Eklavya Model Residential Schools

The Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS), aimed at providing quality education to tribal students, introduced a 5% sub-quota for the Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) in 2019. However, recent data reveals significant challenges in meeting this quota and retaining PVTG students.

Key Findings

  1. Underrepresentation of PVTGs
    • Of the 1,30,101 students across 407 functional EMRS, only 4,480 students (3.4%) belong to PVTGs, falling short of the 5% sub-quota.
    • Major tribal-dominated states are struggling:
      • Madhya Pradesh: 3.8% PVTG students.
      • Chhattisgarh: 2.74%.
      • Gujarat: Only 21 PVTG students out of 10,688.
  2. Rising Dropout Rates
    • Dropouts among PVTG students have steadily risen:
      • 2021-22: 10 dropouts.
      • 2022-23: 14 dropouts.
      • 2023-24: 18 dropouts.
  3. Challenges Highlighted
    • Infrastructure gaps and teacher shortages.
    • Pressure on students to work and contribute to family earnings.
    • Quality of education is a major concern.

About the Sub-Quota for PVTGs

  • Introduced in 2020, following the establishment of the National Education Society for Tribal Students (NESTS) in 2019.
  • Aimed at increasing access to education for the most marginalized tribal communities.
  • Part of the reservation matrix for admissions to ensure equitable representation.

Reasons for the Struggle

  1. Socioeconomic Barriers:
    • PVTGs are among the most marginalized groups with limited access to basic services and opportunities.
    • Many students face economic pressures that force them to prioritize work over education.
  2. Educational Challenges:
    • Poor infrastructure and inadequate teacher availability make it harder for PVTG students to continue their studies.
    • The quality of education and language barriers can further alienate students.
  3. Geographical Isolation:
    • Many PVTG communities live in remote and inaccessible areas, complicating school access.

Way Forward

  1. Enhanced Support for PVTG Students:
    • Increase scholarships and financial aid to reduce economic pressures.
    • Provide transportation and hostel facilities to improve accessibility.
  2. Improved Infrastructure:
    • Address infrastructure gaps in EMRS, including classrooms, libraries, and sports facilities.
    • Deploy more trained teachers, especially those who understand tribal languages and cultures.
  3. Community Engagement:
    • Involve local communities to create awareness about the importance of education.
    • Strengthen programs to bridge the gap between traditional lifestyles and modern education.
  4. Monitoring and Evaluation:
    • Regularly assess the performance of EMRS with a focus on PVTG representation and outcomes.
    • Tailor interventions based on data and feedback.

Conclusion

The shortfall in meeting the 5% PVTG quota and the rising dropout rates highlight the challenges of integrating the most vulnerable tribal communities into mainstream education. Addressing these issues requires targeted policies, increased investment in education infrastructure, and sustained community outreach to ensure that PVTG students receive the support they need to thrive in EMRS.

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