In a groundbreaking move to promote inclusivity and diversity within the domestic manufacturing sector, Vedanta Aluminium, India’s leading aluminium producer, has introduced a revolutionary ‘Gender Reaffirmation Leaves and Compensation Policy’ for its LGBTQ+ employees across all operational locations. This trailblazing policy, applicable to staff members at the Jharsuguda aluminium smelter in Odisha, the Lanjigarh alumina refinery, and the Chhattisgarh-based subsidiary, BALCO, offers comprehensive support to transgender employees undergoing gender reassignment surgeries.
Emphasizing its commitment to fostering an inclusive workplace where every team member feels empowered to be their true selves, Vedanta Aluminium’s policy is a significant addition to its ongoing Diversity and Inclusion (D&I) efforts. The company aims to set an inspiring example for the Indian manufacturing landscape, traditionally marked by a low diversity ratio. Already, the policy has been instrumental in supporting two transgender professionals at BALCO.
The ‘Gender Reaffirmation Leaves and Compensation Policy’ by Vedanta Aluminium provides transgender employees with a one-time grant of 2 lakh rupees to cover expenses related to gender reassignment surgeries. In addition, the policy ensures a 30-day paid leave of absence to facilitate a smooth and comforting transition period focused on self-care. This supportive environment is complemented by world-class residential townships at all locations, creating a nurturing atmosphere that encourages individual growth and self-discovery among diverse employees.
Sunil Gupta, COO, Vedanta Ltd. – Aluminium Business, reaffirmed the significance of this cause, stating, “Our approach to hiring is solely based on talent and ability, promoting gender-agnostic roles. Vedanta Aluminium is committed to building an inclusive future for the global aluminium industry.”
Echoing this sentiment, Dilip Sinha, CHRO, Vedanta Ltd. – Aluminium Business, highlighted the company’s dedication to fostering a workplace that celebrates diversity. He asserted, “We recognize that gender reaffirmation journeys are deeply personal and transformative. Thus, we strive to provide a safe, nurturing environment that allows every individual to express themselves authentically.”
The ‘Gender Reaffirmation Leaves and Compensation Policy’ has garnered praise from the LGBTQ+ community. Ms. Vidya Rajput, a member of the Transgender Welfare Society and the President of Chhattisgarh Mitwa Sankalp Samiti, lauded Vedanta Aluminium’s commitment to supporting transgender employees in their gender reaffirmation journeys. She commended the company for setting a remarkable example for its peers to follow.
With a burgeoning workforce of nearly 30 transgender employees across diverse roles, ranging from asset security to hospitality, Vedanta Aluminium is actively accelerating the transition of the transgender community from the margins of society to major manufacturing operations. The company has adopted a comprehensive three-pronged approach, involving skill mapping studies to identify and evaluate talented transgender professionals, skill augmentation programs for new recruits, and gender-sensitization sessions to create an inclusive atmosphere.
As a leading business of Vedanta Limited, Vedanta Aluminium is India’s largest producer of aluminium, manufacturing over half of the country’s aluminium. The company is renowned for its sustainable development practices and ranks 2nd in the Dow Jones Sustainability Index (DJSI) 2022 world rankings for the aluminium industry. With its world-class smelters, alumina refinery, and power plants, Vedanta Aluminium strives to position aluminium as the ‘Metal of the Future’ for a greener tomorrow.
In championing the cause of inclusivity and empowering its LGBTQ+ employees, Vedanta Aluminium sets a commendable precedent for the corporate world, fostering a brighter and more inclusive future.
