- Why in news
- On 1 April 2026, the Tribal Affairs Minister told the Rajya Sabha that 723 of 728 approved EMRSs are sanctioned, 499 are functional and 458 are CBSE-affiliated.
- What it is
- Eklavya Model Residential Schools are residential schools for Scheduled Tribe children from classes VI to XII. They aim to give quality education in a tribal child's own socio-cultural setting. The scheme was expanded in Union Budget 2018-19 with a target of one school in each eligible block.
- Budget announcement
- The expansion was announced in Union Budget 2018-19 to give quality education to ST children in classes VI to XII.
- Twin criteria
- An EMRS is planned in each block with more than 50 per cent ST population and at least 20,000 tribal persons, as per Census 2011.
- Approved number
- The Government approved 728 EMRSs, including 288 old ones.
- Present status
- 723 EMRSs are sanctioned, 499 are functional and 458 are affiliated with CBSE.
- Review of adequacy
- The Government reviews from time to time whether the number of EMRSs is adequate, based on prescribed norms.
Schemes: 52 Prelims questions since 2013, 10 in Prelims 2026 alone. They test features, the period and who funds it. In Mains, 33 news-triggered questions, mostly GS3.
Why it matters
- Gives ST children quality schooling in remote areas, narrowing the tribal education gap.
- Residential, CBSE-affiliated schools can improve access to higher education and jobs for ST students.
Problems
- Only 499 of 723 sanctioned schools are functional, which shows delays in construction and start-up.
- Block-level twin criteria may leave out smaller or scattered tribal populations.
Way forward
- Speed up construction and operationalisation of sanctioned schools with time-bound monitoring.
- Review the criteria and adequacy of schools regularly, and ensure staffing and learning quality.
Put in your answer
EMRS status data: 723 EMRSs sanctioned, 499 functional, 458 CBSE-affiliated.
Twin criteria: One EMRS per block with over 50 per cent ST population and at least 20,000 tribal persons.
- 2020Mains GS4 · Q9Case study on tribal backwardness and inadequate welfare benefits.
- 2016Mains GS1 · Q10Why tribals are called Scheduled Tribes; constitutional provisions for their upliftment.
- 2026Mains GS2 · Q6Whether tribal development policy reflects equity-based, socially grounded governance.
UPSC’s own questions that come close to this issue, from our Prelims and Mains banks.
Prelims practice · Statements
Ours, not from a UPSC paper
Consider the following statements:
- 1.Eklavya Model Residential Schools provide education to Scheduled Tribe children from classes VI to XII.
- 2.Under the twin criteria, an EMRS is planned in each block having more than 50 per cent ST population and at least 20,000 tribal persons, as per Census 2011.
- 3.Of the 723 sanctioned EMRSs, all are currently functional.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
True or false?
1 of 6
Statements the way Prelims prints them. Say first, then see the fact.
1.The expansion of the EMRS scheme was announced in Union Budget 2018-19.
True. The expansion was announced in Union Budget 2018-19.
2.EMRSs provide education to Scheduled Tribe children from classes I to VIII.
False. They cover classes VI to XII.
3.Under the twin criteria, an EMRS is planned in each block with more than 50 per cent ST population and at least 20,000 tribal persons.
True. The criteria are over 50 per cent ST population and at least 20,000 tribal persons per block.
4.Of the 728 approved EMRSs, 288 are old EMRSs.
True. The 728 include 288 old EMRSs.
5.All sanctioned EMRSs are currently functional.
False. Only 499 of 723 sanctioned schools are functional.
6.The EMRS scheme is administered by the Ministry of Tribal Affairs.
True. The Ministry of Tribal Affairs runs the scheme.
Written by us from the release, not by UPSC; checked by a second model.
Mains practice
10 marks · 150 words
The Government told the Rajya Sabha on 1 April 2026 that 723 of the 728 approved Eklavya Model Residential Schools are sanctioned, 499 are functional and 458 are CBSE-affiliated. In this light, discuss the provisions of the EMRS scheme and examine the challenges in ensuring quality education for Scheduled Tribe children in remote areas.
Worth revising until Prelims 2027: most news questions come within two years of the event.