Vikram Dev Dutt Launches Digital Classrooms in Jharkhand

On January 24, 2025, Shri Vikram Dev Dutt, Secretary of the Ministry of Coal, virtually launched digital classrooms in government schools across Jharkhand as part of the 'Digi Vidya' CSR initiative by Coal India Limited (CIL) subsidiaries. The inauguration event was attended by Shri PM Prasad, Chairman of CIL, Smt. Rupinder Brar, Additional Secretary of the Ministry of Coal, and other senior officials.

Digi Vidya Initiative

The 'Digi Vidya' program aims to enhance educational quality in mining regions across eight states where CIL operates. In the first phase, 272 government schools have been upgraded with smart classrooms, with plans to extend the program to more schools in future phases.

Implementation by Subsidiaries

Bharat Coking Coal Limited (BCCL)

Over ₹10.69 crore has been invested in setting up smart classrooms and ICT labs in 79 schools across the Dhanbad district, benefiting over 100,000 students and 400 teachers by offering personalized, tech-driven learning experiences.

Central Coalfields Limited (CCL)

The program has been introduced in 193 schools across districts like Chatra, Bokaro, and Ranchi.

Statements from Officials

• Shri Vikram Dev Dutt emphasized that digital classrooms provide students in remote areas with access to quality educational resources, preparing them for a tech-focused future.
• Smt. Rupinder Brar highlighted the transformative impact of digital classrooms, offering students in remote areas an education comparable to that of urban schools.
• Shri PM Prasad described the initiative as a step toward achieving inclusive and equitable education, particularly for remote regions.

Additional CSR Initiatives

• CMPDI sponsored 20 students who completed a two-year Diploma in Ophthalmic Assistant Program at LNJP Paramedical Institute, Bahera.
• Mahanadi Coalfields Limited (MCL) launched "Project Sambalpur Sikshotthan – MCL Ke Shayog Say" to improve educational infrastructure in Sambalpur district, with an MoU signed to provide 20,617 dual desk benches for 809 elementary schools, benefiting over 40,000 students annually.
• Northern Coalfields Limited (NCL) initiated a ₹1.46 crore project to renovate infrastructure in three schools in Sonbhadra district, Uttar Pradesh.
• Western Coalfields Limited (WCL), as part of its Golden Jubilee Celebrations, launched "The Happy School" project, redesigning schools using the Building as Learning Aid (BaLA) concept, benefiting 1,055 students across five Nagpur Municipal Corporation schools.

In Conclusion

The launch of the ‘Digi Vidya’ initiative marks a significant step towards enhancing educational opportunities in the remote mining regions of Jharkhand. By equipping 272 schools with digital classrooms, Coal India Limited is empowering students with access to advanced, tech-driven learning resources, bridging the gap between rural and urban education. The initiative will continue to expand, benefiting thousands of students and shaping a brighter, tech-savvy future for the youth in these underserved areas.