TFP Bureau, Korba, July 3, 2025: Bharat Aluminium Company Limited (BALCO), a Vedanta Group enterprise, marked International Pride Month with a series of vibrant awareness programs aimed at fostering inclusivity and promoting sensitivity toward the LGBTQI+ community. Conducted across its plant premises and surrounding communities, the initiative was part of BALCO’s continued commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI).
As the centerpiece of the campaign, BALCO introduced a mascot named ‘Diversy Di’—the face of the month-long drive advocating equal rights, dignity, and opportunity for all. Activities included movie screenings, pride marches, poster and slogan-making contests, and interactive workshops that collectively engaged over 500 participants, including employees, business partners, and local residents.
A special awareness session invited the community to rethink societal attitudes and adopt more inclusive behaviors, with particular focus on gender sensitivity and workplace equality. The pride march, along with poster and slogan contests, provided a creative platform for employees and locals alike to express solidarity with the LGBTQI+ community.
Wishing everyone a meaningful Pride Month, BALCO CEO and Director Mr. Rajesh Kumar said, “This initiative reflects our vision of a socially equitable and progressive workplace. At BALCO, we believe in empowering individuals by creating an environment free from discrimination. Our commitment to diversity is not just policy-driven—it’s rooted in our culture.”
He added that BALCO is one of the few industrial entities in Chhattisgarh to actively conduct sensitization programs and implement inclusive policies for LGBTQI+ employees.
Echoing this sentiment, Raveena Bariha, Member of the Chhattisgarh Third Gender Welfare Board and Secretary of Mitwa Sankalp Samiti, praised BALCO’s progressive efforts. “BALCO’s engagement with the LGBTQI+ community began years ago, not just this month. From hiring transgender employees to organizing community workshops, the company has consistently supported our empowerment,” she noted, adding that LGBTQI+ team members are currently excelling in roles such as security and shopfloor operations.
One such employee, Devasena, shared her journey: “Pursuing higher education while working seemed impossible, but BALCO’s education policy has made it achievable. I am now confidently enrolled in a professional development course, thanks to their financial support.”
BALCO has institutionalized progressive policies under its DEI Charter, including a Gender Reaffirmation Leave and Compensation Policy, which provides ₹2 lakh as a one-time grant and 30 days of paid leave for surgery. Housing support for transgender employees and financial assistance of up to ₹1 lakh for vocational education are also part of its inclusive framework.
With initiatives like these, BALCO continues to set a benchmark in industrial inclusivity—leading with empathy, empowerment, and equity.
