THEBUSINESSBYTES
BUREAU
BHUBANESWAR,
MARCH 27, 2026
Vedanta Aluminium,
India’s largest producer of aluminium, is strengthening learning outcomes
across government schools in Jharsuguda and Sundargarh through Project Vidya,
its flagship education initiative launched in April 2025. Focused on
foundational literacy and numeracy, along with core subjects such as
Mathematics, Science, and English, the programme has benefited more than 1,800
students across 17 rural schools by enhancing classroom engagement and
improving student-teacher ratios through the deployment of 20 additional
educators.
Sundargarh has
witnessed a relatively high dropout rate, necessitating a targeted focus on
foundational learning and stronger student-teacher ratios to mitigate the risk.
Aligned with these priorities, Project Vidya has contributed to a notable
increase in school attendance, rising from 64% to 76% in Lakhanpur block and
from 66% to 82% in Hemgir block, reflecting meaningful progress towards
improved retention and sustained learning outcomes.
The initiative covers
several rural schools, including Govt. U.P.S Mundherkhet, Govt. U.P.S
Bhograkachhar, Govt. P.S Ghogharpalli, Govt. P.S Rengalpani, Govt. U.G.H.S
Chhatabar, and Govt. U.P.S Bileimunda in Ghogharpalli; Govt. P.S Jamkhani and
Govt. U.G.H.S Jharpalam in Jamkhani; as well as Govt. U.P.S Kudaloi, Govt. SSD
High School Banjari, Banjari Ashram School, Grindola Ashram School, Govt. P.S
Grindola, Govt. U.P.S Karlakhaman, Govt. P.S Mohanpur, Govt. U.P.S Bartap, and
Kudaloi Ashram School in Kudaloi, Jharsuguda district.
Thakur Pradhan,
Headmaster, Government UPS Kudarei, said, “Last year, Vedanta Aluminium
provided additional teachers to our school. We truly needed this support, as
our classes were facing disruptions. Since the teacher joined, students’
learning has improved noticeably, and classes are running smoothly. This
support has made a real difference for our school. We hope such initiatives
continue in the future.”
Biswanath Pradhan,
Teacher, Government Upgraded High School, Jharpalam, said, “Project Vidya has
helped our school address the shortage of teachers and given me the opportunity
to teach students and enhance their learning. Classes are now running smoothly,
and student attendance has increased significantly. The quality of education
has improved, and this year, a third-grade student even received a scholarship.
The school committee, villagers, and parents are very happy with the support,
which has greatly benefited our students.”
Aligned with the
United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 4 (Quality Education), Project
Vidya strengthens School Management Committees (SMCs) while supporting
headmasters in academic planning, record-keeping, and student tracking. It also
promotes improved coordination among teachers, parents, and SMCs. The
initiative further enhances students’ preparedness for competitive examinations
and scholarships, including Odisha Adarsha Vidyalaya (OAV) and Jawahar Navodaya
Vidyalaya entrance tests, fostering higher academic engagement and aspirations.
Vedanta Aluminium
continues to advance socio-economic development across its operational regions
through focused interventions in education, healthcare, sustainable
livelihoods, rural infrastructure, and community development, creating pathways
for long-term and inclusive growth.
Vedanta Aluminium, a
business of Vedanta Limited, is India’s largest producer of aluminium,
accounting for more than half of the country’s total output at 2.42 million
tonnes in FY25. The company is a leader in value-added aluminium products that
find critical applications across core industries. Vedanta Aluminium ranked
second in the S&P Global Corporate Sustainability Assessment 2025 world
rankings for the aluminium industry, reflecting its strong commitment to
sustainable development. With world-class aluminium smelters, an alumina
refinery, and captive power plants in India, the company continues to promote
emerging applications of aluminium as the ‘Metal of the Future’ for a greener
tomorrow.
