Prime Minister Narendra Modi today virtually inaugurated a new Eklavya Model Residential School (EMRS) at Songpekjang Village under Sadar Hills West, giving a significant push to quality residential education for tribal students in Manipur.
Simultaneously at the project site, the Deputy Commissioner of Kangpokpi, Mahesh Chaudhari, unveiled the foundation stone, marking the start of construction for the modern 480-seat residential institution.
A Major Leap Toward Educational Equity
The EMRS at Songpekjang is part of the national initiative spearheaded by the Ministry of Tribal Affairs to provide free, high-quality, residential education to tribal children. The school promises modern classrooms, hostels, technology-enabled learning, and holistic development facilities for students from Kangpokpi district and neighbouring tribal regions.
Officials noted that the new school will significantly improve access to structured learning for students who often travel long distances or face limited educational infrastructure.
Leaders Join Virtual Ceremony
The national-level virtual ceremony witnessed the presence of several top dignitaries, including:
Ajay Kumar Bhalla, Governor of Manipur
Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Union Minister of Culture & Tourism
Jual Oram, Union Minister of Tribal Affairs
Durgadas Uikey, Union MoS for Tribal Affairs
Alfred K. Arthur, MP (Outer Manipur)
The event was also attended locally by community leaders, village representatives, school principals, students, and district officials.
Foundation Stone Unveiled on Ground in Kangpokpi
At Songpekjang, the District Administration organised a public gathering at the EMRS site. The programme featured:
Live webcasting of the Prime Minister’s national address
Unveiling of the foundation stone
A speech by the Deputy Commissioner
Vote of thanks delivered by Samuel Misao, MCS
Deputy Commissioner Mahesh Chaudhari, after unveiling the plaque, described the moment as a milestone for the district, emphasising its long-term impact on the educational landscape.
He noted that the Prime Minister had also laid the foundation stone for another EMRS from Gujarat on the same day, reflecting the Centre’s commitment to expanding tribal education nationwide.
“A Game Changer for the Region”
Speaking at the ceremony, Chaudhari expressed gratitude to the Prime Minister for sanctioning the new EMRS and reaffirmed the district administration’s commitment to ensuring its successful implementation.
“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,”
he said.
He encouraged all educational institutions in the district to engage in healthy academic competition, aiming to raise standards and promote excellence across Kangpokpi.
Step Forward for Tribal Empowerment
The introduction of this EMRS aligns with the government’s broader vision of empowering tribal communities through modern education, improved infrastructure, and equal opportunities.
With its dedicated residential model, the school is expected to:
Reduce educational barriers for tribal students
Provide access to quality teaching and co-curricular development
Strengthen academic continuity for children from remote villages
Support long-term socio-economic upliftment
Local residents welcomed the announcement, calling it a “historic step” for the region’s youth.