House Panel Orders Land Pre‑Check for New Eklavya Schools, Raps Delays in Tribal Museums

Overview

• The Parliamentary Standing Committee tabled its December 9 action‑taken report, accepting nine of 14 earlier recommendations, closing one, and sending four back for fresh action on museums and EMRS expansion and upgradation.
• The panel directed that proposals for new Eklavya Model Residential Schools be considered only when states confirm land availability in advance.
• Only 477 of 720 sanctioned EMRS are functional, with just 341 operating from their own buildings despite locations approved for 722 schools.
• Of 11 Tribal Freedom Fighters’ Museums supported by the Centre, only three have been inaugurated, and the committee said it was not satisfied with assurances on projects slated for completion by November 2025 and May 2026.
• The Ministry of Tribal Affairs cited near‑total fund use in 2023‑24 and 2024‑25, site reviews, and recruitment of 9,878 staff, and reported approval of upgrade proposals for 192 of 211 older EMRS as a comprehensive assessment continues.