Nagaland has been sanctioned 22 Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRSs), but as of 1 January 2026, only three of these schools are functional in the state. This information was shared by Union Tribal Affairs Minister of State Drugadas Uikey in a written reply to an un-starred question in the Rajya Sabha on Wednesday.
Across India, a total of 723 EMRSs have been sanctioned, with 499 schools currently functional. The EMRS scheme aims to provide quality residential education primarily for tribal students, with schools typically offering classes up to the 12th standard and a full strength of 480 students.
The Minister also provided data on the financial allocation and utilization for EMRSs over the last five years. Fund allocation has steadily increased, with Rs. 4,748.92 crore allocated in 2024-25 and Rs. 4,713.21 crore utilized during the same period.
Each EMRS is sanctioned 31 teaching posts and 21 non-teaching posts. As of 31 December 2025, there are 6,605 regular teaching staff and 1,832 non-teaching staff employed in these schools nationwide. To address staffing gaps, the National Education Society for Tribal Students (NESTS) encourages states to depute teachers on deputation, and State EMRS Societies engage guest teachers and outsource non-teaching staff to ensure uninterrupted academic activities.
