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 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.