The Tribal Affairs Ministry on May 17, 2021, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Microsoft to help Tribal schools such as Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS) and Ashram Schools have digital transformation. 

The MoU was signed digitally in an online event ‘Empowering Youth For Success’. Microsoft will prepare bi-lingual Artificial Intelligence (AI) curriculum for tribal students in English and Hindi languages that will be taught at all EMRS schools to upskill both educators and students in next-gen technologies. 

Under the program, in the first phase, Microsoft will provide intensive training to 50 of the 250 adopted 250 EMRS schools along with 500 master trainers. The teachers will be trained in using productivity technologies like Office 365 and AI applications in teaching in a phased manner, where they can even earn certificates from Microsoft Education Centre. Microsoft will also mentor students from EMRS on Ai projects to help pursue the UN's Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). 

The program will help improve readiness, preparedness of the students to be presented at various international forums, upskill students by introducing AI and coding as part of the curriculum, increase the standard of education of tribal schools and help the tribal students in maintaining continuity in their education in this lockdown period. Along with students, 5000 teachers nominated by the ministry across these schools would also be provided with professional training.