POWERING HEALTH, EDUCATION, AND HOLISTIC DEVELOPMENT
NTPC Limited’s CSR projects through the length and breadth of the country show what it takes to empower with intent
With the spirit of caring and sharing embedded in its mission statement, NTPC’s (India’s largest energy conglomerate) CSR initiatives across geographies may change in nature but never in intent. NTPC Limited’s CSR strategy is designed to enhance the quality of life for communities, particularly those in the vicinity of its operations, which aligns with its mission to contribute to society while providing reliable and sustainable power. Naturally then, its CSR initiatives also extend far and wide, impacting more than16 lakh people and benefitting more than 500 villages.
The primary focus areas of NTPC’s CSR efforts include health, sanitation, safe drinking water, and education, while also extending to capacity building, women empowerment, social infrastructure, livelihood creation, support for physically challenged persons, and environmental sustainability. From a burns ward in AIIMS Bhubaneswar to empowering girls with better education in Singrauli, to MMUs in Bongaigaon, to addressing sanitation & drinking water needs in Unchahar and many more, NTPC’s CSR initiatives have a deep impact. We look at some of the many CSR initiatives across the country.
Nestled deep in the hills, 120 km from Visakhapatnam, lies a remote hamlet with little access to the conveniences of the city. In the Chintapalli Mandal of the ASR District in Andhra Pradesh, three small hamlets house 34-35 families of particularly vulnerable tribal group (PVTG). With limited access to essential infrastructure and public services, these communities continue to face yet another hardship — the lack of access to education.
(Above) NTPC’s Mobile Medical Unit delivers vital healthcare to Mutyalammapalem, bridging gaps for remote communities
The nearest school is a residential one, located 10 km away, and caters only to children above grade five. With no Anganwadis or Balwadis to support foundational education, NTPC took it upon itself to address this gap. Apart from the challenge of convincing the community about the importance of formal education, the other challenge was that since the land is part of a protected forest area, NTPC cannot build permanent structures there.
Currently, the children attend classes under a makeshift tent, but NTPC is exploring portable structures as a more sustainable solution. These structures would not only provide the community protection from frequent flash floods but also comply with forestry department regulations.
Sreenidhar who is a teacher here, is also a first-generation learner from the village. “When I saw that there was no formal education for the children here, I wanted to be a part of the change,” he explains. “Earlier, the children would spend their days playing in mud, but now they take the effort to dress neatly and have learned discipline as well.” Sreenidhar teaches maths, rhymes, and stories in Telugu, aligning with the principles of NEP 2020, which emphasises traditional teaching methods and preserving tribal languages.
NTPC is also planning initiatives to boost livelihood opportunities for the community. While these hamlets live self-sufficiently by cultivating crops like paddy, millet, ragi, turmeric, pepper, and coffee, their income remains limited. NTPC aims to help the community access broader markets and introduce supplementary livelihood opportunities.
Launched in 2020 with the goal of enhancing healthcare access for senior citizens of Mutyalammapalem village in Visakhapatnam, the mobile medical unit (MMU) campaign by NTPC, in collaboration with HelpAge India, has become a permanent initiative due to its resounding success. Mutyalammapalem, a small fishing community, has seen migration of youth for better job opportunities in the city. Among those remaining, arthritis is a prevalent yet undiagnosed condition, largely ignored due to lack of medical attention. The nearest hospital is 50 kms away. The MMU provides vital healthcare services and is staffed by a doctor, pharmacist, social protection officer, and driver, and offers free basic health screenings as well as essential medications.
Home visits are made for bed-ridden or disabled individuals; the mobile unit visits 29 surrounding villages, making weekly rounds to each. Dr Prashant, who has been a key part of the team, shared his experience: “I was shocked by how many people were suffering from undiagnosed hypertension. We started with aggressive screening and counselling. One of our biggest successes has been significantly reducing their symptoms and raising awareness about their health.”
In the past year, NTPC has also distributed 120 walkers to individuals who struggle with severe arthritis or other mobility issues. Raju*, a resident who has been visiting the health unit for four years, expressed his gratitude: “Before this programme, we couldn’t even think of going to the hospital. Now, we have access to medicines, thanks to NTPC and this initiative. It has truly been a lifesaver in so many ways.”
