In a significant step towards promoting renewable energy and women's empowerment, the Uttar Pradesh government has launched an initiative to involve women in the solar energy sector. Alongside the expansion of solar energy, the state government has initiated measures to ensure women’s participation in this field. As part of the initiative, women in Prayagraj are set to be entrusted with substantial responsibilities within the solar energy domain.
Training and Deployment of Women
Pratibha Srivastava, Project Officer at the Prayagraj District Urban Development Agency (DUDA), stated that the agency has provided specialized training in solar panel installation to 90 women under the ‘PM Surya Ghar Yojana’ (Prime Minister’s Solar Home Scheme). These women are now being assigned key roles in the city’s solar energy landscape. For the first time in Prayagraj, women are being entrusted with duties ranging from installing solar panels and handling wiring to performing maintenance and providing information about the scheme to consumers.
Selection and Training Process
To ensure women’s participation in the solar energy sector, candidates have been selected from among active members of Self-Help Groups (SHGs) affiliated with the National Livelihoods Mission. Following their training, these women—dubbed ‘Solar Didis’—will go door-to-door to inform residents about the PM Surya Ghar Yojana. They will also undertake the actual work of installing solar panels.
Work-Based Payment System
A work-based payment system has been established for solar panel installation tasks. The remuneration for these women will be calculated based on the capacity (in kilowatts) of the installations they complete. The higher the total kilowatt capacity of the solar installations facilitated by these women, the greater their income will be. Currently, 90 women have been assigned these responsibilities.
This initiative not only promotes clean energy but also empowers women economically, setting a precedent for gender-inclusive growth in the renewable energy sector.
