Rural Women Power: Jharkhand Girls Launch Solar Enterprise, Boost Village Economy

Ranchi: In the quiet village of Dantoo in Bokaro district, six young women have scripted a story of resilience, innovation and empowerment, proving that determination, when combined with opportunity, can illuminate even the most remote corners.

Known as the ‘Kumari girls’, Aparna Kumari, Usha Kumari, Priti Kumari, Rani Kumari, Deepika Kumari and Pooja Kumari, all aged 20, have transformed their lives and those of many others by turning classroom lessons into a thriving rural enterprise rooted in renewable energy.

Their journey began in 2021 when they were Class XI students in their village school. Under vocational education, they received training in green skills and renewable energy, including solar installation and technical know-how. What began as a learning exercise soon became a mission.

The turning point came during the pandemic, when online education exposed the village’s erratic electricity supply. “During our training, we learned solar installation and technician skills, but the pandemic disrupted everything. In our village, erratic electricity made it difficult for students to attend online classes. That’s when we realised that many others were facing the same challenge. We decided to be part of the solution,” Aparna Kumari, one of the members of Kumari Girls, said. The group began making solar power banks, vendor lights and solar dryers for farmers, helping students continue studies and vendors extend working hours. As demand rose, they set up a modest LED bulb manufacturing unit in Dantoo and started training local women and youth in manufacturing, repairing and marketing solar products.

“We have joined hands with over 30 women in the village, and many students are gradually becoming part of our workforce,” Aparna said.