Prime Minister Narendra Modi today virtually inaugurated a new Eklavya Model Residential School (EMRS) at Songpekjang Village under Sadar Hills West in Kangpokpi District marking a major boost to quality residential education for tribal students in Manipur.
The foundation stone for the 480-seat modern residential school was unveiled simultaneously at the project site by the Deputy Commissioner of Kangpokpi, Mahesh Chaudhari.
The EMRS initiative, spearheaded by the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, aims to provide free, high-quality residential education to tribal children across the country. The newly sanctioned school at Songpekjang is expected to significantly enhance educational access and opportunities for students in Kangpokpi district and neighbouring tribal regions.
The virtual ceremony, led by the Prime Minister, was held in the august presence of senior dignitaries including Governor of Manipur Ajay Kumar Bhalla, Union Minister of Culture & Tourism Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Union Minister of Tribal Affairs Jual Oram, Union MoS of Tribal Affairs Durgadas Uikey, and MP (Outer Manipur) Alfred K. Arthur.
A public event organised by the District Administration, Kangpokpi, at the school site saw the participation of local leaders, villagers, government officials, school principals, and students.
The programme included the live webcasting of the Prime Minister’s national address, followed by the unveiling of the foundation plaque, a speech from the Deputy Commissioner, and a vote of thanks delivered by Samuel Misao, MCS.
Unveiling the foundation stone, Deputy Commissioner Kangpokpi, Mahesh Chaudhari, described the occasion as a milestone achievement and an important day for the district, noting that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had virtually laid the foundation stone for yet another Eklavya Model Residential School from Gujarat.
“We are glad to receive another EMRS at Songpekjang, and I am confident that this new institution will become a game changer for this entire region,” the IAS officer said.
Expressing heartfelt gratitude to the Prime Minister for sanctioning and laying the foundation stone of the new EMRS, the Deputy Commissioner also encouraged educational institutions in the district to engage in healthy competition aimed at raising academic standards and overall excellence.
With this new EMRS, Kangpokpi district moves a step closer to strengthening tribal education infrastructure, aligning with the government’s broader vision of empowering tribal communities through improved access to modern, holistic learning environments
The Hills Journal
K. Salbung, Churachandpur
Manipur-795128
