Question : EKLAVYA MODEL RESIDENTIAL SCHOOLS

(a) the number of Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS) functioning in the country as on date, State-wise;

(b) the number of vacancies of teachers available in these Vidyalayas;

(c) the arrangement made by the Government to fill up the vacancy of teachers in these Vidyalayas;

(d) whether these Vidyalayas are well equipped with libraries and laboratories;

(e) if so, the details thereof;

(f) if not the steps taken by the Government in this regard;

(g) the achievements of the students of EMRS from the State of Andhra Pradesh; and

(h) the measures taken by the Government to improve the EMRS in the country particularly Andhra Pradesh?

MINISTER OF TRIBAL AFFAIRS (SHRI P.R.KYNDIAH)

(a): 72 Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS) are functioning as on date. A statement indicating state-wise status is at Annex -I.

(b) to (f): The EMRSs have been set up by the State Governments out of grants provided by the Government of India under Article 275 (1) of the Constitution. As per existing norms, Government of India provides one-time grant of Rs.250 lakh for the school building, hostels, teachers’ quarters, library, laboratories and associated infrastructure, and up to Rs.30 lakh per school annually to meet the recurring expenses to run the school. State Governments are to form autonomous societies to run these schools and also make arrangements for teachers etc. The prescribed norms for students: teacher ratio is 30:1 and provision for library and laboratories too has been made. The Ministry of Tribal Affairs is not involved in the appointment and/ or hiring of the services of teachers and other personnel and therefore, such information is not maintained in the Ministry.

(g): A statement indicating the number of Scheduled Tribes students admitted and passed out from Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS) in Andhra Pradesh during 2005-06 is at Annex-II.

(h): The Ministry of Tribal Affairs obtains periodic progress reports regarding the status of implementation of the EMRS, and convenes meetings with the State Secretaries of the Tribal Welfare/ Tribal Welfare Development Departments to review the physical and financial progress of the scheme. Officers of the Ministry also undertake visits to the schools from time to time. Modifications are made as and when required.