Odisha: Parents of EMRS students demand basic amenities in Nuapada school

NEW DELHI: Parents of students studying in Ekalavya Model Residential School (EMRS), Nuapada, in Odisha have raised the issue of poor basic facilities such as adequate water supply and uniforms.

The parents in a letter to Nuapada collector said that the students were not getting proper water supply even to meet daily bathing and washing needs. They have raised the issue of construction of an overhead water tank but the demand is still pending, the parents said.

School Uniform not provided to students of Ekalavya Model Residential School in Nuapada district for 3 years even after Parents drew the attention of @DM_Nuapada. @NCPCR_ @SMEOdisha @stscdev @MoSarkar5T pic.twitter.com/Gkkvc2sGmo

— Ajit Panda (@ajitkhariar) August 17, 2023

Highlighting the issue of school uniforms, the letter read the students have not received free uniforms for the academic year 2021-22, 2022-23 and 2023-24.

“This (free uniform) is students' right but here (at Nuapada) tribal students’ rights are being violated,” the parents said. The parents also demanded that facilities with a higher boundary wall and waiting hall for parents should also be made at the school.

They asked the collector to arrange an ambulance and appoint a staff nurse at the school for ensuring better healthcare facilities for students, especially girls. The parents demanded the collector to give special attention towards EMRS, Nuapada.

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The union ministry of tribal affairs operates Ekalavya model residential schools. The first schools were opened in 1997-98 to impart quality education to children belonging to the ST category of Classes 6 to 12 in remote areas. The schools focus on the all-round development of the students. Every school has a strength of 480 students.

In 2022, the government decided to set up EMRS schools at every block with more than 50% ST population and at least 20,000 tribal persons. Eklavya schools are at par with Navodaya Vidyalaya and have special facilities for preserving local art and culture besides providing training in sports and skill development.