National Education Society for Tribal Students (NESTS) under the Ministry of Tribal Affairs signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Tata Motors Limited (TML). The five-year MoU aims to provide skill-linked education and employment opportunities to Grade 12 pass-out students from Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS) through the Tata Motors Kaushalya Program.
About the MoU
| Parameter | Details |
| Valid for | 5 Years |
| Target Beneficiaries | Over 50,000 Class 12 students from EMRS across 28 States and 8 UTs |
| Objective | Improve employability of tribal youth through structured skill education and job placement |
| Programme Offered | Tata Motors Kaushalya Program – It is an industry-driven skilling initiative providing technical education, hands-on training, and job placement support for India’s youth. |
| Alignment | Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), National Skill Development Mission |
Key Objectives of the Partnership
- Facilitate career-linked skill education for tribal students completing Grade 12.
- Enable enrollment in the Tata Motors Kaushalya Program for skill-based training.
- Promote livelihood generation and social upliftment through structured employment pathways.
Selection Criteria
| Criteria | Requirement |
| Age | 18–23 years |
| Educational Qualification | Minimum 60% marks in Class 10 and completion of Class 12 from EMRS |
| Program Entry | Based on eligibility and selection into the Kaushalya Program |
Program Highlights
| Component | Description |
| Model | “Earn & Learn” approach |
| Education | Diploma in Engineering + Weekly university-led classes |
| Training | On-the-Job Training (OJT) aligned with National Skills Qualification Framework (NSQF) |
| Stipend | Monthly stipend per government norms |
| Support | Subsidized meals, transport, uniforms, PPE, insurance (Mediclaim + Personal Accident) |
| Higher Education Option | Opportunity for self-funded/sponsored B.Tech via partners like BITS Pilani WILP |
| Job Guarantee | “One Trainee, One Job” policy with placements in Tata Motors’ pan-India facilities |
Governance and Monitoring
- A Joint Review Committee comprising officials from TML and NESTS will monitor implementation and ensure quality outcomes.