Dhanbad: In a decisive stride toward women’s empowerment and sustainable development, IIT-ISM Dhanbad has launched a 40-day intensive training programme on solar-based technologies for women. The initiative, titled “Skilling Women Drive,” is being conducted under the institute’s CSR initiative in collaboration with ReNew Foundation, the philanthropic arm of ReNew.
The programme aims to equip 80 undergraduate students from SSLNT Women’s College, Dhanbad, with hands-on technical skills in solar panel and solar pump installation and maintenance — preparing them for employment in the growing renewable energy sector and fostering micro-entrepreneurship opportunities.
Divided into theoretical and practical modules, the training will be led by 12 expert instructors and will utilize state-of-the-art facilities at IIT-ISM, including the Electrical Circuit Laboratory and Analogue-Digital Laboratory.
“This initiative is a significant step towards building future-ready skills among young women in the renewable energy domain,” said Prof. Vedantham Lakshmi Srinivas, Assistant Professor in the Department of Electrical Engineering. “Providing practical, lab-based training will be a transformative experience for their careers.”
The training is part of a broader initiative called “Project ReNew Surya”, a collaborative effort between IIT-ISM and ReNew Foundation aimed at upskilling 350 individuals — including both women and men from coal mining communities — in solar technology. The project envisions a just transition from coal-based livelihoods to green energy employment, aligning with India’s climate goals and commitment to sustainable economic growth.
With this programme, IIT-ISM Dhanbad continues to strengthen its role in driving inclusive development, capacity building, and green skilling, reaffirming its support for a renewable-powered future.
