Over 200 tribal women from different selfhelp groups in Dungarpur, Rajasthan have found a new source of employment, thanks to Rajeevika (Rajasthan Gramin Aajeevika Vikas Parishad) and its MoU with IIT-Mumbai for making solar lanterns. Under this plan, tribal women from four clusters of Dungarpur will be making solar lanterns, which will be available for much less than the market prices.
Experts from IIT-Mumbai have trained about 80 women in Dungarpur who will then train other women in their respective villages. In addition, IIT-Mumbai will also provide raw materials essential for making solar lanterns. Generally, solar lanterns cost around Rs. 600 to Rs. 700 in the market. But the lanterns made by the women will be available for about Rs. 120.
“The task has turned them into entrepreneurs of green energy. A survey was conducted by the women to find out the potential of these lanterns and after finding the....
