Local people of Lanjigarh, including Kondh tribal community strongly resisted the attempts by some of the outside NGO activists to create disturbances in the Public Hearing meeting organized by Orissa State Pollution Control Board (OSPCB) regarding Environmental Clearance to Vedanta Aluminium Limited for its expansion. “We know what is good for us and what is bad. We know what benefit we will get if Vedanta expands. The outsiders should not interfere in our matter,” said Raghu Majhi of Belamba village, where the Public Hearing took place on April 25, 2009.
The villagers opposed some of the outside NGO workers, when they tried to present their view on the subject and raise slogan against the Company. As per the notice issues by the OSPCB only persons who are affected or involved in the expansion project were supposed to attend the public hearing and put forth their view. However, some of the NGO from Bhawanipatna, Bhubaneswar, New Delhi and European Countries were also present in the program and tried to interrupt the proceedings. “What is the stake of these white foreigners in the project,” asked the tribal community members. It seems that these International NGO activists are working against Vedanta with their vested interests. According to the villagers, these NGOs and foreigners have never done anything for the development of this tribal dominated area. They were seen nowhere in the site but flock at Lanjigarh, when such public meetings happens.
In the meeting though the local villagers and to be affected persons raised issues regarding dust pollution, supported the Expansion Plan by Vedanta Aluminium. They also came forward to donate their land for the expansion of the Alumina Refinery and in return avail the rehabilitation and resettlement benefits. A group of people from local villages also submitted a memorandum to the government representatives to give their land for the expansion project.
Vedanta Aluminium has applied for Environmental Clearance for its proposed expansion of its Alumina Refinery’s capacity from 1 MTPA to 6 MTPA. As per the instruction by the Ministry of Environment and Forest the OSPCB conducted the Public Hearing. The meeting was presided by Mr. Chudamani Seth, ADM, Kalahandi and facilitated by Er. PC Rout of OPSCB. Dr. Mukesh Kumar, Chief Operating Officer of Vedanta Aluminium Limited presented a brief note on the proposed expansion project. Several community leaders from the locality presented their views on subject.
Vedanta Aluminium is already having an Alumina Refinery of 1 MTPA capacity with a Captive power plant at Lanjigarh.
Saturday, April 25, 2009
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Dongria Kondh demand execution of apex court order on Niyamgiri
The Dongria Kondhs are one of the primitive tribes living in Niyamgiri in Rayagada and Kalahandi Districts of Orissa, India. Though they reside above huge volume of bauxite, primary source of aluminum, development is yet to reach them after six decades of Indian independence.
Literacy level is very low. Poverty and unemployment is everywhere. Through primary occupation is agriculture; a small land base and low agricultural productivity have led to their low income and poverty. Malnutrition and disease are very common among this Dongria Kondh community. Few Dongria Kondh villages are lucky have basic services such health facilities and education.
However, after the Supreme Court’s order on August 2008, about mining from Niyamgiri, a new hope has been originated among the community. Encouraged by the Supreme Court’s direction regarding mining from Niyamgiri by the Vedanta Aluminium, the Dongria Kondh community are hopeful that a new era of development is awaiting for them.
In the Landmark judgment, the Supreme Court directed the Vedanta Aluminium to spend Rs. 5 Crore or 10% of the profit, whichever is higher for development of people in the periphery area of the Alumina Refinery set up by the company. The money shall be spent through a Special Purpose Vehicle for Schedule Area Development – with Vedanta, Government of Orissa and Orissa Mining Company as its partner. The books of the account shall be audited by the Auditor General of Orissa and reviewed by the Supreme Court’s Central Empowerment Committee.
However, even after eight months of this land mark judgment, no initiative has been taken either by the company or the government. The Dongria Kondh community is waiting eagerly when the SPV will start function and their fortune will change. “We have no opposition to mining, as long as our development is ensured. We demand the government and the company should make the SPV operational,” said Senapati Sikoka. The voice is echoed by several other dongria kondh community members. All of them demand mining from Niyamgiri and investment for their development.
