National Education Society for Tribal Students (NESTS), under the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, has launched TALASH and signed strategic agreements with UNICEF India, Tata Motors Ltd, and the Ex-Navodayan Foundation to empower over 1.3 lakh tribal students studying in Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRSs) across India.
Key Initiative: TALASH
Full Form: Tribal Aptitude, Life Skills and Self-Esteem Hub
Launched by: NESTS in collaboration with UNICEF India
Objective: To promote self-awareness, life skills, career planning, and build confidence among tribal students.
Key Features of TALASH:
- Psychometric Assessments:
- Based on NCERT’s ‘Tamanna’ initiative
- Students receive personalised Career Cards mapping strengths to suitable career paths
- Career Counselling:
- Professional guidance for informed career decision-making
- Life Skills & Self-Esteem Modules:
- Training in communication, emotional management, and problem-solving
- E-Learning for Teachers:
- Training portal for educators to mentor students effectively
Implementation Progress:
- Already launched in a phased national rollout
- 189 teachers from 75 EMRSs have been trained
- By end of 2025, TALASH will reach all EMRSs across 28 states and 8 UTs
Other Key Initiatives
Kaushalya Program (with Tata Motors)
- Target: Class 12 graduates from EMRSs (age 18–23, 60%+ in Class 10)
- Nature: ‘Earn & Learn’ vocational diploma with on-the-job training
- Benefits:
- Monthly stipend
- Subsidised food and transport
- Insurance, uniforms, and tools
- Further education tie-ups (e.g., BITS Pilani)
- Guaranteed placements under ‘One Trainee, One Job’ policy
Coaching for Competitive Exams (with Ex-Navodayan Foundation & Tata Motors)
- Residential Centres of Excellence:
- Chankapur (Maharashtra)
- Chintapalle (Andhra Pradesh)
- Focus: IIT-JEE, NEET coaching for Grades XI–XII science students
- Additional Support:
- Online classes for Olympiads, NTSE, and KVPY (from Grade IX)
- Emphasis on digitally equipped EMRSs
Significance of These Initiatives
- Bridge education and employment gaps among tribal youth
- Boost confidence, self-reliance, and future-readiness
- Promote inclusive and quality education under the spirit of Atmanirbhar Bharat
About Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS)
| Feature | Details |
| Launched | 1998; revamped in 2018–19 |
| Managed by | NESTS, Ministry of Tribal Affairs |
| Purpose | Residential education for ST students (Class VI–XII) in remote tribal areas |
| Target | 728 EMRSs by 2026 |
| Facilities | Co-ed hostel, CBSE curriculum, free education, sports & skill training |
| Admission | 100% ST seats + 10% Non-ST (max) + 20% Sports quota for STs |
| Curriculum | CBSE |
About NESTS
- National Education Society for Tribal Students
- Autonomous body under Ministry of Tribal Affairs
- Implements, manages, and oversees EMRSs across India
UNICEF India
- Works in over 190 countries and territories
- Focus: Child rights, education, health, nutrition, and protection
- Supports government programmes in inclusive education, gender equality, and child development