Ministry of Tribal Affairs Launches Solar PV Skill Training Programme for PVTG Communities in Wayanad

The Ministry of Tribal Affairs, in collaboration with MNRE and Tata Power Skill Development Institute, has launched a 9-day residential Solar PV Helper cum Assistant Technician training programme in Wayanad, Kerala, under PM JANMAN for PVTG communities.

Wayanad, Kerala: In a significant step towards promoting green jobs, livelihood generation and community-based skill development, the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, in collaboration with the Ministry of New & Renewable Energy (MNRE) and Tata Power Skill Development Institute (TPSDI), has launched a pilot 9-day residential training programme on Solar PV Helper cum Assistant Technician in Wayanad, Kerala.

The initiative has been introduced as part of a broader effort under PM JANMAN, with a special focus on empowering Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) through skill development, clean energy exposure and livelihood-oriented training.

The programme was inaugurated by Ms Meghashree IAS, Collector, Wayanad, in the presence of Shri Manish Thakur, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Tribal Affairs, and Ms Samidha Singh, Director, Ministry of Tribal Affairs.

Solar Skills for Sustainable Livelihoods

The pilot programme aims to train beneficiaries in basic solar photovoltaic support skills, preparing them for entry-level roles as Solar PV Helpers cum Assistant Technicians. With India’s renewable energy sector expanding rapidly, such short-term skill training programmes can play an important role in connecting rural and tribal youth with emerging employment and entrepreneurship opportunities.

The residential format of the programme is expected to provide participants with structured learning, practical exposure and orientation towards the solar energy sector. The training is designed to build foundational capacity in solar PV systems, installation support, basic maintenance and field-level assistance.

Focus on PVTG Communities Under PM JANMAN

The initiative reflects a comprehensive approach under PM JANMAN, combining infrastructure support, service delivery, livelihood promotion and skill development for PVTG communities. By introducing sector-relevant training in renewable energy, the programme seeks to create practical livelihood pathways for tribal youth while supporting India’s larger clean energy transition.

PVTG communities often face challenges related to access, mobility, education, employability and market-linked livelihood opportunities. Skill-based interventions such as this programme can help bridge the gap between government development schemes and real economic opportunities at the grassroots level.

Collaboration Between Government and Industry

The collaboration between the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, MNRE and TPSDI highlights the importance of public-private partnership in building a skilled workforce for India’s green economy. Tata Power Skill Development Institute brings sectoral training experience, while government ministries provide policy direction, institutional support and community outreach.

The programme also aligns with India’s growing emphasis on renewable energy, sustainable livelihoods and inclusive development. As solar energy adoption increases across rural and semi-urban regions, trained local technicians can support installation, maintenance and last-mile service delivery.

Green Jobs and Local Employment Opportunities

The Solar PV Helper cum Assistant Technician programme is expected to contribute to the creation of green job opportunities for tribal youth. Participants trained under the programme may be able to explore opportunities in solar installation projects, maintenance services, renewable energy enterprises, community-level solar solutions and related support roles.

The training also opens the possibility of promoting local “SolarPreneurs” who can provide basic solar services within their communities. This can help improve access to clean energy solutions while creating local income-generation opportunities.

A Step Towards Inclusive Energy Transition

The launch of this pilot programme in Wayanad signals an important move towards ensuring that India’s clean energy transition remains inclusive and community-driven. By focusing on PVTG communities, the initiative connects renewable energy development with social inclusion, livelihood generation and grassroots skilling.

The success of this pilot programme may provide a scalable model for similar interventions in other tribal and remote regions across India.

Key Highlights

The Ministry of Tribal Affairs, in collaboration with MNRE and Tata Power Skill Development Institute, launches a 9-day residential Solar PV Helper cum Assistant Technician training programme in Wayanad, Kerala, under PM JANMAN for PVTG communities.

Skill Development, Solar Training, Renewable Energy, Green Jobs, Tribal Development, PM JANMAN, PVTG, Wayanad, Kerala, MNRE, Ministry of Tribal Affairs, TPSDI, Tata Power Skill Development Institute, Vocational Training