(GIST OF KURUKSHETRA) Green Technology for Sustainable Rural Jobs

(SEPTEMBER-2025)

Green Technology for Sustainable Rural Jobs

Context:

From the bustling cities to the quiet villages, green technology is creating new ways of living and working. The renewable energy sector alone employed 1.02 million people in 2023, with jobs in hydropower, solar, wind, biomass, and emerging clean technologies. Major government missions like the National Green Hydrogen Mission, M-KUSUM, PM Surya Ghar, and Production Linked Incentive schemes for solar PV modules are leading the way. These programmes are not just reducing carbon emissions, they are also creating livelihoods, especially in rural India.

Employment Growth and Opportunities in India’s Renewable Energy Sector

Global and National Context:

The global renewable energy workforce rose to 17 million workers in 2024 (IRENA).
India plays a leading role, ranking 4th globally in renewable energy jobs.
By 2030, clean energy is expected to generate10.3 million new jobs worldwide, with India targeting 500 GW of non-fossil fuel energy capacity.

Job Distribution in Renewable Energy:

Hydropower: ~4.5 lakh workers (largest employer).
Solar PV: ~3 lakh workers across on-grid and off-grid systems.
Wind, biomass, biofuels, and biogas: Thousands more employed.

Rural Opportunities:

Deployment of decentralised solutions:

Solar microgrids.
Solar irrigation pumps.
Biomass and bioenergy projects.

Flagship Skill Development Missions:-

National Solar Mission (2010, MNRE):

Suryamitra Programme: 600-hour residential training; 51,000+ solar PV technicians trained.
Varunmitra: Training for solar water pumps.
Vayumitra: Training for wind technicians.
Jal-Urjamitra: Training for small hydro projects.

Studies (NRDC & CEEW):

Solar projects (2011–2014): 24,000 FTE jobs.
Wind energy: 45,000 FTE jobs.
Combined: nearly 70,000 FTE jobs created.
Future projections: 1 million+ FTE jobs in solar by 2025–26. 183,500 jobs in wind energy.

Government Schemes Driving Green Employment

PM-KUSUM

Target: Add 34,800 MW solar capacity by 2026.
Financial support: ₹34,422 crore.
Employment impact: ~7.55 lakh job-years (skilled & unskilled).
Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme
National Programme on High-Efficiency Solar PV Modules.
Investment: ₹24,000 crore.
Expanding domestic manufacturing and reducing import dependency.
Creates jobs in manufacturing, R&D, logistics, quality testing.

Human Resource Development Scheme (2021–26)

Building capacity via: Short-term training, Research fellowships, Renewable Energy Chairs in universities through National Renewable Energy Internship Programme.

Lessons from the Smart Cities Mission (SCM)

Launched in 2015, covering 100 cities. By completed with 2,555 projects worth ₹1.51lakh crore (as of May 2025).
Green initiatives are Solar power adoption, Energy-efficient lighting, Rainwater harvesting, Waste-to-energy plants, Urban farming models adaptable to rural areas.

Innovative responses: Cycles4Change, Streets4People for sustainable mobility, Eat Smart Cities for food safety.
Lesson: Cities’ green innovations can be replicated in villages to enhance rural livelihoods.

Mission LIFE: Circular Economy and Rural Livelihoods

Promotes reduce, reuse, repair, recycle.
11 priority waste streams: plastic, e-waste, tyres, batteries, oil, vehicles, C&D waste, etc.
Technologies: Bio-methanation, Plastic-to-fuel, E-waste recycling, Solar-powered compactors.

Employment Potential:

Circular economy could add 33 lakh jobs beyond existing 50 lakh.
Jobs across Collection and segregation, Advanced recycling, Women-led waste enterprises.
Policy Support Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) framework for plastic, batteries, e-waste.
Encourages formalisation of the informal waste sector and supports rural microenterprises.

Strengthening Rural Healthcare through Green Tech

The healthcare sector contributes 10% of global GDP, India growing at 7–10% annually.
India faces a shortage of 2.7 million healthcare workers.
Green-Tech Healthcare Solutions: Solar-powered clinics, Telemedicine centres. Mobile digital diagnostic units, AI-driven health apps.

Employment Potential:

Roles: telehealth operators, solar technicians, medical logistics, rural nurses.
WHO-aligned studies: 5.4 million additional jobs (2021–25), contributing ₹3,429 billion annually.
Triple returns: better health, jobs, and stronger rural security.

Conclusion:

India’s ambitious sustainability agenda, supported by investments in infrastructure, technology, and policy reforms, such as the promotion of electric vehicles and green public transportation is fostering innovation and opening new avenues for skill development. These initiatives are creating roles that not only drive economic growth but also safeguard the environment. By continuing to invest in green technologies, strengthen skill-building programs, and promote eco-conscious industries, India can fully harness the potential of its green workforce. This approach will secure livelihoods, spur innovation, and pave the way for a resilient, inclusive, and sustainable future.