Find solutions to speed up work on Eklavya schools: House panel to Centre

The parliamentary Standing Committee on Social Justice and Empowerment has once again raised concerns over the slow progress of residential schools for Scheduled Tribes (ST) students under the Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS) scheme. In a report presented to both Houses on Monday, the committee expressed frustration that 118 schools under the scheme were still operating from government and rented buildings.

According to the latest figures, only 428 out of 728 sanctioned schools have been completed as of April-end, with construction underway at 249 locations. Additionally, 51 schools remain in the pre-construction stage.

The committee also pointed out the financial implications of the delays, noting that the escalating costs due to construction delays require an increase in budget allocation to the National Education Society for Tribal Students, which manages the EMRS schools. The Standing Committee recommended that the Tribal Affairs Ministry explore "alternative solutions" to address the delay issue and suggested setting up an independent agency to oversee the progress of the schools.