THEBUSINESSBYTES
BUREAU
BURLA,
JULY 17, 2026
Blending women
empowerment with clean energy, TP Western Odisha Distribution Limited (TPWODL),
a joint venture of Tata Power and the Government of Odisha, has launched the
first batch of its ‘Solar Didi’ programme in Sambalpur, equipping Self-Help
Group (SHG) women with specialised solar skills to promote rooftop solar
adoption under the PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana (PMSGMBY) at the Tata Power
Skill Development Institute (TPSDI), Gosala, Sambalpur. The initiative aims to
create a strong network of grassroots solar ambassadors who will accelerate the
city's transition towards sustainable and affordable energy.
The initiative is
designed to equip women with technical knowledge of solar energy while creating
a network of community ambassadors to accelerate rooftop solar adoption across
Sambalpur city.
The inaugural batch
comprises 24 women from Self-Help Groups (SHGs) across Sambalpur city,
identified by the Sambalpur Municipal Corporation (SMC) under the Deendayal
Antyodaya Yojana–National Urban Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NULM). Over the course
of a nine-day specialised training programme, participants will receive
practical instruction on rooftop solar systems, including installation,
operation and maintenance, consumer awareness, and community mobilisation.
Upon successful
completion of the training, the Solar Didis will undertake door-to-door
awareness campaigns across all 41 wards of Sambalpur city. They will educate
households on the benefits of rooftop solar under the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli
Yojana, identify potential beneficiaries, facilitate enrolment, and provide
end-to-end support throughout the solar adoption process.
Speaking on the
occasion, TPWODL CEO Praveen Verma 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 DAY-NULM.
The programme seeks
to promote financial independence among urban women by creating sustainable
livelihood opportunities while strengthening community participation in India's
clean energy transition. In partnership with TPWODL, the Solar Didis will also
play a key role in promoting the Utility-Led Aggregation (ULA) model, enabling
consumers to seamlessly access the benefits of the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli
Yojana and facilitating faster 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 advancing grassroots participation in the implementation of the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana. By integrating skill development, women empowerment and clean energy awareness, the initiative will contribute to building a greener, more sustainable and energy-secure future for Sambalpur and Western Odisha.
