Wings of Change: PANKH Portal Empowers Girls in Uttar Pradesh

The Uttar Pradesh government has launched the PANKH Portal, a transformative digital initiative designed to guide girls toward informed career choices and self-reliance. Developed under the Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan in collaboration with UNICEF, the portal is helping students of Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalayas (KGBVs) explore diverse career paths while building confidence and problem-solving skills.  

Through the PANKH Portal, girls gain exposure to fields such as defense, engineering, commerce, medicine, sports, music, painting, writing, and debating. Each KGBV now features a dedicated Career Corner, where nodal teachers trained in psychology and computer science provide regular career guidance. Students from Classes 6 to 12 register on the portal to create personal career plans, which are recorded in their diaries and reviewed by wardens to refine their goals.  

The initiative also includes career guidance cards developed with UNICEF, fostering discussions and interactive learning. Large mind-map flex boards placed in Career Corners encourage creative dialogue, while online webinars and specialized training sessions ensure continuous professional development for teachers and wardens.  

Basic Education Minister Sandeep Singh emphasized that the government’s goal is not just to educate but to provide direction based on each girl’s talent and potential. Under Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath’s leadership, the state continues to prioritize girls’ empowerment through initiatives like Mission Shakti, Beti Bachao-Beti Padhao, and digital education programs.  

Sources: Hindustan Times, UNI India, ABP Live, MSN India, NewsX, ThePrint, Uttar Pradesh Basic Education Department, UNICEF India