Spanning a population of over half-a-million people living in 15 gram panchayats, CSR initiatives of NTPC Unchahar in Uttar Pradesh focus on health, education, infrastructure, water, sanitation and vocational training.
(Above) NTPC empowers individuals with disabilities to move forward with dignity
Community initiatives here focus on providing healthcare services, especially in remote rural areas. The mobile medical unit, for instance, visits the 15 gram panchayats for 24 days a month, rendering the community essential healthcare facilities. The unit has targeted maternal and child healthcare to reduce mother and infant mortality rates.
The MMU also organises awareness campaigns on health education, behaviour change communication and preventive measures for common diseases. The outreach expands beyond normal healthcare, specifically incorporating specialised services such as eye camps arranged with Jeevan Jyoti Hospital. Hundreds of villagers have undergone cataract surgery thanks to these camps every year. In fiscal year 2023-24, NTPC Unchahar conducted an eye relief camp, with 300 active registrations and 156 cataract surgeries. An additional 170 surgeries were conducted in 2024-25 as a continuation of this service.
In line with company’s philosophy, At NTPC Unchahar, inclusivity and empowerment form the bedrock of accessibility for persons with disabilities. The company has been working on adopting several initiatives, from distributing motorised tricycles, hearing aids and walking aids to the specially abled individuals.
(Above) Building futures experiment by experiment: NTPC’s commitment to education and skill development in action
(Left) From the ground up: NTPC Unchahar empowers farmers and strengthens livelihoods through integrated support
A young disabled girl, Radha Rani, was given a tricycle for mobility. “This simple gesture makes all the difference for my daughter. We hope that further help will come her way, with time,” her mother said.
NTPC Unchahar works in collaboration with ALIMCO (Artificial Limbs Manufacturing Corporation of India) to identify beneficiaries and ascertain the aids that they require. Hundreds of beneficiaries today move with hope and confidence.
Piped drinking water supply has been extended to many villages, benefitting a population of over 7,000 residents. During Swachhta Pakhwada 2024, the power station has initiated waste management in the gram panchayats of Baherwa and Mokhara by distribution of dustbins etc. Cleaning around drains in nearby villages, including Umran, Raipur, and Ganghera, has put an end to waterlogging problems on an annual basis, benefiting about 5,000 persons.
NTPC Unchahar also helps promote energy efficiency by providing solar streetlights in various villages. They have also helped with the construction of various public infrastructure like buildings, roads and playgrounds, thus improving mobility, connectivity and recreational opportunities for local communities.
Education, being a focus area of NTPCs CSR programs, is one of the bedrocks of NTPC Unchahar’s CSR platform, wherein over 200 students have been granted support over the past few years through the company’s Utkarsh scholarship scheme. In FY 2023-24, 35 meritorious pupils have benefitted from this support to pursue further studies. In 2024-25, scholarships will be offered to 31 more students.
NTPC has also provided sets of school furniture to schools, while vocational training programmes on skill building among local youths have been beneficial. Training through CIPET Lucknow has provided 60 unemployed youths in surrounding villages with skills such as machine operators in plastics processing and injection moulding.
Five integrated livestock development centres (ILDC) were established to serve as a one-point solution for livestock-related needs of farmers. Some of the services provided are artificial insemination, castration, deworming, and fodder distribution. NTPC’s support has resulted in increased agricultural productivity and better livestock management for farmers in the area.
Note: A community-based approach has been started in NTPC Unchahar as (Above) Building futures experiment by experiment: NTPC’s commitment to education and skill development in action intervention works more effectively when senior officials at NTPC are responsible for specific gram panchayats. This means a personalised and hands-on approach to CSR, whereby officials are interacting with the community and have better perspectives of the changing needs of the community.
As the company seeks to continue broadening its CSR footprint in the years to come, Unchahar residents can expect more targeted, sustainable interventions that promise an optimistic and inclusively developed future.
