OMC's OMAV initiative brings hope to tribal children.
In the mining regions of Khandadhar, many families belonging to Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTG) find quality education an unattainable dream. Dhira Nayak, an unskilled daily wage earner from this community, held a simple hope for his children: a life shaped by knowledge and dignity. That hope found a powerful partner in the Odisha Mining Adarsh Vidyalaya (OMAV) initiative.
The transformation for Dhira’s family became deeply personal when his daughter Mahuli enrolled at the OMAV in Rourkela in 2023. She quickly gained fluency in English, excelled academically, and brought home lessons that extended beyond textbooks, teaching her parents about health, hygiene, and self-respect. This profound change inspired Dhira to enroll his younger son, Biju, two years later.
"I never imagined my children would teach me about confidence and dignity," Dhira shared, capturing the sentiment of many parents. "OMAV has given our family hope."
This impact is the core mission of the OMAV program, a significant collaborative effort between the Odisha Mining Corporation (OMC) and the Odisha Adarsh Vidyalaya Sangathan (OAVS). These institutions are specifically designed to uplift children from villages located in the periphery of OMC’s mining operations. Currently, five such schools are operational in Rayagada, Keonjhar, Barbil, Rourkela, and Kalinganagar.
The schools provide a comprehensive, fully residential experience at no cost. Affiliated with the CBSE board, they offer a complete English-medium curriculum, modern classroom facilities, nutritious meals, and a dedicated focus on holistic development.
The initiative demonstrates a strong commitment to social inclusion. Over 70% of the 1,400-plus students currently enrolled belong to ST and SC communities. With approximately 475 new students admitted for the 2025-26 fiscal year, the program continues to expand its reach.
For families like Dhira Nayak’s, the OMAVs represent far more than just academic instruction. They function as crucial gateways to social mobility, inclusion, and a future where opportunity is finally within reach.
