Solar Charkha Mission | 06 Mar 2020

Recently, the Minister for Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises gave information about the Solar Charkha Mission in Lok Sabha.

The Solar Charkha Mission is an enterprise driven scheme and envisages setting up of ‘Solar Charkha Clusters’ which will have 200 to 2042 beneficiaries (Spinners, Weavers, Stitchers and other skilled artisans).
One cluster would involve a maximum subsidy of Rs. 9.60 crore provided in form of Capital subsidy for individual and Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV), interest subvention for working capital and capacity building.
These solar charkhas are to be operated using solar power which is a renewable energy source. It will help in the development of Green Economy as it is an environment friendly programme. It will also generate sustainable employment for the artisans.

The Solar Charkha Mission is a Ministry of Micro Small & Medium Enterprises (MSME) initiative launched during June 2018.
A pilot project on Solar Charkha was implemented at Khanwa village, Nawada District of Bihar in 2016. Based on the success of the pilot project, the Government of India had accorded approval to set up 50 such clusters with a budget of Rs. 550 Crore for 2018-19 and 2019-20.
The scheme is envisaged to generate direct employment nearly to one lakh persons in the approved clusters.

To ensure inclusive growth by generation of employment, especially for women and youth, and sustainable development through solar charkha clusters in rural areas.
To boost rural economy and help in arresting migration from rural to urban areas.
To leverage low-cost, innovative technologies and processes for sustenance.