New Delhi: Northern Coalfields Limited (NCL) and Oil India Limited (OIL) have signed an MoU with the National Scheduled Tribe Finance and Development Corporation (NSTFDC) to support infrastructure development in Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS) through CSR funding. The initiative aims to boost learning outcomes for tribal students by improving digital access, career guidance, skill development and essential facilities.
At the signing ceremony in New Delhi, Tribal Affairs Secretary Ranjana Chopra said, “Education is our most powerful tool against generational poverty. When combined with skills and strong institutional partnerships, it ensures that every tribal child receives not just learning, but a real livelihood”.
The MoU was exchanged between Bismita Das, Deputy General Manager, NSTFDC, Krishna Hazarika Rao, Deputy General Manager, OIL, and Abhinav Dixit, General Manager, CSR, NCL, in the presence of officials from the Ministry of Tribal Affairs and Ministry of Coal.
Under the agreement, NCL has approved Rs 5 crore to upgrade digital learning infrastructure in 45 EMRS across Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh, benefitting more than 10,000 students. The funding will support classroom technology and access to modern learning tools.
OIL has sanctioned around Rs 73 lakh to strengthen five EMRS in Arunachal Pradesh by providing diesel generators and solar streetlights. These additions are expected to reduce power-related disruptions and enhance campus safety in remote locations.
The initiative supports the Central Sector Scheme on Eklavya Model Residential Schools, which aims to provide high-quality education for tribal children. A total of 479 EMRS are currently functional across the country.
The partnership forms part of a broader push to advance education and community development among tribal populations by integrating corporate social responsibility resources with government programmes.
BI Bureau
