In a landmark initiative, the Ministry of Tribal Affairs and Coal India Limited (CIL) have joined hands for the upgradation of infrastructure and capacity building in 76 Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS) across Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, and Odisha.
A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed today (09.09.2025) in New Delhi between CIL and the National Scheduled Tribes Finance and Development Corporation (NSTFDC), a Section 8 company under the Ministry of Tribal Affairs. The ceremony took place in the august presence of Shri Jual Oram, Hon’ble Union Minister of Tribal Affairs, and Shri G. Kishan Reddy, Hon’ble Union Minister of Coal & Mines.
Currently, 479 EMRS are functional across the country, providing quality education, nutrition, health care, and overall development opportunities for Scheduled Tribe (ST) children. These schools are a flagship intervention of the Ministry to empower tribal students by enabling them to access higher education and gainful employment.
Recognising the scope of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) in supplementing government efforts, CIL has committed to support the Ministry under its CSR initiatives. Through this collaboration, the following provisions will be made in 76 EMRS:
- 1200 computers and 1200 UPS units
- 110 tablets
- 420 sanitary pad vending machines
- 420 sanitary pad incinerators
- Career counselling and mentorship for over 6,200 students of Classes 10 & 12
CIL has sanctioned ₹10 crore for the project, which will be implemented by NSTFDC in a time-bound manner.
Speaking on the occasion, Shri Jual Oram, Union Minister of Tribal Affairs, welcomed the initiative and support received from the CIL, and expressed confidence that more companies will come forward with dedicated CSR support for tribal education and development.
Shri G. Kishan Reddy, Union Minister of Coal & Mines, highlighted that CIL’s CSR focus areas, education, healthcare, women’s empowerment, livelihood promotion, and rural development, will gain wider impact through this partnership with the Ministry of Tribal Affairs.
Objectives of the Project
Bridging the digital divide: Establishment of computer labs to strengthen digital learning and open new opportunities in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics).
Promoting menstrual health & hygiene: Enhanced retention and performance of girl students.
Career counselling & mentorship: Providing tribal students with access to guidance and opportunities at par with their urban counterparts.
Overall, more than 30,000 tribal students are expected to benefit from this initiative, marking a significant step towards inclusive, technology-driven, and holistic education for tribal youth.
