Tribal Education and Cultural Preservation
EMRS represent a significant government effort to provide quality education to tribal children while simultaneously preserving their rich cultural heritage, ...
The article provides an update on Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS), highlighting their operational status, staff recruitment, and student performance across India, particularly in Telangana. It emphasizes the academic achievements of EMRS students in competitive exams and extracurricular activities. A key focus is on the integral role of EMRS in preserving and promoting tribal culture, language, and traditional knowledge through initiatives like 'Tribal Corners', cultural programs, and recruitment of regional language teachers.
Durable syllabus ideas for revision — not article memory.
EMRS represent a significant government effort to provide quality education to tribal children while simultaneously preserving their rich cultural heritage, ...
Previous year Prelims questions on overlapping themes and topics.
Consider the following statements about Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) in India :
1. PVTGs reside in 18 States and one Union Territory.
2. A stagnant or declining population is one of the criteria for determining PVTG status.
3. There are 95 PVTGs officially notified in the country so far.
4. Irular and Konda Reddi Tribes are included in the list of PVTGs.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
During the fourth Five-Year Plan, a sub-category was created within Scheduled Tribes, known as Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups, to identify groups that are considered to be at a lower level of development. Statement 1 is correct: PVTGs are spread over 18 states and one Union Territory (Andaman & Nicobar Islands) in India. Statement 2 is correct: The criteria for determining PVTG status include a pre-agricultural level of technology, a stagnant or declining population, extremely low literacy, and a subsistence-level of economy. Statement 3 is incorrect: As of now, there are 75 PVTGs officially notified in the country, not 95. Statement 4 is correct: Both Irular and Konda Reddi tribes are included in the list of PVTGs. So, the correct statements are 1, 2, and 4.
Which of the following statements with regard to the persons with disabilities in India is/are correct ?
1. The Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, an Act passed by the Parliament of India in 2018, mandates reservation in education and employment, places a legal duty on Governments to ensure accessibility and non-discrimination.
2. The Sugamya Bharat Abhiyan focuses on achieving universal accessibility for Persons with Disabilities across three key domains — built infrastructure, transport systems and information and communication technology.
3. The National Divyangjan Finance and Development Corporation (NDFDC) is a public sector organisation set up by the Ministry of Corporate Affairs as a not-for-profit company to promote entrepreneurship among Persons with Disabilities (PwDs).
Select the answer using the code given below :
Statement 1 is Incorrect: The Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPwD) Act was passed by the Parliament of India in 2016, not 2018. It aligns with the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and places a legal obligation on governments to ensure non-discrimination and accessibility. It also mandates reservations for PwDs, such as increasing the quota to 4% in government employment and 5% in higher education. Statement 2 is Correct: The Sugamya Bharat Abhiyan (Accessible India Campaign) was launched in 2015 by the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD). It focuses on achieving universal accessibility for Persons with Disabilities across three key domains: built infrastructure (barrier-free public buildings), transport systems (accessible railways, airports, and roads), and information and communication technology (accessible government websites and digital ecosystems). Statement 3 is Incorrect: The National Divyangjan Finance and Development Corporation (NDFDC) is a Central Public Sector Undertaking registered as a not-for-profit company to provide concessional financial assistance to promote entrepreneurship, self-employment, and higher education among PwDs. However, it was set up under the aegis of the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, not the Ministry of Corporate Affairs. Therefore, the correct option is B.
With reference to the Pradhan Mantri Shram Yogi Maan-dhan (PM-SYM) Yojana, consider the following statements:
1. The entry age group for enrolment in the scheme is 21 to 40 years.
2. Age specific contribution shall be made by the beneficiary.
3. Each subscriber under the scheme shall receive a minimum pension of ₹ 3,000 per month after attaining the age of 60 years.
