Page 39 - EDII Report-137

Entrepreneurship Development Institute of India Reports 137 Entrepreneurship Development Institute of India Reports 137

Promoting Solar Entrepreneurship Fisheries Sector on the Rise in Kerala

...PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana …Matsya Sugandhi Project

PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana is a flagship scheme launched by Ministry of New and A large population of the country depends on the fisheries sector in India, for employment
Renewable Energy (MNRE), Government of India to promote the use of solar energy at the and food security. One of the fastest-growing sectors in India, it contributes significantly to
household level. EDII along with National Institute for Entrepreneurship and Small the national economy while generating livelihoods for coastal and fishing communities.
Business Development (NIESBUD) is the implementing agency in Gujarat. Recognizing the sector's potential, the Matsya Sugandhi Project has been initiated, with
focus on promoting women entrepreneurs in the fisheries sector in Kerala. The project is
The scheme's primary focus is to encourage installation of rooftop solar photovoltaic (PV) supported by Cochin Shipyard Limited, while the Kerala University of Fisheries and Ocean
systems, which can significantly reduce electricity bills for consumers and contribute to a Studies (KUFOS) serves as the technical partner. EDII functions as the implementing
greener, more sustainable energy mix for the country. Through training and skill building, partner.
the programme aims to create skilled entrepreneurs capable of installing and maintaining
solar PV systems. The programme was inaugurated on February 3, 2026, at KUFOS. The inaugural event was
graced by Dr. A. Biju Kumar, Hon'ble Vice Chancellor, KUFOS; Shri Sampath Kumar, CSR
EDII along with NIESBUD and with the support of MNRE is organizing Entrepreneurship and Head, Cochin Shipyard Limited, Ernakulam and Dr. Dinesh Kaippilly, Registrar, KUFOS.
Skill Development Programmes (ESDPs) on Solar Entrepreneurship at several places in
Gujarat in order to promote Entrepreneurship on Grid Connected Solar PV Rooftop The project aims to train 200 aspiring women entrepreneurs interested in establishing
Systems installed under PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana. 1200 youth will be trained under ventures in the fisheries domain. In the last two months, under the Matsya Sugandhi
the programme in the first phase in Gujarat. As on date, nearly 300 youth have already Project, three training programmes were conducted, benefiting 60 aspiring women
been trained. entrepreneurs. The participants received comprehensive training that combines both
entrepreneurial and technical skill development. Also, continuous handholding support is
The training employs Facilitated Learning Approach, with a mix of facilitator led courses extended to women beneficiaries so that they start and grow their enterprises
which have in-house and practical activities along with self-learning sessions. Dr. Lalit successfully.
Sharma, Professor & Director Department of Policy Advocacy, Knowledge and Research,
EDII is coordinating the project. The implementation of the project is structured in two phases. The first phase focuses on
building the capacity of women participants through training in entrepreneurship and
technical skills. The second phase focuses on providing post-training support, such as
mentoring, guidance and assistance, enabling women to apply their learning and start
their own ventures.

(2nd from R) Dr. Dinesh Kaippilly, Registrar, KUFOS, honouring (3rd from L) Shri Sampath Kumar, CSR Head,
Participants of Entrepreneurship and Skill Development Programme (ESDP) on Solar Entrepreneurship, Cochin Shipyard Limited, Ernakulam, in the presence of (3rd from R) Dr. A. Biju Kumar, Hon'ble Vice
along with (3rd from R) Dr. Lalit Sharma, Professor, EDII at Godhra, Panchmahal district. Chancellor, KUFOS; (Left) Dr. S. Suresh Kumar, Director of Research, KUFOS; (Right) Dr. Binu Varghese,
Nodal Officer, KUFOS and (2nd from L) Mr. Sivan Ambattu Assistant Professor, EDII during the inauguration
of the project.

32 33