700 more Eklavya schools by 2022: Oram

Union minister Jual Oram on Tuesday said the government is planning to start 700 more Eklavya Model Residential school (EMRS) across the country by 2022.

EMRS is a central scheme of model residential schools for tribals (Scheduled Tribes) across the country which was launched in 2000.

Tribal Affairs Minister Oram, who was in the steel city to participate in the two-day national-level EMRS music competition organized by the East Singhbhum district administration at Tata Auditorium here, said the purpose was to bridge the competence gap between the tribal youths and others in all fields including higher studies and competitive examinations.

Addressing the gathering as chief guest on the occasion, Oram said currently there are 182 Eklavya schools operating in the country and the government has plans to start 700 more by 2022.

The schools would be opened in blocks where tribal population was over 20,000, he said adding that 80 per cent of blocks in Jharkhand would come under the scheme.

Lauding the performance of EMRS, the minister said the students were doing well and secured first and second ranks so far as Union Public Service Commission or State Public Service Commissions competitive examination were concerned.

The students are, however, lagging behind in confidence in the competitive exams, he said.

"We have to inculcate confidence among them that they are the national achievers in any field whether it was sports or education and can improve their performances," he said.

Oram said the government has provided pilot training to tribal youths under the scheme and have been coaching them for professional competitions.

Appreciating the Jharkhand government's efforts in organising the inaugural edition of the national level EMRS music competition successfully, the minister assured that the event will be organized every year.

Altogether, 12 states including Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Telegana, Nagaland, Odisha, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh and Jharkhand took part in the competition.

Later, speaking to reporters, Oram said the government would spend Rs 25,000 crore by 2022 to improve the standard of life of the tribal community.

Apart from Oram, Union Minister of State for Tribal affairs Sudarshan Bhagat, Jharkhand Tribal Welfare Minister Lois Marandi, Secretary (Tribal Affairs), Governmnt of India, Vinod Tiwari and Secretary (Tribal Welfare) Himani Pande also spoke on the occasion.