On 16 November 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi virtually laid the foundation stone for a new Eklavya Model Residential School (EMRS) at Kombo in the West Siang district of Arunachal Pradesh. The decision marks a major stride toward improving education for tribal communities in the region. It also highlights the Centre’s ongoing push to develop the Northeast through stronger public infrastructure.
The EMRS network, which focuses on education for Scheduled Tribe students, has been growing quickly. The new school in West Siang adds fresh momentum to that national expansion. It will also help students from remote villages gain steady access to modern schooling.
A Major Boost for Tribal Education in Arunachal Pradesh
The EMRS network is designed to provide free, high-quality residential schooling from Classes VI to XII for students belonging to Scheduled Tribes. With the West Siang project now underway, Arunachal Pradesh is set to strengthen its position as one of the key beneficiaries of the Tribal Affairs Ministry’s educational push.
West Siang’s EMRS to Support Remote Communities
Kombo, located in the West Siang district, is home to several tribal communities that often face barriers to accessing structured, consistent schooling. The new EMRS will help bridge this gap by offering a fully residential model, equipped with:
- classrooms and laboratories
- sports complexes
- hostels for boys and girls
- teachers’ quarters
- modern digital learning facilities
Officials highlighted that the school is expected to support hundreds of students once operational, easing the burden on families who currently send children far from home for quality education.
PM Modi Emphasises Northeast Development Vision
While laying the foundation stone virtually, Prime Minister Narendra Modi reiterated the Centre’s commitment to balanced regional development, particularly in the Northeast. He stressed that the EMRS projects, along with road, healthcare, and connectivity initiatives, form the backbone of India’s promise to uplift remote districts.
Education as a Cornerstone of the Northeast’s Growth Story
The Prime Minister noted that education must remain at the heart of the Northeast’s development journey. With many tribal communities still battling educational inequities, the EMRS scheme is intended to act as a transformational force.
This aligns with the Centre’s broader policy push, which includes strengthening infrastructure, enhancing digital access, and boosting employment opportunities. The EMRS commitment is also in line with the National Education Policy (NEP), which encourages equitable learning opportunities for marginalized regions.
Arunachal Pradesh Welcomes the New Project
State officials and local leaders in Arunachal Pradesh welcomed the new EMRS as a “historic step” toward empowering tribal students in West Siang. They noted that the district has needed a major residential school for several years, especially one capable of supporting students from sparsely populated and difficult-to-reach areas.
Local Communities Expect Long-Term Benefits
Communities in Kombo and surrounding villages expressed optimism that the new EMRS will:
- reduce dropout rates
- improve exam performance
- support cultural preservation through inclusive curriculum
- create jobs for local residents
- strengthen long-term development of the region
Stakeholders also highlighted that improved access to education often leads to better social indicators, including health and livelihoods, which have remained a challenge in remote pockets of the district.
Part of a Larger National Expansion of EMRS Schools
The project in West Siang is one of several EMRS institutions approved across India in recent years. With the government targeting wider coverage in Scheduled Tribe–dominated districts, 2025 has seen accelerated construction and sanctioning of new schools.
These schools follow a standardized model to ensure uniform quality of infrastructure and teaching. The Ministry of Tribal Affairs has also emphasized continued investment in teacher training, sports facilities, and technology integration.
A Call to Action for Citizens and Local Stakeholders
The launch of the EMRS in West Siang is not only a government milestone but also an opportunity for civil society and local communities to collaborate in strengthening the school ecosystem.
Residents, educators, and organizations can take part by:
- supporting awareness drives so more students enroll
- partnering with authorities to maintain school infrastructure
- promoting extracurricular and cultural activities
- volunteering for mentorship and skill-building programs
The EMRS model thrives when local communities actively participate in shaping a nurturing learning environment.
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The EMRS foundation stone in West Siang, laid on 16 November 2025, marks a significant moment for tribal education in Arunachal Pradesh. As construction begins, the project stands as a symbol of India’s ongoing commitment to uplifting remote regions and ensuring that every child—regardless of geography—has access to opportunity.