Eklavya Model Residential Schools
CPRG is working on a research project on the Impact of Eklavya Model Residential Schools on ST Children in fifth and sixth schedule areas of India with reference to Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Tripura. The EMRS programme provides quality upper primary, secondary and senior secondary level education to Scheduled Tribes (ST) students (Class 6th to 12th) in remote areas to avail of opportunities in high and professional educational courses and seek employment in various sectors.
The objective of this study is to determine the impact of educational opportunities available in EMRS in accordance with the quality of services provided, quality of learners and teachers and quality of school and classroom environment, pedagogical practices, evaluation procedures, children’s learning outcomes and their upward career mobility. The study also seeks to ascertain the extent to which EMRS schools have been successful in providing tribal-centric, contextual education to students. It is expected that the results of this project will assist the authorities in formulating planners and revising EMRS guidelines, as well as applying mid-course corrections to the programme, if required.
The study will be conducted in Tripura, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Tripura, and will employ qualitative methods and case studies to assess the operational aspects of EMRS running in each state. To assess the educational attainment of students, an achievement test will be conducted. In addition, principals, teachers, hostel superintendents, non-teaching staff, community members and educational administrators will be interviewed to obtain their perception and feedback concerning the implementation and impact of the EMRS programme. Currently, a sample size of 200 ST children has been interviewed to assess their general knowledge and foundational literacy to understand the overall effectiveness of EMRS for the Scheduled Tribes. The data will be analysed along with primary field research to develop effective solutions to bridge the gaps in the implementation of the policy.