Scaling up of Solar PV in Chitarpur sewing cluster of Ramgarh, Jharkhand

Central Coalfields Limited (CCL) sanctioned the scale-up project to TERI for the dissemination of Hybrid Solar PV Solutions to energize the stitching machines linked with motors by covering 150 women sewing entrepreneurs in the Chitarpur sewing cluster of Ramgarh district of Jharkhand. This project was an extension of the pilot project which was completed successfully by covering 50 women sewing entrepreneurs. The aim of the scale project included the following deliverables:

• To disseminate 150 Hybrid Solar PV Solutions in and around Chitarpur sewing clusters by covering women, physically challenged, and other disadvantaged enterprises
• Conducting awareness and training among the users as well as enhancing technical capacities of local technicians for aftersales services
• Enhancing outreach and vision of CSR initiatives

The project created large-scale awareness and sensitization on benefits and savings by carrying out regular awareness and sensitization programs across the cluster. The project ensured day-to-day operation and maintenance training of solar systems among the user entrepreneurs. Besides, 3 to 4 local youths were trained and engaged in the installation and aftersales service. The project could create adequate awareness of the vision and mission of the CCL CSR initiative. Some of the impacts documented and observed are:

• Creating a suitable environment for the stitching operation by energizing the stitching motor, light, and fan at the entrepreneur's household.
• Increased access to quality and reliable power that not only increased the overall stitching hours (3 to 4 hours) but also delivered higher garment orders in time during festival seasons
• Increase in income from 10% to 30% across the stitching enterprise households
• Creation of local awareness on Solar energy as well as strengthened local aftersales service
• Enhanced engagement of local communities in the CSR intervention

For further details and stories of the program, click the following links:

https://www.teriin.org/research-paper/empowering-women-led-chitarpur-sewing-cluster-solar-pv-jharkhand-india