About three km from the district headquarters of Kokrajhar lies Bashbari, a quiet village tucked away in the middle of nowhere. Here, amidst sparse population and scant development stands Bashbari High School, established in 1976.
Hidden beyond the main complex, in the extended school rooms, lies a special classroom that stands out with its vividly painted iron doors. It transforms into one of the most vibrant learning spaces one could imagine — a stark contrast to the other damp, dimly lit, and monotonous whitewashed classrooms. The back wall boasts a grand banner installation of the solar system, intricately detailed with planets and the universe. At the front, a cutting-edge interactive digital board commands attention. Every corner of the room tells a story — sidewalls and front panels thoughtfully adorned with knowledge from every subject. Even the doors and windows have been utilised for mathematical formulae, the periodic table, grammar, illustrations of trees, insects, and more create a tapestry of information.
The Bashbari High School Smart Class, made possible with NTPC’s CSR funds, integrates advanced technology and innovative resources into a traditional classroom environment. NTPC has also installed solar panels and a waiting shed at the school library. In addition, the Digital Anganwadi Centre, offers early childhood education to around 30 children in Bashbari village.
A health camp is a regular event at the local government primary school in West Dangarkuti in Kokrajhar district. It begins with an awareness session, educating villagers about the importance of regular cancer screenings at home, including oral, breast, and cervical cancer detection methods. Following this, attendees undergo health check-ups.
A collaboration between NTPC Bongaigaon and the Assam Cancer Care Foundation (ACCF), the programme was launched in August 2024 under NTPC’s CSR activities. The project represents a pivotal step in addressing the growing cancer burden in Kokrajhar district.
The programme spans four block primary health centres and approximately 80 health and wellness centres across Kokrajhar. It also incorporates public awareness sessions and home-based palliative care for cancer patients, ensuring holistic support. With a goal to reach over 42,000 individuals across various villages, this initiative is poised to make a profound impact.
(Above) Building skills, shaping futures: NTPC Vindhyachal
“In addition to cancer, we also screen for other non-communicable diseases such as diabetes and hypertension,” shared Dr Abhishek Bora. “Between August and December 2024, we have diagnosed three cancer cases and referred them for further treatment at the Kokrajhar Cancer Hospital,” he adds.
What’s more, NTPC has introduced a MMU to deliver essential healthcare services to 18 villages surrounding NTPC Bongaigaon. This initiative aligns with the company’s maternal and child health policy and is a vital step toward bridging healthcare gaps in underserved communities. The MMU is fully equipped and staffed by a skilled healthcare team, including two doctors (one male and one female), a nurse, two paramedical staff, and a dedicated driver. It caters to approximately 750 patients a month, making healthcare more accessible and fostering a healthier, more resilient community.
Sericulture is a time-honoured tradition weaved into the fabric of Kokrajhar’s culture and economy. It serves as a lifeline for thousands, especially women. In the Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC) region, this agro-based art flourishes across 1,673 villages, with 59,510 farmers nurturing its legacy. The region’s contribution is remarkable, producing 771 metric tonnes of Eri silk, contributing 24.53% of Assam’s total silk output of 3,142 metric tonnes, as per the Government of Assam’s Department of Tribal Affairs.
Delivering health and hope: NTPC’s “Health on Wheels” in service of Vindhyachal
Women are its primary custodians, comprising 60% of the workforce, their deft hands not only spinning silk but also crafting economic resilience for their families. Beyond financial sustenance, sericulture offers a culinary treasure in the form of Eri pupae, cherished as a local delicacy.
Yet, this tradition faces hurdles. Dependence on age-old rearing methods, limited access to scientific know-how, a dearth of silk-reeling equipment, and an absence of robust market infrastructure stifles its growth.
NTPC has stepped forward with an initiative to bridge the gap. At the heart of this endeavour lies the Bodoland Silk Park, where NTPC has intervened. the project includes an in-house, residential training centre for weavers and reelers. Through this effort, NTPC aims not only to preserve the heritage of sericulture but also to weave a brighter, more sustainable future for Kokrajhar’s rural communities — one thread at a time.
