Education / President Murmu felicitates OMTES Secretary for strengthening tribal education in Odisha

Bhubaneswar, Nov 13: The Odisha Model Tribal Education Society (OMTES) has earned national recognition for its role in advancing tribal education in Odisha, with its Secretary, Surendra Kumar Meena, being felicitated by the President Droupadi Murmu during the Janjatiya Gourav Pakhwada programme, officials said on Friday.

The honour highlights the contribution of OMTES, functioning under the ST & SC Development Department of the Government of Odisha, in strengthening the State's tribal education ecosystem through institutional leadership, strategic planning and sustained administrative support.

Over the years, OMTES has played a pivotal role in facilitating the growth and effective functioning of Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRSs) across Odisha. The expansion of the residential school network reflects the government's commitment to ensuring greater access to quality education for tribal students, particularly in remote and underserved regions.

At present, 71 EMRSs are functioning across the State, providing residential education and improved learning opportunities to tribal children. The schools form a key component of Odisha's efforts to promote educational inclusion and enhance academic outcomes among tribal communities.

Collective achievement

The felicitation of Meena is also seen as recognition of the collective efforts of officers, administrators and stakeholders associated with the implementation of the EMRS programme in Odisha.

OMTES has extended special appreciation to EMRS Ranki, EMRS Karanjia, and the district administrations of Keonjhar and Mayurbhanj for their dedicated efforts and significant contributions towards achieving important milestones in tribal education.

The society also acknowledged the continued guidance, support and encouragement provided by the National Education Society for Tribal Students (NESTS) under the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, Government of India, in furthering the objectives of the Eklavya Model Residential School initiative.

The recognition at the national level underscores Odisha's ongoing efforts to strengthen educational opportunities for tribal students and expand access to quality residential schooling across the State. OMTES officials noted that the achievement reflects a sustained commitment to improving educational outcomes and creating an enabling learning environment for tribal children through the expanding EMRS network.