In a transformative stride towards diversity and inclusivity, Vedanta Aluminium, India’s foremost aluminium producer, has championed the cause of equity by actively employing differently-abled individuals across its operations in Odisha and Chhattisgarh. This groundbreaking initiative underscores Vedanta Aluminium’s steadfast commitment to fostering a workplace culture that embraces diversity and empowers differently-abled individuals within the metals and mining sectors.
Recognising the unique talents and potential of individuals facing varying challenges such as vision loss or limited mobility, Vedanta Aluminium has meticulously integrated them into roles spanning Human Resources, Commercial, and Security. This proactive endeavour resonates with the company’s broader mission to build a team that reflects the varied facets of society.
The significance of Vedanta Aluminium’s endeavour is highlighted by the complexities of hiring differently-abled individuals within sectors such as heavy engineering, metals, and core manufacturing. Such domains present distinct challenges that make Vedanta Aluminium’s commitment all the more laudable.
These specially chosen individuals, hailing from the local communities surrounding Vedanta Aluminium’s operations, now actively contribute across diverse roles including Commercial, Human Resources, Asset Security, Housekeeping, Storekeeping, and Carpentry. This decision to embrace differently-abled personnel reflects a strategic shift towards creating a workplace that is genuinely inclusive, moving beyond standardised approaches.
Vedanta Aluminium’s dedication to inclusivity extends beyond recruitment. The company has adopted a holistic approach that ensures the safety and comfort of differently-abled employees. Specialised alerts for the hearing-impaired and customized tools to enhance mobility are among the initiatives implemented.
Central to Vedanta Aluminium’s vision is the development of these employees’ capabilities to enable them to adeptly fulfil their responsibilities on par with their colleagues. This commitment is upheld through a well-defined five-pronged strategy: identifying suitable individuals for hiring, comprehensive skill-focused training by experts, fostering an environment conducive to inclusivity through sensitization sessions, implementing enabling policies and processes, and enhancing infrastructure to accommodate different abilities.
The company’s dedication to this cause is underscored by its establishment of dedicated Human Resources Business Partners, offering crucial support to these professionals in navigating relevant government schemes. These include facilitating the issuance of disability certificates and securing supportive benefits from state and central government programmes.
Sunil Gupta, COO of Vedanta Limited’s Aluminium Business, remarked, “At Vedanta Aluminium, diversity isn’t just a moral value; it’s a strategic advantage. Embracing differently-abled individuals opens doors not only for them but also for innovation, creativity, and a diverse spectrum of perspectives within our organisation.”
Rajesh Kumar, CEO and Wholetime Director, BALCO, shared his thoughts, stating, “We are fostering an inclusive work environment that values aptitude and passion. Recognising the value of inclusivity in all forms, we welcome our new employees and wish them success.”
Dilip Sinha, CHRO, Vedanta Ltd, Aluminium Business, highlighted the company’s commitment to welcoming capable professionals from all walks of life, underscoring its position at the forefront of progressive people practises.
This initiative builds on Vedanta Aluminium’s recent strides in fostering diversity, including LGBTQ+ hiring. The company’s introduction of a unique Gender Reaffirmation Policy, providing financial support and paid time off for transgender professionals undergoing gender reassignment surgery, further solidifies its commitment to inclusivity. Additionally, the company has ensured that job roles are gender-agnostic, emphasising skill and ability.
Together, these bold steps epitomise Vedanta Aluminium’s mission to drive transformative change within the realm of employee diversity, fostering an inclusive culture that stands as a testament to its leadership in India’s manufacturing landscape.
Vedanta Aluminium, a subsidiary of Vedanta Limited, stands as India’s largest producer of aluminium, responsible for over half of the nation’s aluminium production, amounting to 2.29 million metric tonnes in FY23. Renowned for its value-added aluminium products critical to core industries, Vedanta Aluminium holds the second position in the Dow Jones Sustainability Index (DJSI) 2022 world rankings for the aluminium industry, a recognition of its commitment to sustainable development practices. Through its cutting-edge aluminium smelters, alumina refinery, and power plants, Vedanta Aluminium remains dedicated to shaping a greener future through the innovative application of aluminium.
