MUMBAI – The Automotive Skill Development Council, which is backed by SIAM, ACMA and FADA and is supported by Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, Ministry of Heavy Industries and Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, has formed a dual strategic partnership with the Government of India and the Social Justice Department of the Government of Maharashtra. The partnership aims to provide training to nearly 50,000 women across India as part of the PM EV2Solar Project for Social Justice. This initiative aims to provide access to PM Suryaghar and Electric Vehicles (EVs) to socially disadvantaged individuals at a remarkable 30% of the vehicle cost, with funding support close to 70% through state schemes.
During the event held in Mumbai, in the presence of the Hon’ble Union Minister of State for Social Justice, a strategic partnership was established with ASDC as a precursor to International Women’s Day on March 8th. The Honorable Union Minister of State for Social Justice & Empowerment, Shri Ramdas Athawale, who inked the partnership with ASDC, said that skill training is the need of the hour for women from socially disadvantaged groups of society. To facilitate this initiative, individuals first need to undergo skill training, which may encompass essential aspects such as personality development and road safety awareness. Furthermore, ASDC’s fundamental grasp of technology, especially in utilizing electric mobility products, has expedited the adoption of electric vehicles. This approach is expected to create nearly 10,000 new jobs in the state of Maharashtra, as informed by ASDC officials.
Flagging an all-women’s car rally, Minister Athawale remarked: “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.” “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.” – added Union Minister, Ramdas Athawale.
On Behalf of Maharashtra Government Social Justice Commissioner Om Prakash Bhakoria said, “Initiatives of this nature are essential for ensuring equitable distribution of opportunities among socially and economically disadvantaged groups in society. By aligning with the benefits of electric mobility and the anticipated progress in the solar economy, these efforts are set to play a pivotal role in the country’s advancement.”
Bhakoria will be leading a task force for the same which will have the MD of all state corporations and solar2Ev project of social justice participants who will showcase their solutions and create products that will be socially sustainable through skill development provided by ASDC. “I have called a meeting of all such stakeholders during the 2nd week of March 2024 in Pune where the state department under a special task force will go into minute details of leveraging benefits of both the electric and solar world to the socially and economically weaker sections of society” he said.
Speaking on behalf of the Automotive Skills Development Council (ASDC), a Mr. Vinkesh Gulati, Vice President, ASDC said, “ASDC is at the heart of empowering societal change, particularly for women, through our dedicated efforts in the Solar2EV initiative. By focusing on skill development and corporate engagement, we’re not just opening up opportunities in Maharashtra’s growing EV and solar sectors; we’re ensuring that women are at the forefront of this transformative journey. Our commitment extends beyond mere participation—our aim is to cultivate leadership, entrepreneurship, and empowerment among women, firmly believing that their advancement is integral to sustainable growth and inclusive prosperity. This approach underscores the essence of our collaboration across government, industry, and NGOs, demonstrating how strategic investment in women’s skills and potential leads to broader societal benefits. As we move forward, ASDC remains dedicated to breaking barriers and creating an ecosystem where women can excel and lead in shaping a greener, more equitable future.” The Solar2 Womens EV car rally which had a god mix of two,, three wheelers dhowcased a vibrant Women’s Day rally, marking the commencement of the Solar2EV initiative with an array of iconic vehicles such as the Kinetic Luna, Omega Seiki, Sara Keto, and Citroen C2 fleet cars.
These vehicles serve as poignant symbols of the integration of the Solar2EV project into diverse government social justice schemes, fostering enhanced accessibility and inclusivity. On the other hand, Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) provided valuable insights into the development of Solar2EV products, showcasing their dedication to innovation and sustainability.
Speaking about the initiative Randheer Singh, Ex-Niti Ayog, Mobility Expert, Founder, Forsee Consulting said “Cargo delivery powered by EVs marks a seismic shift, empowering gig workers while heralding a new chapter in sustainable urban mobility. This transformative synergy not only fuels economic empowerment but also catalyzes our collective journey towards a greener, more equitable future. 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.”
Essential to the Solar2EV initiative is its commitment to providing a transformative pathway for disadvantaged youth and women. Through this innovative program, individuals have the opportunity to lease electric autos, with the ultimate goal of ownership within a three-year timeframe. This visionary approach not only aims to create 50,000 new jobs within the dynamic EV and solar economy but also serves as a powerful engine for driving sustained economic growth and fostering upward social mobility.
The Solar2EV initiative marks a significant leap toward empowerment and inclusivity, highlighting the unwavering commitment of both the Government of India and the Government of Maharashtra to elevate the less privileged sectors of society. As industry giants such as Forsee Consulting, PMI Electromobility, Saera Auto, OSM, Sun Mobility, and Kinetic come together, their collective participation emphasizes a united dedication to sustainable development and inclusive growth. This collaboration propels us forward on a journey lit by clean energy, fostering economic empowerment and social inclusion, and paving the way for a future where everyone has the chance to prosper and contribute to our collective well-being.
India’s leading skill development firm, specializing in the automotive sector, will now have access to a broad pool of resources through the Solar2EV project partners, including Mahindra Last Mile Mobility, Saera Keto Auto, Omega Seiki Mobility, Stellantis, Kinetic Green, and the premier health management firm, Wockhardt Group. This initiative not only enables the premier training and development agency to tap into their CSR funds to help fund the implementation of the PM Suryaghar scheme but also supports skill development initiatives aimed at fostering women’s entrepreneurship.
ASDC intends to leverage Corporate India’s, and particularly the Automotive Industry’s, CSR contributions to establish solar-to-EV connections across the state. Their goal extends to facilitating job access in the first-mile and last-mile mobility sectors for the e-commerce industry. The Solar2EV partnership will enable ASDC to merge the advantages of solar energy and electric vehicle economies, thereby creating new job opportunities with last-mile mobility entities and e-commerce giants like Amazon, Flipkart, ride-hailing applications, and even battery swapping leaders. These stakeholders are encouraging the Maharashtra state government to employ their social justice funds in offering innovative solutions.
