• 75 transgender
employees hired across Aluminium, Hindustan Zinc, Sesa Goa, FACOR and Cairn Oil
& Gas
• Inclusive policies including gender
affirmation support, housing and buddy program in place
• Transgender employees engaged across
operations, corporate and technical roles
New
Delhi : On International Transgender Day of Visibility, Vedanta Limited, (NSE:
VEDL), India’s leading metals, oil & gas, critical minerals, power, and
technology conglomerate, reaffirmed its commitment to building an inclusive and
equitable workplace, with 75 transgender employees currently working across its
businesses. The company has steadily expanded representation and inclusion across
operations, corporate and technical roles, supported by structured policies and
workplace enablement initiatives.
Vedanta’s transgender workforce spans across multiple business units,
including Vedanta Aluminium, Hindustan Zinc, Sesa Goa, FACOR and Cairn Oil
& Gas. Since initiating focused hiring efforts in 2022, the company has
onboarded employees from the transgender community, reflecting a sustained
effort to create equitable opportunities across locations.
Transgender employees at Vedanta are engaged in mainstream functions
including operations, finance, commercial, logistics, CSR, HR, healthcare
services and security. The organisation also enables internal mobility based on
role requirements, ensuring equitable career progression and integration within
business teams.
To create a supportive ecosystem, Vedanta has introduced multiple
inclusive policies such as Equal Opportunity, Anti-harassment and
Anti-discrimination, and LGBTQIA+ inclusion frameworks. Dedicated provisions
for transgender employees include a gender affirmation policy with financial
assistance of up to ₹2 lakh and 30 days of leave, housing support, financial
assistance for higher education of up to ₹1 lakh, and a structured buddy
programme to support onboarding and workplace integration.
The company has also taken steps to address
structural challenges often faced by transgender individuals. Gender-neutral washrooms
have been introduced across locations, and housing policies have been expanded
to include accommodation within company townships. These measures were
implemented after recognising challenges faced by transgender employees in
securing rental housing due to social stigma.
Vedanta has further supported employees in
navigating documentation and identity-related challenges through partnerships
with external organisations and NGOs. The company has collaborated with groups
such as Periferry, the National Network for Transgender Persons (NNTP), and
other local organisations for sensitisation, awareness and talent outreach.
In addition, sensitisation programmes are
conducted for employees, business partners and local communities to build
awareness and foster acceptance on an ongoing basis. Initiatives such as ZINCLUSION
– Embracing Differences by Hindustan Zinc have played a key role in driving
organisation-wide understanding, with members of the transgender community
sharing their journeys and experiences.
The company also conducts regular town halls,
leadership interactions and mentorship initiatives to support inclusion and
ensure continuous engagement with transgender employees.
“I was initially apprehensive about being accepted, but the culture
here is truly inclusive. From gender-sensitive policies to mental wellness
sessions and unbiased hiring practices, I’ve consistently felt seen, respected,
and empowered. My colleagues recognize me as an equal contributor, and this is
a place where both my identity and expertise are genuinely valued. Hindustan
Zinc’s support has not only helped me thrive but also enabled me advocate for
others. It has been a truly transformative journey” said a transgender employee
working in Asset Integrity at Hindustan Zinc.
Vedanta’s approach focuses on creating meaningful employment
opportunities while enabling dignity, safety and long-term career growth for
individuals from the transgender community. The initiative reflects the
company’s broader commitment to building inclusive workplaces that celebrate
diversity and enable individuals to thrive.