MoTA & Coal India Join Hands to Boost Tribal Education in Chhattisgarh EMRS

In a landmark initiative aimed at strengthening educational access and quality for India’s tribal communities, the Ministry of Tribal Affairs (MoTA) and Coal India Ltd (CIL) have entered into a strategic partnership to enhance the learning environment and career preparedness of tribal students in Chhattisgarh. This collaboration marks a major milestone in the Government of India’s efforts to promote inclusive, equitable, and quality education under the vision of National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.

The project, part of CIL’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) commitments, will support 68 Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS) across Chhattisgarh, benefiting more than 28,000 tribal students. The initiative aims to bridge the digital divide, promote health and hygiene, and instill an entrepreneurial mindset among tribal youth—preparing them not only for academic success but also for meaningful careers.

Empowering Through Education: The Role of EMRS

The Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS) were launched by the Ministry of Tribal Affairs with the objective of delivering high-quality, holistic education to Scheduled Tribe (ST) children across the country. These schools offer residential schooling from Class VI to XII and are specially designed to cater to tribal populations in remote and under-served areas.

In addition to rigorous academics, EMRS institutions also focus on nutrition, physical and mental well-being, extracurricular development, and career guidance—offering a comprehensive framework for youth development. As of now, 479 EMRS are operational across India, with several more in the pipeline.

CIL’s ₹10 Crore Commitment: Four-Pronged Intervention

Under the agreement, Coal India Ltd has sanctioned ₹10 crore towards strengthening educational infrastructure and student support systems in Chhattisgarh. The interventions will be implemented through the National Scheduled Tribes Finance and Development Corporation (NSTFDC), a Section 8 company under the Ministry of Tribal Affairs.

Key components of the intervention include:

1. Promotion of Digital Education

To ensure tribal students are equipped for the digital age, CIL will fund the installation of computer laboratories in all 68 EMRS. The project includes the purchase of:

• 3,200 desktop computers

• 300 educational tablets

These labs will offer training in digital literacy, coding, internet-based learning platforms, and other 21st-century skills.

2. Improved Health and Hygiene for Girls

Recognizing the impact of menstrual health on girls’ education, the program will install:

• 1,200 sanitary napkin vending machines

• 1,200 sanitary napkin incinerators

These will be placed in schools and hostels, ensuring dignity, privacy, and health safety for adolescent girls. This intervention addresses a critical barrier to school attendance and retention among tribal girls.

3. Comprehensive Mentorship Programs

To empower students with career guidance and personal development support, the partnership includes a structured mentorship component. Students will be paired with experienced mentors to:

• Explore academic and career paths

• Build confidence and leadership skills

• Receive guidance on higher education opportunities

4. Residential Entrepreneurial Bootcamps

In a unique effort to build entrepreneurial acumen among tribal youth, the initiative will organize bootcamps at leading institutions like IITs, IIMs, and NITs. These residential workshops will cover:

• Business fundamentals

• Innovation and problem-solving

• Financial literacy

• Startup ideation and pitching

This will be a transformational opportunity for students from disadvantaged communities to engage with the innovation ecosystem and broaden their aspirations.

Advancing NEP 2020 Goals

The MoTA–CIL partnership is well-aligned with the guiding principles of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which emphasizes:

• Equity and Inclusion in access to education

• Integration of vocational and entrepreneurial training

• Use of technology in teaching and learning

• Promotion of local and global best practices

By investing in EMRS infrastructure and student development, this initiative helps fulfill NEP’s vision of creating a just and knowledge-based society where every child has the opportunity to realize their potential, regardless of socio-economic background.

Bridging the Opportunity Gap

Union Minister for Tribal Affairs Shri Arjun Munda lauded the initiative, stating that such partnerships reflect the power of convergence between public and corporate sectors in realizing the dream of Viksit Bharat (Developed India) by 2047.

“This collaboration between MoTA and Coal India is more than a CSR initiative—it is an investment in the future of tribal India. It will empower young minds with the tools they need to compete, create, and contribute to the nation,” he said.

Way Forward

With the successful rollout of this program in Chhattisgarh, similar models may soon be replicated in other tribal-dominated states. The MoTA has signaled its intent to scale such partnerships with public sector enterprises and private corporations as part of its broader agenda of inclusive development.

This initiative stands as a powerful reminder that true empowerment begins in the classroom—and when education is equipped with technology, mentorship, and innovation, the possibilities for transformation are endless.