Yogi govt’s DEWEE initiative to empower one lakh women through clean energy enterprises

The Yogi government is set to launch a major initiative aimed at empowering one lakh women-led enterprises in Uttar Pradesh through clean energy solutions.

Under the Decentralized Energy for Women’s Economic Empowerment (DEWEE) program, women from self-help groups (SHGs) will be trained and connected with solar-based projects, boosting both rural development and women’s financial independence.

The initiative, spearheaded by the Uttar Pradesh State Rural Livelihood Mission (UPSRLM) under the guidance of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, seeks to promote Decentralized Renewable Energy (DRE) solutions by 2030. Women will gain skills in installing, maintaining, and repairing solar systems, along with opportunities to establish small-scale enterprises in the renewable energy sector.

UPSRLM Director Deepa Ranjan said, "The Yogi government has been laying special emphasis on women empowerment and rural development." She emphasized that the economic empowerment of women is vital for social prosperity. "Under Chief Minister’s guidance, multiple schemes have been launched for women, with the promotion of DRE being a key step. The DRE initiative of UPSRLM is a significant move towards strengthening women’s self-help groups," she added.

Explaining the importance of DRE, Ranjan noted that it provides off-grid or mini-grid energy solutions, particularly for remote and rural areas where conventional electricity is difficult to access. She highlighted that this approach ensures clean, affordable, and reliable energy, enabling women to not only uplift their households but also contribute to clean energy adoption across communities.

The DEWEE program will also showcase how women can play a pivotal role in advancing clean energy while boosting their income. Families and communities are expected to benefit as women establish themselves as service providers and entrepreneurs in this growing sector.

To support the initiative, UPSRLM has partnered with key organizations such as PCI India, HCBC, Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet, Gates Foundation India, and Prerna Ojas. The project will be rolled out across 20 districts of Uttar Pradesh to create an inclusive and resilient clean energy ecosystem.

The launch event on Wednesday will see participation from national and international experts in solar energy. Among those attending are PCI India’s Director of Climate and Strategy Shishir Kumar Singh, Rural Development Commissioner G.S. Priyadarshi, UPNEDA Director Indrajit Singh, Industries Director and MSME Commissioner (Kanpur) K.V. Pandian, Additional Chief Secretary of the Rural Development Department Himanshu Kumar, Senior Scientist and Director at the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy Jeevan Kumar Jethani, and Gates Foundation Director Hari Menon.