A pilot project to install energy-efficient, solar lanterns as an employment generation scheme in the northeastern states is to be implemented soon by the Department of Non-conventional Energy Sources (DNES), the Department of Science and Technology and the North-eastern Council. If the programme succeeds, installation will be expanded to a commercial basis.
Under the scheme, the government will supply four solar lanterns to each tribal youth, who will then rent them out in villages not yet electrified. Modules or panels of 30-35 watts will tap solar energy and convert it into electrical energy so that the solar lanterns are lit up by a power of 5-8 watts. At a rental rate of Rs 7-10 a day, each tribal youth can expect to earn upto Rs 1,000 per month.
About 100 persons from Tripura, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram, Arunachal Pradesh and Assam are being trained in the use and maintenance of the solar lanterns, each of which "would save 100-150 litres of kerosene oil that would otherwise be used in a petromax," says DNES director E V R Sastry.
We are a voice to you; you have been a support to us. Together we build journalism that is independent, credible and fearless. You can further help us by making a donation. This will mean a lot for our ability to bring you news, perspectives and analysis from the ground so that we can make change together.
Comments are moderated and will be published only after the site moderator’s approval. Please use a genuine email ID and provide your name. Selected comments may also be used in the ‘Letters’ section of the Down To Earth print edition.