Chhattisgarh Launches DWEEPTI Yojana for Women-Led Renewable Energy

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Key takeaways

Chhattisgarh became the first state in India to introduce a women-led distributed renewable energy policy called the DWEEPTI Yojana.
The policy trains members of Self-Help Groups (SHGs) as Solar Didis to serve as technicians, vendors, and green entrepreneurs.
It integrates Cluster Level Federations (CLFs) with the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana alongside CSPDCL for rooftop solar setup.
The initiative was first piloted in the Kabirdham district before its planned expansion across all districts of the state.
This initiative helps advance the national Lakhpati Didi target while improving rural clean energy access.

Chhattisgarh has introduced the DWEEPTI Yojana, making it the first Indian state to adopt a women-led distributed renewable energy policy.

The Chhattisgarh Panchayat and Rural Development Department created this initiative alongside Transform Rural India (TRI) under the Green Economy Transition Mission.
The program connects women-led Self-Help Groups (SHGs) to the solar sector so they can install, manage, and promote rooftop solar power.
The primary goal is building women-led clean energy businesses, expanding local renewable power, and boosting rural self-reliance.

The project trains SHG members as Solar Didis to act as vendors, technicians, installers, and managers in the solar market.
Cluster Level Federations (CLFs) register as authorized vendors under the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana in partnership with CSPDCL.
The policy provides easy financing options to SHG members to buy rooftop solar units for home use and income creation.
Following a successful pilot project in Kabirdham district, the government plans to launch this program across every district in the state.

It creates skilled job opportunities for rural women while furthering the national target of creating Lakhpati Didis.
The model boosts local clean power generation, improves electricity access, and supports India's climate goals.

The policy supports GS Paper II topics on government interventions through institutional collaboration, financing, and policy frameworks.
It enhances Panchayati Raj governance by empowering local panchayats and SHG federations to run green projects.
For GS Paper III, it promotes rooftop solar energy and decentralized clean power to assist India's green energy shift.
It furthers inclusive growth by offering sustainable green employment to rural women across the state.