The Business Bytes
Sijimali (Rayagada), September 04, 2024 (TBB Bureau): In a significant move to support education in remote areas of Odisha, Vedanta Aluminium, India’s largest aluminium producer, has distributed school kits to more than 4,000 students across 50-plus schools near its Kuraloi and Sijimali mines in the tribal-dominated districts of Rayagada, Kalahandi, and Jharsuguda.
The school kits, which include a school bag, water bottle, notebook, geometry box, and various stationery items, aim to meet the essential educational needs of the students. This initiative is a part of Vedanta’s ongoing commitment to enhancing educational opportunities in rural areas surrounding its operations.
Janmejaya Sabar, Headmaster of Kathaghara High School, expressed his appreciation for Vedanta Aluminium’s efforts, stating, “Most of our students face a lack of resources that hampers their basic education in the long run. These kits will make a big difference by encouraging the students to pursue their schooling.”
The distribution took place in several villages surrounding the Kuraloi coal mine area, including Kudaloi, Piplimal, Liakhai, Ujalpur, Ulap, Banjari, Grindola, Chaurimahul, and Bartap, as well as Ward No. 17 in Belpahar Municipality limits.
Similarly, in the vicinity of the Sijimali bauxite mine, kits were distributed in Naknudi School, Govt Primary School (PS) Mohangiri, Govt PS Kathaghora, Govt PS Melghara, Kathaghara PS, Govt Upper Primary School (UPS) Gunpur, Govt PS Saisurmi, Govt High School (HS) Gunpur, Govt Ranpur PS, Tunbheigada PS, Govt PS Ushamaska, Govt PS Madanguda, Govt UPS Chubadi, Govt PS Khakesh, Govt PS Bhatarsuing, Govt UPS Tarapadar, Govt PS Salipadar, Govt PS Gokulama, Govt PS Semalpadar, Boring UPS, Dumepadar PS, Ladakhaman PS, Bhitasunger PS, Malipadar PS, Sagabari UPS, Sunger UPS, and Trinathdev HS.
This initiative has already resulted in a noticeable increase in school attendance, with students now better equipped to pursue their education. It is part of Vedanta’s broader mission to enhance educational access in regions near its operations, promoting community development through strategic interventions in education, healthcare, sustainable livelihoods, rural infrastructure, and grassroots sports and culture.
Besides, Vedanta Aluminium runs health camps via a mobile health unit, providing free medical check-ups and healthcare awareness in rural Odisha, further strengthening its engagement with local communities.
By collaborating closely with local authorities, welfare organizations, and community members, Vedanta Aluminium is making a positive impact on Odisha’s socio-economic landscape, underscoring its commitment to sustainable development and community empowerment in the region.
