Induction of male sterility followed by successful outcrossing is a prerequisite for hybrid seed production. In this article, we have identified a novel use of the BECLIN 1 gene of Arabidopsis, in inducing male sterility in plants, when expressed in the anther tapetum of tobacco. We also report a stringently regulated and high‐level expression of the desired gene in tapetum by using a two‐component transcription regulation system. The tapetum‐specific, two‐component transcription system utilizes the TGTA‐TBPm3 complementation principle that has been demonstrated by us earlier. We also report a glucocorticoid‐dependent expression of AtBECLIN 1 in tapetum, thereby developing glucocorticoid‐inducible male sterility in plants.