Member of the Nagaland Legislative Assembly, Jwenga Seb raised two starred questions in the House regarding the status of sanctioned Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS) in the state during the Eighth Session of the 14th Nagaland Legislative Assembly at NLA Hall, Kohima on 12th March 2026. He also sought clarification on when the work orders for the construction of the schools were issued and the stipulated completion timelines.
Responding to the queries, Chief Minister, Dr. Neiphiu Rio provided a detailed report on the implementation of the scheme. He informed that the earlier phase of the scheme was implemented by the Planning Department, while the new phase is being implemented by the Tribal Affairs Department. The Chief Minister also highlighted the physical and financial progress achieved so far under the scheme.
While expressing satisfaction with the reply, Seb raised supplementary questions citing the importance of the centrally sponsored scheme, which is fully funded by the Government of India. Referring to two EMRS projects at Phenshünyu in Tseminyu district and Kade Phek district, he pointed out that the Phenshünyu project was sanctioned in 2017, nearly nine years ago, while the Phek project was sanctioned in 2016, about ten years ago. He questioned why the projects were taking such a long time and sought details on the project costs of the sanctioned works.
Seb acknowledged the challenges faced by the department and contractors but asked whether the contractors had sought extensions of time for the projects. He also raised another supplementary question on whether there had been any escalation in project costs.        
Replying to the supplementary questions, Minister for Tourism and Higher Education, Temjen Imna Along stated that the EMRS projects fall under a centrally sponsored scheme of the Ministry of Tribal Affairs. He informed the House that earlier phases of the scheme were handled by the Planning Department, and due to the passage of time and various factors, there were changes in the structural design of the EMRS school buildings.
He explained that during 2017–18, the scheme did not have the stringent guidelines that exist today. He also noted that the introduction of GST and subsequent changes in guidelines had affected project execution.
Along further explained that teams from Delhi also carried out verification visits and the projects had to be modified to meet updated requirements along with other technical requirements. However, he assured that most of the issues were resolved a few months ago.
He added that the project costs in the first phase were smaller than the allocations under the later phases. Nevertheless, the Government of India has expressed willingness to release the full amount for the work already executed.
Regarding cost escalation, the Minister said the Ministry of Tribal Affairs is open to considering revised costs, provided the department submits legitimate justifications for the increase. He further stated that, as committed, the EMRS projects are expected to be completed and will be made operational by April 2027.

(Esuihangle, IA)