BALCO promotes inclusive workforce in aluminium operations by hiring trans-persons for diverse roles

From inducting seven transgender employees in 2022 to seventeen in 2024, BALCO has marked an exemplary milestone in an otherwise male-dominated industry. These employees take part in various roles, from forklift operations and store management to security positions, contributing immensely to BALCO’s operations and security.

Some of them have shared their stories and experiences that BALCO has given in their lives that serve as beacons of hope in the community. Bhavani, a trans-employee working as a forklift operator at BALCO, says: “Aluminium production is a team effort, and I am proud to contribute alongside my colleagues.”

Akansha Soni, a supervisor in the forklift garage, says: “BALCO has been a guardian for all the hired transgenders. BALCO has supported my dreams and helped me realize my potential. Today, my confidence drives me to work as a supervisor in the forklift garage, managing forklift operations with gusto. I also contribute to the safety of the plant by ensuring the highest standards of safety by promoting the use of appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPEs).”

Acknowledging BALCO’s gender reaffirmation policy, Akansha also says: “It used to take us years to plan and execute the gender reassignment surgery but with the support of BALCO’s policies, LGBTQ+ employees have got a benefit of 30 days of paid leave and compensation of 2 lakh rupees for the gender reassignment surgery.”

Talking about the company’s reward and recognition policies, Ayesha, security personnel at BALCO, says: “My performance here is duly recognized and appreciated. I have recently been awarded for my performance ensuring round-the-clock security in the plant. These kinds of recognitions motivate me to do better each day.”

Ms. Vidya Rajput, a member of the Transgender Welfare Society and the President of Chhattisgarh Mitwa Sankalp Samiti, has expressed her heart-felt gratitude and appreciation for BALCO’s commitment to advocating an all-inclusive workplace.

BALCO follows three practices aimed at fostering a healthy work environment for transgender individuals. Firstly, the company dedicatedly follows inclusive hiring practices, identifying appropriate skills; secondly, it focuses on developing their business know-hows and operational and soft skills to make them competitive; and finally, the company conducts gender-sensitisation sessions and build gender-neutral infrastructure to create a culture that thrives on understanding and respect.

The CII National HR Excellence Award 2023-24 for BALCO’s human resource achievements is the perfect testament to the company’s effective strategies for workforce.