“The Dongria Kondhs stay in the immediate periphery of the plant. So with their fortune is going to change once the mining starts,” feels Dhan Majhi. The Dongria Kondh community is very encouraged to see various development interventions by the Company for Tribal development. Now they are getting regular health services at their door step though mobile health unit. Child Care Centers are also established for proper nutrition and pre-schooling of children. Roads and communication facilities in Lanjigarh has also improved. Vedanta has not only taken care of their basic need, but also started intervention for livelihood development of people in Niyamgiri. Recently, it has trained 120 Dongria Kondh women on leaf-plate making. The product has huge demand in local market and the company has also assured them to provide market linkage, once mass production starts. “We may need not to go to wage work once this leaf-plate business starts”, says Anda Majhi, a Dongria Kondh woman from Khemdipadar. They can earn more than Rs. 100/- per day sitting at home by making machine stitched leaf-plates.
As stated by the Chairman of Vedanta Mr. Anil Agrawal, Niyamgiri Bauxite Mine will be operational very soon. However, the tribals are not patient enough to wait for the ‘very soon’. They want immediate opening of Niyamgiri Bauxite mine and early operationalisation of Special Purpose vehicle, as per directive of the Supreme Court.
By Kailash Tudu
Source: http://www.newstrackindia.com/newsdetails/85481
Livelihood Skill Training for 300 tribal women in Niyamgiri of Orissa
Vedanta Aluminium Limited, with an objective to provide improved livelihood support, has trained 300 women, mostly tribal on leaf-plate making and collective trading. All these women are all set to produce market standard leaf-plates on a mass scale. Out of the 300 women, 120 women are from Dongria Kondh, 90 from Kutia Kondh community. The rest 90 women are from Schedule Caste and other backward caste community.
As part of the 30 day training program, all these women also visited Bolangir and Bhawanipatna - nearby towns – in order to interact with various traders and leaf plate – makers as well as to gain knowledge of the business.
In order to promote livelihood of tribal women, the Company has launched ‘Project Jeebika’ in eight villages in the slope of the Niyamgiri Hill. About 50 Joint Livelihood Groups (JLG), comprising 300 enterprising women have been formed under this project. “Dongria Kondh Community is the focus of the project,” according to Dr. Mukesh Kumar, Chief Operating Officer, Vedanta Aluminium Limited, Lanjigarh. The project will also provide ‘door step’ marketing of the mass production of leaf-plates by the women. Each of the JLGs will also be given two sewing machines in order to stitch the leaf-plate for better price.
“Locally available Sal or Siali leaf, trained human resources and marketing support by Vedanta will ensure sustainability of the project as well as give a sustainable livelihood support to the tribal community”, adds Dr. Mukesh Kumar. The tribal women are also highly optimistic about their new found livelihood option after the training. “We may need not to go to wage work once this leaf-plate business starts”, says Anda Majhi, a Dongria Kondh woman from Khemdipadar. “Unlike before, we can earn more than Rs. 100/- per day sitting at home by making machine stitched leaf-plates”, says Radha Majhi of Balabhadrapur Village.
People from other neighboring area have also shown their interest for such training and intervention in their respective village. According to Dr. Mukesh Kumar, “Other villages will also be included in the project very soon. We are planning to making a hub for leaf-plates in Lanjigarh by making a federation of these enterprising women groups around Niyamgiri and replicating the success”.
Vedanta Aluminium has engaged SHAKTI Organisation, a local NGO to execute the “Project Jeebika” as an implementing partner. The villages covered in the project are Tadijhola, Hadaguda, Phuldumer, Khemdipadar, Trilochanpur, Kadamguda, Balabhadrapur and Semilibhatta under Lanjigarh Block of Kalahandi, Orissa (India).
The Alumina Refinery Unit of Vedanta has also successfully implemented several livelihood promotion programs, in order to provide better income and living for the tribal people in Lanjigarh. One of the most successful programs is Shashya Shilpa Abhiyan, in which the company provides support for vegetable cultivation by the tribals.
Source: http://www.orissadiary.com/ShowDistrictNews.asp?id=11960
As part of the 30 day training program, all these women also visited Bolangir and Bhawanipatna - nearby towns – in order to interact with various traders and leaf plate – makers as well as to gain knowledge of the business.
In order to promote livelihood of tribal women, the Company has launched ‘Project Jeebika’ in eight villages in the slope of the Niyamgiri Hill. About 50 Joint Livelihood Groups (JLG), comprising 300 enterprising women have been formed under this project. “Dongria Kondh Community is the focus of the project,” according to Dr. Mukesh Kumar, Chief Operating Officer, Vedanta Aluminium Limited, Lanjigarh. The project will also provide ‘door step’ marketing of the mass production of leaf-plates by the women. Each of the JLGs will also be given two sewing machines in order to stitch the leaf-plate for better price.
