Vedanta Aluminium, India’s largest aluminium producer, is making strides in fostering an inclusive workplace by actively recruiting and empowering transgender individuals. In celebration of Pride Month, the company announced plans to hire 15 transgender employees in 2026, bringing the total number to 44 across its operations in Jharsuguda, Odisha, and Korba, Chhattisgarh.
The company has introduced a comprehensive set of progressive policies aimed at supporting the well-being and integration of transgender employees. These policies include sensitization workshops, financial and leave assistance for gender reaffirmation surgeries, statutory benefits like higher education allowances, and access to laser hair removal services.
In a sector where gender diversity has traditionally been limited, Vedanta’s approach marks a significant shift towards creating a more inclusive workforce that celebrates diversity. At its major aluminium smelters in Jharsuguda and the Bharat Aluminium Company (BALCO) in Korba, the company has also implemented gender-neutral facilities and additional benefits such as 30 days of paid leave and INR 2 lakh compensation for gender reaffirmation surgery. Six employees at BALCO have already used these benefits, with two more applying for educational allowances to further their careers and assume leadership roles.
Vedanta Aluminium’s commitment goes beyond hiring, focusing on enabling personal and professional growth. The company continuously runs awareness programs to foster a respectful and inclusive environment, ensuring that diversity is embedded at the heart of its operations. This initiative sets a new standard for inclusive growth within India’s manufacturing sector.
Rajiv Kumar, CEO of Vedanta Aluminium, highlighted the broader importance of these efforts: “The manufacturing sector has traditionally struggled with gender imbalances, and meaningful progress requires expanding our understanding of diversity to embrace all gender identities. At Vedanta Aluminium, inclusivity is not just a moral obligation, it is a strategic necessity. A diverse workforce brings fresh perspectives, drives innovation, and strengthens our adaptability—essential elements in today’s fast-evolving industrial world. By providing equal opportunities and support to transgender individuals, we are not only creating a respectful workplace but also establishing a model for inclusive growth in India’s manufacturing industry.”
The impact of these policies is evident in the experiences of Vedanta’s employees. Alka, a security supervisor, shares the positive impact of the gender reaffirmation policy: “Previously, planning and executing gender reassignment surgery could take years. Now, thanks to BALCO’s policies, LGBTQ+ employees benefit from 30 days of paid leave and INR 2 lakh for gender reaffirmation surgery.”
As part of the ongoing Pride Month activities, Vedanta Aluminium is also organizing sensitization workshops within local communities to encourage behavioural change and promote a gender-sensitive, inclusive society. A subsidiary of Vedanta Limited, Vedanta Aluminium is India’s largest aluminium producer, accounting for more than half of the country’s aluminium production, with 2.42 million tonnes in FY25.
The company is a leader in high-value aluminium products, serving key industries. Vedanta Aluminium ranks second in the S&P Global Corporate Sustainability Assessment 2024 for the aluminium sector, highlighting its commitment to sustainable development. With world-class aluminium smelters, alumina refineries, and power plants in India, Vedanta is dedicated to advancing aluminium as the ‘Metal of the Future,’ driving a greener tomorrow
