Chhattisgarh – In a landmark initiative aimed at bridging educational inequality and promoting inclusive growth, Coal India Limited (CIL) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Ministry of Tribal Affairs (MoTA) to uplift the learning ecosystem in Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS) across Chhattisgarh.
With a commitment of ₹10 crore under its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) program, CIL will support 68 EMRS institutions, benefiting more than 28,000 tribal students with improved access to digital tools, healthcare, mentorship, and entrepreneurial learning.
Digital Access, Health Security, and Innovation at the Core
This multi-pronged collaboration will enable the creation of a more modern and equitable educational environment. Key interventions include:
- Establishing computer labs equipped with around 3,200 computers and 300 tablets to foster digital learning;
- Installing 1,200 sanitary napkin vending machines and 1,200 incinerators across school campuses and hostels to improve menstrual hygiene and health access for girl students;
- Providing structured mentorship support to enhance academic readiness and confidence;
- Organizing residential boot camps at prestigious institutions like IITs, IIMs, and NITs to expose students to entrepreneurship, innovation, and leadership.
These targeted investments align with national goals to create inclusive education systems under the National Education Policy 2020, while empowering tribal youth with digital literacy and future-ready skills.
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Strengthening EMRS as Engines of Empowerment
EMRS institutions, established by the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, play a pivotal role in delivering quality residential education to Scheduled Tribe (ST) students, along with ensuring their nutritional, health, and overall developmental needs are addressed.
Currently, 479 EMRS are operational across India, forming the backbone of tribal education initiatives. The support from CIL will deepen the impact of these schools in Chhattisgarh, both by enhancing infrastructure and expanding learning opportunities for underserved students.
A Partnership for Equitable Futures
The implementation of this CSR project will be carried out through the National Scheduled Tribes Finance and Development Corporation (NSTFDC), a Section 8 company under the Ministry. By combining policy intent with corporate investment, the MoTA–CIL partnership aims to transform education into a powerful tool for inclusion, self-reliance, and socio-economic advancement among tribal youth.
This initiative is not just about funding infrastructure—it’s about unlocking potential, igniting aspirations, and building a foundation for tribal communities to thrive in the digital era.
About Coal India Limited
Coal India Limited (CIL) is a Maharatna PSU under the Ministry of Coal, Government of India. As the world’s largest coal-producing company, CIL plays a vital role in ensuring India’s energy security. Through a wide array of CSR initiatives, CIL continues to invest in sustainable community development, focusing on education, healthcare, infrastructure, and environmental sustainability—ensuring its impact extends beyond mining to nation-building.
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