200+ EMRS Schools Unopened, Budget Slashed by 60%

More than 200 Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS) remain non-operational despite government sanction. The Ministry of Tribal Affairs has sanctioned 723 EMRS across India. However, only 499 schools are currently functional . Of these functional schools, 367 operate from their own buildings , indicating significant infrastructure deficits.

EMRS Faces Delays and Budget Cuts

The slow pace of opening new EMRS is a concern for tribal students and stakeholders. These residential schools aim to provide quality education and living facilities for tribal students in remote areas. However, delays in recruitment and filling teacher vacancies are creating significant hurdles. A parliamentary panel report in 2024 highlighted the issue, recommending that schools be built within two to three years and that new EMRS should only be sanctioned if land is readily available.

The EMRS scheme is also facing substantial budget reductions. For the financial year 2025-26, the initial allocation was ₹7,088.60 crore . This was later revised down to ₹4,900 crore , representing a cut of nearly 30%. In some instances, revised budgets have seen allocations slashed by up to 60% compared to initial estimates.

Teacher Vacancies Hamper Operations

A critical issue plaguing many functional EMRS is the shortage of qualified teachers. The National Educational Society for Tribal Students (NESTS) oversees these schools. Despite recruitment drives between 2023 and 2025, teacher vacancies persist. This forces subject teachers to handle multiple grades and disrupts regular class schedules.

Students report frequent teacher changes and irregular classes, leading to a lack of confidence in their learning. In some states, like Tamil Nadu, positions remain unfilled for extended periods. This forces the sharing or rotation of teachers across different schools, further impacting educational quality.

Centralised Recruitment Creates Language Barriers

A shift to centralized recruitment by NESTS introduced uniform hiring rules. Previously, state governments managed teacher appointments. The introduction of a Hindi proficiency test for postgraduate teacher (PGT) recruitment has excluded many candidates from non-Hindi speaking regions.

Centralized recruitment also leads to teachers being posted in states different from their home regions. This creates significant language barriers between teachers and students. Teachers report difficulties communicating with students who do not understand Hindi, and vice versa. Transfer requests are also managed through an online system, adding to logistical challenges.

Infrastructure Gaps and Rising Dropout Rates

Beyond teacher shortages, infrastructure deficits are widespread. Many EMRS operate without essential facilities like compound walls, science laboratories, sports facilities, adequate classrooms, or staff quarters. Even functional schools may lack basic amenities, impacting the learning environment.

These combined challenges contribute to rising dropout rates in EMRS. In 2024-25, the dropout rate stood at 0.40% , an increase from 0.11% in 2021-22. Uttar Pradesh reported the highest dropout rate at 2.02%. Enrollment figures also show a steady attrition of students as they progress through higher classes, indicating issues with retention.

Funding Delays Affect Daily Operations

Funding delays impact the daily functioning of EMRS. Requests for laboratory materials, library books, and minor repairs often go unanswered for months. This forces school administrators and teachers to sometimes use personal funds for essential expenses, with uncertain reimbursement.

The funding model is criticized for treating residential schools like day schools. Residential facilities require continuous resources for electricity, water, food, and maintenance, which are often deprioritized when budgets are tight. This shifts focus from academic quality to basic operational survival.

EMRS Budget Allocation vs. Revised Budget (₹ Crore)