New Delhi: In a significant move towards empowering rural women and promoting sustainable transport, the Ministry of Rural Development (MoRD) today signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Convergence Energy Services Limited (CESL), a wholly owned subsidiary of Energy Efficiency Services Limited (EESL). The partnership aims to facilitate the “Sustainable Transport for Rural Entrepreneurs through Electric Bicycles” (STREE) initiative for Self Help Group (SHG) women under the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana – National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM).
The MoU was signed by Smriti Sharan, Joint Secretary of Rural Livelihoods from MoRD, and Vishal Kapoor, MD & CEO of CESL, in the presence of Shailesh Kumar Singh, Secretary of Rural Development.
Shailesh Kumar Singh highlighted the importance of this green mobility partnership in furthering the economic and social empowerment of rural women. He noted, “This collaboration aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of enabling ‘Lakhpati Didis,’ supporting the rural economy through sustainable transport solutions.”
Smriti Sharan expressed optimism about the partnership, stating, “This collaboration with CESL will be a boon for SHG women in rural entrepreneurship, providing them with green wheels to drive their businesses forward.”
Vishal Kapoor emphasized CESL’s commitment to the government’s initiative of empowering rural women. “Through this intervention, CESL is dedicated to supporting the creation of three crore ‘Lakhpati Didis’ in rural areas, reflecting our commitment to women empowerment and national green objectives.”
The STREE project aims to build livelihood opportunities, independence, and prosperity for SHG women, thereby elevating their socio-economic standing. Additionally, the project seeks to keep rural mobility congestion-free and contribute to the decarbonization of last-mile mobility.
Convergence Energy Services Limited (CESL) is a subsidiary of state-owned Energy Efficiency Services Limited, a joint venture of public sector companies under the Ministry of Power, Government of India. CESL focuses on energy solutions that intersect with renewable energy, electric mobility, and climate change.
DAY-NRLM is dedicated to promoting SHG women-led enterprises with diversified opportunities in the manufacturing and service sectors, covering both farm and non-farm domains. Since its inception, DAY-NRLM has created the largest platform for social inclusion, financial services access, and women’s economic empowerment.