of 20,000 tribal persons based on the 2011 Census.
- National Status: 728 schools have been approved nationwide, with 508 currently functional.
- West Bengal Status: All nine sanctioned schools are functional; however, blocks in the Alipurduar district do not currently meet the eligibility criteria for new schools.
Governance and Administration
- NESTS (National Level): An autonomous organization providing policy direction, academic support, monitoring, recruitment, and standardization.
- State EMRS Societies (State Level): Responsible for the implementation, administration, and day-to-day management of schools within their jurisdiction.
- District Level EMRS Committees (Local Level): Chaired by District Collectors/Magistrates to provide local oversight and resolve implementation issues.
Operational Data for West Bengal (2025-26)
- Functional Schools: Located in Bankura, Birbhum, Dakshin Dinajpur, Jalpaiguri, Jhargram, Kalimpong, Paschim Bardhaman, and Purulia (2 schools).
- Construction Status: Seven schools have completed construction, one is "In Progress" (Kalimpong), and one is in the "Pre-Construction Stage" (Bundwan, Purulia).
- Enrolment: The total enrolment for the 2025-26 period is 3,152 students.
Impact Analysis
Tribal Students in West Bengal Impact Students gain access to residential quality education that respects local cultural heritage. Action Required Eligible students in the designated blocks should participate in the enrolment process for the 2025-26 session.
State EMRS Societies Impact Responsible for the ongoing administration and management of the nine functional units. Action Required Maintain daily operations and ensure the academic and infrastructure standards set by NESTS are met.
District Level EMRS Committees (District Collectors/Magistrates) Impact Accountable for local oversight and resolving bottlenecks in school implementation. Action Required The committees in Kalimpong and Purulia (Bundwan) must oversee the transition of schools from "In Progress" and "Pre-Construction" to "Completed" status.