Solar Didis’ initiative brings rooftop solar systems to more than 150 households, setting an example of women’s leadership and community participation
Initiative generates additional income of over Rs 2.50 lakh, strengthening women’s financial independence
Raipur, November 2026: Naragaon village in Chhattisgarh’s Balod district is emerging as a model of clean energy, women’s empowerment and community participation. Through the sustained efforts and collective initiative of the district’s ‘Solar Didis’, Naragaon has become the first village in the state to be fully energised through this women-led initiative.
Solar rooftop systems of 2 kW capacity have been installed in more than 150 households in the village, generating a total of 300 kW of electricity. The achievement marks an important step towards expanding clean energy in rural areas and demonstrates the leadership capabilities and growing self-reliance of rural women.
Solar Didis Take the Message of Solar Energy to Every Household
The ‘Solar Didis’ have played a key role in expanding the use of solar energy in Naragaon. They reached out to rural families, explained the benefits of solar power and encouraged households to install rooftop solar systems.
Their active participation, collective efforts and effective self-management helped translate the initiative into reality. The programme has not only increased awareness about clean energy but also provided rural women with an opportunity to take a leadership role in the village’s development.
Zero Beneficiary Contribution and No Additional Government Assistance
One of the most significant features of the initiative is its ‘zero beneficiary contribution and zero additional government assistance’ model. Under this arrangement, beneficiaries were not required to make any additional payment from their own resources for installing the rooftop solar systems.
The initiative was made successful through the efforts of the Solar Didis, community participation and collective self-management.
Clean Energy Promotes Environmental Protection and Self-Reliance
The use of solar power helps reduce dependence on conventional energy sources and contributes to environmental protection. With rooftop solar systems being installed across Naragaon, residents now have greater access to clean energy.
The model could also inspire other villages to adopt similar initiatives. It demonstrates how community cooperation and effective management of local resources can create new opportunities for rural development.
An Example of Women’s Empowerment and Community Participation
The achievement of Naragaon, driven by members of the Aanchal Mahila Sankul Sangathan in Gurur block, highlights the transformative potential of women's leadership and collective action.
The Solar Didis have demonstrated that rural women are not merely beneficiaries of government schemes but can also become key leaders in development and social transformation.
The initiative has also emerged as a source of livelihood and financial support. Through their work, the Solar Didis have collectively earned additional income of more than Rs 2.50 lakh so far, strengthening their economic independence.
Naragaon’s unique model brings together clean energy, environmental protection, women’s empowerment and community self-reliance. As Chhattisgarh’s first village energised through the Solar Didis initiative, it represents an important milestone in the expansion of green energy across the state.