4. Family pension is applicable to the spouse and unmarried daughters.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
With reference to the Pradhan Mantri Shram Yogi Maan-dhan (PM-SYM) Yojana, here's the breakdown of the statements: * Statement 1: Incorrect. The eligible age group for enrolment in the scheme is 18 to 40 years, not 21 to 40 years. This allows younger workers to join early and contribute for a longer period. * Statement 2: Correct. Beneficiaries are required to make age-specific monthly contributions, which increase with age. For instance, contributions start at ₹55 for an 18-year-old and go up to ₹200 for a 40-year-old. * Statement 3: Correct. Subscribers will receive a minimum pension of ₹3,000 per month after attaining 60 years of age. This provides social security for workers in the unorganized sector. * Statement 4: Incorrect. Family pension is available only to the spouse, who will receive 50% of the pension amount after the subscriber's death. Unmarried daughters are not eligible for this benefit.
With reference to ‘National Skills Qualification Framework (NSQF)’, which of the statements given below is/are correct?
1. Under NSQF, a learner can acquire the certification for competency only through formal learning.
2. An outcome expected from the implementation of NSQF is the mobility between vocational and general education.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
Statement 1 is incorrect. Learners can acquire competency certification through various learning methods under NSQF, not just formal learning. This includes. - Formal learning (schools, colleges, training institutions) - Non-formal learning (workshops, skill development programs) - Informal learning (on-the-job experience, self-learning) Statement 2 is correct. One of the key objectives of NSQF is to promote mobility between vocational and general education. The framework establishes a common standard for skills, making it easier for individuals with vocational qualifications to pursue further education or vice versa. This can create a more flexible and inclusive education system.
‘SWAYAM’, an initative of the Government of India, aims at
Under SWAYAM or Study Webs of Active Learning for Young Aspiring Minds programme of the Ministry of Human Resource Development, Government of India, professors and faculties from centrally funded institutions like IITs, IIMs, central universities will offer online courses to citizens of India. SWAYAM is an instrument for self-actualisation providing opportunities for life-long learning. Here, learners can choose from hundreds of courses, virtually every course that is taught at the university/college/school level and these shall be offered by the best of the teachers in India and elsewhere.
‘Mission Indradhanush’ launched by the Government of India pertains to -
Mission Indradhanush launched by the Government of India pertains to immunization. Specifically, it's a special immunization program that aims to - Increase full immunization coverage - Mission Indradhanush targets children under two years old and pregnant women to ensure they receive all the recommended vaccines for protection against vaccine-preventable diseases. - Focus on low-coverage areas - Improve routine immunization By focusing on these aspects, Mission Indradhanush aims to improve overall child health and reduce the burden of vaccine-preventable diseases in India. Hence, option A is the correct answer.
‘Rashtriya Garima Abhiyaan’ is a national campaign to -
Rashtriya Garima Abhiyaan is a national campaign to eradicate the practice of manual scavenging and rehabilitate manual scavengers in India. It was launched in 2001 by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment with the aim of:
- Eliminating manual scavenging: This involves identifying and prohibiting the practice of manual cleaning of human excreta from sewers, septic tanks, and other unsanitary places.
- Rehabilitating manual scavengers: This includes providing alternative livelihoods, social security, and educational opportunities to those who have been engaged in manual scavenging.
Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana has been launched for -
PMJDY is a National Mission on Financial Inclusion encompassing an integrated approach to bring about comprehensive financial inclusion of all households in the country. The plan envisages: - Universal access to banking facilities with at least one basic banking account for every household.
- Financial literacy.
- Access to credit.
- Insurance and pension facility.
With reference to the 'Pradhan Mantri Surakshit Matritva Abhiyan', consider the following statements:
1. This scheme guarantees a minimum package of antenatal care services to women in their second and third trimesters of pregnancy and six months post-delivery health care service in any government health facility.
2. Under this scheme, private sector health care providers of certain specialities can volunteer to provide services at nearby government health facilities.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
* Statement 1: Incorrect. The Pradhan Mantri Surakshit Matritva Abhiyan (PMSMA) provides a minimum package of antenatal care (ANC) services only during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy. It does not cover post-delivery health care services for six months. The focus is on ensuring safe pregnancies through early detection and management of high-risk cases. * Statement 2: Correct. Under PMSMA, private sector health care providers (such as gynecologists, radiologists, and physicians) can volunteer to provide free services at nearby government health facilities on the 9th of every month. This public-private partnership enhances access to specialized care for pregnant women.
