Bhubaneswar: Secretary of the Odisha Model Tribal Education Society (OMTES), Surendra Kumar Meena, was felicitated by the President of India for his significant contribution to strengthening tribal education in Odisha during the Janjatiya Gaurav Pakhwada programme, officials said on Friday.
OMTES, functioning under the ST & SC Development Department of the Government of Odisha, has been playing a key role in strengthening and expanding the tribal education ecosystem across the State through institutional leadership, strategic guidance and sustained administrative efforts.
The society has made significant contributions to the effective functioning and expansion of Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRSs) in Odisha. At present, 71 EMRSs are functioning across the State, reflecting the government’s commitment to providing quality residential education and better learning opportunities to tribal students.
Meena’s felicitation recognises his dedicated efforts towards the advancement of tribal education and acknowledges the collective contributions of officers and stakeholders associated with the EMRS initiative in the State.
Special appreciation was also extended to EMRS Ranki, EMRS Karanjia and the district administrations of Keonjhar and Mayurbhanj for their commendable contributions and dedicated efforts in achieving these milestones.
OMTES also acknowledged the continued guidance, support and encouragement extended by the National Education Society for Tribal Students (NESTS), under the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, Government of India, in furthering the objectives of the EMRS initiative.
The recognition highlights the collective efforts of the State and Central governments, educational institutions and administrative stakeholders in expanding access to quality education for tribal students across Odisha.
