New Delhi, June 4, 2025 – NTPC Limited, India’s largest power company, has started the 6th edition of its famous CSR initiative, Girl Empowerment Mission (GEM-2025). This program aims to help young girls from poor communities around NTPC power plants. Over the summer, more than 2,600 girls will take part in a residential workshop at 41 NTPC stations across 17 states of India.
This year’s GEM builds on earlier releases. NTPC began GEM in 2018 as a small pilot at 3 sites. That first year, just 392 girls took part. Since then, GEM has grown into a national movement, impacting more than 12,700 girls across 17 states. With GEM-2025, the reach is even bigger. The program supports not just academic learning, but also the all-round development of each girl.
Why GEM-2025 Matters
The main goal of GEM-2025 is to give girls from underprivileged areas confidence, leadership skills, and new opportunities. NTPC also supports the Government of India’s “Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao” campaign, which fights gender bias and works to empower girls in India. By training these young minds, NTPC hopes to make them strong, free, and independent.
At the end of the workshops, about 10% of participants—roughly 260 girls—will be enrolled in NTPC-run schools for high school. NTPC pays for their fees and supports their education, helping them grow into well-educated citizens.
How GEM-2025 Works: A Month-Long Summer Workshop
GEM-2025 takes place during the summer holidays, a time when school is out anyway. This means girls can attend without missing other lessons. The workshops offer something new for them: residential learning, where they stay on-site at NTPC campuses for 30 days. They get to study, play, explore, dream—and return home different.
Here’s what the girls do each day at the GEM-2025 residential workshop:
- Academic Learning: They study English, Hindi or local language, Mathematics, and Environmental Science (EVS). This boosts their academic confidence and helps build a strong foundation for school.
- Computer Literacy: In today’s world, computers are everywhere. GEM-2025 gives girls a basic introduction to computers and practical sessions on typing, using Microsoft Office, and basic coding ideas.
- English Communication: Speaking English well can open new doors. GEM-2025 includes classes on spoken English, vocabulary, and group discussions, all aimed at building strong communication skills.
- Health, Hygiene, and Safety: The workshops teach good personal hygiene, health awareness, and harmful habits to avoid. There are sessions on first aid, menstrual health, and everyday safety tips.
- Physical Fitness & Yoga: Healthy body, healthy mind—that’s GEM’s message. Girls learn yoga, morning exercises, and fun sports like badminton, volleyball, and dance.
- Life Skills and Art: Dance, music, theatre, public speaking, and motivational sessions help girls raise their voices, find their passions, and learn how to think and act confidently.
- Industrial Visits: To spark curiosity and awareness, GEM-2025 includes field visits to nearby NTPC power plants or local industries. These field trips show girls real-world jobs and career paths.
- Motivational Talks: Every year, NTPC invites inspiring dignitaries, women leaders, and social change-makers to speak to the girls. These sessions give role models and encouragement.
GEM’s Proven Impact
GEM-2025 is not just words—it builds real change. Over the past five years:
- Around 12,700 girls from poor communities have benefited.
- The girls now are more independent, healthier, and academically stronger.
- Teachers say the GEM girls show better public speaking, creative thinking, and improved communication skills.
- Community leaders praise GEM for encouraging families to keep girls in school longer.
NTPC staff and volunteers observe many changes. They say, “Before GEM, the girls were shy and quiet. After a month, they become confident. They begin to dream about their future.” GEM-2025 takes that transformation even further by reaching more states and more girls.
Expanding Reach: From 3 to 41 NTPC Stations
NTPC started GEM with just 3 power plants in 2018. Year by year, it added more, responding to need and success:
- GEM-2019: 10 plants, 500 girls
- GEM-2020: 15 plants, 1,200 girls
- GEM-2021: 25 plants, 1,800 girls
- GEM-2022: 34 plants, 2,400 girls
- GEM-2023: 38 plants, 2,600 girls
- GEM-2024: 40 plants, approx 2,600 girls again
Now, GEM-2025 launches strong with 41 plants. The program aims for 2,600+ attendees—so each year, GEM can keep impacting more lives.
