NCL, Oil India Ltd sign MoU with NSTFDC to upgrade tribal residential schools

New Delhi: In a significant step towards tribal welfare and educational advancement, Northern Coalfields Limited (NCL) and Oil India Limited (OIL) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the National Scheduled Tribe Finance and Development Corporation (NSTFDC) for CSR-funded infrastructure development in Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS).

PSU Watch is now on Whatsapp Channels. Click here to join

The agreement focuses on empowering tribal students through improved digital learning systems, career mentorship, skill-based initiatives and infrastructure upgrades. “Education is our most powerful tool against generational poverty. When combined with skills and strong institutional partnerships, it ensures that every tribal child receives not just learning, but a real livelihood,” said Ranjana Chopra, Secretary, Ministry of Tribal Affairs.

The MoU has been signed on Thursday, at Dr. Ambedkar International Centre, New Delhi, and exchanged between Smt. Bismita Das, Deputy General Manager, NSTFDC; Smt. Krishna Hazarika Rao, DGM, OIL; and Shri Abhinav Dixit, GM, CSR, NCL. The ceremony was attended by senior officials, including Deputy Director General, Ministry of Coal, Chetna Shukla.

Under the agreement, NCL has sanctioned Rs 5 crore to enhance digital learning infrastructure in 45 EMRS located across Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh, benefitting more than 10,000 tribal students. This support will enable tribal children to access modern learning facilities and equal academic opportunities.

Oil India Limited has sanctioned around Rs 73 lakh to strengthen five EMRS in Arunachal Pradesh by providing diesel generators and solar streetlights. These upgrades will help address power supply challenges commonly faced by schools in remote regions, ensuring uninterrupted education and safer campus environments.

The initiative aligns with the Government of India’s Central Sector Scheme on Eklavya Model Residential Schools, aimed at providing quality education to tribal children. Currently, 479 EMRS institutions are functional across the country, promoting holistic development through technology, academics, and cultural growth.

The partnership is part of a broader effort to enhance socio-economic development among tribal communities by leveraging corporate social responsibility initiatives. It supports the national goal of building a “Viksit Bharat” through inclusive and sustainable growth in education and community development.

(PSU Watch– India's Business News centre that places the spotlight on PSUs, Bureaucracy, Defence and Public Policy is now on Google News. Click here to follow. Also, join PSU Watch Channel in your Telegram. You may also follow us on Twitter here and stay updated.)