A landmark MoU between NSTFDC and HPCL has integrated computer labs and four smart classrooms in 29 Eklavya Model Residential Schools in Rajasthan. The ₹16.01 crore project supports digital learning, competitive exam preparation and equal access for over 10,000 tribal students annually under NEP 2020.
India
-Onindia Staff
National Scheduled Tribe Finance and Development Corporation (NSTFDC) and Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for setting up integrated computer labs and smart classrooms in 29 Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS) in 11 districts of Rajasthan.
The initiative aims to strengthen technology education for tribal students and provide them with better access to digital learning resources and preparation for competitive exams. The MoU was signed in the presence of Ranjana Chopra, Secretary, Ministry of Tribal Affairs (MOTA), T. Rumuana Paite, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Transport and CMD, NSTFDC, Ganesh Nagarajan, Deputy Secretary, Ministry of Transport, and other senior officials.
A landmark MoU between NSTFDC and HPCL has integrated computer labs and four smart classrooms in 29 Eklavya Model Residential Schools in Rajasthan. The ₹16.01 crore project supports digital learning, competitive exam preparation and equal access for over 10,000 tribal students annually under NEP 2020.
The HPCL delegation included Director (HR) K.S. Shetty, CGM, DCO Pawan Kumar Sehgal, CGM, CSR and PRCC Anupam Tiwari, CSR Manager Bhargav Chauhan and CSR Officer Sakshi Dwivedi. NSTFDC was represented by the Annual General Meeting, Projects & CSR Division Bismita Das, General Manager Himanshu Vishwakarma and Project & CSR Manager Vikash Ranjan.
The total budget for the project is ₹16.01 crore as approved by the HPCL Board. The facilities are planned to be completed within six months from the date of signing of the Memorandum.
As part of this initiative, each school will receive four smart classrooms equipped with 86-inch interactive flat panels, pre-loaded licensed software, curated open educational resources and audio-visual equipment including speakers and webcams.
Each school will also have a fully networked computer lab equipped with desktop computers and uninterruptible power supply backup, structured local area network, multi-function printer, furniture, air conditioning, electrical repair and security systems.
Competitive exam support using tablets
To further support students, 10 tablets with study materials for competitive exams will be provided in each school. The project will also provide internet connectivity, including wiring, installation and annual subscription. The 29 EMRS stations covered by the initiative are located in Alwar, Banswara, Baran, Dungarpur, Jaipur, Karauli, Pratapgarh, Sawai Madhopur, Sirohi, Tonk and Udaipur districts of Rajasthan.
More than 10,000 tribal students benefit annually
The project is expected to benefit over 10,000 Scheduled Tribe students every year, with girls equally represented. At full sanctioned capacity, the 29 schools can accommodate up to 13,920 students from classes VI to XII. The majority of these students are expected to be first-generation digital learners, making access to modern technology especially important.
Initiative agreed with NEP 2020
The project is in line with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which emphasizes on the integration of technology in teaching and learning, digital literacy, computational thinking and coding from the secondary stage. The policy also calls for targeted support to socio-economically disadvantaged groups, including tribal children. The initiative is also in line with the overall theme of “Innovative Improvement of Living Standards” prescribed by the Department of Public Enterprises for CSR activities of Central Public Sector Enterprises (CPSEs) in 2026-27 and 2027-28.
Ministry of Tribal Affairs will support implementation
Addressing the gathering, the Secretary, Ministry of Tribal Affairs highlighted the transformative role of education in ensuring multi-generational progress. The Secretary noted that Eklavya Model Boarding Schools provide a pathway for tribal students to higher education and diverse career opportunities. The Secretary also expressed confidence that the initiative supported by HPCL will improve access to technology and opportunities for higher education.
Under the project, NSTFDC will be responsible for implementation and procurement. The National Education Society for Tribal Students (NESTS) will conduct academic review and help prevent duplication of efforts. The EMRS State Society and school directors will be responsible for site readiness and day-to-day use of the facilities.
The Secretary expressed gratitude to HPCL and the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas for supporting the initiative and called the partnership an example of whole-of-government collaboration for the development and empowerment of tribal communities.