Bhubaneswar, Odisha | 4 August 2026: Vedanta Aluminium, the largest producer of aluminium in India, is making strides in rural education in the Jharsuguda and Sundargarh districts of Odisha through Project Vidya. This flagship initiative aims to enhance educational opportunities and outcomes in government schools.
Since its launch, Project Vidya has benefitted over 25,000 students across 32 government schools and 51 Anganwadi centres in the operational areas of Kuraloi, Jamkhani, and Ghogharpalli. The project addresses the shortage of teachers in rural areas by hiring qualified educators from local communities, thereby improving classroom instruction while also creating job opportunities for local youth. To date, 21 new teachers have been included in this initiative.
The project employs a holistic approach to improve the educational environment. It provides schools with various learning aids, reference books for students in Classes IX and X, science exhibitions, sports equipment, classroom furniture, and health and hygiene awareness programs. These efforts are complemented by activities designed to foster engagement, build confidence, and make learning more enjoyable for students.
“Education creates opportunities that extend far beyond the classroom. Through Project Vidya, we are strengthening the learning ecosystem in our neighbouring communities by supporting schools with additional teachers and learning resources, while creating meaningful livelihood opportunities for local youth. Our endeavour is to help every child learn with confidence and realise their full potential,” said Amaresh Kumar, CEO of Vedanta Aluminium Coal Mines.
Lalita Padhan, a teacher at Bartap Project Upper Primary School in Kuraloi, shared her experience: “The opportunity to teach children from my own community has been deeply fulfilling. With stronger classroom support and better learning resources, I have seen students participate more actively and develop greater confidence in their studies. It is rewarding to contribute to their learning journey and future aspirations.”
The initiative has shown promising results across the involved schools, with a 14% increase in student attendance. Targeted academic support in subjects such as Mathematics, Science, and English has reinforced foundational learning. Project Vidya also aids students in preparing for competitive exams and scholarship programs, including the Odisha Adarsha Vidyalaya (OAV) entrance examination, which grants access to model residential schools, and the Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya (JNV) selection test, aimed at talented students from rural areas. In FY 26, 11 students qualified for the OAV, while 4 students from Jamkhani and Ghogharpalli received scholarships through the Bruti Examination, which supports deserving students in their educational pursuits.
Through Project Vidya, Vedanta Aluminium Coal Mines is making significant contributions to rural education by closing the teacher gap, enhancing classroom learning, and creating opportunities for local youth. This initiative is part of the company’s broader community development efforts, which have positively impacted over 200,000 people across 26 villages through targeted interventions in education, healthcare, livelihoods, and social development, fostering inclusive growth and sustainable community progress.
