Hindustan Zinc Transforms Lives of Rural Students through Shiksha Sambal Winter Camp

Hindustan Zinc Limited, India’s largest and the world’s second-largest integrated zinc producer, recently concluded its Shiksha Sambal Winter Camp, bringing hope and educational empowerment to nearly 1,700 students from 50 government schools across six districts of Rajasthan. This initiative is a part of Hindustan Zinc’s long-standing commitment to transforming the educational landscape in rural Rajasthan, where many students face challenges like financial constraints, lack of resources, and social barriers.

The Shiksha Sambal program focuses on Class IX and X students, offering structured support in foundational subjects such as mathematics, science, reading, and writing. Through a combination of workbook exercises, practical lab sessions, holiday camps, and library work, the program equips students with essential academic skills, helping them build a stronger foundation for their future. Many of the students benefitting from this initiative are first-generation learners, who are at risk of dropping out without such crucial interventions.

Since its inception in 2008, Shiksha Sambal has impacted the lives of over 2 lakh children annually, contributing significantly to improving educational outcomes in Rajasthan. For instance, the state’s Class X pass percentage has risen from a mere 45% in 2007 to an impressive 93% in 2024, a testament to the program's effectiveness in bridging learning gaps and reducing dropout rates.

In collaboration with the Vidya Bhawan Society, the program reaches students in regions like Udaipur, Salumbar, Rajsamand, Chittorgarh, Ajmer, and Bhilwara, ensuring education is accessible to even the remotest communities. To further its commitment, Hindustan Zinc recently signed an MoU with the Department of Education, Rajasthan, pledging an investment of ₹36 crores over the next five years to bolster educational development in the state.

Beyond Shiksha Sambal, Hindustan Zinc has introduced other impactful programs like:

Unchi Udaan: Supporting IIT aspirants from low-income families.

Jeevan Tarang: Empowering children with disabilities.

Nand Ghars: Promoting early childhood education through 1,400 centers, benefitting over 2.5 lakh women and children.

Ranked among India’s top 10 CSR companies, Hindustan Zinc’s social initiatives extend beyond education to include sustainable livelihoods for rural women and farmers, healthcare access, water conservation, and sanitation efforts, collectively impacting over 20 lakh lives across 3,700 villages.

With its focus on inclusivity, innovation, and environmental responsibility, Hindustan Zinc has also been recognized globally for its sustainability initiatives, including launching Asia's first low-carbon zinc brand, EcoZen, and maintaining a Water-Positive status.

Hindustan Zinc remains steadfast in its mission to create a self-reliant and empowered Rajasthan, transforming the lives of millions through education and sustainable development.