Kohima, March 13: The Nagaland Legislative Assembly was informed on March 12 that the state government is working to operationalise at least 19 under-construction Eklavya Model Residential Schools across the state by next year.
Replying to a starred question raised by Jwenga Seb, Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio said the EMRS projects in the state fall under both the old and the new phases of the centrally sponsored scheme.
Rio said the earlier phase of the scheme had been implemented by the Planning Department, while the new phase is being executed by the Department of Tribal Affairs.
Providing details, the chief minister informed the House that under the earlier phase, the EMRS at Phenshunyu in Tseminyu has achieved around 75 per cent physical progress and more than 96 per cent financial progress. Meanwhile, the EMRS at Kade in Phek has recorded about 60 per cent physical progress, with financial progress already completed. Both projects are expected to be completed by next month.
Under the new phase, EMRS projects are currently under construction at Chiechama, Tuli, Pelhang, Vidima, Riphyim and Phelungre.
According to Rio, these projects have recorded physical progress ranging from around 33 per cent to more than 60 per cent and are expected to be completed by December 2027.
The chief minister further said that additional EMRS projects are being implemented by the Department of Tribal Affairs in several other locations, including Watiyim, Longwa, Tening, Longsa, Noklak, Noksen, Akhakhu, Japu, Botsa, Tamlu and Yimjenkimong.
The Eklavya Model Residential Schools are aimed at providing quality residential education to students from Scheduled Tribe communities in remote areas, while also promoting access to modern education alongside the preservation of indigenous culture.
