Burla, 17 July 2026: Reinforcing its commitment to sustainable development, renewable energy adoption and women empowerment, TP Western Odisha Distribution Limited (TPWODL), a joint venture of Tata Power and the Government of Odisha, has commenced the first batch of the ‘Solar Didi’ programme under the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana (PMSGMBY) at the Tata Power Skill Development Institute (TPSDI), Gosala, Sambalpur. The initiative will equip women with solar energy skills and create a network of grassroots ambassadors to accelerate rooftop solar adoption across Sambalpur city.
The inaugural batch comprises 24 women representatives from Self-Help Groups (SHGs) of Sambalpur city, identified by the Sambalpur Municipal Corporation (SMC) under DAY-NULM. The participants are undergoing hands-on training on rooftop solar systems, covering installation, operation and maintenance, consumer awareness, and community mobilisation for rooftop solar adoption.
After completing the 9-day training, the Solar Didis will conduct door-to-door awareness campaigns across all 41 wards of Sambalpur city. They will educate households about the benefits of rooftop solar under the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana, identify interested consumers, facilitate enrolment, and support them throughout the rooftop solar adoption process.
Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Praveen Verma, CEO, TPWODL, said, “The Solar Didi Programme reflects our commitment to creating meaningful opportunities for women while supporting India’s clean energy vision. By equipping women with specialised solar skills and empowering them as community ambassadors, we are fostering sustainable livelihoods, accelerating rooftop solar adoption, and bringing the benefits of renewable energy closer to every household.”
The ‘Solar Didi’ Programme is a collaborative initiative of the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) and the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA), Government of India, implemented under the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana – National Urban Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NULM).
The initiative seeks to make urban women financially self-reliant by creating sustainable livelihood opportunities while strengthening community participation in India’s clean energy transition. In collaboration with TPWODL, these Solar Didis will also play a vital role in promoting the Utility-Led Aggregation (ULA) model, helping consumers seamlessly access the benefits of the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana and accelerating rooftop solar installations across the city.
The second batch of the programme will commence shortly. Interested women from Sambalpur city can apply through the Sambalpur Municipal Corporation (SMC) to participate in the upcoming training.
The Solar Didi Programme is expected to become a significant milestone in strengthening grassroots participation in the implementation of the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana. By combining skill development, women empowerment, and clean energy awareness, the initiative will contribute towards building a greener, more sustainable and energy-secure future for Sambalpur and Western Odisha.
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