: Mumbai, March 8, 2024

The Union Minister of State for Social Justice & Empowerment Shri Ramdas Athawale attended a demonstration session of e-autos developed by various companies under Solar2EV initiative, in Mumbai on Thursday (March 7, 2024). The programme was organized by GoI and Maharashtra Government’s Social Justice Department in association with Automotive Skill Development Council (ASDC). 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.

In the programme organized a day prior to International Women’s Day 2024, the Union Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment Shri Ramdas Athawale also inked a partnership with ASDC to provide training to nearly 50,000 women across India as part of the PM EV2Solar Project for Social Justice.

Speaking on the occasion, MoS (Social Justice and Empowerment) Shri Ramdas Athawale said, the Government is focussed on providing electricity and employment to all. At the same time, Government also wants to reduce pollution and increase use of solar power backed utilities. He said, this is a step towards empowering ‘Nari-Shakti’ as has been envisioned by PM Shri Narendra Modi. The partnership aims to provide training to nearly 50,000 women across India as part of the PM EV2Solar Project for Social Justice, added MoS (Social Justice and Empowerment). The Union Minister said that skill training is the need of the hour for women from disadvantaged sections of society. "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", he said. To facilitate this initiative, individuals first need to undergo skill training, which may encompass essential aspects such as personality development and road safety awareness. This approach is expected to create nearly 10,000 new jobs in the state of Maharashtra, he stated. “Such e-vehicles will be distributed to socially disadvantaged women through Government of India and Government of Maharashtra schemes, empowering them with mobility and economic opportunities”, stated Shri Athawale.

The ASDC, which is backed by SIAM, ACMA, and FADA and is supported by the 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 Solar2EV initiative has an array of iconic vehicles such as the Kinetic Luna, Omega Seiki, Sara Keto, Mahindra Last Mile Mobility, Kinetic Green and Citroen C2 fleet cars from Stellantis who have agreed to partner with the initiative. 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. These jobs can be through Cargo delivery powered by EVs marks a seismic shift, empowering gig workers while heralding a new chapter in sustainable urban mobility.

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