UAIL’s Women-Led Enterprises Drive Change Around Baphlimali Mines

By Subrat Sarangi

Bhubaneswar : As part of its commitment to inclusive and sustainable development, Aditya Birla Group’s Utkal Alumina International Limited’s (UAIL) CSR initiatives have set in  motion a series of women-centric livelihood programmes aimed at promoting economic self-reliance and entrepreneurship at the grassroots level.

These initiatives have been taken to provide support to women in the peripheral and mining-affected villages of Kashipur and Thuamul Rampur blocks in Rayagada and Kalahandi districts.

Says Kailash Pandey, Mining Business Head of Hindalco Industries Limited,: “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-generation opportunities. Implemented in collaboration with SCR NGO and ASSA NGO, the initiatives have supported women through skill development in incense stick (agarbati) and paper plate manufacturing, appliqué work, jute and canvas products, nightwear, phenyl production, 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 been formed to streamline production, improve access to resources and strengthen collective entrepreneurship. Marketing linkages facilitated by the partner NGOs and UAIL, along with participation in district- and block-level fairs, exhibitions and other marketing platforms, have enabled the women to expand their market reach, enhance their entrepreneurial capabilities and generate sustainable livelihoods. The initiatives have significantly contributed to fostering self-reliance and economic empowerment among rural women in the project villages.

To strengthen market connectivity, UAIL has recently launched “Mandia Rani,” a dedicated retail outlet at Oshapada, Tikiri, in partnership with ASSA NGO. The outlet serves as a platform for showcasing and selling products made by women entrepreneurs under various livelihood projects. Notably, Mandia Laddu produced by the groups is now being supplied regularly to schools, generating a steady source of income for the beneficiaries.

The women involved in these initiatives say the programmes have not only improved their earnings but have also boosted their confidence and social standing. Many now contribute significantly to household incomes and proudly describe themselves as financially independent.

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 Mrs. Rajashree Birla.  The Group’s vision is to actively contribute to the social and economic development of the communities in which we operate. In doing so, build a better, 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 UNSDG goals to eliminate poverty and ensure freedom from hunger.