Industry Minister Swain urges corporates to align CSR with Odisha’s development priorities

THEBUSINESSBYTES BUREAU

BHUBANESWAR, SEPTEMBER 24, 2025

At the Odisha CSR Conclave 2025, hosted by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) in Bhubaneswar, Industry Minister Sampad Chandra Swain called on corporate leaders to align their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) strategies with the state’s critical development objectives. With an eye on Odisha’s socio-economic transformation, the Minister emphasized the importance of integrating CSR efforts with government priorities across sectors such as child and women welfare, tribal development, smart agriculture, and healthcare.

Speaking to an audience of business leaders, policymakers, and civil society representatives, Minister Swain stressed that corporates should expand their CSR initiatives beyond urban centers into underserved districts, particularly in tribal and rural areas. He proposed a cluster-based approach in industrial hubs like Kalinga Nagar, Jharsuguda, and Keonjhar to strengthen local education, healthcare, and infrastructure. “We need a collaborative effort that bridges the gap between corporate initiatives and government schemes. The government of Odisha is committed to supporting CSR activities through a dedicated CSR cell and voluntary evaluation mechanisms,” he assured.

Anu Garg, Development Commissioner & Additional Chief Secretary of the Department of Planning & Convergence, echoed the Minister’s sentiments. She highlighted the vital role played by both large and small industries in driving positive change across sectors such as education, sports, health, and livelihoods. Garg also laid out Odisha’s ambitious economic vision, aiming to boost its contribution to the national GDP from 2.9% to 4% by 2036, and 5% by 2047. This, she said, would require greater investment in skilling, with industries taking a lead in adopting Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) and creating employment opportunities for the youth.

Sunil Gupta, Chairman of CII Odisha State Council and President of Advocacy & Business Development at Vedanta Limited, stressed the importance of inclusive development, particularly in tribal areas. He shared insights into the CII Foundation’s efforts in promoting sustainable livelihoods, noting that corporate-led initiatives can play a crucial role in addressing the unique challenges faced by marginalized communities.

The event also featured notable discussions on Odisha’s CSR landscape, with Prashant Hota, President of Group Head CSR & Education at Jindal Steel Limited, providing valuable statistics. Hota pointed out that more than ₹35,000 crore is spent annually on CSR in India, with Odisha contributing over ₹5,000 crore. Drawing attention to the pandemic’s challenges, Hota recalled how CSR interventions, such as oxygen cylinder supplies, proved to be life-saving, showcasing how corporate initiatives in Odisha have often set national standards.

Akanksha Chaturvedi, Co-Chairperson of the CSR Subcommittee at CII ER and Head of Corporate Strategy at Gainwell Commosales Pvt Ltd, highlighted the critical need for a sustainable, community-driven approach to CSR. She advocated for a stronger focus on basic healthcare and education in tribal regions, underscoring that these areas are often left out of the mainstream development agenda.

In his closing remarks, G Suresha, Vice Chairman of the CII Odisha State Council and Executive Director of AM/NS India, reaffirmed that CSR should go beyond compliance and become an integral part of corporate strategy for sustainability and societal impact. He emphasized that Odisha’s diverse socio-economic fabric requires a holistic approach, where businesses, government, and civil society work together to overcome the region’s emerging challenges.

The conclave featured several thought-provoking sessions on key topics, including “Strengthening Industry-Government Partnerships for Strategic CSR”, “Climate Change and Disaster Risk Reduction”, and “Women-Centric CSR – Empowering Odisha’s Women for Inclusive Growth”. By the end of the day, participants underscored that CSR must not merely fulfill legal obligations but act as a catalyst for inclusive and sustainable development in the state.