MoRD and CESL sign an MoU promoting green mobility and economic empowerment.
The Ministry of Rural Development (MoRD) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Convergence Energy Services Limited (CESL), a subsidiary of Energy Efficiency Services Limited (EESL), aimed to facilitate the “Sustainable Transport for Rural Entrepreneurs through Electric Bicycles” (STREE) initiative under the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana – National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM). The STREE initiative empowers rural women by providing them access to green mobility solutions.
Key Figures and Visionaries
Smriti Sharan, Joint Secretary of Rural Livelihoods from MoRD, and Shri Vishal Kapoor, MD & CEO of CESL, in the presence of Shri Shailesh Kumar Singh, Secretary of Rural Development signed the MOU. The initiative aligns with Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s vision of economic and social empowerment for rural women, aiming to create “Lakhpati Didis,” or women earning over a lakh rupees annually.
Promoting Economic and Social Empowerment
Shri Shailesh Kumar Singh emphasized the importance of this green mobility partnership in supporting rural women’s economic and social empowerment. By providing electric bicycles, the initiative will foster rural entrepreneurship and enhance the socio-economic standing of women in Self Help Groups (SHGs). Smt. Smriti Sharan highlighted the potential of this collaboration with EESL to boost rural women’s women’s entrepreneurial activities through sustainable transport solutions.
CESL’s Commitment to Women’s Empowerment and Green Objectives
Shri Vishal Kapoor, in his address, expressed CESL’s unwavering commitment to supporting the government’s goal of enabling three crores of ‘Lakhpati Didis’ in rural areas. This initiative, a testament to CESL’s dedication to women’s empowerment and national green objectives, aims to build livelihood opportunities and prosperity for SHG women. The project also aims to reduce rural mobility congestion, contributing to the decarbonization of last-mile mobility, instilling a sense of reassurance and confidence in the audience.
CESL and Its Role in Sustainable Energy Solutions
CESL, a state-owned Energy Efficiency Services Limited subsidiary, focuses on energy solutions at the intersection of renewable energy, electric mobility, and climate change. By partnering with MoRD, CESL seeks to enhance the quality of life for rural women through sustainable transport options that align with broader environmental goals.
DAY-NRLM’sDAY-NRLM’s Focus on Women-Led Enterprises
The DAY-NRLM initiative has been instrumental in promoting SHG women-led enterprises in both manufacturing and service sectors, covering farm and non-farm domains. Since its inception, DAY-NRLM has created a robust platform for social inclusion, financial services access, and women’s women’s economic empowerment. This new partnership with CESL is expected to expand these opportunities for rural women further.
Event Highlights and Future Prospects
Key officials from MoRD and CESL, including Ms. Ritu Singh, DGM from CESL, and Shri Rajeev Singhal from NMMU, MoRD, attended the momentous MoU signing event. This collaboration marks a significant step towards realizing the shared goals of rural development and sustainability, keeping all stakeholders informed and involved in this transformative journey.
The STREE initiative, with its transformative potential, is poised to revolutionize the rural economy by enabling women entrepreneurs to use green mobility solutions. This project not only addresses the need for sustainable transport but also enhances the socio-economic fabric of rural communities. It empowers women to become self-reliant and prosperous, instilling a sense of hope and optimism in the audience.
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