New Delhi: Coal India Ltd has committed Rs 10 crore under its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative to support digital learning, health, and entrepreneurship for around 28,000 tribal students in Chhattisgarh. The agreement, signed with the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, aims to strengthen the infrastructure and learning environment across 68 Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS) in the state.
EMRS are designed to provide quality education to Scheduled Tribe (ST) children, equipping them for higher education and professional pathways while also ensuring their nutritional and overall development. Currently, 479 such schools are operational across India.
Coal India’s contribution will fund the setup of computer labs with approximately 3,200 computers and 300 tablets to enhance digital access in classrooms. The initiative also addresses health and hygiene needs, particularly for girl students, with the installation of around 1,200 sanitary napkin vending machines and incinerators in schools and hostels.
To promote entrepreneurship, the programme will introduce mentorship support and organise residential boot camps at premier institutions such as IIT, IIM, and NIT. These camps are intended to help tribal youth develop business acumen and leadership skills.
The initiative is being implemented through the National Scheduled Tribes Finance and Development Corporation, under the Ministry of Tribal Affairs. It aligns with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which highlights the importance of inclusive and equitable education.
BI Bureau
