Bhubaneswar: Odisha’s efforts to strengthen education among tribal communities have received national recognition, with President Droupadi Murmu felicitating Odisha Model Tribal Education Society (OMTES) Secretary Surendra Kumar Meena for his contribution to the sector.
Meena was felicitated during the Janjatiya Gourav Pakhwada programme in recognition of OMTES’s role in expanding and strengthening the network of Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRSs) across the state.
Functioning under the ST & SC Development department of the state government, OMTES has been instrumental in providing institutional leadership, administrative support and strategic guidance for the effective functioning of EMRSs. At present, 71 such residential schools are operational across Odisha, offering tribal students access to quality education and better learning opportunities.
The recognition also highlights the collective efforts of officials, educational institutions and district administrations in taking the initiative forward. The contributions of EMRS Ranki and EMRS Karanjia, along with the efforts of the Kendujhar and Mayurbhanj district administrations, have received special appreciation.
OMTES has also acknowledged the support and guidance extended by the National Education Society for Tribal Students (NESTS), under the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, Government of India, in implementing and advancing the objectives of the EMRS initiative.
The growing network of residential schools is aimed at bridging educational gaps and ensuring that students from tribal communities have access to quality learning facilities. Besides providing formal education, the EMRS framework seeks to create an environment conducive to the overall development of students.
The presidential recognition is being viewed as an acknowledgement of the sustained efforts of various stakeholders in strengthening tribal education in Odisha. OMTES has reiterated its commitment to further expanding educational opportunities and strengthening the institutional framework to ensure inclusive and quality education for tribal students across the state.
