HUL Expands CSR Footprint in 109 Aspirational Districts with Rs. 32.93 Crore Spend, Up 6.36% from Last Year
MUMBAI (India CSR): In a significant step toward equitable growth, Hindustan Unilever Limited (HUL), India’s leading fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) company, has channeled Rs. 32.93 crore into Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives across 109 aspirational districts during the financial year 2024-25.
In FY 2023-24, Hindustan Unilever Limited (HUL) spent Rs. 30.96 crore towards CSR projects in aspirational districts, impacting communities across 101 out of 112 districts identified by NITI Aayog under its Aspirational Districts Programme.
These districts, identified by NITI Aayog as priority areas for accelerated development, received focused investments aimed at tackling key socio-economic challenges, as detailed in HUL’s latest Integrated Annual Report.
It is to be noted that In the financial year 2024-25, Hindustan Unilever Limited (HUL) demonstrated its unwavering commitment to social responsibility by allocating and spending approximately Rs. 254 crore on Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives, surpassing its statutory obligation of 2% of the average net profit of Rs. 250.12 crore as mandated under Section 135 of the Companies Act, 2013.
The spending underscores HUL’s commitment to the government’s Aspirational Districts Programme, which targets 112 underdeveloped regions to improve indicators in health, education, agriculture, and financial inclusion. HUL’s efforts spanned water and waste management, livelihood enhancement, nutrition, health, and skill-building programs, impacting millions of beneficiaries from vulnerable groups such as women, children, small farmers, and marginalized communities.
Hindustan Unilever Limited (HUL) recorded a 6.36% increase in CSR spending across aspirational districts from FY 2023-24 to FY 2024-25, expanding its coverage from 101 to 109 districts, underscoring its growing commitment to inclusive and equitable development.
Here’s the comparison table showing HUL’s CSR spending in aspirational districts and year-on-year growth:
| Financial Year | CSR Spending (₹ Crore) | Aspirational Districts Covered | Growth (%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023-24 | 30.96 | 101 | — |
| 2024-25 | 32.93 | 109 | 6.36% |
| Total (2 Years) | 63.89 | — | — |
Key Areas of CSR Spending
HUL’s initiatives in these districts emphasized sustainable, community-driven solutions:
- Water and Waste Management: Projects improved access to clean water, sanitation, and waste handling, aligning with Swachh Bharat Mission 2.0 and UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). These efforts enhanced living conditions and environmental resilience in rural and semi-urban areas.
- Livelihood Opportunities: Through the SAFAL (Skills Academy for Advancement of Livelihoods) program, HUL targeted youth, women, and persons with disabilities in 78 aspirational districts across 21 states and two union territories. The initiative focused on skilling in sales, retail, and entrepreneurship, bridging India’s employment gaps and fostering inclusive economic growth.
- Health and Nutrition: Programs like Prabhat and Swasthya Ki Baat delivered healthcare, nutrition support, and behavioral change campaigns, benefiting over 12 lakh people with a 95-100% focus on vulnerable populations.
- Other Interventions: Additional spends supported women’s safety in tea estates, road safety for truck drivers, and urban hygiene via Suvidha centers, promoting holistic community development.
These programs not only addressed immediate needs but also built long-term capacities, with HUL leveraging partnerships with NGOs, local bodies, and community organizations for maximum impact. Grievance redressal mechanisms, including digital apps and community feedback loops, ensured timely resolutions, often within 48 hours.
Districts Benefiting from HUL’s CSR Programs – 2024-25
HUL’s investments covered 109 of the 112 aspirational districts, with a bulk allocation to multi-district projects. Here’s a breakdown of key districts with specific spends:
| S. No. | State | Aspirational District | Amount Spent (₹) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Multiple States | 100 Districts (out of 112 notified by NITI Aayog) | 16,81,38,670 |
| 2 | Bihar | Muzaffarpur | 3,55,61,889 |
| 3 | Maharashtra | Osmanabad | 3,37,51,543 |
| 4 | Uttarakhand | Haridwar | 2,19,40,285 |
| 5 | Kerala | Wayanad | 1,37,22,209 |
| 6 | Chhattisgarh | Bastar | 1,21,79,450 |
| 7 | Uttar Pradesh | Unnao | 1,19,28,920 |
| 8 | Chhattisgarh | Kanker | 1,13,64,763 |
| 9 | Chhattisgarh | Sukma | 1,05,89,190 |
| 10 | Chhattisgarh | Kondagaon | 1,01,69,126 |
| Total | 32,93,46,045 |
The multi-district allocation highlights HUL’s broad outreach, while targeted spends in high-need areas like Chhattisgarh’s tribal belts and Bihar’s flood-prone regions addressed localized vulnerabilities.
Districts Benefiting from HUL’s CSR Programs – 2023-24
HUL’s investments covered 109 of the 112 aspirational districts, with a bulk allocation to multi-district projects. Here’s a breakdown of key districts with specific spends:
| S. No. | State | Aspirational District | Amount Spent (₹) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Multiple States | 100 Districts (out of 112 notified by NITI Aayog) | 16,81,38,670 |
| 2 | Bihar | Muzaffarpur | 3,55,61,889 |
| 3 | Maharashtra | Osmanabad | 3,37,51,543 |
| 4 | Uttarakhand | Haridwar | 2,19,40,285 |
| 5 | Kerala | Wayanad | 1,37,22,209 |
| 6 | Chhattisgarh | Bastar | 1,21,79,450 |
| 7 | Uttar Pradesh | Unnao | 1,19,28,920 |
| 8 | Chhattisgarh | Kanker | 1,13,64,763 |
| 9 | Chhattisgarh | Sukma | 1,05,89,190 |
| 10 | Chhattisgarh | Kondagaon | 1,01,69,126 |
| Total | 32,93,46,045 |
“Our CSR projects in aspirational districts have led to significant improvements in water and waste management, livelihood opportunities and other areas.
These initiatives have not only enhanced the quality of life for beneficiaries but also contributed to the overall sustainable development of the regions. By strategically focusing our investments while leveraging partnerships in these districts, we have been able to maximise the impact of our CSR initiatives. We remain committed to continuing our efforts in these districts, working closely with our partners and stakeholders to ensure sustainable and inclusive growth.”, the company said.
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Also Read: What is the Aspirational Districts Programme?
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