Mangaluru is set to become the latest district to host an Eklavya Model Residential School (EMRS), a flagship initiative by the Ministry of Tribal Affairs aimed at providing quality education to Scheduled Tribe students. Currently, only 12 districts in Karnataka have EMRS facilities, which offer free residential education similar to that of the Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas. This development is expected to significantly bridge the educational gap faced by tribal communities in the region.
The EMRS in Mangaluru will cater to students from 6th to 12th standard, providing a holistic educational experience. With a capacity for 480 students, the school will admit 40 students per class for 6th to 10th standard and 80 students for science and commerce streams at the Pre-University (PU) level. Selected students will benefit from an annual grant of ₹1.09 lakh from the central government, which will cover expenses for food, uniforms, and textbooks.
To bring this vision to fruition, the district administration has been tasked with identifying a suitable site for the school. Proposals have been submitted to reserve 15 acres of land in potential locations such as Belthangadi, Kadaba, or Mulki. Once the land allocation is confirmed, a detailed report will be forwarded to the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, setting the stage for the school’s establishment.
This initiative aims to empower tribal communities, including the Koraga community, by providing access to quality education and growth opportunities. The proposed EMRS is not just beneficial for students in Mangaluru; it will also extend its services to students from nearby districts, such as Udupi. According to Basavaraju HC, ITDP District Officer, D.K., the district is home to around 82,000 Scheduled Tribe individuals, making it an ideal location for the establishment of an EMRS.
In addition to academic excellence, the EMRS will emphasise holistic development, featuring state-of-the-art infrastructure. The school complex will include well-equipped classrooms, science laboratories, libraries, auditoriums, computer labs, kitchens, and dining facilities. The central government has committed funding of up to ₹20 crore to support the construction of the school and hostel facilities.
The establishment of the EMRS in Mangaluru marks a significant step toward promoting educational empowerment and inclusivity within the region. By providing high-quality education and essential resources, the EMRS aims to unlock the potential of tribal students, enabling them to make meaningful contributions to society. This initiative reflects a broader commitment to ensuring that no child, regardless of their background, is left behind in the pursuit of education and opportunity.
As Mangaluru prepares to welcome its first Eklavya Model Residential School, the community looks forward to a future where tribal students can thrive academically and personally. This initiative is not just about education; it represents hope and opportunity for generations to come.