Eklavya Model Residential School (EMRS), Dhanghera, stands as a symbol of hope, empowerment, and inclusive education in the tribal-dominated region of Mayurbhanj district, Odisha. Established under the visionary scheme of the Ministry of Tribal Affairs and the ST & SC Development Department of Odisha, the school is dedicated to providing quality education to tribal children in remote and underserved areas. Since its inception in the academic session of 2000–2001, EMRS Dhanghera has steadily grown into a center of academic excellence and cultural pride, transforming the lives of hundreds of tribal students.

Our Genesis and Growth

EMRS Dhanghera was initially conceptualized as a Model Tribal School to bridge the educational gap among Scheduled Tribe communities. The school began its journey on the premises of Government High School (SSD), Basipitha, following the order no. 21109 dated 07-07-2000 issued by the ST & SC Development Department, Odisha. Recognizing the need for a dedicated space and infrastructure, the school was later renamed as “Eklavya Model Residential School” and shifted to its permanent campus at Dhanghera on 21st November 2003, as per order no. 4344/SSD dated 21-01-2003 and D.O. No. 94 dated 06-09-2003 from the Secretary of OMTES (Odisha Model Tribal Education Society). The establishment of EMRS Dhanghera was in line with the national initiative to provide integrated education to tribal students from Class VI to XII with a focus on both academic and co-curricular excellence. The school was formed not only as a place of learning but as an institution that could instill confidence, values, and leadership qualities in the children of tribal communities.

Academic Framework and Student Strength

Currently, EMRS Dhanghera operates with classes ranging from VI to XII and has a sanctioned strength of 420 students. The school maintains a balanced and inclusive admission policy, offering equal opportunities to boys and girls. Each class is structured to include an equal number of male and female boarders, along with a small number of day scholars—three boys and three girls per class. The holistic residential setup ensures a focused and nurturing environment for students, where learning continues beyond the classroom. Apart from academic instruction, students receive guidance in personality development, discipline, health, sports, and cultural activities—essential elements for the all-round development of young minds.

Milestones in Examinations

The school presented its first batch of Class X students for the HSC Examination in 2005. It later presented students for the CHSE examination in 2008 and the CBSE HSC (Class X) exam in 2016. The school achieved another milestone by presenting its first batch of students for the CBSE Class XII examination in 2018. These benchmarks highlight EMRS Dhanghera’s progress in aligning itself with mainstream educational frameworks and achieving academic credibility at the state and national levels.