President Murmu Lauds Eklavya Schools for Tribal Students
Why in News?
- President Droupadi Murmu said on 12 November 2026 that Eklavya Model Residential Schools provide quality education to tribal students and help them develop their many talents, News On AIR reported.
- She was addressing meritorious students from the schools at Rashtrapati Bhavan. She welcomed the equal representation of boys and girls in the schools as a sign of inclusive progress.
- She said the country is moving toward the goal of Viksit Bharat by 2047, and that development of every region and section of society is essential.
Key Terminologies
- Eklavya Model Residential Schools
- Residential schools for Scheduled Tribe students run under the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, with the aim of giving quality education in tribal areas on a par with the best schools. The scheme began in the late 1990s and was expanded in 2018.
- Ministry of Tribal Affairs
- The Union ministry responsible for the welfare and development of Scheduled Tribes, which funds and monitors the schools.
- Scheduled Tribes
- Communities listed in the Constitution under Article 342 for special protection and benefits. The schools serve their children.
- Viksit Bharat 2047
- The goal of making India a developed country by 2047, the 100th year of independence, which the President linked to inclusive development.
- Article 46
- The Directive Principle that directs the State to promote with special care the educational and economic interests of Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes and other weaker sections and to protect them from social injustice.
- Rashtrapati Bhavan
- The official residence of the President in New Delhi, where she met the students.
Key Issues
- The Message: Murmu said Eklavya Model Residential Schools provide tribal students quality education and opportunities to develop their many talents, and that the country has no shortage of talent.
- Equal Representation: She welcomed equal representation of boys and girls in the schools as a sign of inclusive progress.
- Aim High: She urged students to aim high and pursue their dreams with dedication, discipline and self-confidence.
- Job Creators: She said education should also help students create jobs, and that inclusive growth will gain momentum when youth become job creators.
- Not Reported: The report did not give the number of schools or students or any awards.
Key Implications
Positive/Pros/Merits
- Quality Education: Residential schools in tribal areas can improve access, learning and school completion for Scheduled Tribe children.
- Gender Balance: Equal numbers of boys and girls signal progress in girls' education among tribal communities.
- Inclusive Development: The President's message links tribal education to the goal of a developed India.
- Opportunity Focus: Emphasis on job creation encourages entrepreneurship among tribal youth, and links to skill programmes and start-up schemes can turn the message into practice.
Negative/Cons/Demerits
- Capacity Gaps: Teacher shortages, infrastructure and distance from home can affect quality in remote schools.
- Retention Challenges: Residential schooling can raise dropout and adjustment problems for young children.
- Language and Culture: Education in a different language can distance children from their culture unless handled carefully, so teaching in mother tongues in early classes and cultural activities matter.
- Limited Data: The report gave no figures to judge reach and outcomes, so the quality of the schools cannot be judged from the speech alone.
Key Initiatives
- Ministry of Tribal Affairs: It runs the Eklavya Model Residential Schools scheme and funds the schools.
- President Droupadi Murmu: She addressed meritorious students of the schools at Rashtrapati Bhavan on 12 November 2026.
- State Governments and Societies: They manage the schools on the ground.
- National Education Society for Tribal Students: The autonomous body that supports the schools' management.
News On AIR did not give the number of schools or students. The existence of the National Education Society for Tribal Students and the scheme's dates are standard background. Earlier Schemes pages on this site discuss the scheme in detail.
Director's Perspective
Way Forward
- Know that Eklavya Model Residential Schools are run for Scheduled Tribe students by the Ministry of Tribal Affairs.
- Link the scheme to Article 46 on promoting educational interests of weaker sections.
- Remember the President's reference to equal participation of boys and girls.
- Note challenges: staffing, retention and language.
- In answers, link tribal education to Viksit Bharat 2047 and inclusive growth.
- Compare the scheme with Ashram schools and the Fifth Schedule's protection of tribal areas.
The President's praise for Eklavya Model Residential Schools highlights a scheme meant to bring quality education to tribal students, with equal numbers of boys and girls noted as progress. The scheme's success depends on staff, infrastructure, retention and respect for tribal languages, and the report gave no figures on reach. In a Mains answer, explain the scheme's aims, link it to Scheduled Tribe welfare and Article 46, and conclude that quality teaching, monitoring and community involvement will decide whether the schools deliver.
GS Relevance
Frequently Asked Questions
What did President Murmu say about Eklavya Model Residential Schools?
President Droupadi Murmu said on 12 November 2026 that the schools provide quality education to tribal students and help them develop many talents. She welcomed equal representation of boys and girls and urged students to aim high, News On AIR reported.
What are Eklavya Model Residential Schools?
Eklavya Model Residential Schools are residential schools for Scheduled Tribe students run under the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, aiming to give quality education in tribal areas on a par with the best schools. The scheme began in the late 1990s and was expanded in 2018.
Why did the President mention job creators?
Murmu said education should also help students create jobs, and that inclusive growth will gain momentum when youth become job creators. She linked the schools to the goal of Viksit Bharat by 2047, according to News On AIR.
PYQ Practice — Statement Analysis
1 Eklavya Model Residential Schools are run for Scheduled Tribe students.
They function under the Ministry of Tribal Affairs.
2 The President addressed students of the schools at the Supreme Court.
She addressed them at Rashtrapati Bhavan.
3 Article 46 directs the State to promote the educational interests of weaker sections, including Scheduled Tribes.
It is a Directive Principle of State Policy.