BALCO Promotes Gender Awareness with Month-Long Pride Initiatives

Balconagar Hosts Workshops and Activities to Foster Inclusivity

TFP Bureau, Korba; July 11, 2024: Bharat Aluminium Company Limited (BALCO), a leading aluminium producer and part of Vedanta Aluminium, organized a series of initiatives in celebration of International Pride Month, aiming to raise awareness and promote inclusivity within its operations and the surrounding community. Over 250 employees, business partners, and community members participated in the month-long activities.

The initiatives included a community sensitization workshop, which brought together community leaders, grassroots workers, and other stakeholders to inspire behavioral change towards creating a gender-sensitive and inclusive society. This workshop, the first of its kind in Chhattisgarh, was led by Ms. Saburi Shankar, a transgender police constable and social activist, and Ms. Aarohi Mahananda, an entrepreneur and social activist. The workshop focused on the ‘Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act 2019,’ educating the community about the legal rights and protections for transgender individuals.

Reflecting on BALCO’s progress, CEO and Director Mr. Rajesh Kumar said,

“BALCO has constantly strived to foster an inclusive culture, challenging the traditional notion that metal production is exclusively a male-dominated field. By hiring transgender individuals, we became the first company in Chhattisgarh to employ transgenders in core operations. Today, we are pioneers in conducting LGBTQ+ sensitization workshops within local communities. As we expand our operations, we are also broadening our inclusivity efforts by conducting LGBTQ+ hiring drives to ensure and inspire equal rights for all.”

Ms. Saburi Shankar commented on the workshop’s impact, saying,

“The sensitization session at BALCO was not a one-day effort. The journey that BALCO started two years ago by hiring transgenders in its workforce has led to a series of impactful initiatives. I commend BALCO for initiating such a session at the grassroots level, spreading awareness and inclusivity in society.”

The month-long activities also featured a Pride march at the plant, along with poster and slogan-writing competitions to showcase solidarity and celebrate individual uniqueness.

Aligned with Vedanta’s vision, BALCO has been committed to creating an inclusive work environment where everyone feels respected, valued, and empowered. Their consistent efforts include:
– Introducing the ‘Gender Reaffirmation Leaves and Compensation Policy’ for LGBTQ+ employees, offering a one-time grant of Rs. 2 lakh and 30 days of paid leave for those undergoing gender reassignment surgeries.
– Conducting gender sensitization workshops to nurture a culture of inclusion and respect.
– Adopting a three-pronged approach to integrate the transgender community into major manufacturing operations. This approach includes skill mapping studies to identify suitable candidates, comprehensive skill augmentation programs, and the development of gender-neutral infrastructure.

These initiatives reflect BALCO’s ongoing commitment to fostering an inclusive environment both within the workplace and the broader community.

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