Kakinada: Union minister of state for tribal affairs Renuka Singh Saruta said central government will set up more Eklavya model residential schools in the country’s agency and tribal blocks with more than 50 percent of ST population.
The Union minister responded to Rajamahendravaram Lok Sabha member Margani Bharat Ram who sought establishment of Eklavya schools in tribal areas for imparting quality education to ST children in remote areas. This would help them get good education, pursue professional courses and get employment in various sectors.
Renuka Singh said each Eklavya school has an intake of 480 students from Class VI to XII. Currently, 690 such schools have been sanctioned out of proposed 740 institutions. 401 of Eklavya schools are functioning efficiently, with 50 percent of seats in schools being allocated to girls.
The Union minister said central government releases ₹1.09 lakh per year per student. Eklavya schools have modern infrastructure facilities like laboratories, hostels, sports, medical facilities, study materials, provision of uniforms, filtered drinking water, good sanitation facilities, and dance, music and painting classes, among others.
She said that more than 4,000 teaching and non-teaching staff are working in Eklavya schools on regular, contract and deputation basis.
