MoU Signing Ceremony
The MoU was signed on 5th January 2026 at the Dr. Ambedkar International Centre in New Delhi. The agreement was exchanged between Smt. Bismita Das, Deputy General Manager of NSTFDC, and Dr. Debasish Mukharjee, CSR Head at ONGC, in the presence of Smt. Ranjana Chopra, Secretary of Tribal Affairs, along with senior officials from both Ministries and ONGC.
Smt. Ranjana Chopra emphasized, “By strengthening education, we sow the seeds of lasting development and build the foundation of an empowered society,” highlighting the importance of the initiative in transforming tribal communities.
CSR-Funded Project Details
ONGC has sanctioned Rs. 28 crores for the project to support 144 EMRS across 11 States and Union Territories, including Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir, Kerala, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Dadra & Nagar Haveli and Daman & Diu. The initiative will benefit over 35,000 tribal students by improving digital learning infrastructure, health and hygiene facilities, teacher capacity building, career counseling, and entrepreneurship training.
Specific interventions include sanitary pad vending machines and incinerators for girl students, enhancing both education and health standards within the schools. The program also aims to equip students with the skills necessary to access equal opportunities and build sustainable futures.
EMRS: A Platform for Tribal Empowerment
The Ministry of Tribal Affairs oversees the Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS) under a Central Sector Scheme designed to provide quality education to tribal students. Currently, there are 499 functional EMRS across India, offering a blend of academics, technology, and holistic development opportunities to nurture the next generation of tribal youth.
Through partnerships with corporate entities like ONGC, the Ministry aims to ensure modern educational facilities, mentorship programs, and career guidance are accessible to tribal students, bridging gaps in socio-economic development.
Impact on Tribal Communities
This collaboration forms part of a broader effort between the Ministry of Tribal Affairs and the corporate sector to foster socio-economic growth among tribal populations. The initiative promotes education, entrepreneurship, and skill development, enabling tribal youth to participate meaningfully in India’s development journey toward Viksit Bharat.
By leveraging CSR funding for infrastructure and digital education, the MoU sets a model for how public and private sectors can collaborate for inclusive growth and equitable access to quality education.
