NSTFDC, HPCL Sign MoU to Set Up Smart Classrooms and Computer Labs in 29 Tribal Schools in Rajasthan

The National Scheduled Tribes Finance and Development Corporation (NSTFDC) and Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish integrated Computer Lab-cum-Smart Classroom facilities in 29 functional Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS) across 11 districts of Rajasthan.

The initiative aims to strengthen technology-enabled education for tribal students and provide them with better access to digital learning resources and competitive examination preparation. The MoU was signed in the presence of Ranjana Chopra, Secretary, Ministry of Tribal Affairs (MoTA), T. Roumuan Paite, Joint Secretary, MoTA and CMD, NSTFDC, Ganesh Nagarajan, Deputy Secretary, MoTA, and other senior officials.

The HPCL delegation included Director (HR) K.S. Shetty, CGM, DCO Pawan Kumar Sehgal, CGM, CSR & PRCC Anupam Tiwari, Manager, CSR Bhargav Chauhan and Officer, CSR Sakshi Dwivedi. NSTFDC was represented by AGM, Projects & CSR Bismita Das, Chief Manager Himanshu Vishwakarma and Manager, Projects & CSR Vikash Ranjan.

The project has a total budget of ₹16.01 crore, approved by the HPCL Board. The facilities are planned to be completed within six months from the date of signing of the MoU.

Under the initiative, each school will receive four smart classrooms equipped with 86-inch interactive flat panels, pre-loaded licensed software, curated open educational resources and audio-visual equipment, including speakers and webcams.

Each school will also have a fully networked computer laboratory equipped with desktop computers and UPS backup, structured LAN, a multi-function printer, furniture, air-conditioning, electrical refurbishment and safety systems.

Competitive Exam Support Through Tablets

To further support students, 10 tablets pre-loaded with coaching material for competitive examinations will be provided at each school. Internet connectivity, including wiring, installation and a one-year subscription, will also be made available under the project. The 29 EMRSs covered by the initiative are located in Alwar, Banswara, Baran, Dungarpur, Jaipur, Karauli, Pratapgarh, Sawai Madhopur, Sirohi, Tonk and Udaipur districts of Rajasthan.

More Than 10,000 Tribal Students to Benefit Annually

The project is expected to benefit more than 10,000 Scheduled Tribe students every year, with equal representation of girls. At full sanctioned capacity, the 29 schools can accommodate up to 13,920 students from Classes VI to XII. Most of these students are expected to be first-generation digital learners, making access to modern technology particularly significant.

Initiative Aligned With NEP 2020

The project is aligned with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which emphasizes the integration of technology into teaching and learning, digital literacy and computational thinking and coding from the middle stage. The policy also calls for targeted support to socio-economically disadvantaged groups, including tribal children. The initiative also conforms to the common theme of "Innovative Livelihood Enhancement" prescribed by the Department of Public Enterprises for CSR activities of Central Public Sector Enterprises (CPSEs) during 2026-27 and 2027-28.

Ministry of Tribal Affairs to Support Implementation

Addressing the gathering, the Secretary, Ministry of Tribal Affairs, highlighted the transformative role of education in enabling multi-generational progress. The Secretary noted that Eklavya Model Residential Schools are creating pathways for tribal students towards higher education and diverse career opportunities. The Secretary also expressed confidence that the HPCL-supported initiative would strengthen access to technology and opportunities for higher learning.

Under the project, NSTFDC will be responsible for implementation and procurement. The National Education Society for Tribal Students (NESTS) will undertake academic validation and help prevent duplication of efforts. The State EMRS Society and school Principals will be responsible for site readiness and the day-to-day use of the facilities.

The Secretary expressed gratitude to HPCL and the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas for supporting the initiative and described the partnership as an example of whole-of-government collaboration for the development and empowerment of tribal communities.