New initiative for tribal youth
TALASH Empowering Tribal Futures Through Skills and Guidance: The TALASH platform has been launched by the National Education Society for Tribal Students (NESTS) in collaboration with UNICEF. TALASH stands for Tribal Aptitude, Life Skills and Self-Esteem Hub. It is designed to guide tribal students in shaping their careers and personal development.
The initiative aims to enhance the career guidance and life skills of students in Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRSs). These schools are dedicated to improving educational outcomes for tribal children across India.
Psychometric support inspired by NCERT
TALASH includes psychometric assessments based on the NCERT’s Tamanna framework. These tools help students understand their strengths, interests, and possible career paths.
So far, 189 teachers from 75 EMRSs have been trained to implement TALASH. Their role is to guide students through structured life skills modules and career planning activities.
Static GK fact: NCERT’s Tamanna project stands for Try and Measure Aptitude and Natural Abilities, a national tool to assist students in career decision-making.
Skill-building through Kaushalya Program
Alongside TALASH, NESTS has partnered with Tata Motors for a five-year Kaushalya Program. This scheme provides Diploma-level Engineering education along with on-the-job training in automotive skills.
This program allows students to combine formal education with industry experience, making them more employable in a rapidly changing job market.
Static GK fact: Tata Motors is one of India’s largest automobile manufacturers, and has previously collaborated on multiple skilling programs under CSR initiatives.
Supporting over one lakh tribal students
The combined impact of TALASH and the Kaushalya Program is expected to benefit more than 130,000 tribal students in EMRSs across India.
By integrating aptitude testing, counselling, technical education, and work experience, the initiative aligns with National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which emphasizes vocational training and holistic development.
Static GK tip: NESTS was established in 2019 as an autonomous body under the Ministry of Tribal Affairs to manage EMRS operations and schemes.
Static Usthadian Current Affairs Table
TALASH Empowering Tribal Futures Through Skills and Guidance:
| Topic | Detail |
| Full form of TALASH | Tribal Aptitude, Life Skills and Self-Esteem Hub |
| Launched by | NESTS and UNICEF |
| Based on | NCERT’s Tamanna framework |
| Teachers trained | 189 from 75 EMRSs |
| EMRS | Eklavya Model Residential Schools |
| Associated program | Kaushalya Program by Tata Motors |
| Focus of Kaushalya | Engineering Diploma + On-the-job training |
| NESTS status | Autonomous body under Ministry of Tribal Affairs |
| Total tribal students impacted | Over 1.3 lakh |
| Year NESTS established | 2019 |