“Locally available Sal or Siali leaf, trained human resources and marketing support by Vedanta will ensure sustainability of the project as well as give a sustainable livelihood support to the tribal community”, adds Dr. Mukesh Kumar. The tribal women are also highly optimistic about their new found livelihood option after the training. “We may need not to go to wage work once this leaf-plate business starts”, says Anda Majhi, a Dongria Kondh woman from Khemdipadar. “Unlike before, we can earn more than Rs. 100/- per day sitting at home by making machine stitched leaf-plates”, says Radha Majhi of Balabhadrapur Village.
People from other neighboring area have also shown their interest for such training and intervention in their respective village. According to Dr. Mukesh Kumar, “Other villages will also be included in the project very soon. We are planning to making a hub for leaf-plates in Lanjigarh by making a federation of these enterprising women groups around Niyamgiri and replicating the success”.
Vedanta Aluminium has engaged SHAKTI Organisation, a local NGO to execute the “Project Jeebika” as an implementing partner. The villages covered in the project are Tadijhola, Hadaguda, Phuldumer, Khemdipadar, Trilochanpur, Kadamguda, Balabhadrapur and Semilibhatta under Lanjigarh Block of Kalahandi, Orissa (India).
The Alumina Refinery Unit of Vedanta has also successfully implemented several livelihood promotion programs, in order to provide better income and living for the tribal people in Lanjigarh. One of the most successful programs is Shashya Shilpa Abhiyan, in which the company provides support for vegetable cultivation by the tribals.
Source: http://www.orissadiary.com/ShowDistrictNews.asp?id=11960
Friday, April 10, 2009
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
Tribal leaders vow to oppose false propaganda by NGOs
“Villages still exist in the foothill of the mining site and people are engaged in agricultural activities. However, the NGO people misguided us by saying that our entire hill be destroyed and rivers and streams shall dry up. I will reveal this reality to entire Dongria Kondh Community”.
This was the first reaction of Taalu Sikoka, after he visited Panchapatmali bauxite mining site and interacted with tribal villagers in the periphery area. Taalu was not only persons to have such reaction. Seven others from Dongria Kondh Community had similar reaction.
In order to verify several misinformation by some of the NGOs regarding bauxite mining from Niyamgiri hill, a team of eight persons, from Patsali, Guma, Luma and Dangamati villages visited Panchapatmali bauxite mining site, Asia’s largest bauxite reserve. The tribal leaders were amazed to see the positive impact of bauxite mining.
In spite of repeated propaganda that bauxite mining will dry up all rivers and streams from the hill, they found that water flow in the streams is as usual and in some cases more than usual. “Forest Cover is also increased with the plantation by the mining company,” said Maandi Sikoka.
While interacting with local villagers they found that the villagers were doing double crop. None of the villagers is displaced; neither the hill has been collapsed. Rather the development activities taken up by the mining company has enhanced lives of people in the area.
“We won’t allow these NGOs to misguide us further. Now we see the reality and will let others know about this in our villages. If mining can change our lives so positively, then it was our foolishness to oppose the Mining from Niyamgiri,” said Drika Kadraka.
Some of the NGOs were mobilizing people against bauxite mining from Niyamgiri with their false propaganda. They were telling that the entire hill will collapse due to mining. Similarly, the rivers and streams will vanish. And agricultural activities will be severely affected. There will be lot of tree cutting and the tribal cannot collect any livelihood from the forest. Even the villagers shall be displaced.
In order to check the reality, they visited the nearest operational bauxite mining site. “It has opened our eyes,” said Taalu.
Source: http://www.newstrackindia.com/newsdetails/80950
This was the first reaction of Taalu Sikoka, after he visited Panchapatmali bauxite mining site and interacted with tribal villagers in the periphery area. Taalu was not only persons to have such reaction. Seven others from Dongria Kondh Community had similar reaction.
In order to verify several misinformation by some of the NGOs regarding bauxite mining from Niyamgiri hill, a team of eight persons, from Patsali, Guma, Luma and Dangamati villages visited Panchapatmali bauxite mining site, Asia’s largest bauxite reserve. The tribal leaders were amazed to see the positive impact of bauxite mining.
In spite of repeated propaganda that bauxite mining will dry up all rivers and streams from the hill, they found that water flow in the streams is as usual and in some cases more than usual. “Forest Cover is also increased with the plantation by the mining company,” said Maandi Sikoka.
