The National Education Society for Tribal Students (NESTS), under the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, in partnership with UNICEF India, has launched TALASH (Tribal Aptitude, Life Skills and Self-Esteem Hub). It is a national program for holistic development of students in Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRSs) across India.
Key Details
| Feature | Details |
| Launched by | NESTS in partnership with UNICEF India NESTS is an autonomous organization under the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, dedicated to providing quality education to tribal students through EMRSs across India. UNICEF is an international agency promoting child rights and education in over 190 countries |
| Name | TALASH – Tribal Aptitude, Life Skills, and Self-Esteem Hub |
| Target Group | Students of EMRSs (Eklavya Model Residential Schools) |
| Reach | Over 1.38 lakh students across 28 States and 8 UTs |
| Objective | Promote self-awareness, career clarity, life skills, and emotional well-being |
Features of TALASH
| Component | Description |
| Psychometric Assessment | Based on NCERT’s ‘Tamanna’, helps assess students’ strengths and aptitudes. Students receive Career Cards. |
| Career Counselling | Helps students align career choices with interests and capabilities. |
| Life Skills & Self-Esteem Modules | Focus on problem-solving, emotional intelligence, and communication skills to build confidence. |
| Teacher Training & E-learning | A special portal for teacher capacity building to mentor students effectively. |
| Digital Platform | Ensures access to personalized guidance using technology, even in remote tribal areas. |
Implementation Status
- Under it, 189 teachers from 75 EMRSs already trained.
- Rollout is being done in phases across select cities for smooth implementation.
- Regular evaluations and updates will be carried out based on feedback.
Significance
- It is first of its kind digital career and life skills initiative tailored exclusively for tribal students.
- It ensures inclusivity and equity in education, aligned with National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.
- It will promote holistic education, bridging the urban-rural gap using technology and counselling.