Suggested Citation: Tyagi, Akanksha, Sharayu Shejale,and Neeraj Kuldeep. 2022. Upgrading Suryamitra Skill Development Programme: Improving Uptake and Employability of Suryamitras in the Solar Sector. New Delhi: Council on Energy, Environment and Water
This study assesses the performance of the Suryamitra Skill Development Programme between FY16 and FY20. It is the flagship skilling programme for the solar industry initiated by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) in 2015 and implemented by National Institute of Solar Energy (NISE). To understand the successes and limitations of the programme in producing a skilled workforce, the study analysed the NISE database of the programme and conducted in-depth interviews with key stakeholders involved in programme’s implementation.
The Suryamitra Skill Development Programme was initiated in 2015 by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) and implemented by the National Institute of Solar Energy (NISE) to meet skilling demand and employment in the solar sector. As of financial year (FY) 2020, the programme had trained about 48,157 Suryamitras nation-wide with the state of Maharashtra achieving maximum Suryamitras trained (4,383). Furthermore, as of FY21, there are about 776 certified training partners (TPs) under this programme with Uttar Pradesh hosting maximum (82) training centres. This study assesses the Suryamitra Programme’s performance over the years to produce a skilled workforce for the solar industry to accelerate the clean energy transition. For this, it focuses on quality of curriculum and trainings provided, career prospects of Suryamitras in the solar sector, and implementation challenges through in-depth interviews with key stakeholders (industry players, training partners, and Suryamitras) involved in implementing the programme.
States differ considerably in Suryamitras trained and annual workforce requirement for project construction and maintenance
Source: Authors’ analysis of NISE database, MNRE 2022.
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