Bhubaneswar, April 8, 2025: Demonstrating its continued commitment to community welfare and inclusive development, Vedanta, India’s largest aluminium producer, has launched two transformative CSR initiatives – “Project Vidya” and “Project Nirmal” – in the Hemgir and Kuraloi regions of Sundargarh and Jharsuguda districts. Together, these initiatives are set to benefit over 30,000 community members, enhancing educational opportunities, access to potable water, and sanitation infrastructure across these tribal-dominated areas.
The inaugural ceremony took place at Mundherkhet in Hemgir block, with Sundargarh Sub-Collector Mr. Dasarathi Saraboo (OAS) gracing the occasion as the chief guest. He was joined by Additional Block Development Officer Mr. Jitender Munda, Additional Block Education Officer Mr. Kapil Chandra Das, Mundherkhet Sarpanch Mr. Sanyasi Bagh, Garjanjore Sarpanch Mrs. Sunanda Kalo, and Chakra Cluster CRCC Mr. Nityanand Padhan.
Speaking at the event, Sub-Collector Dasarathi Saraboo emphasized the importance of collaborative efforts in education and community development. “Reflecting on my teaching background, I understand that a strong partnership between students and teachers is critical to delivering quality education. Equally important is the health and well-being of students, which directly impacts their learning outcomes. Vedanta’s initiatives to improve sanitation, provide safe drinking water, and strengthen educational resources address these essential needs, and I commend the company for prioritizing these interventions in the region,” he said.
Vedanta Coal Mines CEO Mr. David Stone highlighted the broader vision behind these programmes, stating, “Education and sustainable development are key drivers of community transformation. Project Vidya and Project Nirmal reflect our commitment to creating a tangible and lasting impact. By enhancing learning infrastructure and delivering essential water and sanitation facilities, we aim to improve the overall quality of life for the communities surrounding our operations.”
Project Vidya is specifically designed to address the shortage of teachers in government schools by deploying 22 additional teachers across 20 peripheral schools, thereby improving student-teacher ratios and enhancing learning outcomes in critical subjects like Mathematics, Science, and English. The initiative also focuses on building foundational literacy and numeracy skills at the primary level, ensuring that children acquire a strong base for future learning.
Project Nirmal, on the other hand, focuses on improving water and sanitation facilities in the community. It involves the installation of 11 solar-powered borewells, 50 bio-toilets, and 20 water purifiers across 12 villages, ensuring access to clean water and promoting hygienic practices that contribute to better health and well-being.
In the Ghogharpalli region, the beneficiary schools include Govt. U.P.S Mundherkhet, Bhograkachhar, Ghogharpalli, Podajalanga, Rengalpani, Chhatabar High School, and Bileimunda. In the Jamkhani region, the schools covered are Govt. Primary Schools at Jamkhani and R & R Colony, U.P.S Girisima, and Jharpalam High School. In the Kuraloi area of Jharsuguda district, the schools include 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.
Through these two integrated initiatives, Vedanta Aluminium is not only addressing immediate educational and health needs but also laying the groundwork for long-term community development, empowering thousands of children and their families while fostering a healthier, more resilient, and self-reliant society in these tribal regions.
