NTPC Bongaigaon launches fifth edition of Girl Empowerment Mission

KOKRAJHAR, July 5, 2026 — NTPC Bongaigaon at Salakati has launched the fifth edition of its flagship Girl Empowerment Mission (GEM) 2026, selecting 50 girls from 12 neighbouring schools for a month-long residential programme focused on education, leadership and personality development.

The programme was inaugurated on July 4 by Jaikumar Srinivasan, Director (Finance), NTPC Ltd, in the presence of Arnab Maitra, Head of Project, NTPC Bongaigaon, Kasturi Maitra, President of Bardwi Shikla Ladies Club, and Anurag Gupta, General Manager (O&M), NTPC Bongaigaon.

This year's programme has increased its intake by 10 participants compared to previous editions. Designed for girls aged 10 to 12 years from rural communities, the initiative aims to build self-confidence, leadership qualities, life skills and social responsibility.

The inaugural programme featured the lighting of the ceremonial lamp, the NTPC theme song, cultural performances by members of the Bardwi Shikla Ladies Club and students of Notre Dame Academy, and testimonials from participants of the 2023 batch, who shared how the programme had influenced their personal and academic growth.

Students also staged a performance inspired by the life of Nobel Peace Prize laureate Malala Yousafzai, highlighting the importance of girls' education and women's empowerment.

Addressing the gathering, Srinivasan emphasised the importance of empowering young girls to build stronger families and communities. He later interacted with the participants at the residential facility and distributed bicycles to all 50 girls to support their educational journey.

Arnab Maitra said the Girl Empowerment Mission remains one of NTPC's flagship community initiatives and reflects the organisation's commitment to education, inclusive development and gender equality.

The four-week residential programme, scheduled from July 4 to 31, includes academic support, digital literacy, personality development, sports, creative arts, health and wellness sessions, exposure visits and other activities designed to promote the participants' overall development.

Since its launch in 2022, the programme has benefited 210 girls, including this year's participants. NTPC said 10 per cent of the participants, selected through an independent evaluation process, are offered free education at the township school, enabling them to continue their studies in a supportive learning environment.

Across the country, the Girl Empowerment Mission has reached more than 13,000 girls, reinforcing NTPC's efforts to promote gender equality and sustainable community development.