NEW DELHI: In a significant step towards empowerment of tribal students, Coal India Limited (CIL) under the Ministry of Coal and National Scheduled Tribe Finance and Development Corporation (NSTFDC) under the Ministry of Tribal Affairs signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at empowering tribal students enrolled in Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS). The MoU signing ceremony was held at National Tribal Research Institute, New Delhi in the presence of Union Minister of Coal & Mines G. Kishan Reddy and Union Minister of Tribal Affairs Jual Oram.

The project titled “Empowering Tribal Students in Eklavya Model Residential Schools through Digital Access, Career Mentorship, Menstrual Hygiene, and Teacher Capacity Building” aims to harness the power of education, technology, and holistic development to uplift tribal youth in India. Key components of the project include following:

Digital Education: Distribution of desktops, UPS, and tablets to enhance digital access.

Career Mentorship: Structured programs to guide tribal students in making informed career choices.

Menstrual Hygiene: Installation of sanitary napkin vending machines and incinerators to promote health and dignity for girl students.

In his address, Union Minister of Coal & Mines G. Kishan Reddy appreciated the efforts of CIL in bridging gaps in learning, health, and livelihoods of tribal communities around the mining areas. He emphasised that the vision of a Viksit Bharat can only be realized when tribal communities are uplifted. Minister highlighted Ministry of Coal’s commitment to a whole-of-government approach for tribal welfare. Shri Reddy mentioned that the Eklavya Model Residential Schools represent a foundational step in preparing a modern, empowered generation with access to quality education. He expressed that the collaboration will strengthen the schools and benefit tribal students.

Speaking on the occasion, Union Minister of Tribal Affairs Jual Oram welcomed the initiative and support received from the CIL and expressed confidence that more companies will come forward with dedicated CSR support for tribal education and development.

Vinay Ranjan, Director (HR), Coal India Limited, in his address, reiterated that CIL, under the aegis of the Ministry of Coal, stands at the forefront of nation-building by going beyond coal production and actively contributing to social development in coal-bearing regions. He highlighted the transformative impact of CIL’s CSR programs on education, health, skill development, and women’s empowerment in tribal areas, emphasizing how partnerships with institutions like EMRS and NSTFDC create lasting opportunities for tribal youth.