While interacting with local villagers they found that the villagers were doing double crop. None of the villagers is displaced; neither the hill has been collapsed. Rather the development activities taken up by the mining company has enhanced lives of people in the area.
“We won’t allow these NGOs to misguide us further. Now we see the reality and will let others know about this in our villages. If mining can change our lives so positively, then it was our foolishness to oppose the Mining from Niyamgiri,” said Drika Kadraka.
Some of the NGOs were mobilizing people against bauxite mining from Niyamgiri with their false propaganda. They were telling that the entire hill will collapse due to mining. Similarly, the rivers and streams will vanish. And agricultural activities will be severely affected. There will be lot of tree cutting and the tribal cannot collect any livelihood from the forest. Even the villagers shall be displaced.
In order to check the reality, they visited the nearest operational bauxite mining site. “It has opened our eyes,” said Taalu.
Source: http://www.newstrackindia.com/newsdetails/80950
Mega Health Camp by Vedanta on World Health Day
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Vedanta Aluminium observed World Health Day on April 7, 2009 in its refinery at Lanjigarh, Kalahandi, Orissa (India). To mark the occasion, a mega health camp along with several other programs was oranised by the Company. The program was inaugurated by Dr. Mukesh Kumar, Chief Operating Officer, Vedanta Aluminium Limited, Lanjigarh. Mr. Umesh Mehta, Vice President and Mr. Bimalananda Senapati, AVP were also present on the occasion.
Addressing the gathering, Dr. Mukesh Kumar said, “Vedanta Aluminium is concerned about health of not only its employees but also the people of the surrounding villages including the tribal people. Observation of World Health Day reaffirms our commitment towards better health in and around Lanjigarh”. He also appealed the public to join hand with Vedanta Aluminium to make Kalahandi a Malaria free district. A mega health camp, along with HIV/AIDS Counselling and Testing Service, Dental Health Check Up and Eye Check up Service had been held by the Company.
While the mega health camp and HIV/AIDS Counseling and Testing Service were open to the public other services were availed by employees of Vedanta and its associate partners. Patients were provided medical consultation along with medicines, free of cost. Doctors from different medical specialty such as Gynecology, orthopedic, medicine, pediatrics, dental and ophthalmology provided medical consultation to about 512 people at the Mega Health Camp. “In addition to providing health care services, the program was also successful in building awareness about health issues among the public,” adds Dr. Mukesh Kumar.
The Health Safety and Environment Department of the Company also organized an Emergency Preparedness Demonstration for the employees. The observation ended with a Seminar on Heat Stroke, Women at Work and Computer Vision Syndrome in the afternoon. The program was coordinated by Dr. RC Rout, Head (HSE); Mr. Samiron Sarkar, Head (CSR) and Dr. Sabita Swain, Chief Medical Officer, along with their Team.
Vedanta gives priority to provide Health Care Facility for its employees as well as for the community members in its periphery. The Alumina producing unit has a dedicated mobile medical unit that goes to several villages, mostly tribals of Kondh community. Ambulance service is also provided, in case of emergency. The company has also made several efforts to make Lanjigarh a Malaria Free area.
Similarly, the company has established an Integrated Counseling and Training Center (ICTC) in partnership with Orissa State AIDS Control Society (OSACS).
Vedanta to provide nutritious mid day meal for Children in 235 Schools
Vedanta Aluminum Limited, Lanjigarh signed a Memorandum of Understanding on February 13, 2009 with District Administration of Kalahandi and Naandi Foundation for providing mid-day meal in Lanjigarh block of the district. The program will provide nutritious food to 18000 children in 235 schools in Lanjigarh block. The project aims at improving the nutritional status of children in classes I-VIII in government aided schools and encourage poor children, belonging to disadvantaged sections, to attend school more regularly and help them concentrate on classroom activities.
Dr Mukesh Kumar said, “In line with the Millennium Development Goal, the program will further to minimize the cases of malnutrition by providing nutritional food cooked in the Centralized Kitchen managed by internationally renowned professional body”.
As per the MoU, school children shall be provided freshly cooked food under this program. Vedanta Aluminium will develop a centralised kitchen, where the food shall be cooked and sent to schools. The company will also bear the cost of transportation. Naandi Foundation shall be responsible for cooking and management of the centralised kitchen and also for delivering the food at the doorsteps of the schools. The district administration shall provide ration and other necessary items as per the Mid-Day-Meal scheme of the government.
