Bhubaneswar, 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 Dasarathi Saraboo (OAS) graced it as the chief guest flanked by Additional Block Development Officer (ABDO) Jitender Munda, Additional Block Education Officer (ABEO) Kapil Chandra Das, Mundherkhet Sarpanch Sanyasi Bagh, Garjanjore Sarpanch Sunanda Kalo and Chakra Cluster CRCC Mr Nityanand Padhan.

Addressing the august occasion, Sundargarh Sub- Collector 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) 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 focuses on improving education in government schools by deploying additional teachers to enhance the student-teacher ratio and strengthen learning in key subjects like Mathematics, Science, and English. It also emphasizes foundational literacy and numeracy at the primary level, benefiting thousands of students across peripheral schools in Sundargarh and Jharsuguda districts.

Project Nirmal, on the other hand, delivers sustainable water and sanitation solutions. It includes the installation of solar-powered borewells, bio-toilets, and water purifiers in villages, ensuring access to clean drinking water and improved sanitation facilities. These efforts directly address health and hygiene challenges faced by rural communities.

Together, these initiatives have positively impacted over 30,000 community members, showcasing Vedanta's commitment to sustainable development and community empowerment. The programs were inaugurated with the presence of local dignitaries, highlighting the collaborative efforts between Vedanta and the local administration.

Vedanta's approach reflects its belief in the transformative power of education and sustainable infrastructure to create lasting change. By improving educational resources and providing essential facilities, the company is paving the way for a brighter future for Odisha's rural pockets.

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.