Berhampur: The school education in tribal dominated Kandhamal district is likely to get a boost as three more model residential schools, meant for the schedule tribe and scheduled caste students, will set up in the district.
Eklavya Model Residential School (EMRS) will be set up in Phiringia while two Kalinga model residential schools will be set up in Khajuripada and Raikia. At present, only one EMRS with a total strength of 1,000 students, is functioning at Mahasingi under Nuagaon block in the district. According to sources, the government had sanctioned for construction of these schools last year.
“The construction of the school buildings in all the residential schools was going on and they are expected to be completed before the start of the next academic year,” said Ganeswar Bharimal, district welfare officer (DWO). Once completed, 1,000 tribal students from Class VI to XII will be admitted to these school free of cost with hostel facilities. District collector Reghu G is reviewing the progress of the construction of the school building, The Times of India reported.
Meanwhile, the district administration plans to enrol 328 SC and ST students in four English medium schools in Tikabali, G Udayagiri and Phulbani this year under the state government’s Anwesha scheme. The schemewas launched last year with an aim to help SC and ST students from interior areas study in public schools in urban areas. Under the scheme, 5,000 children will pursue quality education in leading English medium schools in the state every year. The government will bear all expenses, including tuition fees, uniform, books, hostel and transportation.
“Last year we had enrolled only 41 students to an English medium school in Phulbani. This year their number has been increased to 328 after more parents have shown interest to enrol their students in English medium schools,” said Bharimal.
He said around 25,000 SC and ST students in the district are studying in as many as 200 residential schools run by the SC/ST development department