Vedanta rolls out largest-ever ₹450-Cr stock options in FY25, redefines inclusive wealth creation

THEBUSINESSBYTES BUREAU

NEW DELHI, SEPTEMBER 2, 2025

Vedanta Group, India’s leading conglomerate in critical minerals, energy transition metals, oil and gas, and technology, has announced its biggest-ever Employee Stock Options Scheme (ESOS), valued at more than ₹450 crore for FY25. The allocation marks an 80% surge over the past five years and sets a new benchmark for inclusive wealth creation in corporate India.

Unlike the traditional model where stock options are reserved for CXOs and senior leaders, Vedanta’s ESOS stands out for its radical inclusivity. Extending from top management to entry-level professionals, the scheme democratizes wealth-building opportunities across the organisation, including engineers at plant sites and fresh graduates just starting their careers. For freshers, stock options equivalent to nearly 30% of fixed pay are offered in addition to salary — opening doors to wealth creation of several lakhs within just three years of joining.

Vedanta has been administering its ESOS for over two decades, consistently reinforcing an ownership mindset among employees. Over the last five years alone, equity awards under the scheme have surged by more than 80%. Employees can purchase shares at a nominal price of ₹1, directly linking their financial growth with the company’s performance.

The initiative is already leaving a deep impact on employees’ lives. From enabling home ownership to funding higher education and securing family investments, the scheme has become a life-changing tool. “The stock options scheme played a pivotal role in helping me secure a home for my family. It’s more than a financial benefit — it’s a symbol of trust and long-term partnership,” said Mukesh Sharaf, a mid-career HR professional at Vedanta’s BALCO.

For Shivam Kumar, Lead Project Safety at Cairn Oil & Gas, Barmer, the benefits extended beyond financial stability. “Thanks to the stock options, I was able to fund my younger brother’s education in one of India’s premier engineering colleges, invest in my own professional growth, and support my parents. It gave me not just financial empowerment but also a deep sense of belonging to the Vedanta family.”

Women employees too are leveraging the scheme for long-term security. Mamta Bhagat, Head – Business Partner Management at Vedanta Aluminium, Jharsuguda, used her ESOS proceeds to purchase a plot of land. “It gave me not just a financial cushion but the confidence to dream bigger. I feel proud to be part of an organisation that truly empowers its people.”

Similarly, Neha Guha, Deputy General Counsel – Legal at Cairn Oil & Gas, described it as a safeguard for her child’s future. “Being a working mother, the stock options scheme gave me the confidence that I’m building something valuable for my child’s education. It’s a thoughtful initiative that turns loyalty into long-term wealth creation.”

The initiative reflects the vision of Vedanta’s Founder and Chairman, Anil Agarwal, who has consistently championed youth empowerment, women’s leadership, and financial independence for employees. The ESOS is designed not only as a performance incentive but also as a means of strengthening employee motivation, retention, and long-term loyalty.

By extending participation across levels, Vedanta has not only empowered its workforce but also redefined how Indian industry can approach employee engagement and wealth creation. With this ₹450-crore roll-out, the company has emerged as a pioneer in creating one of the most inclusive and impactful stock option schemes in corporate India.