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BHUBANESWAR, DECEMBER 9, 2025
Utkal Alumina International Ltd (UAIL), a unit of Hindalco Industries under the Aditya Birla Group, is driving significant economic progress in rural Odisha through its flagship CSR initiative, Project UDYAMEE. The initiative focuses on fostering self-reliance and improving livelihoods in remote communities across Rayagada district.
Launched in July 2021, the project has transformed the entrepreneurial landscape of 105 villages across the Kashipur block in Rayagada district and the Thuamul Rampur block in Kalahandi district. It does so by equipping aspiring rural entrepreneurs with the skills, resources, and support they need to establish and sustain micro-enterprises.
To date, 301 micro and small enterprises have been created, generating indirect employment for 248 people. These include 134 service-based units, 70 production-based ventures, and 97 trade-related enterprises, all of which contribute to the social and economic development of UAIL’s peripheral areas. One of the most notable outcomes has been the dramatic rise in income levels. Beneficiaries who previously earned around Rs 6,000 per month are now earning between Rs 14,000 and Rs 18,000, marking an income growth of over 120%.
Highlighting the project’s impact, Rabi Narayan Mishra, the Unit Head of UAIL, said, “Project UDYAMEE has empowered rural communities to build sustainable livelihoods within their own villages. The rise in income levels and decline in migration reflect the strength of local entrepreneurship when supported with the right resources.”
The enterprise initiative is being implemented in partnership with the Entrepreneurship Development Institute of India (EDII), which conducts assessments across 150 villages in the two blocks to identify potential entrepreneurs based on local needs. These candidates are then trained in relevant technical and business skills, while UAIL provides the necessary machinery, working capital assistance, and handholding support during the early stages of enterprise development.
With the project already delivering strong socio-economic results, it is set to continue for the next three years, further strengthening rural entrepreneurship and paving the way for sustained economic growth in southern Odisha, Mishra added.
Rojalin Khora, a beneficiary of the project, shared her story: “I had always been optimistic about starting a business, but the lack of opportunities left me disappointed. After learning about the UDYAMEE project implemented by UAIL, I contacted the concerned departmental officials and received initial financial assistance and training. With this support, I started my business from home and now earn handsomely, which has helped my family move towards financial stability.”
Daitari Samantaray, Centre Manager at the partnering agency EDII, stated that the Udyami project is being effectively implemented to promote village-based enterprises. After the successful completion of the first phase, UDYAMEE 2.0 has now been launched. Samantaray expressed confidence that with UAIL’s strong support, this expanded initiative will further strengthen grassroots entrepreneurship and foster rural economic growth in the region.
As a responsible corporate citizen, the Aditya Birla Group reaches out to over 5 lakh people in Odisha, impacting more than 2 lakh lives across 128 villages. The Group’s CSR initiatives are carried out under the aegis of the Aditya Birla Centre for Community Initiatives and Rural Development, chaired by Rajashree Birla. The Group’s vision is to actively contribute to the social and economic development of the communities in which it operates. In doing so, it aims to build a better, more sustainable way of life for the weaker sections of society and raise the country’s human development index. The Group’s CSR vision is aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs), particularly those targeting the elimination of poverty and ensuring freedom from hunger.
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