Education Minister Rakkam A Sangma announced on Thursday that only two out of the 38 proposed Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS) in Meghalaya have been completed so far. Speaking to the media, Sangma said the state government is committed to accelerating the construction of these schools, which are intended to empower marginalized communities, especially the Scheduled Tribes.
Highlighting the current status of the project, Sangma stated, “Out of 38 EMRS, 2 have been completed already, and some are already in the advanced stage. Twenty-two to twenty-five are yet to be started, but I am sure in the days to come, we will move faster.”
Sangma also expressed optimism regarding the future, adding, “I expect in the next one year time, we will see things happening.”
The EMRS initiative, launched in 1997-98 by the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, received a significant boost in 2018-2019 when the Centre approved funds of Rs 24 crore per school. However, progress has been limited, with completed schools located only in Samanda (East Garo Hills) and Nongpoh (Ri Bhoi district).
Sangma explained that the state government has now taken over construction responsibilities from the Manipur Tribal Development Corporation (MTDC), which previously managed the project. Addressing ongoing obstacles, he noted, “There are some locations where the EMRS projects are facing problems of land.”