Chhattisgarh has launched the DWEEPTI Yojana (Decentralised Women Empowerment on Energy and Policy for Transformative Inclusion), becoming the first state in India to introduce a women-led distributed renewable energy policy that places rural women at the forefront of the state’s expanding solar energy sector.
Developed by the Panchayat and Rural Development Department in collaboration with Transform Rural India under the Green Economy Transition Mission, the initiative aims to transform women from beneficiaries of clean energy schemes into entrepreneurs, technicians, vendors and managers in the renewable energy ecosystem.
Women to Lead the Solar Revolution
The DWEEPTI Yojana is designed to empower women self-help groups (SHGs) by enabling them to actively participate in the installation, maintenance and management of rooftop solar systems.
Under the initiative, women will receive opportunities to work as:
- Solar vendors
- Installation technicians
- Project managers
- Renewable energy entrepreneurs
The scheme seeks to create sustainable livelihoods while accelerating the adoption of clean energy across rural Chhattisgarh.
Linked with PM Surya Ghar Yojana
To operationalise the policy, 13 Cluster Level Federations (CLFs) across 12 districts have already been registered as authorised solar vendors under the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana in partnership with the Chhattisgarh State Power Distribution Company Limited (CSPDCL).
The registration enables rural women’s organisations to directly participate in the implementation of rooftop solar projects across the state.
Affordable Financing for SHG Members
To make rooftop solar systems financially accessible, the government is offering flexible loan facilities to members of women’s self-help groups.
Officials said the financing model complements the Central Government’s Lakhpati Didi initiative by creating new skill-based livelihood opportunities beyond traditional SHG activities.
Kabirdham Emerges as Pilot District
Kabirdham district has become the flagship implementation site for the DWEEPTI Yojana.
The Vande Mataram Cluster Level Federation has been registered as an authorised solar vendor with support from the district administration.
With technical assistance from Tata, around 35 women from local self-help groups received practical training in rooftop solar installation, becoming the state’s first batch of “Solar Didis.”
The first rooftop solar system under the initiative has already been successfully installed in Samnapur village in Kabirdham district.
Expanding Across Chhattisgarh
Following the successful pilot, the Chhattisgarh government plans to expand the DWEEPTI Yojana across all remaining districts.
Officials believe the initiative can serve as a national model by combining women’s economic empowerment, clean energy adoption, rural entrepreneurship and climate action, while creating new employment opportunities in the rapidly growing renewable energy sector.
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