Hindustan Zinc Limited, India's largest and the world's second-largest integrated zinc producer, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Department of Education, Rajasthan, committing an investment of Rs 36 crore over the next five years to enhance educational development in the state.
The MoU was signed during the Rising Rajasthan Education Pre-Summit in Jaipur in the esteemed presence of Shri Bhajan Lal Sharma, Hon'ble Chief Minister; Shri Prem Chand Bairwa, Hon'ble Deputy Chief Minister; Shri Madan Dilawar, Minister of Education; and Col. Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore, Minister of Youth & Sports, Rajasthan.
The MoU was signed by Arun Misra, CEO of Hindustan Zinc, and exchanged between Shri Avichal Chaturvedi, IAS – State Project Director, Samgra Shiksha Abhiyan, and Anupam Nidhi, Head of CSR at Hindustan Zinc Limited.
This commitment follows Vedanta Group's recent announcement of a fresh Rs 1 lakh crore investment in Rajasthan. Through this MoU, Hindustan Zinc and the Department of Education will work to strengthen educational infrastructure and resources in 72 government schools, benefiting over 2 lakh students annually and supporting career readiness across the region. This aligns with the company's commitment to sustainable and inclusive community growth.
The MoU focuses on three core areas for the development of students in Rajasthan through the company's Shiksha Sambal initiative:
Holistic Student Development: Hindustan Zinc will address learning needs by providing trained teachers, customised teaching methods, and seasonal camps for secondary students. This includes specialised training for government teachers to build a strong foundation for academic success.
Model Schools with Enhanced Facilities: Selected schools will be upgraded into model institutions, equipped with modern classrooms, sanitation facilities, technology, and practical learning materials, fostering a dynamic environment aligned with contemporary educational standards.
Career Counselling and Vocational Training: In line with the National Education Policy 2020, Hindustan Zinc will prioritise career guidance and skills training to empower students with the knowledge and tools necessary to pursue meaningful careers.
While addressing the event, Hon'ble Chief Minister Shri Bhajan Lal Sharma emphasised that education is the primary foundation for growth, noting that multiple MoUs focused on educational development were signed. Acknowledging Rajasthan's immense potential across various fields, he shared that this initiative aims to harness fully the capabilities of the state's youth. He expressed gratitude for the exceptional support that Rising Rajasthan has received, thanking all those contributing to its success.
Reflecting on this transformative initiative, Arun Misra, CEO of Hindustan Zinc Limited, stated, "At Hindustan Zinc, we are deeply committed to fostering education and empowerment as catalysts for change. The development of Rajasthan depends on the holistic nurturing of its youth, and this partnership underscores our dedication to the future of Rajasthan. This investment will elevate educational standards and contribute to the long-term progress of the community. We believe in empowering every child with access to quality education, meaningful career guidance, and life-enriching opportunities so that no child is left behind. Our investment in these 72 schools represents our vision of building a strong, well-equipped youth who can drive Rajasthan's future with confidence and purpose."
Hindustan Zinc's flagship education-focused initiative, Shiksha Sambal, has been operating in Rajasthan since 2008, reaching over 2 lakh children annually in rural and underprivileged communities. The company has established over 1,400 Nand Ghars across Rajasthan and Uttarakhand to promote early childhood development, benefiting over 2.5 lakh women and children.
Over the years, the company has made significant investments in educational initiatives, including Unchi Udaan, which supports aspiring IIT candidates from low-income backgrounds, and Jeevan Tarang, which empowers children with disabilities. Beyond education, Hindustan Zinc has promoted sustainable livelihood opportunities for rural women and farmers, healthcare access, water conservation, and sanitation, impacting over 2 million lives across more than 3,700 villages.