Tripura CM Dr. Manik Saha announced that six more Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS) will be completed by March 2026 to promote quality education, preserve tribal culture, and benefit over 10,000 students across the state.
Tripura Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha on Thursday reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to expanding educational infrastructure for tribal students, announcing that the construction of six more Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS) will be completed by March 2026. The Chief Minister made the announcement while inaugurating the newly built 480-seated EMRS campus at Pravapur, Jampuijala, in Sepahijala district.
Addressing the inaugural ceremony, Dr. Saha highlighted the crucial role EMRS institutions play in preserving tribal culture, tradition, and language while simultaneously providing quality education to Scheduled Tribe (ST) students. He described EMRS as a “flagship initiative of the Ministry of Tribal Affairs” aimed at promoting holistic development of students belonging to tribal communities, especially those residing in remote and rural regions.
“After Prime Minister Narendra Modi came to power in 2014, we have seen what EMRS truly means for tribal education. Across India, PM Modi has either physically or virtually inaugurated EMRS campuses, ensuring that children in tribal areas receive access to quality education and all-round development opportunities,” Dr. Saha said.
The Chief Minister informed that 21 EMRS schools have been sanctioned for Tripura, of which 12 are already functional. The newly inaugurated Pravapur EMRS is one of the latest additions to this growing network. “I have personally visited two classrooms here. Currently, 60 students have taken admission, and the total capacity will soon reach 480 students. The admission process for the remaining seats will begin shortly,” he said.
Dr. Saha underlined that the main objective of EMRS is to impart quality education to Janajati (tribal) children from Classes 6 to 12, bridging educational gaps between rural tribal communities and urban populations. “PM Modi has always emphasized that education and facilities must reach the last mile of society,” he added.
He also mentioned that in the North Eastern region, a few states are yet to operationalize their sanctioned EMRS projects, but Tripura has made significant progress by already activating more than half of its allotted institutions.
“Tripura has been recognized by NITI Aayog as a Front Runner State. Our state is now the third fully literate state in India, which reflects our focus on educational development. As per UNESCO standards, 95% literacy rate qualifies as 100%, and Tripura has achieved that mark. There was a time when students from other regions used to come here to study. We are reviving that legacy while protecting our culture and language under the guidance of PM Modi,” the Chief Minister said.
Dr. Saha expressed optimism that graduates from EMRS will emerge as agents of social, cultural, and economic transformation in their communities, helping to reduce school dropout rates among tribal students.
The Chief Minister further detailed the comprehensive facilities provided at EMRS campuses, noting that education is completely free of cost. “These schools follow the CBSE curriculum, modeled after Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas, and provide free boarding, uniforms, textbooks, and special coaching sessions. Alongside academics, students are encouraged to participate in sports and skill development programs,” he said.
Currently, 2,475 students are enrolled in EMRS across Tripura, including 1,189 male and 1,286 female students. By March 2026, new schools will be completed at Ampi, Hezamara, Amarpur, Chawmau, Mandwai, and Manu. Once all 21 EMRS schools are fully operational, they will collectively accommodate over 10,000 students.
Dr. Saha also highlighted the government’s move to increase pre-matric scholarships for tribal students, ensuring additional financial support for their education.
The inauguration ceremony was attended by Tribal Welfare Minister Bikash Debbarma, Secretary K. Sasikumar, Tribal Welfare Director Subhasis Das, Sepahijala District Magistrate Sidharth Shiv Jaiswal, and Superintendent of Police Namit Pathak, among other dignitaries.
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The event marked another step toward the Tripura government’s mission of inclusive education and cultural preservation, reinforcing its dedication to ensuring that tribal students not only receive quality education but also remain rooted in their heritage and traditions.
