Coal Secretary Inaugurates Smart Classrooms under CIL’s CSR Initiative

On January 24, 2025, Shri Vikram Dev Dutt, Secretary of the Ministry of Coal, virtually inaugurated digital classrooms in government schools across Jharkhand. These classrooms are part of ‘Digi Vidya,’ a Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative by Coal India Limited (CIL) subsidiaries. The 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 provide quality education to students in mining areas across eight states where CIL operates. In its first phase, 272 government schools have been upgraded with smart classrooms, with plans to include more schools in subsequent phases.

Implementation by Subsidiaries

Bharat Coking Coal Limited (BCCL): Implemented smart classrooms and ICT labs in 79 schools in Dhanbad district, investing over ₹10.69 crore. This initiative benefits more than 100,000 students and 400 teachers, providing personalized and technology-driven learning experiences.

Central Coalfields Limited (CCL): Introduced ‘Digi Vidya’ in 193 schools across districts including Chatra, Bokaro, and Ranchi.

Statements from Officials

Shri Vikram Dev Dutt: Emphasized that digital classrooms enable students in remote areas to access quality educational resources, preparing them for a technology-driven future.

Smt. Rupinder Brar: Noted that digital classrooms are transformative for students in remote areas, offering them the same quality education as urban schools.

Shri PM Prasad: Described the initiative as a step towards inclusive and equitable education, focusing on remote areas.

Additional CSR Initiatives

CMPDI: Sponsored 20 students who completed a two-year Diploma in Ophthalmic Assistant Program at LNJP Paramedical Institute, Bahera. Certificates were awarded by Shri Ajay Kumar, Director (T/P&D), and Shri R.K. Mahapatra, General Manager (HRD/CSR), CMPDI.

Mahanadi Coalfields Limited (MCL): Launched “Project Sambalpur Sikshotthan – MCL Ke Shayog Say” to improve educational infrastructure in Sambalpur district. An MoU was signed with the District Administration to provide 20,617 dual desk benches for 809 elementary schools, benefiting over 40,000 students annually.

Northern Coalfields Limited (NCL): Initiated a project worth ₹1.46 crore in Sonbhadra district, Uttar Pradesh, covering the renovation of infrastructure in three schools.

Western Coalfields Limited (WCL): As part of its Golden Jubilee Celebrations, WCL launched “The Happy School” project at Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia Government School, redesigning government schools using the Building as Learning Aid (BaLA) concept. The pilot project benefited 1,055 students across five Nagpur Municipal Corporation schools.

Summary of the news

Why in News	Key Points
Coal Secretary Inaugurates Smart Classrooms under CIL’s CSR Initiative	– On January 24, 2025, Coal Secretary Shri Vikram Dev Dutt virtually launched smart classrooms as part of Coal India Limited’s (CIL) ‘Digi Vidya’ initiative. – 272 government schools in mining areas upgraded with smart classrooms. – BCCL and CCL are key implementing subsidiaries. – CIL subsidiaries spent over ₹10.69 crore on this initiative. – Project aimed at improving education in mining areas, covering Jharkhand, Dhanbad, and Ranchi.
Subsidiaries Involved	– BCCL: Implemented in 79 schools in Dhanbad district. – CCL: Rolled out in 193 schools across multiple districts in Jharkhand.
Investment and Reach	– ₹10.69 crore spent by BCCL. – Over 100,000 students and 400 teachers benefited. – Digi Vidya set to expand further in upcoming phases.
Statements	– Shri Vikram Dev Dutt: Emphasized the role of digital classrooms in providing equal educational opportunities in remote areas. – Smt. Rupinder Brar: Highlighted the transformative effect of smart classrooms. – Shri PM Prasad: Reaffirmed CIL’s commitment to CSR, focusing on education and empowerment.
Other CSR Initiatives	– CMPDI: Sponsored students for Ophthalmic Assistant Diploma. – MCL: Launched educational projects in Sambalpur district. – NCL: Renovated infrastructure in three schools in Sonbhadra district. – WCL: Launched “Happy School” project, focusing on redesigning school infrastructure.