The foundation stone for building centralized kitchen was laid on March 27, 2009 by four members of the CSR Advisory Committee - Padmashree Prof. P.K. Jena, Ex-DG, CSIR; Mr. A B Tripathy, Former DGP, Orissa; Mr. Bijay Mohanty, noted Oriya Cine Star and Ms. Rita Ray, Head of Department of Sociology, Utkal University.
Dr Mukesh Kumar said, “In line with the Millennium Development Goal, the program will further to minimize the cases of malnutrition by providing nutritional food cooked in the Centralized Kitchen managed by internationally renowned professional body”.
As per the MoU, school children shall be provided freshly cooked food under this program. Vedanta Aluminium will develop a centralised kitchen, where the food shall be cooked and sent to schools. The company will also bear the cost of transportation. Naandi Foundation shall be responsible for cooking and management of the centralised kitchen and also for delivering the food at the doorsteps of the schools. The district administration shall provide ration and other necessary items as per the Mid-Day-Meal scheme of the government.
The foundation stone for building centralized kitchen was laid on March 27, 2009 by four members of the CSR Advisory Committee - Padmashree Prof. P.K. Jena, Ex-DG, CSIR; Mr. A B Tripathy, Former DGP, Orissa; Mr. Bijay Mohanty, noted Oriya Cine Star and Ms. Rita Ray, Head of Department of Sociology, Utkal University.
Advisory Committee Appreciates CSR Work
Four members of Vedanta CSR Advisory Committee comprising of legendary cine artist Mr Bijoy Mohanty; Ex DGP Mr A B Tripathy; Ex Director, IMMT Padmashree Mr P.K. Jena and Prof and HOD, Dept of Sociology, Utkal University, Prof. Rita Ray paid an official visit to the Vedanta Aluminium Lanjigarh unit on 27th March 2009. During the one-day visit they spent time in the Niyamgiri Vedanta Nagar (R&R colony) and interfaced with the residents. They also took an on the spot study of the functioning of the child care centre, the primary school managed by Vedanta, the tailoring unit and the phenyl making unit managed by the SHGs promoted by Vedanta. They also visited the strawberry cultivation unit at Rengapalii village followed by the Project Ujjala program at Basantapara village.
The committee members were greeted with a warm welcome at Harekrishnapur village where the members of the Advisory Board experienced various agricultural developmental program undertaken under Sashya Shilpa Abhiyan.
They also inaugurated the centralized kitchen under the Mid Day Meal program and planted the saplings in front of the Project Office premises. After overseeing the various CSR activities the members also undertook a visit of the Lanjigarh plant where they saw the various operating units, expansion projects and also interfaced with the employees. The COO of VAL Lanjigarh Dr Mukesh Kumar accompanied the members during the visit and also gave presentation on the various sustainable development programs undertaken at Lanjigarh.
The committee members were greeted with a warm welcome at Harekrishnapur village where the members of the Advisory Board experienced various agricultural developmental program undertaken under Sashya Shilpa Abhiyan.
They also inaugurated the centralized kitchen under the Mid Day Meal program and planted the saplings in front of the Project Office premises. After overseeing the various CSR activities the members also undertook a visit of the Lanjigarh plant where they saw the various operating units, expansion projects and also interfaced with the employees. The COO of VAL Lanjigarh Dr Mukesh Kumar accompanied the members during the visit and also gave presentation on the various sustainable development programs undertaken at Lanjigarh.
Cine Artist Mihir Das visits Vedanta CSR Work
Noted Oriya Cinema and Television Star Mihir Das visited Lanjigarh on March 21, 2009. He interacted with the residents of Niyamgiri Vedanta Nagar (NVN) and also visited to other local villages.
At the NVN, he interacted with children in the school, the Self Help Group Members, Women and villagers. Everybody was happy to see their favourite star on screen with them. They clicked as many photographs as possible to remember the star presence.
Mihir Das also had a taste of the strawberry produced by Kataru Majhi in Rengopali village. He also visited Women Self help Group in Basantapada and interacted with youths of Lanjigarh. Appreciating Vedanta’s innovative community development initiatives he said, “the CSR work being done by Vedanta for development tribals including Dongria Kondhs is an example for others.”
Blood Donation Camp by Vedanta in Lanjigarh
A Blood Donation Camp was organized by Vedanta Aluminium at Lanjigarh Hospital on March 24, 2009. The Camp was inaugurated by Mr. Umesh Mehta, Vice-President, Vedanta Aluminium Limited. In this camp total 35 units of blood, donated by Employees of Vedanta Aluminium and its Associate Partners collected. Mr. Mehta also was the first donor in this camp.
