Rural Development Ministry Inks Pact with CESL to Facilitate Green Mobility for SHG Women

The Ministry of Rural Development (MoRD) has entered into a pact with Convergence Energy Services Limited (CESL) to help facilitate ‘Sustainable Transport for Rural Entrepreneurs through Electric Bicycles’ (STREE) for Self Help Group (SHG) Women under Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana – National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM).

STREE intends to empower the rural economy, especially rural women, by providing them access to green mobility through the introduction of electric bicycles.

The MoU was signed by Joint Secretary, Rural Livelihoods from MoRD Smriti Sharan and MD & CEO, CESL from CESL Vishal Kapoor in the presence of Secretary, Rural Development Shailesh Kumar Singh, an official release said.

Speaking on the occasion, the Secretary stated that this partnership of Green Mobility will further support the economic and social empowerment of rural women and accelerate the enabling of Lakhpati Didis in line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision. Sharan stated that this partnership with EESL will prove to be a boon to the SHG women in rural entrepreneurship with green wheels, while signing the MoU.

Kapoor stated that CESL aims to support the government’s initiative to create three crore "Lakhpati Didis" in rural areas, emphasizing its commitment to women's empowerment and green objectives. This project seeks to build livelihood opportunities, independence, and prosperity among SHG women, thereby enhancing their socio-economic status. Additionally, it aims to ensure rural mobility remains congestion-free, contributing to the decarbonization of last-mile mobility.

Convergence Energy Services Limited (CESL), a subsidiary of Energy Efficiency Services Limited under the Ministry of Power, Government of India, focuses on energy solutions at the intersection of renewable energy, electric mobility, and climate change. The DAY-NRLM program promotes SHG women-led enterprises in both manufacturing and service sectors, covering farm and non-farm domains. Since its inception, DAY-NRLM has created the largest platform for social inclusion, financial access, and women’s economic empowerment.

The MoU signing event was also joined by Ritu Singh, DGM from CESL and Rajeev Singhal from NMMU, MoRD besides other officials from MoRD and CESL.