Balconagar, 16th March 2025 : Bharat Aluminium Company Limited (BALCO), India’s iconic aluminium producer and part of Vedanta Aluminium, has reaffirmed its commitment to fostering an inclusive and equitable workplace by announcing a progressive education support policy for transgender employees.
The policy offers financial assistance of up to INR 1 lakh for transgender employees pursuing professional education, aiming to bridge the educational gap and create new pathways for growth and development.
The policy is applicable to all transgender employees who have completed 18 months of service. With this initiative, BALCO underscores its belief that true inclusion begins with empowering individuals through access to learning and skills, thereby enabling them to thrive both professionally and personally.
In addition to this policy, BALCO has institutionalized a range of initiatives under its broader Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DE&I) charter. There is a gender reaffirmation policy that includes leave for gender reaffirmation and financial support for gender reassignment surgeries.
Additionally, there is dedicated housing assistance for transgender employees. Sensitization sessions, and community engagement activities are also regularly conducted to foster a culture of acceptance and awareness across the organization.
Commenting on the initiative, Mr. Rajesh Kumar, CEO and Director, BALCO, said, “At BALCO, we believe that inclusion is not just a policy, it is a value we live by.
This education policy is a step forward in building a future where everyone, regardless of gender identity, has equal opportunities to learn, grow, and lead. By supporting our transgender colleagues in their professional aspirations, we are committed to creating a workplace that celebrates diversity and drives meaningful change.”
Suman, a business partner at BALCO working as security personnel, shared,
“I feel truly blessed to have been working at BALCO. It was here that I found the courage and support to opt for the gender reaffirmation policy, something I never imagined would be possible.
BALCO gave me the space to embrace my identity with dignity and lead a life of self-respect. Now, with the launch of the education policy, I am inspired to dream even bigger. I’m planning to pursue further education to build a better future, not just for myself, but for others like me who dare to hope.”
Through these efforts, BALCO continues to lead the way in integrating transgender professionals into core functions across departments, reaffirming its belief in equitable representation and a future where every employee is respected, empowered, and uplifted.
