Bhubaneswar, Odisha | 4 August 2026: Vedanta Aluminium, the leading aluminium producer in India, is making advances in rural education in the Jharsuguda and Sundargarh districts of Odisha through its flagship initiative, Project Vidya. This program aims to expand educational access and improve outcomes in government schools.
Since its launch, Project Vidya has positively impacted more than 25,000 students across 32 government schools and 51 Anganwadi centres within the operational areas of Kuraloi, Jamkhani, and Ghogharpalli. The initiative seeks to address the lack of teachers in rural schools by deploying skilled educators from nearby communities, thereby enhancing classroom instruction while also creating job opportunities for local youth. To date, the initiative has successfully placed 21 additional teachers.
Project Vidya employs a holistic strategy to improve the educational environment. It provides schools with learning materials, reference books for students in Classes IX and X, sports equipment, classroom furniture, and health and hygiene awareness programs. These efforts are supplemented by activities that promote engagement, boost confidence, and make learning more enjoyable for students.
Amaresh Kumar, CEO of Vedanta Aluminium Coal Mines, commented on the initiative, stating, “Education creates opportunities that extend far beyond the classroom. Through Project Vidya, we are reinforcing the learning ecosystem in our neighbouring communities by providing schools with additional teachers and educational resources, while also fostering meaningful employment opportunities for local youth. Our goal is to ensure that every child learns with confidence and reaches their full potential.”
Lalita Padhan, a teacher at Bartap Project Upper Primary School in Kuraloi, expressed her thoughts: “The chance to teach children from my own community has been incredibly rewarding. With enhanced classroom support and improved learning resources, I have witnessed students engage more actively and gain greater confidence in their studies. Contributing to their educational journey and future dreams is truly fulfilling.”
The initiative has shown promising results in the participating schools. Student attendance has surged by 14%, and targeted academic support in Mathematics, Science, and English has bolstered foundational learning. Project Vidya also prepares students for competitive exams and scholarship opportunities, such as the Odisha Adarsha Vidyalaya (OAV) entrance test, which grants access to model residential schools for exceptional students, and the Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya (JNV) selection test, aimed at nurturing talented individuals from rural backgrounds. In the fiscal year 2026, 11 students qualified for OAV, while 4 students from the Jamkhani and Ghogharpalli areas obtained scholarships through the Bruti Examination, which aids deserving students in pursuing their education.
Through Project Vidya, Vedanta Aluminium Coal Mines is bridging gaps in rural education by improving classroom learning and creating opportunities for local youth. This initiative is part of the company’s broader commitment to community development, which has positively influenced over 200,000 individuals across 26 villages through targeted interventions in education, healthcare, livelihoods, and social development, contributing to inclusive growth and sustainable community progress.
