Bhubaneswar, June 18:In a significant step towards women’s empowerment and clean energy adoption, TP Central Odisha Distribution Limited (TPCODL), a joint venture of Tata Power and the Government of Odisha, successfully concluded Odisha’s first Solar Didi Training Programme under the PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana.
The training was conducted at the Tata Power Skill Development Institute (TPSDI) in Cuttack as part of the Solar Didi Initiative, a collaborative programme of the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) and the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA), Government of India. The initiative is being implemented under the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana–National Urban Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NULM).
A total of 29 women representatives from Self-Help Groups (SHGs), identified by the Cuttack Municipal Corporation (CMC), completed the programme. The participants received hands-on training and technical knowledge on rooftop solar systems, including installation procedures, operation and maintenance, consumer awareness, and the promotion of solar energy adoption.
The programme was facilitated by the City Accelerator Program (CAP) Team, supported by MNRE, with TPSDI serving as the designated training partner.
The completion of the inaugural batch marks a key milestone in creating a network of trained Solar Didis who will play an active role in promoting rooftop solar solutions at the grassroots level. In partnership with TPCODL, the trained women will help advance the Utility-Led Aggregation (ULA) model and raise awareness about the PM Surya Ghar scheme across Cuttack. Their responsibilities will include community outreach, beneficiary mobilisation, and facilitating rooftop solar installations.
Speaking on the occasion, TPCODL CEO Gajanan S. Kale said the successful completion of Odisha’s first Solar Didi training programme represents an important step towards empowering women while accelerating the adoption of rooftop solar energy. He noted that by equipping women with technical expertise and community engagement skills, the initiative is creating local champions capable of driving awareness and expanding the benefits of the PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana at the community level.
The initiative is expected to generate sustainable livelihood opportunities for women while contributing to the growth of clean and renewable energy in urban areas. It underscores a shared commitment to skill development, women’s empowerment, and the promotion of sustainable energy solutions for a greener future.
