Vedanta Aluminium announced plans to hire 15 transgender employees in 2026, bringing the total transgender workforce to 44 across its operations in Jharsuguda, Odisha and Korba, Chhattisgarh. The announcement was made during Pride Month celebrations as part of the company's expanded LGBTQI+ hiring initiative.
The aluminium producer has implemented comprehensive policies to support transgender employees, including sensitization workshops, financial assistance for gender reaffirmation surgery, statutory benefits, higher education allowances, and access to laser hair removal facilities. The company's facilities in Jharsuguda and Bharat Aluminium Company Limited (BALCO) in Korba have introduced gender-neutral infrastructure.
The benefits package includes 30 days of paid leave and INR 2 lakh compensation for gender reaffirmation surgery. Six employees at BALCO have utilized this support, while two additional employees have applied for higher education allowances under the company's policies.
Rajiv Kumar, CEO of Vedanta Aluminium, stated the manufacturing sector has historically faced gender imbalance challenges. "The manufacturing sector has historically struggled with gender imbalance, and meaningful progress requires expanding our understanding of diversity to include all gender identities. At Vedanta Aluminium, we believe inclusivity is not just the right thing to do, it is a strategic imperative. A diverse workforce fosters fresh perspectives, fuels innovation, and strengthens resilience, all of which are vital in today's dynamic industrial landscape. By empowering transgender individuals with supportive policies and equal opportunities, we are not only building a workplace rooted in respect and dignity but also setting a benchmark for inclusive growth within Indian manufacturing."
Alka, a security supervisor at the company, described the impact of the gender reaffirmation policy. "It used to take us years to plan and execute the gender reassignment surgery but with the support of BALCO's policies, LGBTQ+ employees have got a benefit of 30 days of paid leave and compensation of 2 lakh rupees for the gender reassignment surgery."
The company is conducting sensitization workshops in local communities during Pride Month to promote behavioral change and create a gender-sensitive environment.
Vedanta Aluminium is India's largest aluminium producer, manufacturing 2.42 million tonnes in FY25, representing more than half of India's aluminium production. The company ranks second in the S&P Global Corporate Sustainability Assessment 2024 world rankings for the aluminium industry.