NTPC Limited, India’s largest integrated power company, is preparing to launch the latest iteration of its flagship Corporate Social Responsibility initiative, the Girl Empowerment Mission (GEM). This program, in line with the Government of India’s Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao initiative, aims to address gender inequality by nurturing the aspirations of girls and facilitating their exploration of opportunities. GEM achieves this objective through a month-long workshop held during summer vacations, providing a platform for comprehensive upliftment and development of young girls.

Commencing in April 2024, the new edition of GEM will include approximately 3,000 deserving children from disadvantaged backgrounds at 42 designated locations of the power sector PSU, bringing the total number of beneficiaries to over 10,000. What began as a pilot project in 2018 with just three locations and 392 participants has evolved into a nationwide movement, overcoming challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 and 2021 to expand its reach and impact continuously. To date, GEM has positively impacted 7,424 girls, with participation steadily increasing each year. In 2023, 2,707 girls across 40 locations of NTPC, spanning 16 states of India, took part in the workshop.

The primary focus of the Mission is to empower girls through diverse interventions, aiming to recognize and nurture their leadership qualities to prepare them for the future. The workshop emphasizes aspects like health, hygiene, safety, fitness, sports, and yoga. The GEM Workshop has received widespread acclaim for its holistic approach to skill development, confidence-building, and mentorship. By equipping girls with essential tools and unwavering support, NTPC endeavors to create a brighter future for upcoming generations, empowering them to become agents of change who influence not only themselves but also their families, communities, and the nation as a whole.