Vedanta Aluminium’s ‘Project Vidya’ Benefits 1,800+ Students in Jharsuguda & Sundargarh

By Our Correspondent

Bhubaneswar, March 31: Vedanta Aluminium, India’s largest aluminium producer, is strengthening learning outcomes in government schools across Jharsuguda and Sundargarh through its education initiative, Project Vidya, launched in April 2025. Focused on foundational literacy and numeracy along with core subjects such as Mathematics, Science, and English, the programme has reached over 1,800 students across 17 rural schools. It has improved classroom engagement and student-teacher ratios through the deployment of 20 additional educators.

Sundargarh district, which has faced a relatively high dropout rate, required targeted interventions to strengthen foundational learning and classroom support. Project Vidya has contributed to a notable rise in school attendance—from 64% to 76% in Lakhanpur block and from 66% to 82% in Hemgir block—indicating meaningful progress in retention and learning continuity.

The initiative spans several rural schools across Jharsuguda and Sundargarh districts, covering institutions in Ghogharpalli, Jamkhani, and Kudaloi clusters. By addressing teacher shortages and enhancing academic support, the programme has created a more stable and effective classroom environment.

Educators on the ground have acknowledged its impact. Thakur Pradhan, Headmaster of Government UPS Kudarei, noted that the addition of teachers has ensured smoother classroom functioning and improved student learning. Similarly, Biswanath Pradhan, a teacher at Government Upgraded High School, Jharpalam, highlighted improved attendance, better learning outcomes, and increased student motivation, with one student even securing a scholarship this year.

Aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 4 (Quality Education), Project Vidya also strengthens School Management Committees (SMCs) and supports headmasters in academic planning, record-keeping, and student tracking. It promotes coordination among teachers, parents, and communities, while preparing students for competitive examinations such as Odisha Adarsha Vidyalaya and Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya entrance tests.

Through such initiatives, Vedanta Aluminium continues to drive socio-economic development in its operational areas, focusing on education, healthcare, sustainable livelihoods, and rural infrastructure to foster long-term progress.