The Solar PV Project in the Chitarpur sewing cluster, Ramgarh, Jharkhand, led by The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI) is a CSR initiative of Central Coal Fields Limited (CCL), Ranchi, is an example of how renewable energy can transform livelihoods, particularly for women-led enterprises in rural India. Prior to the intervention, the women in these sewing businesses faced numerous challenges, primarily revolving around unreliable electricity. Power outages were frequent, forcing these women to work fewer hours and depend on manual labour, severely limiting their productivity. Competing with automated garment manufacturers in urban areas became nearly impossible, trapping them in a cycle of low income and constrained opportunities.

Erratic Power Supply, Limited Opportunities

The project aimed at alleviating these energy challenges by introducing a hybrid solar photovoltaic (PV) system, a clean, reliable, and sustainable energy solution. By doing so, it empowered 150 micro and household-based sewing enterprises, where women play a central role as both workers and business owners. Before the solar PV installations, the lack of consistent power meant these women could only operate for about four to six hours daily, primarily during daylight. As a result, their earnings were limited, and their ability to scale their operations was stifled.

Impact of Solar PV: Extended Working Hours, Increased Income

With the installation of solar PV systems, this changed dramatically. Now, the sewing enterprises can work between 8 and 12 hours a day, doubling their productive time. The women no longer must worry about power outages disrupting their workflow, which has translated into substantial income growth. On average, beneficiaries reported an increase in earnings between `1,000 and `5,000. For women from economically weaker households, even a modest income growth represents a lifeline, providing the financial independence they need to manage household expenses, save for the future, and gain a stronger voice in decision-making.

The indirect impacts of the initiative have been equally transformative. Reliable electricity has improved the quality of life for entire families. For example, children in these households now have access to lighting after dark, allowing them to study in the evenings, something that was previously impossible due to power cuts. This has led to improved academic performance and created better educational prospects for the next generation.

Furthermore, the solar PV systems have enabled the women to diversify their work. They now have the ability to experiment with new sewing designs, keeping up with market trends and increasing the demand for their products. This not only enhances their competitive edge but also elevates their skills, opening doors to new business opportunities and sustainable growth. The improved work environment — made possible by better lighting, fans, and motor-operated sewing machines — has reduced physical strain, leading to better health outcomes. Women who once struggled with eye strain from sewing in dim light or endured physical exhaustion from manual stitching now report greater comfort and efficiency at their work. The project’s environmental benefits are also significant. By replacing kerosene and fossil fuel-based energy sources with solar power, the initiative has contributed to cleaner air and reduced carbon emissions. This has improved the health of these families by reducing exposure to harmful indoor air pollution.

Improved Quality of Life, Gained More Confidence

Socially, the project has also fostered stronger community bonds and greater financial literacy. As a part of the initiative, TERI organized training programmes to ensure the sustainability of the solar systems. Women, including young women were trained in system maintenance, while women were educated on financial management, empowering them to take charge of their finances and develop a deeper understanding of savings, loans, and investments.

Perhaps one of the most profound indirect impacts is the sense of empowerment and dignity this project has brought to the women in Chitarpur. With financial independence, they now have greater autonomy in their households, a stronger voice in family decisions, and a renewed sense of confidence.

This transformative initiative exemplifies a successful partnership between Central Coal Fields Limited (CCL), Ranchi, The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI), and the NGO Agargati, translating collaborative efforts into on-ground action through community mobilization, sensitization, awareness generation, and the active involvement of local women in adopting sustainable energy solutions. #

Palak Khanna works as Research Associate at Sustainable Development and Outreach division, TERI; Prashanta Kumar Swain works as Fellow at Social Transformation & CSR division, TERI; Dr Amit Kumar Thakur is Head – CSR and ADIR at TERI.