THEBUSINESSBYTES BUREAU
BONGAIGAON, JULY 28, 2026
"The Girl Empowerment Mission is one of NTPC's most
impactful social initiatives, empowering young girls with confidence,
knowledge, leadership qualities and aspirations to emerge as future changemakers,"
said Arnab Maitra, Executive Director & Head of Project, NTPC Bongaigaon,
while addressing media representatives during a special interaction organised
to highlight the transformative journey and growing impact of the company's
flagship Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative.
Describing the programme as a reflection of NTPC's unwavering
commitment to inclusive and sustainable development, Maitra said the Girl
Empowerment Mission (GEM) has been instrumental in creating meaningful opportunities
for girls from rural and underprivileged communities, enabling them to unlock
their potential and pursue brighter futures. He noted that the initiative
aligns with the Government of India's flagship "Beti Bachao, Beti
Padhao" campaign and has evolved into one of the country's largest
residential girl empowerment programmes.
Tracing the programme's remarkable growth, Maitra informed
that GEM was launched in 2018 across just three NTPC projects with 392
participants. Over the years, it has expanded exponentially, benefiting more
than 16,000 girls across India and emerging as a benchmark CSR initiative
focused on nurturing confidence, leadership, life skills and educational
aspirations among young girls.
Highlighting NTPC Bongaigaon's contribution to the national
mission, Maitra said the station introduced the programme in 2022 and has
successfully empowered 210 girls through its first four editions. Building on
this success, the 2026 edition has marked another significant milestone by
increasing the number of participants from 40 to 50, allowing more girls from
neighbouring communities to benefit from the month-long residential programme.
He explained that the Girl Empowerment Mission offers a
holistic learning experience that goes well beyond classroom education. The
curriculum integrates academic learning with spoken English, mathematics,
digital literacy, health and hygiene awareness, yoga, self-defence, sports,
creative arts, personality development, leadership training, environmental
awareness and educational exposure visits. Participants also interact with
accomplished personalities from diverse fields, inspiring them to dream bigger,
develop self-confidence and pursue their ambitions with determination.
Emphasising the broader social impact of the initiative,
Maitra said the true strength of GEM lies in transforming mindsets and
instilling self-belief among young girls. "When a girl is empowered, an
entire family and community progresses. Through GEM, we are nurturing future
leaders who will inspire positive change in society," he remarked.
He also highlighted a distinctive feature of the programme at
NTPC Bongaigaon, under which 10 per cent of the participants are offered free
education at the NTPC township school based on an independent evaluation, extending
long-term educational opportunities to deserving students and reinforcing the
organisation's commitment to sustained social development.
During the interaction, NTPC Bongaigaon showcased the diverse
activities undertaken as part of GEM 2026, including personality development
sessions, health and menstrual hygiene awareness programmes, sports and fitness
activities, yoga, art and craft workshops, dance and cultural training,
self-defence classes, mural painting, educational and industrial visits, environmental
awareness campaigns, confidence-building exercises and interactive sessions
with eminent personalities from various fields.
Maitra acknowledged the collective efforts of NTPC employees,
volunteers, teachers, medical professionals and partner organisations whose
dedicated contributions have ensured the programme's successful implementation.
He also expressed gratitude to parents, local communities, educational
institutions and the district administration for their continued support in
strengthening the initiative over the years.
Responding to questions from media representatives, Maitra
reiterated NTPC Bongaigaon's commitment to further expanding the reach and
impact of the Girl Empowerment Mission, ensuring that a larger number of girls
from rural communities receive opportunities to learn, grow, lead and become
catalysts for positive social transformation.
The media interaction was attended by Amit Kumar Asthana, Head of HR, NTPC Bongaigaon, along with Heads of various departments, who shared insights into the programme's planning, execution and long-term vision.
The event concluded with NTPC Bongaigaon reaffirming its commitment to investing in the education, confidence and leadership development of young girls, underscoring its belief that empowering girls today will build stronger families, resilient communities and a more prosperous and inclusive India tomorrow.