NTPC Bongaigaon began its CSR initiatives in FY 2023-24, marking FY 2024- 25 as its second year, with holistic interventions a cumulative investment of Rs 10 crore in Assam’s development. A major focus is ITI Salakati, established in 2011 through an MoU with the Assam Government and BTC, with NTPC contributing Rs 3.8 crore for its construction and Rs 5.78 crore for essential equipment, furniture, and training kits.
The ITI nurtures skilled professionals, with many securing jobs in local industries or starting entrepreneurial ventures. The NTPC Bongaigaon representative serves on the ITI’s management committee, ensuring continuous collaboration to enhance employability and entrepreneurship among local youth, benefiting around 100 students annually.
“NTPC CSR’s objective is to catalyse social transformation by empowering communities and sustainable development by intervening in education, healthcare, skill development and environmental protection,” says E Satya Phani Kumar, executive director, NTPC Vindhyachal, Singrauli district, Madhya Pradesh.
Consider this. At 19 years old, Sanjeev Kumar Singh met with a grave accident where he lost his right leg. “My father can’t afford expensive treatment. We also didn’t know how and where to get the prosthetic leg,” he says. But then he found a disability rehabilitation centre supported by NTPC Vindhyachal CSR near his village in the Singrauli district, and received a prosthetic leg and training within three months of his accident.
NTPC has also started various programmes of empowerment and social build-up. One of them being the Girls Empowerment Mission (GEM), to educate and empower rural girls. Since 2018, GEM has reached over 10,000 girls across NTPCs. Madhu Harijan, who is from the second batch of GEM in NTPC Vindhyachal, is currently studying in class 11 at DPS. She says, “I am fortunate to study in DPS. My family and village atmosphere are such that they don’t encourage education –
(Left) Young minds explore NTPC’s innovative learning as part of Girl Empowerment Mission by NTPC Vidhyanchal, MP
(Facing Page) NTPC supports the skilled hands preserving Kokrajhar’s rich
Above) Training for tomorrow’s protectors: NTPC empowers youth through physical training for defense and police services in Singrauli
just fights and tensions. If it wasn’t for GEM, I probably would have been married off by now.”
Another student of GEM, Aarti Mehta of class seven says, “I have learned to speak good English and have also explored my dancing talent. My parents want me to become an officer, but I want to be a teacher -- teachers can transform many lives.” Around NTPC’s Vindhyachal project area this year, 120 girls from 18 government schools were selected for a four-week residential training programme. The top 10 performers received admission to DPS and DePaul schools, with education expenses covered by NTPC.
NTPC CSR also has training programmes such as coaching for bank and SSC exams, and police and defence exams for the rural and economically disadvantaged youth. Seventeen-year-old Akansha Kumari* wants to join the army and exercises and practices hard every evening for it. Her physical training coach, Ritesh Shah, says, “Akansha lost her father a year ago and her mother works as house-help. She is determined to change her family’s socio economic condition.”
Four students from the youth training programme have passed the bank exam this year and have been placed in banks and finance companies. To facilitate better education for the youth, NTPC also supports the college’s infrastructure in Singrauli district.
The burn ward set up by NTPC for AIIMS Bhubaneswar in 2023 is an impressive, three-storeyed building that stands as a beacon of hope for burn victims. The unit was established with the goal of providing immediate care, especially since the first 24 hours following a burn injury are critical.
The ground floor houses 36 beds, strategically separated into red and green zones based on the severity of injuries. It also includes an X-ray machine, laser room, burn bath area, as well as radiology and pathology services. The ICU on the first floor is equipped with six beds, as well as pre-op and post-op areas. The second floor contains a 16-bed ward with dedicated dressing rooms, while the third floor focuses on counselling, physiotherapy, and seminars for both patients and their families.
Over the past two years, the dedicated team of doctors, nurses, and physiotherapists has treated more than 450 burn cases, ranging from mild to severe. One such case is that of seven-year-old Sahil*. Four months ago, while watching a stuntman perform with a blowtorch at a wedding procession, he was struck by kerosene flames, suffering 60-70% burns to his body.
