In a major push towards inclusive education and tribal empowerment, Tripura Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha on Thursday reaffirmed his government’s commitment to ensuring quality education and socio-economic upliftment of tribal communities through the Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS) initiative. Speaking at the inauguration of a newly constructed EMRS at Jampujala in Sepahijala district, Dr. Saha highlighted that these schools are a cornerstone of the state’s mission to bridge educational disparities and promote cultural preservation among tribal groups. “Eklavya Model Residential Schools were first conceptualized in 1997–98, but the mission gained significant momentum after Narendra Modi became the Prime Minister. These institutions aim to bring equality in education for vulnerable tribal students,” he said.
Out of the 21 EMRSs sanctioned for Tripura by the Union Ministry of Tribal Affairs, 12 are already functional, providing free, quality residential education to around 5,000 tribal students. The newly inaugurated Jampujala EMRS, constructed at a cost of ₹29 crore, has a capacity to accommodate 480 students and began its first academic session with 60 students. Dr. Saha announced that once all sanctioned EMRSs become operational, over 10,000 tribal students from Classes 6 to 12 will benefit from free education, accommodation, and skill-oriented learning opportunities. “This initiative will surely bring a positive transformation in the tribal areas of Tripura,” he said, expressing confidence that the EMRS network would become a model for rural educational reform.
The Chief Minister also said that EMRSs are not just educational institutions but centers of holistic development where students will receive academic training alongside exposure to sports, art, and indigenous cultural studies. “These schools will help preserve our state’s diverse tribal heritage while preparing students to excel in modern society,” he said.
