Jharsuguda: At Vedanta Aluminium Jharsuguda, people are at the heart of progress, driving innovation, performance, and inclusive growth at the world’s largest aluminium smelter. The company’s people-first philosophy has been pivotal in shaping its operational excellence as well as its social impact. From promoting gender diversity and LGBTQ+ inclusion to ensuring transparent career mobility and inclusive leadership, Vedanta Jharsuguda believes that when people grow, businesses thrive.
With nearly 30 percent of its workforce comprising young professionals, Vedanta Jharsuguda thrives on the energy, ambition, and fresh perspectives they bring. The Young CEO Program identifies and nurtures high-potential talent for leadership roles, creating a culture of agility, purpose, and empowerment. Continuous digital feedback channels further strengthen this environment, allowing employees to share their experiences and enabling leaders to translate insights into meaningful actions that enhance trust and accountability.
At Vedanta Jharsuguda, people development and learning are central to the company’s growth philosophy. The focus on continuous learning and capability building drives both individual and organizational success. Initiatives such as the 3x3x3 rotational model for VLDP Management Trainees provide cross-functional exposure and early leadership experience, while AI-based talent evaluation, goal tracking, and feedback systems promote fairness and meritocracy.
Recognizing these sustained efforts to build a progressive and empowering workplace, the company was also honoured at the PeopleFirst HR Excellence Awards for Learning and Development and Technology Deployment, reaffirming its commitment to nurturing talent, fostering innovation, and creating an inclusive environment where every employee can thrive.
Gender inclusion remains a transformative focus area. Under Project Shree Shakti, over 150 women are taking on key operational roles across 24×7 shifts – first organization to do so in Odisha, leading plant operations, conducting metallurgical testing, and driving excellence. Building on this momentum, Vedanta Jharsuguda has set national benchmarks with India’s First All-Women Potline Crew and All-Women Locomotive Crew, redefining possibilities for women in core manufacturing.
Through Project Panchhi, over 190 young women from rural Odisha are pursuing higher education at OP Jindal University, supported by mentorship, skills training, and a structured transition framework into technical and operational roles. These young women are not only shaping their own futures but also inspiring transformation within their communities.
Vedanta Jharsuguda has introduced progressive policies for LGBTQ+ professionals, including gender reaffirmation support, medical benefits, and sensitization programmes. The hiring of transgender professionals marks another meaningful step toward creating a workplace built on dignity, respect, and belonging.
“At Vedanta Jharsuguda, our people are the true catalysts of transformation. When we empower them, we build industries that thrive sustainably and communities that grow with us,” said Mr. C Chandru, CEO – Vedanta Jharsuguda.
Sharing his perspective, Mr. Pankaj Sureka, CHRO – Vedanta Jharsuguda said, ‘Vedanta Jharsuguda is redefining employee experience, fostering inclusive growth, and setting new benchmarks in people-centric leadership.’
At Vedanta Jharsuguda, every effort, from leadership development to inclusion, reflects the belief that people are the foundation of sustainable progress. By nurturing talent, celebrating diversity, and enabling growth, Vedanta Jharsuguda continues to build a workplace where innovation flourishes, communities prosper, and the future of aluminium is shaped by the strength of its people.
