Mumbai: The Automotive Skill Development Council (ASDC), supported by SIAM, ACMA, and FADA, has forged a strategic partnership with the Government of India and the Social Justice Department of the Government of Maharashtra. This collaboration aims to train 50,000 women under the PM EV2Solar Project for Social Justice, providing access to solar energy and electric vehicles (EVs) at 30 per cent of the vehicle cost, with 70 per cent funding support through State schemes.
During an event in Mumbai, the Hon’ble Union Minister of State for Social Justice & Empowerment Govt of India (MOSJ&E), Shri Ramdas Athawale, established this partnership with ASDC.
Speaking at the event he emphasised the distribution of vehicles to socially disadvantaged women through government schemes, providing mobility and economic opportunities. Shri Ramdas Athawale stated, “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.”
The Solar2EV initiative envisions a future of innovation, inclusivity, and sustainable development, reflecting the commitment to uplift marginalised communities. “As we embark on the Solar2EV journey, we envision a future where innovation and opportunity intersect to uplift the marginalised. This initiative reflects our unwavering commitment to fostering inclusive growth and sustainable development, empowering communities across Maharashtra and beyond,” added Union Minister Athawale.
Vinkesh Gulati, Vice President of ASDC, highlighted the organisation’s commitment to women’s empowerment through the Solar2EV initiative. “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.”
ASDC a leading skill development firm in the automotive sector, now has access to resources through Solar2EV partners, enabling CSR funds utilisation for the PM Suryaghar scheme and women’s entrepreneurship development.
The partnership seeks CSR contributions from Corporate India, especially the Automotive Industry, to establish solar-to-EV connections across Maharashtra. The Solar2EV initiative aims to create job opportunities in the first-mile and last-mile mobility sectors, benefiting the e-commerce industry. Stakeholders like Amason, Flipkart, and ride-hailing applications are encouraged to leverage social justice funds for innovative solutions.
A task force, led by Social Justice Commissioner Om Prakash Bhakoria and Randheer Singh, Former Director at Niti Aayog, will focus on creating socially sustainable products through ASDC’s skill development programmes. Bhakoria mentioned, “Initiatives of this nature are essential for ensuring equitable distribution of opportunities among socially and economically disadvantaged groups in society.”
The Union Minister also flagged off Solar2EV – Women’s EV electric mobility rally marking the commencement of the Solar2EV initiative.
