Unemployment, particularly in rural regions, is a concerning condition. Village artisans are destitute and in desperate need of support. Various initiatives have been taken by both the federal and state governments to address this issue. The Solar Charkha Mission is the most recent job-creation initiative launched by the central government. Rural residents will receive training and will be able to earn a better living by making fabric under this scheme. The novelty of this idea is that these looms and spindles will be powered entirely by solar energy.
The Solar Charkha Mission is an enterprise-driven plan that envisions the establishment of ‘Solar Charkha Clusters’ with 200 to 2042 beneficiaries (Spinners, Weavers, Stitchers and other skilled artisans). One cluster will receive a maximum subsidy of Rs. 9.60 crore in the form of capital subsidies for individuals and Special Purpose Vehicles (SPVs), interest subsidies for working capital, and capacity building. These solar charkhas will be powered by solar power, a green energy source. As an environmentally friendly programme, it will aid in the growth of the Green Economy. It will also provide craftspeople with long-term employment.
Features
- Solar Charkha Cluster Construction:
- It serves as a focus village for the surrounding settlements (within a radius of 8-10 km.)
- It will benefit 200-2042 people over the years.
- Mission solar charkha benefits spinners, weavers, stitchers, and other skilled craftspeople (MSC.)
- Solar charkha is made up of the following components:
- Each beneficiary will receive two solar charkhas, each with ten spindles.
- Each cluster will have 1000 solar charkhas.
- 2042 artisans will be employed directly in a cluster that will operate at full capacity.
- The government has allocated Rs.550 crores for 50 clusters between 2018 and 2020.
- Under the solar charkha initiative, one lakh craftsmen, with a focus on women and youth, will be directly engaged in 50 clusters.
- One cluster will be eligible for a maximum subsidy of Rs. 9.60 crores.
Objectives
- Inclusive growth
The mission of solar charkha attempts to increase inclusion by hiring women and youth.
- Sustainable Development
The scheme’s usage of solar charkhas aims to promote rural sustainable development.
- Rural Economic Development
The collection of villages will act as clusters, and the goal will strive to strengthen the rural economy through job creation.
- Stopping Migration
The mission’s goal is to stop the movement of people from rural to cities. According to the 2011 Census, 37 per cent of Indians are internal migrants.
- Encourage the use of low-cost, innovative technology.
Financial support
Project interventions are classified into three types:
- Individual capital subsidy and Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV)
- Interest Subvention for Working Capital
- Capacity Building
Installing Solar Charkha
MSME will provide necessary parts and solar plates once an applicant has been selected to profit from the scheme. It would also supply modern charkhas and looms for the production of textiles. The installation of this equipment has received little attention. MSME is expected to provide support, or applicants might pay specialists to set up the charkhas on their own.
Budget
This scheme’s current budget is 500 crore. The funds will be used to offer candidates with machines as well as training. The MSME department anticipates an extra investment of Rs 10,000 crore in the micro-business sector.