00 Embracing a culture of diversity and inclusivity at BALCO
Balconagar, 6th March 2025:Transgender employees of Bharat Aluminium Company Limited (BALCO), India’s iconic aluminium producer and a part of Vedanta Aluminium, broke barriers in an inter-departmental cricket tournament popularly known as BALCO Premier League (BPL). The two-month long league was dedicated to diversity and inclusivity, with 144+ teams, 2,200+ male, female, and transgender employees, business partners, and community beneficiaries.
BALCO is committed to building an inclusive work culture, exemplifying the participation of transgenders in this sixth edition of BPL. This initiative provides them with a platform to engage with mainstream sports reinforcing how talent and passion transcend gender, be it at the workplace or in the field of sports.
BALCO has been closely working on building gender-neutral infrastructure by sensitizing employees, business partners and communities to eliminate gender bias. With determination to foster inclusivity as a standard practice, Vedanta has several beneficial schemes. One being the Gender Reaffirmation Leaves and Compensation Policy for LGBTQIA+ employees. The policy offers a grant of INR 2 lakh covering surgery expenses along with a 30-day paid leave for a comfortable transition. It has benefited five employees so far. Additionally, BALCO also empowers them with a Financial Support Policy for Higher Education enabling them to pursue their dreams without fear, leading towards self reliance.
Congratulating the participants Mr. Rajesh Kumar, CEO & Director BALCO says, “Balco Premier League has been a celebration of cricket, uniting employees with the common love of sports. This season, the focus on diversity and inclusion reflected our belief in transforming for good. Every year the entire BALCO family eagerly awaits this tournament, as it not only celebrates sportsmanship but also promotes a healthier and active lifestyle.”
Sharing her experience Ms. Geetu Yadav, a transgender employee says, “Playing cricket on the field after so long was a thrilling and memorable experience. Learning skills like coordination, teamwork and putting the team in a strong position made me give my best without thinking of winning and losing.”
Overall BALCO Premier League 2024-25 wasn’t just a tournament of cricket but a spectacle of sportsmanship and inclusivity. The championship celebrated the victory of Hospital Stars and Potroom Pirates, whereas Team Shakti and Striking Eagles secured the 1st runner up position. In addition, special matches were played between CEO-11 vs CFO-11 and Senior Management vs Union, to promote camaraderie.
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