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 highlighted the slow progress in the construction and operation of residential schools for Scheduled Tribes (ST) students under the Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS) scheme. In a report submitted to both Houses on Monday, the committee expressed its concern that 118 schools under the scheme are still operating from government and rented buildings.

According to the latest statistics, only 428 out of the 728 sanctioned schools have been completed as of April-end, while construction is underway at 249 locations. Additionally, 51 schools are still in the pre-construction stage. The committee also raised concerns about the escalating construction costs due to the delays, which has led to an increased budget allocation requirement for the National Education Society for Tribal Students, which manages the schools under the EMRS scheme.

The committee recommended that the Tribal Affairs Ministry find an alternative solution to address the delay and suggested the establishment of an independent agency to monitor the progress of the schools.