Uttarakhand has taken a powerful step toward women empowerment and clean energy expansion as Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami officially launched the ‘Solar Sakhi’ initiative under the Chief Minister Solar Self-Employment Scheme. Announced during the Mukhya Sevak Samvad at the CM residence, this initiative aims to strengthen women’s participation in the solar energy sector and promote self-reliance across the state.
With Uttarakhand rapidly emerging as a leading solar hub in North India, this new announcement is expected to boost women-led entrepreneurship, increase clean energy adoption, and create new livelihood opportunities across the hilly regions.
What is Solar Sakhi? A New Identity for Women in Solar Sector
Women associated with the Chief Minister Solar Self-Employment Scheme will now be proudly known as ‘Solar Sakhi’.
The name reflects the government’s commitment to:
- Empowering women through income-generating solar projects
- Enhancing their role in Uttarakhand’s renewable energy sector
- Providing skills and training to make them self-reliant
CM Dhami emphasized that Solar Sakhi is more than a title—it represents a movement toward women-driven sustainable development.
Training and Awareness to Be Expanded Across Uttarakhand
To strengthen this mission, the state government will conduct:
- District-level training programs for solar plant maintenance
- Awareness camps at development block level
- Skill development workshops to enhance technical knowledge
These efforts will prepare Solar Sakhis to manage solar installations efficiently, opening doors to long-term employment and entrepreneurship.
250 MW Solar Capacity Achieved in Uttarakhand
A major highlight of the event was Uttarakhand achieving 250 MW solar capacity under the Chief Minister Solar Self-Employment Scheme.
CM Dhami noted:
“Solar energy is an unlimited and eco-friendly source of power. Uttarakhand is continuously working to expand renewable energy capacity and strengthen green growth.”
The initiative aligns with India’s national goals:
- 500 GW renewable energy target by 2030
- Carbon neutrality by 2070
- Support from schemes like PM Suryaghar, PM-KUSUM, and the International Solar Alliance
Attractive Subsidies and Incentives for Solar Entrepreneurs
The scheme offers some of the most promising benefits for residents of Uttarakhand looking to set up solar plants:
Financial Benefits
- 20%–50% subsidy for solar plants between 20 kW to 200 kW
- Additional 5% subsidy for:
- Women
- SC/ST categories
- Divyang applicants
- 4% interest subsidy on loans
- 25-year PPA with UPCL ensuring guaranteed electricity purchase
Fully Digital Application Process
The entire application-to-allotment process has been made online, ensuring transparency and ease for applicants across Uttarakhand.
Voices from the Ground: Developers Share Their Experience
Several beneficiaries and developers shared their suggestions and experiences during the event:
- Shailendra Singh (Uttarkashi): Praised the scheme for utilizing barren mountainous land.
- Vikas Mohan (Chamoli): Requested stronger promotion at the block level.
- Rupa Rani (Pauri): Called for more women-focused initiatives in the solar sector.
- Ketan Bhardwaj (Champawat): Highlighted the importance of training in solar plant maintenance.
Their feedback reflects the scheme’s strong impact and areas for further expansion.
Promoting Self-Reliance and Preventing Migration in Uttarakhand
CM Dhami reinforced that this initiative supports the government’s broader mission to:
- Reduce migration from hill districts
- Strengthen local economies
- Build self-reliant communities
- Promote district-level products through ‘Ek Janpad, Do Utpadan’
- Elevate local brands through House of Himalayas
Solar Sakhi, combined with these economic policies, will help transform Uttarakhand into a model for sustainable development and women-led progress.
Conclusion: Solar Sakhi – Lighting the Path for Uttarakhand’s Future
The introduction of the Solar Sakhi identity is a landmark step toward merging clean energy growth with women empowerment in Uttarakhand.
With strong government support, financial incentives, and community engagement, the Chief Minister Solar Self-Employment Scheme is set to create thousands of opportunities while contributing to a greener and more self-reliant Uttarakhand.
As the state continues to promote solar entrepreneurship, initiatives like Solar Sakhi will play a crucial role in shaping the future of renewable energy and women’s economic independence.
