Mission Solar Charkha | Khadi Solar Employment Scheme

Overview

Mission Solar Charkha is a Government of India initiative under the Ministry of MSME and KVIC. It promotes the use of solar-powered charkhas for khadi spinning, creating eco-friendly employment opportunities for women artisans in rural areas across the country.

Objective

The mission aims to generate mass employment in rural India through solar-powered khadi production. It reduces dependence on conventional energy, empowers women spinners, and contributes to the revival of the khadi tradition with modern technology.

Benefits

• Solar charkha clusters set up with government subsidy
• Employment for 50 to 2,000 artisans per cluster
• Wages for spinning, providing direct income to women artisans
• Reduced electricity costs through solar energy use
• Marketing support through KVIC and retail channels

Eligibility

• Women artisans in rural areas with an interest in khadi spinning
• NGOs, cooperatives, or trusts that can set up and manage clusters
• Cluster implementing agencies must meet KVIC’s eligibility criteria
• Artisans within or near KVIC-identified rural cluster zones

Exclusions

• Urban-based organizations without rural artisan networks may not qualify
• Clusters not meeting the minimum artisan strength requirement
• Individuals applying independently outside the cluster framework

Application Process

1. NGO or cooperative submits a cluster proposal to KVIC
2. KVIC evaluates the proposal and conducts a field assessment
3. Approved agencies receive solar charkha units and training support
4. Artisans are registered and trained on-site
5. Spun khadi is procured by KVIC or sold through certified outlets

Documents Required

• Registration certificate of the implementing agency
• Detailed cluster project proposal
• List of identified artisans with Aadhaar details
• Land or space availability proof for cluster setup
• Bank account of the implementing agency
• Previous experience records in khadi or rural crafts