India’s First Women-Led Renewable Energy Policy
Chhattisgarh Unveils DWEEPTI Yojana to Power Women-Led Solar Growth: The Government of Chhattisgarh has launched the Decentralised Women Empowerment on Energy and Policy for Transformative Inclusion (DWEEPTI) Yojana in July 2026. The initiative is India’s first women-led distributed renewable energy policy, designed to transform Self-Help Groups (SHGs) into solar entrepreneurs while promoting clean energy and rural livelihoods.
The scheme aims to establish 5,000 women-led solar enterprises and generate nearly 50,000 green jobs across the state. It has been developed by the Panchayat and Rural Development Department, Chhattisgarh, in collaboration with Transform Rural India (TRI) under the Green Economy Transition Mission.
Static GK fact: Chhattisgarh was formed on 1 November 2000 after being carved out of Madhya Pradesh. Its capital is Raipur, while Bilaspur serves as the High Court headquarters.
Objectives of DWEEPTI Yojana
The scheme seeks to combine women’s empowerment, renewable energy adoption, and rural entrepreneurship under a single policy framework. It enables women to participate directly in the growing green economy through skill development and enterprise creation.
The major objectives include:
- Promoting women-led solar entrepreneurship
- Expanding access to clean and affordable energy
- Strengthening rural Self-Help Groups
- Creating sustainable livelihood opportunities
- Supporting India’s renewable energy transition
- Encouraging solar adoption in villages
Clean Energy and Employment Targets
DWEEPTI Yojana has set ambitious targets to expand renewable energy access throughout the state. The government plans to provide clean energy solutions to 5 lakh families and install solar facilities in 10,000 public institutions.
In addition, the initiative aims to establish 5,000 women-led solar enterprises, creating approximately 50,000 green jobs. These targets will strengthen energy security while generating long-term employment opportunities in rural areas.
Static GK Tip: India has set a target of achieving Net Zero carbon emissions by 2070, with renewable energy playing a central role in the country’s climate strategy.
Implementation Framework
The scheme follows a decentralized implementation model involving local institutions and women’s organizations. Thirteen Cluster Level Federations (CLFs) across 12 districts have been registered as authorized vendors for project execution.
DWEEPTI Yojana is being implemented under the Pradhan Mantri Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana (PMSGMBY) in partnership with the Chhattisgarh State Power Distribution Company Limited (CSPDCL). This approach allows women-led organizations to participate directly in rooftop solar installation and maintenance services.
Solar Didis Lead the Transformation
A unique feature of the scheme is the creation of “Solar Didis.” With technical support from Tata, 35 women from SHGs have received specialized training in rooftop solar installation, maintenance, renewable energy services, and customer support.
Kabirdham district has become the first district to implement the scheme, with the Vande Mataram Cluster Level Federation registered as the first authorized solar vendor. The district will serve as a model for statewide expansion.
Static GK fact: Self-Help Groups (SHGs) are community-based groups that promote savings, financial inclusion, entrepreneurship, and women’s empowerment under the National Rural Livelihoods Mission (NRLM).
Significance of the Initiative
DWEEPTI Yojana integrates clean energy, women’s entrepreneurship, and rural development into a single policy initiative. The scheme will enhance women’s economic participation, improve energy access, encourage solar adoption, and contribute to India’s sustainable development and renewable energy goals.
It also positions Chhattisgarh as a pioneer in promoting women-led renewable energy enterprises, creating a replicable model for other states.
Static Usthadian Current Affairs Table
Chhattisgarh Unveils DWEEPTI Yojana to Power Women-Led Solar Growth:
| Fact | Detail |
| Scheme | DWEEPTI Yojana |
| Launched By | Government of Chhattisgarh |
| Launch Date | July 2026 |
| Unique Feature | India’s first women-led distributed renewable energy policy |
| Target Solar Enterprises | 5,000 |
| Expected Green Jobs | 50,000 |
| Clean Energy Target | 5 lakh families |
| Public Institutions Covered | 10,000 |
| First Implementation District | Kabirdham |
| Implementing Partners | Panchayat & Rural Development Department, TRI, CSPDCL |
