Reliance’s Inclusive Growth Approach Strengthens the Vision of Viksit Bharat
MUMBAI (India CSR): Reliance Industries Limited (RIL) has spent Rs. 23.29 crore on various Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) projects across 20 government-designated aspirational districts during FY 2024-25, the company said in its latest Business Responsibility and Sustainability Report (BRSR).
These districts were identified by NITI Aayog as those requiring focused developmental interventions.
The Aspirational Districts Programme (ADP) launched by NITI Aayog in January 2018 indeed covers 117 districts across 28 states and Union Territories of India.
It is worth mentioning that since 2010, Reliance Foundation has impacted over 8.6 Crore lives across India through various social welfare initiatives, significantly improving the quality of life. In FY 2024-25, Reliance Industries Limited spent Rs. 2,156 Crore towards CSR, reinforcing its commitment to community empowerment through diverse programmes focused on rural transformation, education, health, women empowerment, disaster management, arts, culture and heritage, and animal welfare.
These districts were identified as the most underdeveloped regions requiring focused and sustained developmental interventions. The programme seeks to transform these districts by improving performance across key sectors such as health and nutrition, education, agriculture, water resources, financial inclusion, skill development, and basic infrastructure.
The company said its CSR initiatives are aligned with the national vision of Viksit Bharat and reflect its philosophy of ‘We Care,’ which focuses on inclusive and sustainable growth.
According to the disclosure, RIL carried out development activities in aspirational districts spread across Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Gujarat, Jammu & Kashmir, Jharkhand, Karnataka, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, Tamil Nadu, and Uttar Pradesh.
The highest expenditure was reported in Chhatarpur district of Madhya Pradesh Rs. 15.97 crore), followed by Kalahandi in Odisha (Rs. 2.33 crore) and Narmada in Gujarat (Rs. 1.29 crore). Other major beneficiary districts included Balangir Rs. 1.26 crore), Barwani Rs. 55.70 lakh), and Ranchi (Rs. 34.88 lakh).
The district-wise expenditure reported by RIL is as follows: Visakhapatnam (Rs. 22.88 lakh), Gaya (Rs. 14.30 lakh), Purnia (Rs. 41.04 lakh), Sitamarhi (Rs. 9.11 lakh), Narmada (Rs. 1.29 crore), Baramulla (Rs. 1.40 lakh), Bokaro (Rs. 5.55 lakh), East Singhbhum (Rs. 5.55 lakh), Palamu (Rs. 2.50 lakh), Ranchi (Rs. 34.88 lakh), Raichur (Rs. 2.86 lakh), Wayanad (Rs. 11.36 lakh), Barwani (Rs. 55.70 lakh), Chhatarpur (Rs. 15.97 crore), Balangir (Rs. 1.26 crore), Kalahandi (Rs. 2.33 crore), Dhenkanal (Rs. 60,559), Ramanathapuram (Rs. 8.90 lakh), Virudhunagar (Rs. 13.51 lakh), and Balrampur (Rs. 12.47 lakh).
“The company’s CSR programmes in these districts cover areas such as education, healthcare, environment, skill development, and rural transformation. The focus is on improving human development indicators and empowering communities,” RIL said in the report.
RIL stated that its approach to sustainability is built on ethical and responsible business conduct, creating long-term value for stakeholders while contributing to India’s progress and energy security.
The company said its BRSR is prepared in compliance with the Securities and Exchange Board of India (Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirements) Regulations, 2015, and the National Guidelines on Responsible Business Conduct (NGRBC) issued by the Ministry of Corporate Affairs.
Reliance added that it remains committed to building a legacy of inclusive growth that advances India’s prosperity while contributing positively to the environment, society, and economy.
CSR Investments Across Aspirational Districts
| Sr. No. | State | Aspirational District | Amount Spent (₹) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Andhra Pradesh | Visakhapatnam | 22,88,927 |
| 2 | Bihar | Gaya | 14,30,000 |
| 3 | Bihar | Purnia | 41,04,596 |
| 4 | Bihar | Sitamarhi | 9,11,687 |
| 5 | Gujarat | Narmada | 1,29,08,651 |
| 6 | Jammu & Kashmir | Baramulla | 1,40,000 |
| 7 | Jharkhand | Bokaro | 5,55,000 |
| 8 | Jharkhand | East Singhbhum | 5,55,000 |
| 9 | Jharkhand | Palamu | 2,50,957 |
| 10 | Jharkhand | Ranchi | 34,88,071 |
| 11 | Karnataka | Raichur | 2,86,747 |
| 12 | Kerala | Wayanad | 11,36,455 |
| 13 | Madhya Pradesh | Barwani | 55,70,360 |
| 14 | Madhya Pradesh | Chhatarpur | 15,97,60,707 |
| 15 | Odisha | Balangir | 1,26,42,483 |
| 16 | Odisha | Kalahandi | 2,33,31,983 |
| 17 | Odisha | Dhenkanal | 60,559 |
| 18 | Tamil Nadu | Ramanathapuram | 8,90,602 |
| 19 | Tamil Nadu | Virudhunagar | 13,51,125 |
| 20 | Uttar Pradesh | Balrampur | 12,47,798 |
| Total | ₹23,29,11,707 |
Empowering Communities Through Localised Interventions
RIL’s CSR activities in these aspirational districts encompass a range of initiatives — from education, healthcare, and rural transformation to environmental sustainability, skill development, and livelihoods enhancement. The focus remains on improving human development indices, supporting self-reliance, and reducing regional disparities.
Each project is designed to strengthen the local social infrastructure, ensuring that communities have access to opportunities for sustainable growth. The company’s integrated approach links social outcomes with economic empowerment.
Commitment to Responsible Nation-Building
Reliance’s BRSR aligns with the SEBI (Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirements) Regulations, 2015 and the National Guidelines on Responsible Business Conduct (NGRBC) issued by the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA). Through this transparent reporting, RIL reiterates its dedication to ethical business practices, environmental care, and social inclusion.
“Reliance Industries believes that true business success lies in creating shared value. Our actions are designed to build a stronger, more sustainable India where every citizen can thrive,” the company stated in its sustainability disclosure.
Building a Sustainable and Inclusive Future
For RIL, sustainability is not an ancillary function but a core business philosophy that integrates economic performance with social responsibility. The company continues to invest in community-led initiatives, climate-resilient projects, and grassroots development, reflecting its vision of inclusive prosperity.
RIL’s efforts in aspirational districts reaffirm its belief that corporate responsibility and national progress must move together — paving the way for a more equitable and prosperous India.
Also Read: What is the Aspirational Districts Programme?
Also Read: Reliance Industries Spends ₹2,156 Crore on CSR in FY25, Expands Community Programmes Across India
(India CSR)
