Copyright thehindubusinessline
India’s economic growth hinges on unlocking the potential of its women, especially in rural areas where 79 per cent of the female labour force is concentrated. Entrepreneurship provides a critical pathway forward. Women already own 20 per cent of India’s 63 million micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), most of them rural and micro in scale. If supported, women entrepreneurs could generate up to 170 million jobs by 2030. The government has long recognised that empowering rural women is central to both social equity and economic development. Flagship initiatives such as The National Rural Livelihood Mission (NRLM) have created one of the world’s largest women’s collectives, mobilising 100 million rural households into 9.09 million Self-Help Groups (SHGs), creating platforms for enterprise and credit access. Another scheme, the Lakhpati Didi Yojana, aims to raise women’s incomes through high-value livelihoods. Most importantly, these programmes do not work in isolation. They provide an entry point for integrating complementary initiatives from other ministries and the private sector. For example, embedding Distributed Renewable Energy (DRE) solutions into NRLM-supported enterprises can directly address productivity bottlenecks, reduce costs, and ensure sustainability. This collaborative approach between rural development and renewable energy policies offers a transformative opportunity to create resilient, women-led rural enterprises. This is where Distributed Renewable Energy (DRE) can act as a transformative solution. From solar cold storage units for farmers to solar-powered looms and irrigation pumps, DRE solutions enhance productivity, reduce drudgery, and open new markets. With programmes such as DEWEE (Decentralized Renewable Energy for Women’s Economic Empowerment) by UPSRLM (Uttar Pradesh State Rural Livelihood Mission), 1,000 women are already powering their enterprises with solar. In Odisha, solar reeling machines by Resham Sutra have significantly improved productivity and health for silk workers. These programmes show how women across rural India are transforming their enterprises with clean energy. Breaking down barriers DRE technologies’ large-scale adoption by women continues to face several barriers. Fundamental challenges include a lack of awareness, restrictive socio-cultural norms, and limited funding. The credit gap for women-owned MSMEs stands at ₹20-25 trillion. Due to a limited understanding of business models, payback periods, and long-term financial returns, women often struggle with evaluating the viability of technologies. Adoption is also hampered by a lack of training in operating and maintaining these technologies. Additionally, with equipment suppliers, financiers, and service providers operating in silos, the DRE supply chains remain fragmented. This results in limited market linkages and demand channels, and the underutilisation of increased output. Decentralised energy can redefine rural livelihoods, turning women into resilient entrepreneurs who power both economic growth and energy transition. We need a deliberate convergence of government programmes, private partnerships, and philanthropic support. This collaborative approach will not only reinforce women’s participation but also strengthen community networks. Programmes like DEWEE are already demonstrating what this looks like on the ground. If India invests in women-centred decentralised energy today, it will power millions of enterprises, transform communities, and accelerate the nation’s inclusive growth story. Jethani is Senior Director and Scientist-F, Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE), Government of India; Chaubey is Director, Demand, Jobs & Livelihood, Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet Published on October 29, 2025