Consider the following statements in relation to Janani Suraksha Yojana:
1. It is safe motherhood intervention of the State Health Departments.
2. Its objective is to reduce maternal and neonatal mortality among poor pregnant women.
3. It aims to promote institutional delivery among poor pregnant women.
4. Its objective includes providing public health facilities to sick infants up to one year of age.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
Statement 1 is incorrect: Janani Suraksha Yojana (JSY) is a 100% Centrally Sponsored Scheme under the National Health Mission (NHM). It is a central intervention implemented by states, not an intervention of the State Health Departments. Statement 2 is correct: The primary objective is to reduce maternal and neonatal mortality by encouraging safe, institutional births. Statement 3 is correct: The scheme provides a cash incentive to mothers to promote institutional delivery, particularly among those from BPL, SC, and ST households. Statement 4 is incorrect: While care for sick infants is a priority under the National Health Mission, the provision of free facilities for sick infants up to one year of age is specifically a feature of the Janani Shishu Suraksha Karyakram (JSSK) launched in 2011. JSY, launched in 2005, is primarily a conditional cash transfer scheme for delivery.
Previous year Mains questions mapped to overlapping GS syllabus topics.
The National Commission for Protection of Child Rights has to address the challenges faced by children in the digital era. Examine the existing policies and suggest measures the Commission can initiate to tackle the issue.
Examine the evolving pattern of Centre-State financial relations in the context of planned development in India. How far have the recent reforms impacted the fiscal federalism in India?
Discuss the evolution of collegium system in India. Critically examine the advantages and disadvantages of the system of appointment of the Judges of the Supreme Court of India and that of the USA.
Indian Constitution has conferred the amending power on the ordinary legislative institutions with a few procedural hurdles. In view of this statement, examine the procedural and substantive limitations on the amending power of the Parliament to change the Constitution.
Women's social capital complements in advancing empowerment and gender equity. Explain.
Discuss the nature of Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly after the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganization Act, 2019. Briefly describe the powers and functions of the Assembly of the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir.
MCQs drawn from today's published current affairs.
Statement 1 is correct as the article explicitly states, 'The preservation and promotion of tribal culture, language and traditional knowledge are integral components of the Eklavya Model Residential School (EMRS) Scheme.' Statement 2 is correct as '194 students from Telangana have successfully qualified the JEE/NEET examinations during the last two academic years.' Statement 3 is incorrect; the Union Minister informed about recruitment, and State Governments were advised to depute staff, implying a shared or central role in recruitment. Statement 4 is incorrect; the article highlights academic achievements and competitive exam success, not primarily vocational training.
Statements 1, 2, and 3 are explicitly mentioned in the article: 'Tribal Corners have been established in EMRSs to showcase and preserve the culture, traditions, art, crafts and heritage of tribal communities. Cultural Programs, Meets and workshops are organized... Further, Regional Language Teachers have been recruited in EMRSs enabling students to learn and preserve their regional languages.' Statement 4 is not mentioned in the article.
Statement 1 is correct: 'in the State of Telangana, 23 EMRSs have been sanctioned and all are functional including one in alternative building.' Statement 2 is incorrect: The Class 10th results for Telangana EMRSs were 99.85%, 100%, and 99% for the last three academic years, not 100% for all three years. Statement 3 is correct: 'In 4th EMRS National Sports Meet held in 2025, Telangana secured first position among all participating States by achieving the highest medal tally.'
Approach: Introduce EMRS and its dual objectives. Elaborate on how EMRS promotes academic excellence and preserves tribal culture, citing examples from the article. Discuss the significance of this integrated approach for tribal development and empowerment, and conclude with potential challenges or future prospects.
Approach: Begin by outlining the dual aim of EMRS. Detail the specific strategies employed for cultural preservation (e.g., Tribal Corners, cultural programs, regional language teachers) and how they coexist with modern academic pursuits. Discuss the positive impact of these strategies on tribal empowerment and identity, while briefly acknowledging any inherent challenges in maintaining such a balance.