SRINAGAR: More than 9,900 candidates from Jammu and Kashmir were trained under Government-supported renewable energy skill development programmes during 2021-22 to 2025-26, according to data placed before the Lok Sabha on Wednesday.
The figures show that 1,377 candidates from JK were trained and certified under Suryamitra, while another 6,536 were trained under the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana (PMSGMBY). In addition, 2,703 candidates were trained as solar helpers/assistant technicians and 1,138 as entrepreneurs/vendors under the rooftop solar programme.
Under the Suryamitra, Jal-urjamitra and Vayumitra programmes combined, JK recorded 1,377 trained and certified candidates. The Union Territory had no candidates under Jal-urjamitra or Vayumitra during the period covered by the data.
Under PMSGMBY, the 6,536 trainees from JK included 2,694 solar installers, engineers and technicians, 2,703 solar helpers or assistant technicians, 1,138 entrepreneurs/vendors and one rooftop solar supervisor. No DISCOM official was listed as trained under the programme in JK.
The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy said its skill development initiatives include Suryamitra for solar photovoltaic technicians, Vayumitra for wind power plant technicians and Jal-urjamitra for small hydropower plant technicians. These programmes are implemented through empanelled training centres across the country.
JK is among the States and Union Territories covered under the Jal-urjamitra programme, which is being implemented in regions with significant small-hydropower potential. The programme also covers Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh and several other States.
At the national level, 23,069 candidates were trained and certified under Suryamitra, Jal-urjamitra and Vayumitra during the five-year period. A further 1,72,331 candidates were trained under PMSGMBY, while 7,248 candidates were certified under the National Green Hydrogen Mission.
The Government said renewable energy expansion across solar, wind, bioenergy, hydropower, green hydrogen and energy storage is expected to generate employment across manufacturing, installation, operation and maintenance.
It said the Human Resource Development scheme of the Ministry has been continued for 2026-27 to 2030-31 to institutionalise renewable energy education and training and meet the country’s requirement for qualified manpower.
The Ministry also said training under Suryamitra, PMSGMBY and the National Green Hydrogen Mission is being implemented on a pan-India basis, including eastern Uttar Pradesh, through approved training centres.
