Ranchi ki Roshni’ is a unique solar lighting initiative by the District Administration, Ranchi with the help of Jharkhand Livelihood Promotion Society (JSLPS) which aims to transform indoor lighting in rural areas by harnessing the world’s largest source of energy for the benefit in areas that are under electrified. Using affordable solar technology, recycled plastics and sustainable components, rural women self-help groups in Ranchi District produce the cheapest solar lamps in the market at a minimal cost which is used to provide a sustainable livelihood.
JSLPS Ranchi, District Programme Manager, Kumar Divyadeep Singh informed that the key objective of the programme is sustainability and affordability. The project aims to instil the spirit of entrepreneurship among the rural households whilst empowering women and inculcating the will of self-determination,” he added.
“The programme is monitored and implemented by the District Rural Development Agency (DRDA) which acts as the nodal department for effective convergence between the JSLPS Ranchi,” said Singh.
The District Programme Manager also said that these solar lights were manufactured by the women’s of self-help group SHGs of Ranchi, currently there 15 women were working in the production unit at Ormanjhi block campus. “This structure was designed taking into account the expertise and the bandwidth of all the stakeholders. The production centre at Ormanjhi Block Office was constructed to serve as a training cum production centre. This was built with convergence from Special Central Assistance,” he added.
“The pricing has been capped with a due consideration that each of the engaged SHG members shall earn Rs 8,500 per month. The entire supply chain, strategy, business development and promotion are undertaken through DRDA while the production, quality control and packaging are handled by women SHG through JSLPS. This structure was designed taking into account the expertise and the bandwidth of all the stakeholders. The entire supply chain, strategy, business development and promotion are undertaken through DRDA while the production, quality control and packaging are handled by women Self Help Groups through JSLPS,” said Singh.
Singh said that JSLPS had also started a training programme to ensure the success of the scheme. “The training of the SHGs for the pursuance of the programme was planned in 3 phases. The first phase of training was a weeklong residential training to assess the current level of skill and learning aptitude. The second and third phases of the training were conducted over a period of three months in a clearly demarcated sequence of production to increase the speed of the process,” he added.
“The SHGs are currently undertaking production for purchase orders from Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited. The Administration and HPCL through their CSR intend to distribute 10,000 lamps to various government middle school students in Ranchi District on a Merit Basis to promote our constitutional values of scientific temper and excellence. The Administration is with Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL) for the distribution of the lamps to the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF). Sales point at DC office Ranchi which is functional weekly twice. Sales at Aajeevika saras mela, NIRD and PR Rural technological Park Mela Hyderabad, The administration has a MoU with Trifed for expanding the market,” Singh said.
