Vedanta signs MoU with Govt for development of Mo Schools

Badal Tah,Odishabarta

Rayagada, July 1:Having green field mining areas in Rayagada & Kalahandi districts, Vedanta Aluminium’s Lanjigarh unit, India’s premier producer of metallurgical grade alumina, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Kalahandi Dist Admn for development of 21 schools across the district, under Government of Odisha’s Mo School Abhiyan. As part of the collaboration, the company will lend its support towards building required infrastructure like smart classrooms, e-libraries, computer labs, playgrounds, gardens, etc. in these schools. This partnership aims to bring about a significant positive change in the education system of the state.

Mo School Abhiyan, launched by the Government of Odisha, strives to revamp government and government-aided schools in the state through public-private partnership, turning them into vibrant and inclusive centres of learning. In line with Odisha Govt’s 5T School Transformation program, Vedanta Aluminium will play a pivotal role in transforming these 21 schools, based on the principles of the 5Ts: Technology, Teamwork, Transparency, Time, and Transformation.

Speaking on the partnership, Mr. GG Pal, Dy. CEO – Alumina Business, Vedanta Limited, said, “We are elated to partner with the Govt of Odisha for Mo School Program, an initiative that aligns perfectly with Vedanta Aluminium’s commitment to transforming education and empowering communities. By joining forces, we can create a positive and lasting impact on the lives of young students in the Kalahandi district. Together, we will unlock the potential of these 21 schools, ensuring that every child receives the education they deserve. We believe that education is the foundation for a brighter future and we are proud to be a part of this transformative journey.

Mr Pawar Sachin Prakash, IAS, Chief Development Officer-cum-Executive Officer, Zila Parishad, Kalahandi District said, “I’m happy that Vedanta has partnered with the Dist Admn for the beautiful initiative of Mo School Abhiyan. Their grants will help in development of 21 schools across the district and will hopefully bring a transformation in the quality of education and truly impact the lives of young children. Their work has been significant to the rise of education levels in Kalahandi district and I would encourage them to continue with their work towards community development.”

Vedanta Lanjigarh has been working towards enhancing the educational landscape of Kalahandi through various initiatives. Recognizing the challenges posed by the remote location and the absence of formal educational facilities in the region, the company established the pioneering DAV Vedanta International School in 2006 as the first English medium school in the district. The school is committed to providing affordable education, enabling children from nearby villages to access quality education in English. In addition, through its Nand Ghar program, Vedanta Aluminium operates over 130 modern anganwadis in Kalahandi. These state-of-the-art facilities prioritize the well-being of children under the age of six by ensuring they receive proper education and nutrition. This initiative reflects Vedanta Aluminium’s unwavering commitment to empowering young minds and creating a positive impact on the early stages of children’s development.

Vedanta Aluminium, a business of Vedanta Limited, is India’s largest producer of aluminium, manufacturing more than half of India’s aluminium i.e., 2.29 million tonnes in FY23. It is a leader in value-added aluminium products that find critical applications in core industries. Vedanta Aluminium ranks 2nd in the Dow Jones Sustainability Index (DJSI) 2022 world rankings for aluminium industry, a reflection of its sustainable development practices. With its world-class aluminium smelters, alumina refinery and power plants in India, the company fulfils its mission of spurring emerging applications of aluminium as the ‘Metal of the Future’ for a greener tomorrow.