Bhubaneswar: Utkal Alumina International Ltd (UAIL), a unit of Hindalco Industries under the Aditya Birla Group, is driving considerable economic progress in rural Odisha through its flagship CSR initiative, Project Udyamee. It is about fostering self- reliance and boosting livelihoods across remote communities in Rayagada district of Odisha.
Launched in July 2021 ,the project has transformed the entrepreneurial landscape of 105 villages across Kashipur block in Rayagada district and Thuamul Rampur block in Kalahandi district by equipping aspiring rural entrepreneurs with the skills, resources and support needed to establish and sustain micro-enterprises. So far, 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 are contributing to the social and economic development of UAIL’s periphery areas.
One of the most notable outcome has been the dramatic rise in income levels. Beneficiaries who earlier 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 percent.
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 project is being implemented in partnership with the Entrepreneurship Development Institute of India (ED)I), which conducts assessments across 150 villages in the two blocks to identify potential entrepreneurs based on local needs. These candidates are trained in relevant technical and business skills, while UAIL provides the required machinery, working capital assistance and handholding support during the initial stages of enterprise establish ment.With the project already delivering strong socio-econ omic 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.”, adds Mishra.
A beneficiary of the project Ms. Rojalin Khora stated that she had been highly optimistic about starting a business, but the lack of opportunities had left her disappointed. After learning about the Udyamee project implemented by UAIL, she contacted the concerned departmental officials and received initial financial assistance and training. With this support, she started her business from home and started earning handsomely that has helped her famnily moving towards financial stability.
The partnering Agency EDIl’s Centre Manager Mr. Daitari Samantaray states that the “Udyamee” project is being effectively implemented to promote village-based enterprises and after the s uccessful completion of the first phase, Udyamee 2.0 has now been launched. Mr. Samantaray expressed his confidence that with the UAIL’s strong support, this expanded initiative wlill further strengthen grassroots entrepreneurship and rural economic growth in the region.As a responsible corporate citizen and driven by the constant motivation to give back to society, in Odisha, the Aditya Birla Group reaches out to more than 5 lakhs people touching over 2 lakh lives in 128 villages.
The Group’s CSR is conducted under the aegis of the Aditya Birla Centre for Community Initiatives and Rural Development chaired by Ms. Rajashree Birla.
