New Delhi/Bhopal. The ‘Sashakt Vahini’ campaign, launched in Madhya Pradesh’s Vidisha district to empower young women and foster self-reliance, has garnered national attention. The Central Government’s apex policy think tank, NITI Aayog, commended the initiative on its official WhatsApp channel, highlighting it as an inspiring model for the entire nation.
In a post shared on its WhatsApp channel, NITI Aayog noted that under the leadership of District Collector Anshul Gupta and operating through the Women and Child Development Department, the ‘Sashakt Vahini’ campaign is creating a strong foundation to help young women achieve their educational and competitive goals.
Applauding the initiative, NITI Aayog wrote:
“In Vidisha, Madhya Pradesh, the Sashakt Vahini campaign, led by the District Collector under the Women and Child Development Department, is creating a supportive pathway for young women to pursue their educational and competitive ambitions. With 200+ girls trained so far, the initiative provides free coaching and essential study materials, with regular classes covering subjects such as General Knowledge, Mathematics and Reasoning. Beyond exam preparation, Sashakt Vahini is helping nurture self-confidence, discipline, leadership and self-reliance, enabling young women to pursue their aspirations and contribute meaningfully to society. Empowering girls to prepare, compete and lead.”
Under the guidance of Collector Anshul Gupta, the district police control room has been converted into an educational center where young women receive preparation for competitive exams, including police and defense recruitment.
Alongside written coaching in general knowledge, mathematics, and reasoning, candidates undergo rigorous physical training at the police grounds. To ensure health and fitness, candidates are provided with a nutritious daily diet consisting of milk, bananas, and sprouted grains.
So far, over 145 young women across two batches have participated in the program to pursue their career aspirations.
District Collector Anshul Gupta, is an alumnus of IIT Kharagpur and IIM Bengaluru. He worked in the corporate sector before clearing the UPSC Civil Services Examination in 2013, initially joining the Indian Police Service (IPS).
Reappearing in 2016 with a drive to achieve even higher goals, he secured All India Rank 18 and joined the Indian Administrative Service (IAS). His prior experience in the IPS is proving directly beneficial in guiding the candidates through physical and written test training.
The ‘Sashakt Vahini’ initiative extends beyond academic preparation, instilling confidence, discipline, and independence among young women in Vidisha.
