NTPC Bongaigaon hosted an interactive session with representatives from print, electronic, and digital media to present the achievements and social impact of its flagship Corporate Social Responsibility initiative, the Girl Empowerment Mission. Addressing the media, Shri Arnab Maitra, Executive Director and Head of Project at NTPC Bongaigaon, detailed the journey of the national initiative.

Since its launch in 2018 across three projects with 392 participants, the program has grown into one of India’s largest residential empowerment initiatives, benefiting over 16,000 girls nationwide. Aligned with the central government’s Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao campaign, the initiative focuses on building leadership, self-confidence, and life skills among young girls from rural backgrounds.

At the regional level, NTPC Bongaigaon introduced the program in 2022 and has since transformed the lives of 210 girls across four editions. The 2026 edition achieved a major milestone by expanding its batch size from 40 to 50 participants, allowing more children from surrounding communities to attend the month-long residential training. The holistic curriculum combines academics, spoken English, digital literacy, and health awareness with physical disciplines like yoga, self-defence, and sports. Additionally, ten percent of the participants earn free education at the NTPC township school based on independent evaluations, ensuring long-term academic support.

Expressing gratitude to employees, educators, medical staff, local administration, and parents for their support, Shri Maitra reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to further expanding the reach of the mission. He emphasized that empowering a girl brings progress to entire families and communities. Accompanied by Head of HR Shri Amit Kumar Asthana and senior departmental officials, the management reiterated its vision to invest in the education and leadership development of young girls to build a stronger and more inclusive society.

The four-week residential program provided comprehensive academic inputs in Hindi, English, Maths, Science, and Vernacular languages, alongside practical training in life skills, yoga, dance, crafts, and sports. Exposure visits to key government offices and organizations such as the District Commissioner’s Office, SAI, and Bodoland Silk Park offered invaluable real-world insights, while sessions on fire safety, menstrual health, and hygiene further enriched the girls’ learning experience. The cultural program, featuring skits, folk dances, yoga displays, and a grand women’s empowerment celebration, captivated audiences and highlighted the importance of gender equality and social inclusion. Certificates and photographs commemorating their journey were presented to the girls by distinguished guests, symbolizing their successful completion of GEM 2025 and inspiring hope for continued empowerment.

Since its launch in 2018, NTPC’s GEM initiative has empowered over 11,000 girls across the country, with NTPC Bongaigaon hosting the program for the fourth time and supporting 160 girls from the vicinity since 2022. The 2025 edition not only celebrated the achievements of these young girls but also reinforced NTPC’s dedication to nurturing leadership and confidence among future women changemakers. With the active involvement of community partners, government officials, and NTPC leadership, GEM continues to serve as a catalyst for social change, fostering a generation of empowered, skilled, and confident young women ready to shape a better tomorrow.