Lucknow: Under the visionary leadership of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, the Uttar Pradesh State Rural Livelihood Mission (UPSRLM) is set to roll out the DEWEE (Decentralized Energy for Women’s Economic Empowerment) program. Scheduled to begin this Wednesday, the initiative aims to promote decentralized renewable energy solutions while empowering women entrepreneurs across the state.
The DEWEE program is a bold step towards connecting women from Self-Help Groups (SHGs) with the existing Surya Sakhi initiative. Women will receive training to install, maintain, and repair solar panels, lighting systems, and electric vehicle (EV) charging stations. This engagement will not only support the adoption of clean energy but also bolster the financial independence of women in both rural and urban areas.
Ambitious Goal to Support One Lakh Women-Led Enterprises by 2030
UPSRLM Director Deepa Ranjan emphasized that the government’s focus on women’s empowerment is key to societal prosperity. The DEWEE program targets providing decentralized renewable energy (DRE) solutions to 100,000 women-led enterprises by 2030. This ambitious goal is designed to create an inclusive and sustainable energy ecosystem, with women at the forefront of green entrepreneurship.
Training and Enterprise Development
The initiative will equip women with skills to install and maintain DRE systems and offer clean energy services within their communities. Besides improving incomes, the program aims to enable women to establish small-scale enterprises, thereby opening new avenues for economic empowerment and social participation.
Strategic Partnerships to Ensure Success
To effectively implement this program across 20 districts in Uttar Pradesh, UPSRLM has partnered with several renowned organizations including PCI India, HSBC, the Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet, the Gates Foundation India, and Prerna Ojas. These collaborations will support capacity-building, technical training, and create a resilient ecosystem for women-led renewable energy ventures.
A Step Toward Inclusive and Sustainable Development
This initiative reflects the Yogi government’s commitment to integrating rural development, women’s empowerment, and environmental sustainability. By placing women at the core of the renewable energy revolution, Uttar Pradesh aims to become a model state for inclusive growth and clean energy adoption in India.