The severity of the burns, coupled with the long hours of travel from his village, resulted in a delay in treatment, making his survival uncertain. Apart from burns to his outer dermal layer, inhalation of the fumes caused internal burns to his airways. Sahil spent over 50 days in the ICU, including 21 days on a ventilator. He also suffered brain injury that led to seizures. Thanks to the expertise of the medical team, Sahil fought through his battles and survived. Although he lost the ability to speak, his grandmother shares he is recovering and beginning to smile again.
Another remarkable case is that of Malti* and Viren*, a couple injured in a house fire. Malti was cooking when a massive fire broke out in the kitchen, and Viren rushed in to save her. Both suffered severe burns to their arms and legs, rendering them unable to move. With skin grafting techniques at the ward, their recovery has been remarkable, and they are regaining full mobility.
In addition to the ongoing treatments, the team is working on setting up a skin bank — an essential resource for burn victims who require skin grafts, especially in cases of severe burns.
Dr Sanjay Kumar Giri, HoD of burn and plastic surgery, emphasised the importance of timely treatment: “After trauma injuries, burns are the secondbiggest cause of death in India, primarily because victims often fail to receive immediate care within the critical first 24 hours. The establishment of this unit has drastically improved the quality of immediate care, significantly increasing the chances of survival for burn victims.”
In conclusion, NTPC’s CSR initiatives exemplify the company’s unwavering commitment to creating a positive impact in the communities it serves
*Names changed for privacy.
NTPC is clearly empowering lives!
(Above) Standing united for healing: The dedicated team at the NTPC-supported burn ward at AIIMS Bhubaneswar offers a beacon of hope
(Above) Spreading awareness, saving lives: NTPC Bongaigaon’s health camps empower communities with crucial cancer information
NTPC Limited, India’s largest power generation company, integrates its CSR strategy seamlessly with its broader mission of sustainable development and social responsibility, according to Mr Anil Kumar Jadli, Director (HR). Excerpts from an interview:
NTPC focusses on areas such as education, health, sanitation, capacity building, women’s empowerment, and environmental sustainability. These initiatives directly support its sustainable development objectives by addressing social inequities and promoting inclusive growth, ensuring that the benefits of its operations extend beyond energy generation to community well-being.
NTPC’s structured CSR framework, supported by the NTPC Foundation, ensures that the efforts are systematic and impactful. By adhering to national development plans and global frameworks like the UN’s Global Compact principles, NTPC aligns its CSR with broader sustainability goals.
NTPC conducts need assessment surveys to understand the specific requirements of the communities it serves. Programmes are tailored to address these needs. We emphasise on community participation and engagement, fostering a sense of ownership and ensuring the sustainability of its initiatives. These initiatives are tailored to address the specific needs of local communities, especially in the rural and backward regions where NTPC’s projects and stations are often located.
NTPC has implemented a range of CSR projects aimed at empowering local communities, particularly in the areas surrounding its operations. NTPC’s flagship Girl Empowerment Mission targets young girls aged 10-12 from government schools near its project sites. We also run mobile healthcare vans in remote areas, offering free medical check-ups, vaccinations, and maternal health support. The company organises camps for eye check-ups, cancer screenings, and disease awareness programmes, ensuring access to essential medical services. NTPC has also invested significantly in healthcare infrastructure for communities.
We support women-led SHGs engaged in tailoring, handicrafts, dairy farming, and other incomegenerating activities. NTPC has adopted 18 Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) and has helped setting up eight new ones. We had also signed an MoU with the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) and trained 30,000 youth over five years. To boost rural livelihoods, NTPC has undertaken livestock development projects through ILDC. In FY 2023-24, NTPC’s CSR initiatives have impacted over 450 villages and 400 schools.
NTPC is leveraging technology to improve the efficiency and reach of its CSR programmes. This includes using digital platforms for education and skill development, enabling access to remote communities. We are also shifting towards an outcome-oriented approach to CSR, focusing on measuring the impact of its programmes and ensuring long-(Above) Spreading awareness, saving lives: NTPC Bongaigaon’s health camps empower communities with crucial cancer information term sustainability.