Chhattisgarh Sets Example with Women-Centric Clean Energy Plan

*Chhattisgarh’s historic step towards energy self-reliance* *‘Dweepti Yojana’ to be operated under the leadership of women* Raipur, 15 May 2026 / The Government of Chhattisgarh has approved the ambitious ‘Dweepti Yojana’ for the period 2026–2031 to promote renewable energy while creating sustainable livelihood opportunities for rural women by empowering them as owners, operators, and technical managers of energy assets. Implemented under the guidance of the Panchayat and Rural Development Department, the scheme aims to bring women into the economic mainstream through a women-led green energy revolution. The initiative is being seen as a pathbreaking step toward strengthening rural economies and expanding clean energy infrastructure across the state. By combining women empowerment with sustainable development, the scheme is expected to create new avenues of self-reliance, technical skill development, and community leadership for women in rural areas. *‘Solar Didis’ to become the face of rural energy transformation* Under the scheme, a dedicated cadre of ‘Solar Didis’ (Urja Sakhis) will be developed at the village level. Selected women will receive specialised training in the installation, operation, and technical maintenance of solar energy systems. These trained Solar Didis will take responsibility for managing solar mills, cold storages, irrigation systems, and other solar assets at the village level. This initiative will provide a permanent solution to technical breakdown issues in remote and forest areas, ensuring that rural infrastructure remains continuously functional. *Cluster Level Federations (CLFs) to become ‘women energy cooperative societies’* Under the scheme, Cluster Level Federations will be strengthened and transformed into women-led energy cooperative societies. These societies will collectively manage energy assets. They are being linked as authorised vendors and channel partners under the Prime Minister Surya Ghar Yojana. CLFs from Mahasamund and Bastar districts have already been registered as vendors. Bulk procurement of equipment at the state level will reduce costs, while Solar Didis at the local level will handle sales and servicing operations. *Innovative payment model for affordable energy* For the convenience of rural consumers, the ‘Dweepti Yojana’ has adopted ‘Pay-per-Use’ and ‘Pay-as-you-go’ models. Under this system, consumers will only have to pay for the energy they actually use. To strengthen women-led energy enterprises financially, the Government has taken the historic decision to reserve 25 percent of maintenance contracts of Panchayats specifically for these societies. *‘Bihan’ network and technical coordination* The framework of the scheme has been prepared with the technical support of Transform Rural India. Its extensive implementation will be carried out through the state’s renowned ‘Bihan’ network. Around 2.7 lakh self-help groups across the state will actively participate in this initiative. This model will not only promote clean energy but will also open new avenues of livelihood and leadership for rural women. The ‘Dweepti Yojana’ will emerge as a visionary initiative that gives Chhattisgarh a new identity on the national stage as a women-led ‘Green Development Model’. Sharing his view Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai said, “Women’s contribution to Chhattisgarh’s rural economy has always been exemplary. Through the ‘Dweepti Yojana’, we are transforming rural women of the state from ‘consumers’ into ‘owners’ and ‘managers’ in the energy sector. This scheme represents Chhattisgarh’s major contribution towards fulfilling Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi Ji’s vision of ‘Net Zero’ and a ‘Green India’." He added that Chhattisgarh Government’s goal is to make every village in the state self-reliant in terms of energy, with this transformation being led by our ‘Solar Didis’. When rural women themselves manage modern energy systems, it will not only increase their income but also provide a sustainable and clean foundation for rural development. The ‘Dweepti Yojana’ is yet another strong step towards a developed Chhattisgarh.