MCL Signs MoUs to Strengthen Educational Infrastructure in Rural Odisha
Rs 80 Lakh Projects to Enhance Learning Facilities in Barpali Block, Bargarh
Bhubaneswar : In a significant step towards improving educational infrastructure and fostering inclusive development in rural Odisha, Mahanadi Coalfields Limited (MCL), a subsidiary of Coal India Limited, has signed two Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with the District Administration of Bargarh. The initiatives, collectively valued at Rs 80 lakh, will be implemented under MCL’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programme to strengthen learning environments and promote holistic education in the Barpali Block of Bargarh district.
The MoUs were officially signed between MCL’s General Manager (CSR) and the Block Development Officer (BDO), Barpali, in the presence of district officials. These projects aim to improve both the physical and social infrastructure of educational institutions, ensuring better access and opportunities for students from all sections of society, including those from marginalized communities.
Under the first project, MCL will provide Rs 59.75 lakh for the construction of an auditorium hall and parking facility at Saraswati Shishu Vidya Mandir, Barpali. The auditorium will serve as a multipurpose venue for academic, cultural, and extracurricular activities, helping to nurture students’ overall growth and creativity. The adjoining parking facility will not only ensure safe and organized movement for students and staff but will also encourage greater participation from SC/ST/OBC communities in school and local events. Officials noted that the facility will play a pivotal role in transforming the school into a vibrant center for community engagement and learning.
The second project, estimated at Rs 20.78 lakh, focuses on constructing additional classrooms at Government High School, Agalpur. This initiative seeks to reduce classroom overcrowding and improve the student–teacher ratio, creating a more conducive environment for interactive and activity-based learning. The expanded infrastructure will enable the school to accommodate more students while fostering modern and inclusive education practices.
Speaking on the occasion, MCL officials reiterated the company’s long-standing commitment to supporting rural education through its CSR initiatives. They emphasized that investing in educational infrastructure is not merely a social obligation but a vital contribution to nation-building and sustainable development. MCL continues to collaborate with district administrations across Odisha to identify and address key developmental needs in education, healthcare, sanitation, and livelihood generation.
The Bargarh District Administration, represented by the BDO of Barpali, expressed appreciation for MCL’s proactive support and partnership. Officials highlighted that such initiatives significantly enhance access to quality education in rural regions, helping students gain the skills and confidence necessary for future success. The projects, once completed, are expected to serve thousands of students over the coming years.
MCL’s CSR vision extends beyond infrastructure development to encompass a holistic approach to community welfare. The company has been instrumental in implementing various projects aimed at improving educational standards, promoting digital literacy, supporting healthcare services, and enhancing social inclusion in its operational areas across Odisha.
Through these new projects in Barpali and Agalpur, MCL aims to create a sustainable and empowering educational ecosystem that bridges the gap between rural and urban learning environments. By enabling better infrastructure and inclusive participation, the company seeks to ensure that every student — regardless of background — has the opportunity to learn, grow, and contribute meaningfully to society.
The latest MoUs reaffirm MCL’s dedication to strengthening the social fabric of Odisha’s rural communities and building a foundation for long-term educational and economic progress.
