Bhawanipatna, Jun 27: Utkal Alumina International Limited (UAIL), a subsidiary of Hindalco Industries Limited under the Aditya Birla Group, has expanded its rural development initiatives with the inauguration of new livelihood enterprises under Project Udyamee 2.0. The programme, implemented in partnership with the Entrepreneurship Development Institute of India (EDII), aims to foster entrepreneurship and create sustainable income opportunities across Kalahandi district.

As part of the initiative, a Fly Ash Brick Manufacturing Unit was inaugurated at Adri village in Thuamulrampur block. The unit was formally opened by Mr. Avijit, Head – CSR, Hindalco Industries, in the presence of Mr. Shiba Shankar Mohapatra, CSR Cluster Head – Odisha & Downstream, and Ms. Lopamudra Mishra, Head – CSR, UAIL.

In addition, three group‑based enterprises were launched: a Namkeen Production Unit at Nuagaon, a Food Processing Unit at Bariaguda, and a Carpentry Unit at Naktiguda. These ventures are designed to generate direct and indirect employment, encourage self‑employment among youth, and strengthen grassroots business activity. They will also ensure quality products and services are available locally, reducing dependence on distant markets.

Speaking at the event, Mr. Avijit emphasized that such interventions are aimed at building community resilience and promoting skill‑based entrepreneurship ecosystems in rural areas. “Project Udyamee 2.0 reflects UAIL’s commitment to empowering communities through enterprise promotion, skill development, and market linkages, aligned with our vision of inclusive growth and responsible development,” he said.

The newly established units are expected to contribute significantly to the rural economy by enhancing income generation, motivating local communities to adopt entrepreneurship, and supporting inclusive development. With these interventions, UAIL continues to strengthen its role as a driver of socio‑economic transformation in Odisha’s tribal and rural regions.