Tata Steel held a historic passing out parade on Thursday for its first batch of 23 female firefighters, marking a significant achievement in the company’s commitment to diversity and inclusivity. These women were inducted into the firefighting team in September 2023 as part of Tata Steel’s ongoing diversity and inclusion initiative.
During the ceremony, Chanakya Chaudhary, Vice-President of Corporate Services, praised the female firefighters and encouraged them to embrace modern technology in their fire fighting and rescue operations.
Atrayee Sanyal, Tata Steel’s Vice-President of Human Resource Management, advised the new recruits to maintain a healthy work-life balance while also acknowledging their impressive performance during the parade.
Arvind Kumar Sinha, Chief of Security & Brand Protection, discussed the initiative, which reflects Tata Steel’s dedication to diversifying the fire services sector, traditionally dominated by men. He detailed the extensive training they received, beginning with in-house training at the company’s Fire & Security Training Centre in Jamshedpur, followed by a 16-week external certification course in collaboration with the Airports Authority of India in Kolkata.
Jaya Singh Panda, Chief of Learning & Development and Diversity Officer, emphasized the importance of diversity within Tata Steel and praised the remarkable performance of the female firefighters. The event also recognized the top performers, with awards presented to the best and second-best trainees, as well as the faculty members involved in the training process.
Tata Steel is one of the world’s leading steel producers, boasting an annual crude steel capacity of 35 million tonnes. With a global presence spanning five continents, the company has cemented its position as a major player in the steel industry.
In the fiscal year ending March 31, 2024, Tata Steel reported an impressive consolidated turnover of US$27.7 billion. The company employs over 78,000 people worldwide and has earned the prestigious Great Place to Work® certification, underscoring its commitment to fostering a positive work environment.
A pioneer in sustainability, Tata Steel has set an ambitious target of achieving Net Zero by 2045. The company is also at the forefront of digital transformation in the steel sector, with its Jamshedpur, Kalinganagar, and IJmuiden plants recognized as “Lighthouse” facilities by the World Economic Forum for their adoption of advanced technologies. Additionally, Tata Steel has received accolades for its efforts in promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion, further solidifying its reputation as an industry leader in responsible business practices.
