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ONGC Signs MoU With NSTFDC to Support EMRS Infrastructure

2026-01-06

Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the National Scheduled Tribes Finance and Development Corporation (NSTFDC) to support infrastructure development and student empowerment at Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS) through corporate social responsibility (CSR) funding.

ONGC, a Maharatna public sector enterprise under the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, entered into the agreement with NSTFDC, an autonomous body under the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, as part of efforts to enhance educational and career opportunities for tribal youth. The collaboration focuses on career mentorship, digital education and strengthening of school infrastructure at EMRS institutions across the country.

The MoU was signed on January 5, 2026, at Dr Ambedkar International Centre in New Delhi. The agreement was exchanged between Bismita Das, Deputy General Manager, NSTFDC, and Dr Debasish Mukharjee, CSR Head, ONGC, in the presence of senior officials from the Ministry of Tribal Affairs and ONGC, including Ranjana Chopra, Secretary, Ministry of Tribal Affairs, and other dignitaries.

The Ministry of Tribal Affairs is implementing the central sector scheme of Eklavya Model Residential Schools to provide quality education to tribal students through a holistic approach that integrates academics, technology and overall development. As of now, 499 EMRS are functional across the country.

Under the CSR-funded project, ONGC has sanctioned Rs 280 million to strengthen digital learning infrastructure, improve health and hygiene facilities for girl students, and support capacity building of teachers. The initiative also includes career counselling and entrepreneurship training for students. These interventions will be implemented across 144 EMRS located in 11 states and Union Territories, including Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, Kerala, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand.

The initiative is expected to benefit over 35,000 tribal students by improving access to quality education and equal opportunities. The collaboration forms part of a broader effort between the Ministry of Tribal Affairs and the corporate sector to support the socio-economic development of tribal communities in line with the vision of Viksit Bharat.

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