Affluent Nirali Rathwa breaks the stereotype by studying in the Eklavya Model Residential School

People have many negative opinions about education and its quality in government schools. But if you ask Nirali Rathwa, who studies in Eklavya Model Residential School of Waghodia and comes from the hinterland of Chhota Udepur, you will change your view. From education, infrastructural facilities, basic needs, to living and dining facilities in the same government school, one would feel good about how much care is being taken by the state government for the educational upliftment of tribal students.

Nirali Mukeshbhai Rathwa, who studied in class- XII (Science) at Eklavya Model Residential School, was admitted in a private school till class VIII. Later she took admission in a government school at Padra. Nirali and her family were informed by their friends about EMRS (Eklavya Model Residential School) post which she got admitted in class- XI (Science) at Eklavya School.

Talking about the facilities provided by the government in Eklavya Model School, “quality and convenient education is provided here by the teachers, but there is also a lot of encouragement to participate in extracurricular activities,” shares Nirali. She comes from a well- to- do family, yet chose to study in a government-run Eklavya School, paving the way for her bright future.

Children of tribal society drop out of education after primary education due to poor economic conditions for further studies. But, this school does not charge any kind of fee from the students. So, the economic situation does not hinder their education. Apart from this, all the facilities are provided to the students here. Three meals a day as well as stationery, uniform and hostel accommodation is free.

The school has a separate hostel for girls and boys, where a 24-hour warden is present. Along with the special care, security concerns also does not bother their parents. Many tribal students like Nirali are studying here and fulfilling their dreams.

Nirali, who is interested in the game of Badminton, secured second position in the Badminton competition held at Chhota Udepur in the year 2018. After getting admission in Eklavya School, in the year 2022, she brought laurels for the school as well as to the family by securing first position in the state level badminton competition held at Kharedi village of Dahod.

EMRS (Eklavya Model Residential School) located at the Gajadhara village of Waghodia, Vadodara is run by the Ministry of Tribal Development, Government of India and Department of Tribal Development, Gujarat State Tribal Education Society (GSTES), Gandhinagar. Only tribal students are admitted in this school.