Inaugurating the camp Mr. Mehta said, “Very healthy person should come forward to donate blood. This will help many patients during an emergency.” He appreciated Vedanta employees’ response to donate blood. Dr. Sidheswar Marandi, Blood Donation Officer of Bhawanipatna also appreciated Vedanta employees’ enthusiasm to save lives by donating blood. “There is a shortage of blood in the blood bank. And such a camp by Vedanta will help in emergency situation”, he said. The donors in this camp were given certificates and identity card by Red Cross Society. Dr. Sabita Swain, Chief Medical Officer, Vedanta Aluminium, Lanjigarh along with her medical team facilitated the camp.
Vedanta had also organized a mega blood donation camp in December 2008, in which about 90 employees of the Company participated.
Besides blood donation camp, Vedanta organizes several health camps in its periphery villages. People are given free consulting services as well as medicines in these outreach camps.
Vedanta Starts phase-2 Rural Electrification Work
The second Phase work of Project Ujjala – the rural electrification project by Vedanta Aluminium, Lanjigarh – kick started December 26, 2008 at Kadamguda Village, near Lanjigarh. The inaugural ceremony for the second phase electrification work commenced after puja, performed by Arjun Chandi, a local village leader. Mr. L.N. Mishra, SDO, WESCO; Mr. Sunil Chand, AGM (Electrical), Vedanta; Mr. CR Behura, Manager (CSR) and more than fifty villagers were present in the ceremony.
Under the Ujjala project Vedanta is bringing lights to villages in its periphery area. The company has already brought lights in two villages – Basantapada and Rengopalli, near its aluminium refinery at Lanjigarh. The second phase work of the project will electrify another six villages, namely – Semilibhatta, Kadamguda, Balabhadrapur, Kendubardi, Chanalima and Chhatrapur (Bhalupada). People of Kadamguda village appreciated Vedanta’s initiative to bring the much awaited electricity facility to the village. “For a long time, we were demanding electricity in our village. Finally we are thankful to Vedanta for this electrification work,” said Duryodhan Chandi, a villager.
Under the Ujjala project Vedanta is bringing lights to villages in its periphery area. The company has already brought lights in two villages – Basantapada and Rengopalli, near its aluminium refinery at Lanjigarh. The second phase work of the project will electrify another six villages, namely – Semilibhatta, Kadamguda, Balabhadrapur, Kendubardi, Chanalima and Chhatrapur (Bhalupada). People of Kadamguda village appreciated Vedanta’s initiative to bring the much awaited electricity facility to the village. “For a long time, we were demanding electricity in our village. Finally we are thankful to Vedanta for this electrification work,” said Duryodhan Chandi, a villager.
‘Gyanodaya’ at Niyamgiri Vedanta Nagar
Vedanta has launched a mass adult literacy campaign at Niyamgiri Vedanta Nagar to achieve 100% literacy among all the rehabilitated persons in the colony.
The program was launched on January 07, 2009 with eye and ear catching slogans. School Children took the placards in their hands and walked across the Rehabilitation Colony to educate their parents, uncle and aunt about the importance of literacy saying " its never too late to start learning and putting a thumb impression anywhere is a shame". With continuous awareness campaign, the attendance has increased by 45%. The adult learners are provided with books and other kits to become literate.
Very soon the Niyamgiri Vedanta Nagar will be a completely literate rehabilitation colony in Orissa, may be first of its kind in the state.
The Literacy Awareness March was organised by Mr. Shrimukh Agasty. Mrs. Bindu Tandi, Mr. Ananta Nag, Ms. Padmini Sahu, Mr. S.N. Panigrahi and Ms. Sweta Upadhayaya.
The program was launched on January 07, 2009 with eye and ear catching slogans. School Children took the placards in their hands and walked across the Rehabilitation Colony to educate their parents, uncle and aunt about the importance of literacy saying " its never too late to start learning and putting a thumb impression anywhere is a shame". With continuous awareness campaign, the attendance has increased by 45%. The adult learners are provided with books and other kits to become literate.
Very soon the Niyamgiri Vedanta Nagar will be a completely literate rehabilitation colony in Orissa, may be first of its kind in the state.
