Bhubaneswar (Odisha) [India], April 8: Taking a significant step towards its commitment for community upliftment through quality education, potable water and sanitation initiatives, India's largest aluminium producer Vedanta company has launched two impactful CSR programmes - “Project Vidya” and “Project Nirmal” - in Hemgir and Kuraloi regions of adjoining Sundargarh and Jharsuguda districts respectively benefitting over 30,000 community members.
While the inaugural function was held at Mundherkhet in Hemgir block, Sundargarh Sub-Collector Mr Dasarathi Saraboo (OAS) graced it as the chief guest flanked by Additional Block Development Officer (ABDO) Mr Jitender Munda, Additional Block Education Officer (ABEO) Mr Kapil Chandra Das, Mundherkhet Sarpanch Mr Sanyasi Bagh, Garjanjore Sarpanch Mrs Sunanda Kalo and Chakra Cluster CRCC Mr Nityanand Padhan.
Addressing the august occasion, Sundargarh Sub- Collector Mr Dasarathi Saraboo said, "Reflecting on my teaching background, I emphasize that collaboration between the students and the teachers is fundamental to delivering quality education. I also understand that the health and well-being of students are crucial for their academic performance. Therefore, I commend Vedanta’s initiatives towards implementing potable water infrastructure, enhancing sanitation and improving education in these regions as they address critical community needs.”
Vedanta Coal Mines Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Mr. David Stone said, "We believe in the power of education and sustainable development to transform communities. Project Vidya and Project Nirmal are testaments to our commitment to creating a positive impact. By improving educational resources and providing essential water and sanitation facilities, we aim to uplift the quality of life of the communities around our operational vicinities.”
Notably, “Project Vidya” addresses the shortage of teachers in government schools by deploying 22 additional teachers across 20 peripheral schools in the region, improving student-teacher ratios and learning in key subjects like Mathematics, Science and English. It also enhances foundational literacy and numeracy at the primary level.
Similarly, “Project Nirmal” delivers sustainable water and sanitation solutions through the installation of 11 solar-powered borewells, 50 bio-toilets and 20 water purifiers in 12 villages.
In the Ghogharpalli region, the beneficiary schools include Govt. U.P.S Mundherkhet, Bhograkachhar, Ghogharpalli, Podajalanga, Rengalpani, Chhatabar High School, and Bileimunda.
Schools in the Jamkhani region include Govt. Primary Schools at Jamkhani and R & R Colony, U.P.S Girisima, and Jharpalam High School.
In the Kuraloi area of adjoining Jharsuguda district, the schools covered are Mohanpur, Ulapgarh, Liakhai, Piplimal High School, Khairkuni, Kuraloi Ashram School, Banjari Ashram School, Grindola Ashram School, Govt. (S.S.D) High School Banjari, and Karlakhaman Upper Primary School.
