|
‘Smart Solar Shops’ operated by women have been opened in villages where solar lamps are being provided to the children at low cost in remote areas. “The Uttar Pradesh government has rolled out a project to promote the idea of self-sustenance among women. Under Prerna Ojas Programme of State Rural Livelihoods Mission (Rural Development Department), the state has given an opportunity to self-help women groups to craft solar lamps for children across the districts,” an official said in Lucknow on Tuesday.
The solar lamps are being made available to the school children by the government for Rs 100 per piece against their market rate of a whopping Rs 500 per piece. Earlier, the Yogi government had distributed over 28 lakh solar lamps made by 4,000 women to school children in 75 blocks spread over 30 districts of UP.
“This initiative is helping children in a great way in pursuing education, as well as, it is a matter of pride for Uttar Pradesh that women have found a way to become self-reliant by making solar lamps. The women have been earning between Rs 8,000 and Rs 10,000 monthly,” the official said.
“Other than lamps, women are also selling and repairing various solar run equipment and products, including lanterns, flashlights, lamps, solar fans, panels, solar power banks, and LED bulbs at these shops. These shops will also work as training centres for other women and reach out to more women to teach them how to manufacture, sell and repair solar products,” the official said.