Eklavya Model Residential Schools in Nagaland set for rollout as state targets 19 openings by 2027

The Nagaland government said it is working to operationalise at least 19 under-construction Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS) across the state by next year. Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio told the Assembly that projects fall under old and new scheme phases, with Phenshunyu and Kade nearing completion and other sites progressing in several districts.

The Nagaland government said it is working to make at least 19 under-construction Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS) functional across the state by next year. Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio gave the update in the assembly. The details came in a written reply to a starred question asked by JDU MLA Jwenga Seb.

Rio told the House that EMRS works in Nagaland fall under two parts of the scheme. The projects are grouped under an old phase and a new phase. Rio said the earlier phase was handled by the Planning Department. Rio added that the Department of Tribal Affairs is carrying out the new phase.

Nagaland EMRS projects under the new phase

Rio said EMRS buildings are now being constructed at Chiechama in Kohima district and Tuli in Mokokchung district. Work is also going on at Pelhang in Peren district and Vidima in Dimapur district. Projects are also underway at Riphyim in Wokha district and Phelungre in Kiphire district.

These new phase sites have physical progress from about 33 per cent to over 60 per cent, Rio said. The government has set December 2027 as the completion target for these projects. Rio did not list separate progress figures for each location in the reply.

Nagaland EMRS projects in other Department of Tribal Affairs sites

Rio also said the Department of Tribal Affairs is implementing several other EMRS projects. The locations named were Watiyim, Longwa and Tening. The list also included Longsa, Noklak and Noksen. Rio further cited Akhakhu, Japu, Botsa, Tamlu and Yimjenkimong.

Nagaland EMRS projects under the old phase

Under the old scheme, Rio said an EMRS at Phenshunyu in Tseminyu district reached about 75 per cent physical progress. The same project has crossed 96 per cent financial progress, Rio said. Another EMRS at Kade in Phek district has around 60 per cent physical progress. Rio said it has already recorded full financial progress.

Rio said both old phase projects are expected to be completed by next month. The overall update placed the schools within the broader target to operationalise at least 19 EMRS across Nagaland by next year. The government’s reply outlined which departments are handling each phase and where work is currently underway.

With inputs from PTI