The Automotive Skill Development Council (ASDC), in collaboration with key industry bodies such as SIAM, ACMA, and FADA, has formed a significant partnership with the Government of India and the Social Justice Department of the Government of Maharashtra. This strategic alliance aims to provide training to 50,000 women under the PM EV2Solar Project for Social Justice, facilitating access to solar energy and electric vehicles (EVs) at a subsidized cost of 30%, with the remaining 70% funded through state schemes.
During a Mumbai event, the Hon’ble Union Minister of State for Social Justice & Empowerment, Shri Ramdas Athawale, formalized this collaboration with ASDC. He emphasized the distribution of vehicles to socially disadvantaged women through government schemes, thereby enhancing mobility and economic opportunities. “Such vehicles will be distributed to socially disadvantaged women through Government of India and Government of Maharashtra schemes, empowering them with mobility and economic opportunities,” stated Shri Ramdas Athawale.
The Solar2EV initiative envisages a future characterized by innovation, inclusivity, and sustainable development, reflecting a dedication to uplifting marginalized communities. Union Minister Athawale expressed, “As we embark on the Solar2EV journey, we envision a future where innovation and opportunity intersect to uplift the marginalized. This initiative reflects our unwavering commitment to fostering inclusive growth and sustainable development, empowering communities across Maharashtra and beyond.”
Vinkesh Gulati, Vice President of ASDC, underscored the organization’s dedication to women’s empowerment through the Solar2EV initiative. “ASDC is deeply committed to driving societal change, particularly for women, through our focused efforts in the Solar2EV initiative. By prioritizing skill development and corporate engagement, we are not only opening up opportunities in Maharashtra’s burgeoning EV and solar sectors but also ensuring that women play a pivotal role in this transformative journey.”
ASDC, a leading skill development firm in the automotive sector, now has access to resources through Solar2EV partners, enabling the utilization of CSR funds for the PM Suryaghar scheme and women’s entrepreneurship development.
The partnership seeks CSR contributions from Corporate India, particularly the Automotive Industry, to establish solar-to-EV connections across Maharashtra. The Solar2EV initiative aims to generate job opportunities in the first-mile and last-mile mobility sectors, benefiting the e-commerce industry. Stakeholders like Amazon, Flipkart, and ride-hailing applications are encouraged to leverage social justice funds for innovative solutions.
A task force, led by Social Justice Commissioner Om Prakash Bhakoria and Randheer Singh, Former Director at Niti Aayog, will concentrate on creating socially sustainable products through ASDC’s skill development programs. Bhakoria emphasized, “Initiatives of this nature are crucial for ensuring equitable distribution of opportunities among socially and economically disadvantaged groups in society.”
The Union Minister also inaugurated the Solar2EV-Women’s EV electric mobility rally, signaling the initiation of the Solar2EV initiative.
The project currently features a range of vehicles and prominent brands supporting the cause. Leading experts from the automotive industry, such as Forsee Consulting, and major two-wheeler to electric bus OEMs have expressed interest in participating in this program. These include PMI Electromobility, Saera Auto, Omega Seiki Mobility, Revin Services, Sun Mobility, Mahindra Last Mile Mobility, Kinetic Green, and Citroen C2 fleet cars from Stellantis, all sharing a common vision of propelling the country towards a future illuminated by clean energy, fostering economic empowerment and social inclusion, which contributes to the nation’s collective well-being.
Offering insights into such a program that converges electric mobility and renewables, Sameer Agarwal, Founder & CEO of RevFin, stated, “Women have embraced opportunities in EV financing, transcending traditional gender roles, with some becoming the primary breadwinners of their households. I reaffirm RevFin’s dedication to celebrating women through such initiatives, and our program Stree Shakti, aligns with the Government’s vision. By emphasizing the crucial role of financial literacy, I urge women to seize control of their financial destinies for a brighter future.”
Revfin has facilitated financing for over 40,000 E-rickshaws by extending loans to 10,000+ women across the nation. Revfin’s Stree Shakti highlights commitment to fostering inclusivity and gender equality, ensuring that women have access to the resources and support they need to thrive in today’s world.
Uday Narang, Founder and Chairman of Omega Seiki Mobility, expressed enthusiasm for the PM Solar2EV initiative, stating, “At Omega Seiki Mobility, we believe in the transformative power of NariShakti – the strength and resilience of women. By providing 3,000 electric passenger E3W Stream City vehicles for women-run initiatives, we aim to empower and celebrate the incredible contributions of women in our society. This initiative is a testament to our commitment to fostering a more inclusive and sustainable future, where the wheels of progress are driven by the indomitable spirit of NariShakti.”
The Solar2EV project, integrated with social justice schemes, aims to create 100,000 new jobs, especially in cargo delivery powered by EVs. Randheer Singh, Co-Founder of Forsee Consulting, the knowledge partner for the program, emphasized the transformative impact on gig workers and sustainable urban mobility. “Cargo delivery powered by EVs marks a seismic shift, as with solar, it will put more money in the hands of gig workers as they save on electricity bills, while heralding a new chapter in sustainable urban mobility.”
The initiative’s visionary approach offers disadvantaged individuals the opportunity to lease electric autos, creating jobs and fostering economic growth. “Through strategic investments in EV infrastructure and training programs, we aim to create a ripple effect of prosperity, fostering job creation, and economic growth in communities nationwide,” Singh added.
