Udaipur, January 7, 2025 – In a significant effort to uplift education in rural Rajasthan, Hindustan Zinc Limited (NSE: HINDZINC), India’s largest and the world’s second-largest integrated zinc producer, has successfully concluded its Shiksha Sambal Winter Camp, benefitting nearly 1,700 students from underprivileged communities. The camp provided targeted educational support to students from 50 government schools across six districts of Rajasthan, focusing on foundational subjects like reading, writing, mathematics, and science.
The Shiksha Sambal initiative, launched in 2008, has become a game-changer for rural education, positively impacting over 2 lakh children annually. Most beneficiaries are first-generation learners, vulnerable to dropping out due to social and financial barriers. Through specialized interventions such as remedial teaching, holiday camps, practical lab classes, and enhanced library resources, the initiative has played a crucial role in bridging learning gaps and improving academic outcomes.
Transforming Education in Rural Rajasthan
Since its inception, the Shiksha Sambal initiative has addressed major educational challenges, including inadequate infrastructure, lack of learning resources, and socio-economic obstacles faced by rural students. The results have been remarkable—Rajasthan’s Class 10 pass percentage has seen a dramatic improvement, rising from 45% in 2007 to 93% in 2024, with Hindustan Zinc’s consistent efforts significantly contributing to this progress.
Focusing on core subjects, the initiative aims to enhance students’ academic performance by offering structured learning sessions, workbook-based exercises, and practical science classes. The program’s emphasis on regular attendance has further boosted learning outcomes, ensuring maximum impact on students’ education.
Strategic Partnership for Greater Reach
In collaboration with Vidya Bhawan Society, Shiksha Sambal operates across multiple locations, including Udaipur, Salumber, Rajsamand, Chittorgarh, Ajmer, and Bhilwara. Additionally, Hindustan Zinc recently signed an MoU with the Department of Education, Rajasthan, committing an investment of ₹36 crores over the next five years to enhance educational infrastructure and development across the state.
The company has also established over 1,400 Nand Ghars across Rajasthan and Uttarakhand, promoting early childhood development and benefiting more than 2.5 lakh women and children. Other key educational initiatives include:
- Unchi Udaan – Supporting talented students from low-income families aspiring for admission to premier institutes like IITs.
- Jeevan Tarang – Empowering children with disabilities by providing them with essential learning resources and support systems.
Broader Social Impact
Hindustan Zinc’s commitment goes beyond education. The company has been instrumental in driving sustainable livelihood programs, healthcare initiatives, water conservation, and sanitation projects, impacting over 20 lakh lives across 3,700 villages. With a strong focus on promoting gender equality, the company has empowered rural women through skill development and self-employment opportunities.
Ranked among India’s top 10 CSR companies, Hindustan Zinc’s initiatives reflect a holistic approach to community development, ensuring sustainability, inclusivity, and long-term socio-economic growth.
Bhupendra Singh Chundawat is a seasoned technology journalist with over 22 years of experience in the media industry. He specializes in covering the global technology landscape, with a deep focus on manufacturing trends and the geopolitical impact on tech companies. Currently serving as the Editor at Udaipur Kiran, his insights are shaped by decades of hands-on reporting and editorial leadership in the fast-evolving world of technology.
