Uttar Pradesh has launched a pioneering initiative through the State Rural Livelihood Mission to empower rural women with economic independence.
This time, the focus is on fostering innovation in the solar energy sector, with a plan to train 10,000 ‘Paryavaran Sakhis’ and connect them with sustainable livelihood opportunities.
This forward-looking step, envisioned by chief minister Yogi Adityanath, is a significant stride toward enhancing women’s self-reliance while advancing green energy.
The initiative marks a new milestone in UP’s journey toward environmentally sustainable development.
As part of this mission, Prerna Ojas Private Limited is engaged in promoting solar energy solutions, including solar product manufacturing, decentralised solar systems, clean cooking products, and solar retail outlets.
In the financial year 2024–25, a solar manufacturing unit was established in Lucknow, and 414 solar shops were launched across 207 development blocks in 20 districts, directly benefiting 414 women entrepreneurs.
Additionally, 80 solar-based food processing units were installed, and 60 women were trained as ‘Surya Sakhis’.
This initiative is opening new pathways for women to participate in and contribute to the technical and renewable energy sectors.
Mission Director Deepa Ranjan highlighted that a comprehensive roadmap has been laid out to position UP as a hub of solar energy and women-led entrepreneurship over the next three years.
“Solar product manufacturing units will be established in all 18 divisions of UP. They will directly employ 540 women, and focus on the production of solar panels, batteries, and other advanced solar technologies for the market,” she stated.
Moreover, the Yogi government has charted an ambitious plan to set up 3,304 solar retail outlets across 826 development blocks — averaging four shops per block.
These shops will function as centers for the sale and repair of solar lanterns, mobile chargers, and small household appliances.
Through this initiative, 3,304 women will gain financial independence while simultaneously boosting rural solar penetration.
Furthermore, the state aims to deploy 20,000 decentralised solar-powered systems such as food processing machines, dryers, and defridges.
These units will serve as catalysts for entrepreneurship, enabling 20,000 women to launch small-scale enterprises in food preservation and energy utilisation — creating a ripple effect in grassroots economic empowerment.
Notably, 57,702 ‘Surya Sakhis’ will be appointed, one in each Gram Panchayat, to oversee the usage, maintenance, and awareness-building of solar products.
These women will play a pivotal role in championing clean energy at the village level, ushering in a rural energy revolution and placing women at the forefront of technical leadership.
Over the next three years, 10,000 ‘Paryavaran Sakhis’ will be trained across UP to promote clean cooking solutions such as solar stoves and biogas systems.
Their efforts will play a vital role in ensuring smoke-free kitchens and a cleaner rural environment.
This shift will help reduce indoor air pollution, significantly improve the health of women and children, and foster healthier, more sustainable rural lifestyles.