For Whom: Underprivileged Girls Near NTPC Plants
GEM is targeted at girls aged 10–16 from poor communities near NTPC’s operations. These workshops are free for families, covering boarding, meals, books, uniforms, and materials. This inclusive program addresses girls who might otherwise drop out of school due to family pressures or lack of support.
Because the program is held on NTPC campuses, safety is a top priority. These campuses are secure, with medical staff on-site. Food is nutritious and cooked in hygienic kitchens. This ensures the girls are safe, healthy, and fully immersed in learning.
GEM-2025 Curriculum Highlights
Here’s a simple breakdown of what GEM-2025 includes:
| Learning Area | Focus & Benefits |
|---|---|
| Academic Subjects | English, Hindi/local language, Math, Environmental Science – for stronger school performance |
| Computer Skills | Basic MS Office, typing, digital tools – essential for the 21st century |
| Spoken English | Vocabulary, speaking, discussion – builds confidence and global opportunities |
| Health & Hygiene | Cleanliness, menstrual health, wellness – vital life skills |
| Yoga & Fitness | Yoga sessions, physical activity, sports – promotes body confidence |
| Cultural Arts | Dance, theatre, public speaking – for creativity and self-expression |
| Motivational Talks | Guest speakers, women achievers, leaders – role models and inspiration |
| Industrial Visits | NTPC plants or nearby industries – sparks curiosity for science careers |
Why GEM Works
GEM-2025 is powerful because it:
- Focuses on girls: It helps girls who are often left out of mainstream opportunities.
- Provides a full month away: Parents and communities support this picking time for real growth.
- Offers mixed learning: The blend of academics, arts, sports, and motivation is proven effective.
- Backs up learning with support: Some girls are placed in NTPC schools, with fees covered.
- Includes families and communities: GEM encourages parents to support their daughters’ future.
A Gift from NTPC to Society
NTPC uses part of its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) budget for GEM. As a public-sector company, it is legally required to invest in communities. But NTPC has gone above and beyond by making GEM truly life-changing. The company covers all expenses—teachers, trainers, materials, field trips, meals—all free for participants.
Real Success Stories
Many GEM alumni say the program changed their lives:
- One girl, Meera (name changed), learned English for the first time and, with new confidence, topped her class in 10th-grade Hindi exams.
- Another, Sunita, first learned yoga and meditation at GEM; now, she teaches these skills to her younger siblings and friends.
- Motivated by a motivational speaker, Priya decided she would become an engineer—something she wouldn’t have thought possible before GEM.
These stories show the creative thinking, confidence, and “can-do attitude” GEM nurtures.
Sustainability and Community Impact
GEM-2025 aims to expand beyond the summer.
- NTPC will set up alumni groups in villages near each plant.
- Teams plan quarterly meetings so girls can stay in touch and support each other.
- Local schools near NTPC plants will receive teaching aids and furniture donated by NTPC to help GEM students integrate smoothly.
This ensures GEM’s impact lasts long after the summer.
National Recognition
GEM has earned national praise for being an outstanding CSR initiative. NTPC has received awards and been invited to sit on panels about women’s empowerment, education, and corporate social responsibility. Other companies talk about NTPC GEM as an inspiring model for how to use CSR for real social change.
What’s Next for GEM?
- GEM-2026 planning: NTPC plans to launch next summer with more participants and possibly more NTPC sites.
- Future expansion: There are discussions to include older age groups, possibly up to 18 years old.
- Empowerment follow-ups: More mentoring and scholarship programs may be set up for GEM graduates.
The core idea is always: help girls to dream big, become confident, and make a difference in their lives, families, and communities.
Final Words
NTPC’s Girl Empowerment Mission (GEM-2025) is much more than a school program—it’s a life-changer. With a thoughtful and holistic curriculum, free and safe boarding, community support, and the chance at higher education, GEM-2025 stands out as a top CSR effort in India.
Over 2,600 girls will attend this year’s workshops at 41 NTPC centers. About 260 girls will continue into NTPC school programs. Underprivileged girls from Indian villages will have new options, learn new skills, and discover that—yes—they can. They can dream big, they can study more, they can lead their future.
This summer, GEM-2025 sends a message: when girls are given the chance, they shine. Through education, confidence, and community, they can change their world—and we can’t wait to see what they do next.
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