Two Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS) sanctioned nearly a decade ago in Nagaland are expected to become operational by April 2027, the state government informed the Nagaland Legislative Assembly during the Eighth Session of the 14th Assembly on Thursday.
Raising a starred question in the House, MLA Jwenga Seb sought clarification on the status of the EMRS projects at Phenshünyu in Tseminyu district and Kade in Phek district, including details on the issuance of work orders and the stipulated timelines for completion.
Responding to the query, Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio informed that the earlier phase of the EMRS scheme in the state had been implemented by the Planning Department, while the current phase is being overseen by the Tribal Affairs Department. He also outlined the physical and financial progress achieved under the scheme so far.
During supplementary questions, Seb pointed out that the Phenshünyu project was sanctioned in 2017 while the Kade project in Phek district was sanctioned in 2016, and questioned the delay in their completion. He also sought details regarding the project costs and whether contractors had sought extensions of time.
Replying to the supplementary questions, Minister for Tourism and Higher Education Temjen Imna Along said the EMRS projects fall under a centrally sponsored scheme of the Ministry of Tribal Affairs.
Along explained that during 2017–18 the scheme did not have the stringent guidelines that exist today, and that changes in structural designs, the introduction of GST and subsequent revisions in guidelines had affected the pace of project implementation.
He further informed that verification visits by central teams also required modifications in the projects to meet updated technical requirements. However, he said most of the issues had been resolved in recent months.
Regarding project costs, the minister stated that allocations under the earlier phase of the scheme were smaller compared to later phases, but added that the Government of India has expressed willingness to release the full amount for the work already executed.
On the issue of cost escalation, Along said the Ministry of Tribal Affairs is open to considering revised project costs if the department submits legitimate justifications. He added that the EMRS projects are expected to be completed and made operational by April 2027.
