New Delhi: The National Scheduled Tribes Finance and Development Corporation (NSTFDC) and Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish integrated Computer Lab-cum-Smart Classroom facilities in 29 functional Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS) across 11 districts of Rajasthan.
The initiative aims to strengthen digital learning infrastructure and provide better access to technology-enabled education for Scheduled Tribe students.
₹16.01-Crore Project to Be Completed in Six Months
The project has a total budget of ₹16.01 crore, which has been approved by the HPCL Board. The facilities are planned to be completed within six months from the date of signing of the MoU.
The MoU was signed in the presence of Ranjana Chopra, Secretary, Ministry of Tribal Affairs (MoTA), T. Roumuan Paite, Joint Secretary, MoTA and CMD, NSTFDC, Ganesh Nagarajan, Deputy Secretary, MoTA, and other senior officials.
The HPCL delegation included:
- K.S. Shetty, Director (HR)
- Pawan Kumar Sehgal, CGM, DCO
- Anupam Tiwari, CGM, CSR & PRCC
- Bhargav Chauhan, Manager, CSR
- Sakshi Dwivedi, Officer, CSR
The NSTFDC delegation included Bismita Das, AGM, Projects & CSR; Himanshu Vishwakarma, Chief Manager; and Vikash Ranjan, Manager, Projects & CSR.
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29 EMRS Schools to Get Smart Classrooms and Computer Labs
Under the project, each of the 29 schools will receive four smart classrooms equipped with modern digital learning facilities.
The smart classrooms will include:
- 86-inch interactive flat panels
- Pre-loaded licensed software
- Curated open educational resources
- Speakers and webcams
- Audio-visual equipment
Each school will also receive a fully networked computer laboratory with:
- Desktop computers
- UPS backup
- Structured LAN
- Multi-function printer
- Furniture
- Air-conditioning
- Electrical refurbishment
- Safety systems
In addition, 10 tablets pre-loaded with coaching material for competitive examinations will be provided to each school.
The project will also provide internet connectivity, including wiring, installation and a one-year subscription.
More Than 10,000 Tribal Students to Benefit Annually
The 29 EMRS covered under the project are located across 11 districts of Rajasthan:
- Alwar
- Banswara
- Baran
- Dungarpur
- Jaipur
- Karauli
- Pratapgarh
- Sawai Madhopur
- Sirohi
- Tonk
- Udaipur
The technology-enabled facilities are expected to benefit more than 10,000 Scheduled Tribe students every year, with equal representation of girls.
At full sanctioned capacity, the schools can accommodate up to 13,920 students from Classes VI to XII. Most of these students are expected to be first-generation digital learners.
Project Aligned with National Education Policy 2020
The initiative is aligned with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which emphasises the integration of technology into teaching and learning, digital literacy and computational thinking and coding from the middle stage. The project also provides targeted support to socio-economically disadvantaged groups, including tribal children.
The initiative conforms to the common theme of “Innovative Livelihood Enhancement” prescribed by the Department of Public Enterprises for CSR activities of Central Public Sector Enterprises (CPSEs) during 2026–27 and 2027–28.
Ministry of Tribal Affairs Highlights Education and Technology Access
Addressing the gathering, the Secretary, Ministry of Tribal Affairs, highlighted the role of education in enabling multi-generational progress.The Secretary said that EMRS are creating pathways for tribal students towards higher education and diverse career opportunities. The Secretary also expressed confidence that the HPCL-supported initiative would strengthen access to technology and opportunities for higher learning.
The Secretary thanked HPCL and the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas for supporting the initiative and described the partnership as an example of coordinated government efforts for tribal development.
NSTFDC, NESTS and State EMRS Society to Support Implementation
The project will use the institutional ecosystem of the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, with different organisations assigned specific responsibilities.
- NSTFDC: Implementation and procurement
- NESTS: Academic validation and prevention of duplication
- State EMRS Society and school Principals: Site readiness and day-to-day use of the facilities
The coordinated implementation is aimed at ensuring that the new digital infrastructure is effectively integrated into the academic environment of the schools.
About HPCL
Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL) is a leading Indian oil and gas company engaged in refining, marketing and distribution of petroleum products. HPCL operates refineries, fuel retail outlets and other energy infrastructure across India and is a Maharatna Central Public Sector Enterprise under the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas.
About NSTFDC
National Scheduled Tribes Finance and Development Corporation (NSTFDC) is a government organisation under the Ministry of Tribal Affairs. It works towards the socio-economic development of Scheduled Tribes through financial assistance, development programmes and initiatives aimed at improving livelihood and opportunities for tribal communities.
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