Tribal Education Push Slows as Panel Flags Delays in 300 EMRS Projects

A panel has flagged delays in construction of Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS), warning that repeated measures by the Ministry of Tribal Affairs have failed to resolve bottlenecks and could delay access to planned facilities for students.

The Standing Committee on Social Justice and Empowerment noted that 723 of the 728 targeted EMRS have been sanctioned. However, only 428 schools have been completed, while construction is underway at 249 locations and 51 remain at the pre-construction stage.

The panel said the ministry’s steps to accelerate construction were repetitive and had not addressed recurring problems. It asked the ministry to develop an alternative implementation mechanism, including consideration of an independent agency with adequate competence to handle issues delaying projects. The committee also urged implementing agencies to comply with norms and complete construction within stipulated timelines.

The panel warned that prolonged delays could cause cost escalation, adding to the financial burden. It also raised concerns over budget reductions. The 2025-26 Budget Estimate of Rs 7,088.60 crore was cut to Rs 4,900 crore at the revised-estimate stage, although the National Education Society for Tribal Students utilised Rs 4,896.40 crore. For 2026-27, the committee has urged that the Rs 7,150.01-crore allocation should not be reduced.

The ministry has cited issues including land availability, forest clearances and the pandemic as factors contributing to delays.

The consequences extend beyond unfinished buildings. As of April 30, 2026, 381 EMRS were functioning from permanent buildings, while 108 operated from other government buildings and 10 from rented premises. The panel remains concerned about 118 schools in temporary premises.

It said such locations may not adequately support facilities planned under EMRS, including technology and AI labs, smart classrooms and sporting arenas. The committee has therefore asked the ministry to ensure these schools receive the envisaged infrastructure while permanent campuses are completed.

The panel’s central message is that faster construction requires stronger accountability, better implementation capacity and a departure from measures that have repeatedly failed to deliver timely results.