Bhubaneswar: Altogether 29 women representatives from the Self-Help Groups (SHGs) have successfully completed the Solar Helper training in Odisha under the Solar Didi initiative of PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana.

The training programme was conducted at the Tata Power Skill Development Institute (TPSDI) in Cuttack.

The Solar Didi initiative is a joint programme of the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) and the Ministry of Housing & Urban Affairs (MoHUA), implemented under the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana National Urban Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NULM).

The women trainees were equipped with technical knowledge on rooftop solar systems, including installation processes, operation and maintenance, consumer awareness and promotion of solar energy adoption.

The initiative was facilitated by the City Accelerator Program (CAP) Team, supported by MNRE, with Tata Power Skill Development Institute (TPSDI) serving as the training partner for the Solar Didi programme.

The successful completion of the first batch marks an important milestone in empowering women as Solar Didis and strengthening grassroots participation in the implementation of PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana. In collaboration with TPCODL, the trained Solar Didis will be engaged in promoting the Utility-Led Aggregation (ULA) model and the PM Surya Ghar scheme across Cuttack city. They will support citizen outreach, beneficiary mobilisation and facilitate rooftop solar adoption at the community level.

Speaking on the occasion, Gajanan S. Kale, CEO, TPCODL, said, “The successful completion of Odisha’s first batch Solar Didi training is a significant step towards empowering women and accelerating the adoption of rooftop solar energy. By equipping women with technical knowledge and community engagement skills, we are creating local champions who can drive awareness and facilitate the benefits of PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana at the grassroots level. TPCODL is proud to collaborate in this transformative initiative that combines sustainable livelihoods with clean energy adoption.”

The initiative is expected to create sustainable livelihood opportunities for women while accelerating the transition towards clean and renewable energy in urban areas. It reflects a collective commitment to women empowerment, skill development and the promotion of sustainable energy solutions for a greener future, said the TP Central Odisha Distribution Limited (TPCODL), a joint venture of Tata Power and the state government.