SHILLONG: A massive educational initiative aimed at empowering Meghalaya’s tribal youth is facing significant delays, with the ambitious plan to build 38 Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS) having yielded only two operational institutions seven years after its sanction.
The Ministry of Tribal Affairs (MoTA), Government of India, sanctioned the 38 EMRS in 2018 to promote education among the Khasi, Jaintia, and Garo tribes. During the 2018–2019 financial year the Centre approved the EMRS at a cost of Rs 24 crore each.
While foundation stones were laid across the state in 2019, including in Ri-Bhoi District, South West Garo Hills, and West Khasi Hills, the state currently counts just two operational EMRS schools out of the intended 38: the Samanda EMRS in East Garo Hills and the Pahamsyiem EMRS in Ri-Bhoi District. The glaring shortfall highlights widespread concern over the slow pace of project implementation.
Classes in these schools have commenced from Class VII.
Regarding the schools that are yet to be completed, the work for the 38 EMRS Schools has been divided among two implementing agencies and one government department:
The Manipur Industrial Development Corporation Limited (MANIDCO) was awarded the work for 9 schools, located in South Garo Hills, East Khasi Hills, West Khasi Hills, North Garo Hills, South and South West Garo Hills.
The Meghalaya Infrastructure Development and Finance Corporation Limited (MIDFC) was awarded the work for 23 schools, located in, North Garo Hills, East Garo Hills, East Jaintia Hills, South West Garo Hills, West Garo Hills, East Khasi Hills, West Jaintia Hills and Ri Bhoi.
And the Water and Power Consultancy Services Limited (WAPCOS) was awarded the work for 4 schools, located in West Khasi Hills, West Garo Hills, South West Khasi Hills and West Jaintia Hills.
According to officials, several projects faced land disputes like the ones at Khatarshnong Laitkroh (East Khasi Hills), Mawkynrew (East Khasi Hills) while, there are projects that are yet to receive the Ministry’s approval including those in Mylliem (East Khasi Hills), Umsning (Ri-Bhoi), and Laskein (West Jaintia Hills)
The construction of the EMRS Schools is an aspiration to fulfill the educational needs of tribal youth by providing them with quality schooling.
As of October 2025, data from the NESTS (National Education Society for Tribal Students) indicates that Meghalaya has 27 EMRS schools approved on the main list of the Government of India; however, the number of functional schools remains low.
Clear details regarding the progress of work by MIDFC (23 schools), MANIDCO (9 schools), and WAPCOS (4 schools) were not readily available on the internet in 2025, apart from tenders related to projects MANIDCO is undertaking in other states.
Despite the delays in the EMRS construction, the government remains committed to making these schools operational soon to provide quality education for tribal youth.
