The shelter currently cares for around 10,000 abandoned and stray cattle—including cows, bulls, and calves—alongside other rescued animals. As part of this welfare initiative, NTPC handed over essential items, including coolers, wall-mounted fans, and rock salt to be mixed with fodder, aiming to improve living conditions and healthcare for the animals.

The relief materials were formally handed over by Shri S. N. Panigrahi, Executive Director (HR), NTPC NRHQ Lucknow, to Dr. Abhinav Verma, Animal Welfare Officer, Lucknow Nagar Nigam, during a ceremony held at the gaushala premises.

Smt. Namita Panigrahi, Vice President of Uttara Club, along with senior officials from NTPC NRHQ and staff members of the gaushala, were also present at the event.

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.

Under the proposed arrangement, DTC will bear the operational expenditure at the approved Gross Cost Contract (GCC) rate of Rs 45 per kilometre, while NTPC will support costs beyond this framework through its CSR mechanism. Singh said hydrogen fuel technology represents an important milestone in Delhi’s transition to future-ready and environmentally responsible mobility solutions. He added that collaboration with organisations such as NTPC will help strengthen the city’s public transport network, contribute to cleaner air, and support the broader goal of building a greener and more sustainable future.

Under the initiative, NTPC will provide financial support of up to ?1.48 crore through its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programme to strengthen science and technology education in the district.

The project will involve setting up STEM laboratories equipped with learning tools such as robotics kits, renewable energy models, electronics modules, and digital learning aids. It will also include teacher training programmes, infrastructure support, and maintenance assistance.

The agreement was signed in the presence of Ri-Bhoi Deputy Commissioner Abhilash Baranwal and Amit Kumar Asthana, Head of Human Resources at NTPC Bongaigaon.

According to officials, the Ri-Bhoi district administration will serve as the implementing agency and oversee procurement, execution, quality assurance, and coordination with participating schools. NTPC will monitor progress through periodic reviews and impact assessments.

The initiative aims to promote experiential learning and strengthen students’ understanding of science and technology through hands-on activities rather than classroom instruction alone.

The GEM 2026 initiative focuses on helping every participant build a strong sense of self and a unique identity. Instead of just focusing on traditional studies, the mission encourages girls to discover their potential and realize that they have the freedom to shape their own futures. This small step taken today acts as a powerful spark for lifelong transformation, ensuring that these young minds have the support they need to turn their “little dreams” into reality. We invite you to follow this journey as we help the next generation of women find their wings and fly.