Korba, July 6, 2026: Bharat Aluminium Company Limited, a unit of Vedanta Aluminium Metal Limited, reinforced its commitment to fostering a diverse, equitable and inclusive workplace through a month-long Pride Month campaign, engaging over 2,000 employees, business partners and community members. The campaign featured awareness sessions, employee engagement activities, competitions, financial literacy workshops, employee stories, quizzes, and a Pride March, strengthening understanding of LGBTQIA+ inclusion while encouraging allyship and belonging across the organisation.
Strengthening inclusion, BALCO has introduced progressive policies that address the unique needs of transgender employees. The Education Support Policy provides financial assistance of up to INR 1 lakh for employees pursuing professional education after completing 18 months of service. Complementing this, the Gender Reaffirmation Policy offers 30 days of paid leave along with financial assistance of up to INR 2 lakh towards gender reaffirmation surgery. So far, seven employees have benefitted from these initiatives, systematically addressing existing gaps and promoting equitable opportunities for all.
Speaking on inclusion, Mr. Rajesh Kumar Singh, CEO & Whole-time Director, BALCO, said, “At BALCO, diversity is a source of strength and inclusion is fundamental to building a high-performing organisation. We believe every individual deserves the opportunity to contribute, grow and succeed with dignity. Our focus extends beyond progressive policies to fostering a culture where respect, equal opportunity and belonging are reflected in everyday experiences. With 21 transgender employees in our workforce today, we aspire to further strengthen representation in the years ahead.”
Sharing her experience, Devsena, a transgender employee at BALCO, said, “When I joined BALCO after completing my B.Tech, I was eager to begin my career, but I never imagined I would also be able to continue my education while working. Learning that BALCO actively encourages higher studies gave me the confidence to pursue my M.Tech alongside my job. I am now in my final semester, and I feel proud of how far I have come. This degree has helped me grow both personally and professionally, and I am grateful to work for an organisation that believes in my potential and supports my aspirations.”
As part of the month-long campaign, BALCO organised a Pride March across the township, bringing together employees, business partners and community members in support of equality and allyship. In collaboration with the Department of Posts, Government of India, the company also conducted a Financial Well-being Awareness Session to promote financial independence. Throughout the month, BALCO’s DE&I mascot, DiversiDI, led an advocacy campaign through awareness messages, employee stories, quizzes and educational content.
BALCO’s inclusion strategy is anchored in a three-pronged approach: skill mapping to identify transgender individuals with relevant capabilities for industrial roles; skill development through structured technical, operational and behavioural learning interventions; and cultivating an inclusive environment through sensitisation and supportive workplace practices. Through these focused interventions, BALCO has built a workforce of LGBTQIA+ employees working across core manufacturing functions, including material handling, forklift operations and security, enabling them to thrive with dignity and purpose.
