152 Rural Schools in Rajasthan Adopted by Hindustan Zinc

Hindustan Zinc recently had adopted 112 government schools in Rajasthan to improve infrastructure facilities in these schools. The company has also recently signed a MoU with the District Education Department, Government of Rajasthan to adopt another 40 Government schools, including only Girls’ Schools in Udaipur District, covering Udaipur City, Zawar and other areas. With the signing of MoU to improve infrastructure in 40 schools in Udaipur, Hindustan Zinc shall be improving infrastructure in 152 schools with a cost of over Rs. 5 crore.

Many studies have pointed out that in order to improve the enrolment in government run schools there is a dire need to improve the infrastructure, which includes not only repairs of the building but also sitting facilities, black-boards, electricity fittings and teaching aids. A report written by UNICEF has also stated that in rural Rajasthan, the female literacy is about 42 per cent. The sharp drop in secondary school attendance, particularly among girls is because of no drinking water facilities, lack of separate toilets for girls, no proper teachers, improper infrastructure and others which is a matter of concern and requires immediate action. 

Through this project, Hindustan Zinc is providing basic infrastructure facilities like construction of boundary wall, class rooms & labs, installation of hand pumps, ceiling fans, coolers, construction of toilets, playground and furniture. Besides, scholarships to meritorious students will also be given and to keep up the green belt in schools, special plantation drives would be conducted.

Two years back, the company had back launched a social media campaign "Khushi" which brought out the issue of infrastructure improvement in several on line debates and discussions. Taking the campaign forward, Hindustan Zinc decided to improve the infrastructure and give better facilities to students and improve their education quality.

"Hindustan Zinc is quite please with the progress of the work already initiated in 112 schools and looking forward to complete the work at the earliest. This project under the PPP model is expected to improve the quality of education in these schools", said Pavan Kaushik, Head of Corporate Communication.  To ensure the smooth running of project, a committee has been formed comprising members from HZL and members to be proposed by the District Collector. Based on the need of the school authority and the budget allotted, the project will be executed by Hindustan Zinc, Pavan Kaushik informed further.