Yogi government providing employment to Solar Didis, homes to be illuminated for free through solar energy

In a proposal submitted to UPNEDA by leading solar companies in Varanasi, Solar Didis will receive a monthly salary of Rs 14,196

Each Solar Didi will also be given a free 2-kilowatt solar plant worth around Rs 1.30 lakh

Women in Varanasi are becoming solar leaders, Solar Didi scheme setting a new example of self-reliance

Lucknow, May 2026 : Under the leadership of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, Uttar Pradesh is creating a new identity in empowering women in the energy sector, with Varanasi emerging as a key example. It is noteworthy that women in Varanasi are rapidly moving towards becoming solar leaders.

Through the Solar Didi initiative, women are not only being provided technical training, but are also being connected with employment, dignity, and energy self-reliance. According to proposals submitted to UPNEDA by leading solar companies, selected Solar Didis will get an opportunity to work while staying in Varanasi.

In this regard, UPNEDA Director Ravinder Singh said, “Women are being paid a monthly salary of Rs 14,196 by UPNEDA empanelled vendors. Along with this, each Solar Didi will be provided a free 2-kilowatt solar plant worth around Rs 1.30 lakh by the vendors, allowing them to connect their homes with solar energy.”

To promote the use of modern energy solutions among women, an induction stove will also be provided free of cost by the vendors. In addition, the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE), Government of India, will provide an incentive of Rs 1,000 for every successful solar installation.

The department has appealed to all trainees to reach the training centre on time, complete the seven-day training seriously, and pass the test to become part of this campaign. This initiative is being seen not only as a source of employment, but also as an important step towards giving women leadership in the energy sector.

The initiative being carried out in Varanasi is now emerging as an inspiring model for the entire state, where women are leading the green energy revolution by becoming Solar Didis.

More than 5,44,810 rooftop solar plants have been installed in Uttar Pradesh so far. A total of 9,68,548 applications have been received in the state, out of which a large number have been approved and installed.

The state has achieved a total installed capacity of 1,844.87 megawatts. Subsidies worth Rs 3,539.06 crore have been released by the Central Government and more than Rs 1,200 crore by the State Government. More than 82 lakh units of free electricity are being generated daily through rooftop solar systems in the state, with an estimated value of over Rs 5 crore.