Chhattisgarh’s ‘DEEPTHI’ Scheme: An Innovative Initiative to Promote Women-Led Renewable Energy and Rural Entrepreneurship
The Chhattisgarh government launched the ‘DEEPTHI’ scheme in July 2026; it is India’s first women-led distributed renewable energy policy aimed at transforming women from Self-Help Groups (SHGs) into solar entrepreneurs. The scheme targets the establishment of 5,000 women-led solar enterprises and the creation of 50,000 green jobs, while also aiming to provide clean energy to 5 lakh households and 10,000 public institutions. Through the ‘Solar Didi’ model, women are being trained in solar panel installation and maintenance, with Kabirdham becoming the first district to implement the scheme. This initiative marks a significant step towards promoting women's empowerment, renewable energy, the green economy, energy transition, and India's net-zero and sustainable development goals.
The Chhattisgarh government launched the ‘DEEPTHI’ (Decentralised Women Empowerment on Energy and Policy for Transformative Inclusion) scheme in July 2026. It is India’s first women-led distributed renewable energy policy, designed to develop women from rural Self-Help Groups (SHGs) into solar entrepreneurs and to foster women's empowerment, clean energy adoption, and the green economy.
Objectives and Targets of the Scheme
The scheme aims to establish 5,000 women-led solar enterprises and generate approximately 50,000 green jobs across the state. Additionally, it sets a target to deliver clean energy solutions to 5 lakh households and 10,000 public institutions. This initiative will not only boost the income of rural women but also promote energy security and sustainable development.
Implementation and Institutional Framework
This scheme has been developed by the Panchayat and Rural Development Department of Chhattisgarh in collaboration with 'Transform Rural India' (TRI). It is being implemented with the support of the 'PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana' and the Chhattisgarh State Power Distribution Company Limited (CSPDCL). In the initial phase, 13 Cluster Level Federations (CLFs) across 12 districts have been designated as authorized solar vendors.
‘Solar Didi’ Model and Women Entrepreneurship
A key feature of the scheme is the ‘Solar Didi’ model, under which women from Self-Help Groups (SHGs) are being trained in rooftop solar panel installation, maintenance, technical services, and customer support. Approximately 35 women were trained in the first phase with technical support from the Tata Group. Kabirdham has become the first district to implement this scheme, serving as a pilot model for the entire state.
Broad Significance and Linkage to Sustainable Development
This scheme is a multi-dimensional initiative integrating women empowerment, renewable energy, green jobs, rural entrepreneurship, and climate change mitigation. It makes a significant contribution towards the National Solar Mission, Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), India’s net-zero targets, and the energy transition. Additionally, it is linked to livelihood-oriented schemes such as ‘Lakhpati Didi’.
Significance for the UPSC Examination
This news is highly relevant for contemporary topics concerning women empowerment, Self-Help Groups (SHGs), renewable energy, rural development, climate change, energy policy, and sustainable development. Factual and analytical questions regarding Distributed Renewable Energy (DRE), PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana, the role of SHGs, green jobs, solar-based entrepreneurship, and SDGs may be asked in the examination. This topic is extremely useful for both GS Paper-2 (Governance and Social Justice) and GS Paper-3 (Environment, Energy, and Economy).
