ONGC Partners with NSTFDC to Empower Tribal Youth
In a significant move aimed at uplifting tribal youth, the Oil and Natural Gas Corporation Limited (ONGC), a prominent Maharatna company under the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, has officially signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the National Scheduled Tribes Finance and Development Corporation (NSTFDC). This agreement focuses on empowering tribal students enrolled in Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS) through career mentorship, enhanced digital education, and vital infrastructure support.
The Ministry of Tribal Affairs oversees the Central Sector Scheme of Eklavya Model Residential Schools, established to deliver high-quality education to tribal students. With 499 operational EMRS across the nation, this initiative signifies a crucial step towards developing an enlightened and modern generation through a blend of education, technology, and holistic growth.
The MoU was formalized on January 5, 2026, during a ceremony held at the Dr. Ambedkar International Centre in New Delhi. Key figures present included Smt. Ranjana Chopra, Secretary of the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, and several senior officials from both the NSTFDC and ONGC.
Investment and Benefits
As part of the initiative, ONGC has committed Rs. 28 crores to enhance digital learning infrastructure and implement health and hygiene measures specifically for female students, including the installation of sanitary pad vending machines and incinerators. Furthermore, the program will focus on capacity building for teachers and provide career counseling along with entrepreneurship training for students in 144 EMRS located in 11 states and Union Territories, including Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttar Pradesh.
This ambitious project aims to support over 35,000 tribal students by opening up equal opportunities for their future. It is part of a larger collaborative effort involving the Ministry of Tribal Affairs and the corporate sector to foster socio-economic development within tribal communities, guiding them towards the vision of a ‘Viksit Bharat.’ This partnership is expected to facilitate comprehensive growth and upliftment for the participating students.
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