The Literacy Awareness March was organised by Mr. Shrimukh Agasty. Mrs. Bindu Tandi, Mr. Ananta Nag, Ms. Padmini Sahu, Mr. S.N. Panigrahi and Ms. Sweta Upadhayaya.
Vedanta Aluminium, Lanjigarh gets St. John Ambulance Award
His Excellency Governor of Orissa, Shri Muralidhar Chandrakant Bhandare presented the prestigious ‘St. John Ambulance Award – 2008’ to Vedanta Aluminium Limited, Lanjigarh for its contribution towards training and promotion of First Aid not only among its employees, contract employees and other stakeholders but also in entire district of Kalahandi, at large. Dr. Mukesh Kumar, Chief Operating Officer received the award during the Annual General Meeting of St John Ambulance held at Raj Bhawan, Bhubaneswar on February 3, 2009. The company also announced to provide an ambulance to Police Commissionerate, Bhubaneswar.
Appreciating Vedanta’s initiatives, Governor of Orissa Shri Bhandare said, “ It is a matter pride that Vedanta Aluminium Lanjigarh took the lead in training 1569 Anganwadi workers in Kalahandi district. Other industrial organizations must follow the path shown by Vedanta”. He also thanked the aluminium company for donating an ambulance to Police Commissionerate, as he requested.
Receiving the award Dr. Mukesh Kumar said, “Vedanta is committed towards improvement in overall healthcare of people and its stakeholders. And our initiatives aimed at building a group of first aid volunteers will help in saving life, during calamity or accidents”. This is the second consecutive year the company has received the St. John Ambulance Award. The company also became the first industrial house in Orissa become Associate Life Member of this international non-profit organization.
Vedanta Aluminium Limited (VAL), Lanjigarh is one among the few corporate in Orissa who are committed for First Aid Training and promotion. The Company has been actively involved in this activity since 2006. In the year 2007, VAL has created 300 first aid volunteers among its own employees through first aid training, in association with St. John Ambulance. In 2008, the company had imparted training to 450 of its employees including contract employees and drivers. Similarly, in order to spread the message of first aid and create a band of volunteers through out Kalahandi district, the company supported training on first aid and lifesaving skills to 1569 Anganwadi workers and supervisors in the district.
VAL, Lanjigarh has also been recognized as a training center by St. John Ambulance to conduct first aid training programs for its employees as well as other community members. This is the first center in Kalahandi. The company has also supported in establishing a first aid training center at Bhawanipatna. It has two ambulance brigades, comprising of 60 first aid trained staff and two doctors to extend first aid support to general public in case of any natural or manmade calamity or accidents.
The company is actively involved in improvement of health, safety, and environment for its employees as well as community members. This award is a recognisition of VAL’s efforts in the area of creating awareness about health and preventive measures for controlling diseases like Malaria, Cholera, and Malnutrition etc. Recently, the company has been awarded OHSAS 18001 certificate for its health and safety management system. St. John Ambulance is a leading provider of first aid training in the world.
Seminar on Globalization and Tribal Development
“Globalization has helped in mobilizing economic activities and hence bringing higher developmental opportunities for tribal”, said Dr, Mukesh Kumar, while inaugurating A National Seminar on “Changing Facets of Tribal Development in the Era of Globalization”, has been organized in M. Rampur College, Kalhandi. ‘Vedanta is here not for industrialization only. It is committed to contribute to the development of tribal’, he added.
The seminar was sponsored by UGC and held on 13-14 December 2008 in the political science department of the college. Academicians from different parts of Orissa and outside presented their research papers on development of tribals in this Seminar. Among other speakers in the inaugural ceremony were Mr. Kiran Chandra Singhdeo, MLA & former Minister; Prof. K. Sekhar Reddy, head of CSSE&IP, Andhra University. Principal of the college Prof. BP Singhdeo presided over the inaugural session and Dr. HP Tul presented the welcome address. It should be noted that this was first ever National Seminar organized by the college.
The seminar was sponsored by UGC and held on 13-14 December 2008 in the political science department of the college. Academicians from different parts of Orissa and outside presented their research papers on development of tribals in this Seminar. Among other speakers in the inaugural ceremony were Mr. Kiran Chandra Singhdeo, MLA & former Minister; Prof. K. Sekhar Reddy, head of CSSE&IP, Andhra University. Principal of the college Prof. BP Singhdeo presided over the inaugural session and Dr. HP Tul presented the welcome address. It should be noted that this was first ever National Seminar organized by the college.
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