The Union Rural Development Ministry signed an MoU on Friday with Convergence Energy Services Limited (CESL) to provide e-bicycles for sustainable transport to women self-help group (SHG) members. This initiative, under the STREE scheme, aims to empower rural women by offering green mobility solutions through electric bicycles, as part of the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana-National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM).
The agreement was signed by Joint Secretary, Rural Livelihoods Smriti Sharan, and CESL MD & CEO Vishal Kapoor, in the presence of Secretary, Rural Development Shailesh Kumar Singh. Singh highlighted that this partnership aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision, promoting economic and social empowerment of rural women and supporting the ‘lakhpati didis’ initiative.
Sharan noted that the collaboration with CESL will greatly benefit SHG women in rural entrepreneurship by providing green mobility. The project aims to create livelihood opportunities, foster independence, and improve the socio-economic status of SHG women. Additionally, it seeks to reduce rural mobility congestion and contribute to decarbonizing last-mile transportation.
CESL, a subsidiary of Energy Efficiency Services Limited (EESL), focuses on renewable energy, electric mobility, and climate change solutions. DAY-NRLM supports SHG women-led enterprises across various sectors, promoting social inclusion, financial access, and economic empowerment for women.
