The Governing Body constituted for establishment and management of Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS) in Jammu and Kashmir convened it’s first meeting to finalise steps for operationalisation of existing EMRS and initiate process for new proposals in uncovered districts and tribal pockets, with focus on giving impetus to education in tribal areas.The board meeting of governing body convened under chairmanship of Secretary Tribal Affairs, Dr Shahid Iqbal Choudhary, was attended by Deputy Commissioner, Anantnag, Dr Piyush Singla (Special Invitee), Musheer Ahmed Mirza, Director, Tribal Affairs Department, Dr Ravi Shankar Sharma, Director School Education, Jammu, Dr Mushtaq Ahmed Rather, Director Health Services, Kashmir, Dr Renu Sharma, Director Health Services, Jammu, Director SSA J&K, Addl Secretary Finance and FA/CAO Tribal Affairs Department, all members of the Governing Body. Secretary, Advisory Board, Jt Director Planning and officers from various departments also participated.The governing body resolved to operationalise 6 Eklavya Model Residential Schools including two in District Rajouri and one each in Districts Poonch, Anantnag, Kulgam and Bandipora. The National Educational Society for Tribal Students (NESTS) based on the proposal submitted by J&K Tribal Affairs Department has issued notification of one Principal and 3 TGTs each for the 6 EMRS meanwhile teaching staff will be deputed by the District Management Committee of J&K EMRS Society till permanent recruitment is made.
It was decided that admissions will be effected through a screening test for current academic session and initially the syllabus of J&K Board of School Education will be adopted till affiliation process with CBSE is completed. Director, Tribal Affairs Department and Secretary, J&K Advisory Board have been designated as nodal officers for coordinating the admission and operationalisation process.Directors of Health Services, Kashmir / Jammu will designate health facilities and doctors for each of the 6 EMRS as per guidelines issued by the Ministry of Tribal Affairs. The residential accommodation to students and staff shall be provided in hired buildings proposed by Deputy Commissioners while as academic activities will be run in Government buildings being refurbished till permanent project construction is completed. EMRS Anantnag and Kulgam will operate from own buildings. First batch of 60 students in class VI will be admitted in current academic session.The board took up the issue of establishment of more Model Residential Schools in tribal concentrated areas of Jammu and Kashmir. Directors of School Education in coordination with concerned Deputy Commissioners will identify potential areas for new EMRS and proposal will be submitted to Tribal Affairs Department for processing sanctions and approval. The adoption of recruitment rules was also discussed.