Chief Minister Prof. (Dr.) Manik Saha today announced that the state government will complete the construction of six more Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS) by March 2026, highlighting that these institutions will play a crucial role in preserving Janajati culture, language, and tradition while promoting quality education among tribal students.

Dr. Saha made the remarks after inaugurating the newly built 480-seat EMRS campus at Pravapur, Jampuijala.

He said that EMRS is a flagship initiative of the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, aimed at ensuring holistic education for Scheduled Tribe (ST) students in rural and remote areas.

“After Prime Minister Narendra Modi came to power in 2014, the country has witnessed the expansion of EMRS across states. In India, the Prime Minister has inaugurated many such schools—both physically and virtually—to provide quality education and holistic development for ST students,” Dr. Saha said.

The Chief Minister informed that 21 EMRS have been sanctioned for Tripura, of which 12 are currently functional.

“I have visited two classes here. So far, 60 students have been admitted, and the total intake capacity will soon reach 480. The admission process will start shortly. The aim of EMRS is to provide quality education to Janajati children from Classes 6 to 12. PM Modi always emphasizes education for every section of society, reaching the last mile,” he added.

Dr. Saha also noted that while some northeastern states are yet to operationalize EMRS, Tripura has made significant progress.

“Tripura has received ‘Front Runner State’ status from NITI Aayog. Our state is now the third fully literate state in the country. As per UNESCO guidelines, a 95% literacy rate qualifies as 100%. We are proud to achieve this milestone and continue working to strengthen education,” he said.

He emphasized that EMRS will not only impart academic knowledge but also help preserve indigenous culture and language.

“Those who graduate from EMRS will become agents of social, economic, and cultural transformation, helping reduce school dropout rates,” Dr. Saha added.

The Chief Minister highlighted that the schools follow the CBSE curriculum, modeled after Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas, and provide free boarding, uniforms, books, and coaching.

Currently, 2,475 students are enrolled across EMRS in the state, including 1,189 boys and 1,286 girls.

Dr. Saha further announced that six new EMRS will be completed by March 2026 in Ampi, Hezamara, Amarpur, Chamau, Mandwai, and Manu. Once all 21 EMRS are operational, over 10,000 students will have access to quality residential education in Tripura.

“Along with academics, we are also focusing on sports and skill development. The government has also increased the pre-matric scholarship for students,” the Chief Minister said.

The inaugural event was attended by Tribal Welfare Minister Bikash Debbarma, Secretary K. Sasikumar, Tribal Welfare Director Subhasis Das, Sepahijala District Magistrate Sidharth Shiv Jaiswal, and SP Namit Pathak.