Bihar, one of India's
fastest-growing states, is experiencing a remarkable surge in economic
development and infrastructure expansion. In 2022, electricity consumption by
utilities in Bihar reached 26,064.000 GWh, showing an increase from the
previous year's figure of 24,108.000 GWh in 2021. Analyzing data from July 2022
to July 2023 for peak demand vs Peak Met makes it
clear that Bihar was able to improve its infrastructure to cater the demand in
a spam of one year.
With improved
infrastructure, the state has been spearheading livelihood initiatives and
integrating them with enhanced penetration of renewable energy products and
services. The
initiative “Didi Ki Rasoi”; launched in 2018 as part of the Bihar
Transformative Development Project (BTDP), has been applauded globally and sets
an example of inclusive growth and development.. The initiative has been successfully scaled with
over 1200 women entrepreneurs engaged in managing food services across multiple
public touch points like Schools, Hospitals, Banks, etc.
The Bihar
model, characterized by initiatives such as JEEViKa and JWiREs, demonstrates
exemplary practices in demand aggregation and efficient management of the
supply chain for eCooking appliances. JWiREs, through its establishment of
Clean Cooking Champion teams comprising women referred to as "Didis"
across various blocks in Bihar, showcases a laudable approach.Our team had the
privilege of interacting with and providing training to these industrious
Didis. Demonstrating remarkable intellect and adeptness, they swiftly absorbed
the training materials and effectively replicated the skills taught to them.
The training primarily focused on the utilization and operation of Electric
Pressure Cooker (EPCs) and induction cooking stoves. Following the training
session, the Didis prepared staple dishes like Dal Bhat and Bhujia, showcasing
their ability to comprehend and implement the learnings efficiently.
The pivotal
role of these Didis in stimulating demand for eCooking devices cannot be
overstated. Post-training, they diligently visit every household within their
respective areas and engage with residents, particularly women, to raise
awareness about eCooking technologies. Their efforts extend to conducting live
demonstrations, thereby garnerating greater interest and attention toward the
products. Importantly, they serve as conduits for channeling demand to local
smart shop owners, many of whom are also women. This grassroots intervention,
orchestrated by JWiREs and facilitated by the Didis, represents a commendable
initiative in rural Bihar, deserving recognition and appreciation for its
success. It also represents a strong opportunity
for enabling the transition to Modern energy-based clean cooking, through
Electric Cooking in institutions. However, to enable this, a multifaceted
approach would be required, which would include awareness creation,
demonstrations, handholding, and training, availability of devices and
after-sales service, and supply of
reliable electricity.
In Bihar,
the journey towards clean cooking is not just about adopting new technologies;
it's a testament to the power of community-driven initiatives and women's
empowerment. The Didis stand as shining examples of resilience, innovation, and
leadership, driving sustainable change one household at a time. As we celebrate
their achievements, let us reaffirm our commitment to supporting and scaling
such initiatives, ensuring a cleaner, and healthier future for all.