Minister Bikas Debbarma announces central approval of six new Eklavya schools in Tripura, aimed at empowering tribal children with quality education.
Tripura’s Minister for Tribal Welfare and Education, Bikas Debbarma, made a major announcement upon his return to the state from a significant official visit to New Delhi. Speaking to reporters at Agartala Airport this morning, the Minister confirmed the central government’s approval of six new Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS) to be established in different tribal-dominated areas of the state.
Describing it as a “new dawn” for Tripura, Minister Debbarma shared details of his high-level meeting with Shri Vibhu Nayar, Secretary of the Ministry of Tribal Affairs (TWD), during his Delhi visit. “Tripura is entering a new era. These schools will not only spread the light of education but also awaken leadership, confidence, and creativity in every tribal child,” he said.
The announcement is being seen as a significant step in improving the quality of education in backward and remote areas inhabited predominantly by Scheduled Tribes. The EMRS institutions are part of a national initiative launched by the central government to provide high-quality, free residential education to tribal students from classes VI to XII.
Bridging the Educational Divide
Minister Debbarma underlined the far-reaching impact the schools would have, especially in regions that have traditionally lagged in access to formal education. “Education is not just a syllabus—it is the backbone of a nation. Through these schools, we aim to make that backbone stronger,” he said with conviction.
The EMRS model, which provides modern facilities including hostels, smart classrooms, libraries, and extracurricular training, is aimed at enabling tribal students to compete on an equal footing with their urban counterparts. According to the Minister, the new schools will be equipped with world-class infrastructure and provide a nurturing residential environment that focuses on holistic development.
A Step Toward Empowerment
The initiative has been met with widespread appreciation from educators and civil society organizations across the state. They believe the establishment of these six schools will not only uplift the tribal community but also set a precedent for future development in education across the Northeast.
“These are more than just schools. They are centres of transformation,” said an education official familiar with the project. “Children from the most remote villages will now have the opportunity to access quality education, paving the way for leadership and professional careers in the future.”
Minister Debbarma echoed similar sentiments and added, “Tripura is no longer just dreaming of development; we are working with dedication to turn those dreams into reality. We want every tribal child in the state to get the opportunity to build a better future.”
Collaborative Effort for Speedy Implementation
Responding to questions from journalists, the Minister assured that the project will be implemented at the earliest in collaboration with the central government. “The process of land identification and planning is already underway. We are committed to making these schools operational as soon as possible,” he added.
He also urged community leaders, educators, and parents to come forward and actively participate in this journey of educational upliftment. “This is not just an administrative decision; this is a historic moment in the lives of thousands of tribal children. We must all take ownership of this mission,” he said.
About Eklavya Model Residential Schools
Eklavya Model Residential Schools were conceptualized to provide quality education to tribal students in remote areas. Managed and funded by the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, these fully residential schools follow the CBSE curriculum and focus on the overall development of students including academics, sports, culture, and life skills.
With this latest sanction, Tripura joins several other Indian states where EMRS schools have already made a significant impact in enhancing educational outcomes among tribal communities.
As Minister Debbarma concluded, “This is not just the opening of six schools—it is the opening of six gateways to hope, opportunity, and a brighter future for our tribal youth.”
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