NESTS partners with UNICEF and Tata Motors to empower tribal students nationwide

The National Education Society for Tribal Students (NESTS) has launched a set of initiatives to boost education, life skills, and employability for students enrolled in Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRSs) across India.

On July 9, NESTS signed key agreements with UNICEF India, Tata Motors Limited, and the Ex-Navodayan Foundation to support more than 1.3 lakh tribal students in their academic and career pursuits.

Central to this initiative is TALASH (Tribal Aptitude, Life Skills, and Self-Esteem Hub), a national platform developed in partnership with UNICEF.

TALASH is designed to help students discover their strengths, build essential life skills, and plan their career paths.

Using psychometric assessments inspired by NCERT’s ‘Tamanna’ initiative, the platform will generate personalized career cards outlining suitable career options for each student.

It will also offer career counseling, life skills modules, and resources for teachers. The national rollout is underway, with 189 teachers from 75 EMRSs already trained.

By the end of 2025, the platform is expected to reach all EMRSs in 28 states and 8 union territories.

In a parallel effort, NESTS has signed a five-year Memorandum of Understanding with Tata Motors Limited to provide industry-aligned training under the Kaushalya Program.

This ‘Earn & Learn’ initiative combines a Diploma in Engineering with hands-on training for Class 12 graduates from EMRSs. Students aged 18 to 23 who have scored at least 60% in Class 10 will be eligible.

The program includes a monthly stipend, subsidized canteen and transport facilities, uniforms, safety equipment, insurance, and the chance to pursue further technical education such as BTech through tie-ups like BITS Pilani’s Work Integrated Learning Program.

A ‘One Trainee, One Job’ policy will ensure job placements within Tata Motors’ manufacturing and service units nationwide.

In addition, NESTS has partnered with Tata Motors and the Ex-Navodayan Foundation to offer specialized coaching for competitive exams like IIT-JEE and NEET.

The initiative includes residential Centers of Excellence at Chankapur (Maharashtra) and Chintapalle (Andhra Pradesh) for top-performing science students in Grades XI and XII.

Online preparatory classes for Olympiad, NTSE, and KVPY will also be provided for students from digitally enabled EMRSs, starting from Grade IX.

These initiatives aim to close educational gaps, improve confidence, and create a pipeline of skilled tribal students equipped for higher education and employment.

“These collaborations are a testament to our commitment to providing tribal students with opportunities to realize their full potential. Through these initiatives, we aim to bridge gaps in education and empower the next generation of tribal leaders,” said Ajeet Kumar Srivastava, Commissioner, NESTS.

NESTS operates under the Ministry of Tribal Affairs and runs EMRSs across the country to ensure quality education for tribal youth. UNICEF India supports inclusive education initiatives, while Tata Motors and the Ex-Navodayan Foundation bring valuable industry and academic expertise to the effort.