Aizawl, Nov 15 (UNI) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday inaugurated two Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS) in Mizoram, as part of the ‘Dharti Aaba Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan’, a nationwide initiative aimed at improving rural development and tribal welfare.
The Prime Minister launched the programme from Jamui, Bihar, inaugurated the EMRS schools in Kolasib and Siaha districts, and laid foundations for EMRS in Lungsen Khawbung , Khawzawl, Sawleng and Leh West Phaileng.
In Kolasib, the inauguration ceremony took place at the Kolasib DC Office Hall, where Deputy Speaker Pu Lalfamkima, along with local officials including Kolasib DC Pu Robert C. Lalhmangaiha, attended the event.
Lalfamkima highlighted that Kolasib now joins other districts in the state with access to a quality central school, noting the significance of the EMRS in providing better educational opportunities for local tribal students. He also praised the Prime Minister’s efforts in launching the “Dharti Aaba Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan,” which focuses on rural development and ensures better access to education for marginalized communities.
In Siaha, the ceremony was held at the DC Mini Conference Hall, with Addl DC Pu Abraham Beirazi Khithie overseeing the proceedings. The Noaotla EMRS, sanctioned in 2019-2020, opened its doors in 2024, catering to Class VI and VII students. The school has 118 enrolled students, equally divided between boys and girls, with six teachers and eight non-teaching staff.
In Mamit, the Prime Minister laid the foundation stone for the W.Phaileng EMRS. The event, presided over by District President Pu Jacob Lalawmpuia, marks the beginning of a new educational initiative for the region, in line with the central government’s objective to enhance tribal education facilities.
The EMRS project, initiated by the Ministry of Tribal Affairs in 1997-1998, aims to provide tribal students with residential facilities and quality education. The National Education Society for Tribal Students (NESTS) has been instrumental in expanding the programme, with the latest schools in Mizoram among the newest additions to the nationwide effort.
