Women volunteers are leading efforts to encourage clean energy adoption in Delhi’s villages under Tata Power Delhi Distribution Limited’s (Tata Power-DDL) Solar Sakhi Abhiyan, an initiative aligned with the central government’s PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana. Launched recently in Pooth Khurd Village, the programme features 100 Solar Sakhi members — trained women volunteers who act as community ambassadors for solar power. They are responsible for raising awareness of rooftop solar benefits, educating households on clean energy solutions, and linking government policies with communities across more than 75 villages under Tata Power-DDL’s network. Each volunteer has been provided with a distinctive jacket symbolising pride, leadership, and recognition. Neeraj Semwal, Secretary (Power), Government of Delhi, said, “The Delhi government is committed to promoting renewable energy and inclusive growth. Initiatives like Solar Sakhi Abhiyan strengthen this vision by ensuring that women — the backbone of our society — play a leading role in spreading the benefits of rooftop solar. This step will not only reduce dependency on conventional energy but also contribute to sustainable development.” The campaign, implemented through Tata Power-DDL’s Village Customer Group (VCG) Solar initiative, aims to enhance women’s participation in sustainable development while advancing India’s clean energy mission. According to officials, the women involved in the initiative are largely from semi-urban and rural areas, representing lower and middle-income groups. Many are already part of Tata Power-DDL’s CSR-linked VCG network, and most have educational qualifications ranging from secondary to higher secondary levels. “What makes them effective is their strong community connection, communication skills, and commitment to social welfare, which make them ideal ambassadors for grassroots solar awareness,” a company official noted. The Solar Sakhi Abhiyan follows a performance-linked incentive model. Volunteers receive recognition and financial rewards based on the number of households they help adopt rooftop solar systems. They also undergo regular capacity-building training, exposure visits, and receive certificates of appreciation from Tata Power-DDL — boosting both their livelihood opportunities and socio-economic empowerment. As of September 2025, Tata Power-DDL’s operational area has achieved a cumulative rooftop solar capacity of 117 MW of renewable energy. The resulting generation contributes significantly to reducing carbon emissions and promoting sustainable energy use in Delhi. Dwijadas Basak, CEO of Tata Power-DDL, stated, “The Solar Sakhi Abhiyan reflects Tata Power-DDL’s strong belief in women-led progress. By enabling women to become ambassadors of solar energy, we are nurturing leaders who will guide communities toward a cleaner and brighter tomorrow.”