THEBUSINESSBYTES BUREAU

BHUBANESWAR, AUGUST 1, 2026

As part of its commitment to inclusive and sustainable development, Aditya Birla Group company Utkal Alumina International Limited (UAIL) has launched a series of women-centric livelihood initiatives under its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programme to promote economic self-reliance and grassroots entrepreneurship.

The initiatives are aimed at empowering women in the peripheral and mining-affected villages of Kashipur and Thuamul Rampur blocks in Rayagada and Kalahandi districts.

Commenting on the initiative, Hindalco Industries Limited Mining Business Head Kailash Pandey said, "At Hindalco, we believe true development begins when communities become active partners in progress. Through our women-led livelihood initiatives around Baphlimali Mines, we are creating income opportunities and nurturing entrepreneurship, confidence and long-term self-reliance. Empowered women are the strongest catalysts for sustainable community transformation. We remain committed to supporting their journey towards economic independence."

Under Project Shakti and Project Gramya Shakti, UAIL has empowered nearly 200 rural women across Andirakanch, Paikakupakhal, Naringjodi and Jogiparitunda villages by promoting sustainable entrepreneurship and income-generating opportunities. Implemented in collaboration with SCR NGO and ASSA NGO, the initiatives support women through skill development in incense stick (agarbati) and paper plate manufacturing, appliqué work, jute and canvas products, nightwear production, phenyl manufacturing, and millet-based food processing.

The women have received comprehensive support, including training, machinery, equipment, raw materials and technical guidance to establish and manage their enterprises. Producer groups have also been formed to streamline production, improve access to resources and strengthen collective entrepreneurship.

Marketing linkages facilitated by UAIL and its partner NGOs, along with participation in district- and block-level fairs, exhibitions and other marketing platforms, have enabled the women entrepreneurs to expand their market reach, strengthen their business capabilities and generate sustainable livelihoods. These initiatives have made a significant contribution to enhancing self-reliance and economic empowerment among rural women in the project villages.

To further strengthen market access, UAIL recently launched "Mandia Rani," a dedicated retail outlet at Oshapada in Tikiri in partnership with ASSA NGO. The outlet provides a platform for showcasing and marketing products made by women entrepreneurs under various livelihood projects. Notably, Mandia Laddu produced by these women-led groups is now being supplied regularly to schools, providing a steady and sustainable source of income for the beneficiaries.

Women participating in the initiatives say the programmes have not only enhanced their incomes but also boosted their confidence and social standing. Many now contribute significantly to their household earnings and proudly describe themselves as financially independent.

As a responsible corporate citizen, the Aditya Birla Group continues to invest in the socio-economic development of communities across Odisha. Through its CSR initiatives, the Group reaches out to more than five lakh people across 128 villages, positively impacting over two lakh lives. The Group's CSR activities are implemented 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 by building a better and more sustainable way of life for the weaker sections of society while contributing to the country's human development. Its CSR vision is aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs), with a focus on eliminating poverty and ensuring freedom from hunger.