Additionally, an ambitious plan has been charted out to set up 3,304 solar retail outlets across 826 development blocks — averaging four shops per block.These shops will function as centres for the sale and repair of solar lanterns, mobile chargers, and small household appliances. Through this initiative, 3,304 women will gain financial independence while simultaneously boosting rural solar penetration, adds Ranjan.Furthermore, the State aims at deploying 20,000 decentralized solar-powered systems. These units will serve as catalysts for entrepreneurship, enabling 20,000 women to launch small-scale enterprises in food preservation and energy utilization — creating a ripple effect in grassroots economic empowerment.Moreover, 57,702 ‘Surya Sakhis’ will be appointed, one in each Gram Panchayat, to oversee the usage, maintenance, and creating awareness about solar products.These women will play a pivotal role in championing clean energy at the village level, ushering in a rural energy revolution, said the official spokeman.He added that over the next three years, 10,000 ‘Paryavaran Sakhis’ would be trained across UP to promote clean cooking solutions such as solar stoves and biogas systems.“Their efforts will play a vital role in ensuring smoke-free kitchens and a cleaner rural environment. This shift will help reduce indoor air pollution, significantly improve the health of women and children, fostering healthier, sustainable rural lifestyles,” said a senior government official.
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