Parliamentary committee pulls up ministry over Eklavya school delays, land shortage

A parliamentary committee has directed the Ministry of Tribal Affairs to halt the approval of new Eklavya Model Residential Schools until states ensure land availability, citing stalled progress in the existing network.

In a report tabled on Dec 9, the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Social Justice and Empowerment said the lack of suitable land continues to hinder the expansion of Eklavya schools and limits the ministry’s ability to utilize its allocated funds.

According to the committee, 477 of the 722 sanctioned EMRS locations are currently operational, and only 341 function from their own buildings.

The government informed the panel, chaired by BJP MP PC Mohan, that more than 130 schools are being run from rented premises or other government facilities because states have not provided land.

“The Committee are therefore of the strong view that in future the proposal of setting up of EMRS from State Governments should be considered by the Ministry of Tribal Affairs only when they ensure beforehand, the availability of land required for the purpose,” the panel said. It urged the ministry to address the matter “urgently.”

The committee also reviewed the plan to upgrade EMRSs built under earlier guidelines and asked the ministry to present a clear timeline for completing the work.

It previously observed that several older schools lack essential amenities such as compound walls, laboratories, hostels and staff quarters.

The report further flagged delays in establishing Tribal Freedom Fighters’ Museums. Of the 10 planned museums, only three have been inaugurated so far.

The committee reiterated its call for the government to expedite the project, adhere to deadlines and prevent cost overruns, highlighting that officials could not confirm whether facilities scheduled for completion in 2025 and 2026 would meet their targets.