Shyamhari Chakra
In view of the difficulties faced in imparting online education to tribal students across the country, the Centre has asked the state governments to plan for reopening of the Ekalavya Model Residential Schools in a phased manner.
The Union Ministry of Tribal Affairs has established these model schools to impart quality education to scheduled tribe children in remote areas.
So far, 285 schools with an enrolment of 73391 students have been opened across India while 462 new schools have been planned to be opened by the 2022.
The lockdown enforced due to the pandemic in March forced the authorities to send back the students to their homes.
However, lack of devices with the students and poor internet connectivity network have defeated the efforts of the government to impart online teaching to the students staying in their remote villages.
This has prompted the Ministry to reopen the schools in consultation with respective state governments in accordance with the norms laid down by the Ministry of Health, officials explained.
The Ministry has asked state governments to prepare a detailed district-wise plan to reopen the schools in a phased manner. The decision to reopen, however, has been delegated to the respective district magistrates.
“If district administration allows, students would be called in a phased manner starting with senior classes like 11 and 12 as the senior student would be able to take care of hygiene issues better”, the officials mentioned.
The schools in the states of Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat are expected to be first ones to reopen these residential schools, it was learnt.
