In a significant step towards empowerment of tribal youth, Oil and Natural Gas Corporation Limited (ONGC) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with National Scheduled Tribes Finance and Development Corporation (NSTFDC) to strengthen Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS) across India.
ONGC is a Maharatna CPSE under the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, while NSTFDC functions as an autonomous body under the Ministry of Tribal Affairs.
Key Highlights of MoU
- The MoU focuses on Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)-supported infrastructure development and capacity building of EMRS.
- ONGC has committed ₹28 crore to support tribal students enrolled in EMRS.
- The initiative aims to:
- Improve digital education
- Strengthen school infrastructure
- Provide career mentorship and counselling
- Support holistic development of tribal students
- The programme will benefit over 35,000 tribal students.
- It aligns with the national vision of Viksit Bharat and inclusive socio-economic development of tribal communities.
Details of CSR-Funded Project
Under the MoU, ONGC has sanctioned ₹28 crore for multiple interventions in 144 Eklavya Model Residential Schools located across 11 States and Union Territories:
States & UTs Covered
- Andhra Pradesh
- Dadra & Nagar Haveli and Daman & Diu
- Gujarat
- Himachal Pradesh
- Jammu & Kashmir
- Kerala
- Rajasthan
- Tamil Nadu
- Uttar Pradesh
- Uttarakhand
Key Components of Support
- Digital learning infrastructure (smart classrooms, ICT tools)
- Health and hygiene initiatives for girl students:
- Sanitary pad vending machines
- Incinerators
- Capacity building of teachers
- Career counselling and entrepreneurship training for students
This intervention ensures equal educational opportunities for Scheduled Tribe (ST) students studying in remote and underserved regions.
Why This Initiative is Important
- Strengthens public–private collaboration in tribal education.
- Addresses gaps in quality, access, and employability-oriented education.
- Enhances human capital development among tribal youth.
- Supports India’s commitment to inclusive growth and social justice.
About Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS)
Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS) are a flagship initiative of the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, Government of India, aimed at providing quality residential education to Scheduled Tribe students.
Key Features
- Established in 1998, revamped in 2018–19 for wider outreach.
- Provide free education from Class VI to XII.
- Follow CBSE curriculum.
- Co-educational residential schools.
- Each school has a capacity of 480 students (equal boys and girls).
- Up to 10% seats can be filled by non-ST students.
- 20% sports quota reserved for deserving ST students excelling in sports.
Infrastructure
- Classrooms and administrative blocks
- Hostels for boys and girls
- Laboratories, playgrounds, and staff quarters
- Facilities for sports, skill development, and preservation of local art & culture
Implementation Framework
- EMRS are set up in blocks with:
- More than 50% ST population, and
- At least 20,000 tribal people
- Target: 728 EMRSs by 2026
- Currently, 499 EMRSs are functional across India.
- Managed by National Education Society for Tribal Students (NESTS) under the Ministry of Tribal Affairs.
About ONGC
- ONGC is India’s largest oil and gas exploration and production company.
- It is a Maharatna Central Public Sector Enterprise (CPSE).
- Plays a major role in energy security and CSR-driven social development, especially in education, health, and skill development.