Uttar Pradesh women gain financial independence through electricity, drone schemes

Women in Uttar Pradesh are gaining financial independence through schemes such as Vidyut Sakhi and Namo Drone Didi, which are creating new livelihood opportunities in rural areas. Under the Vidyut Sakhi scheme, more than 16,000 women are using digital technology to collect electricity bills from households across villages. They have facilitated the payment of over 1.53 crore bills worth more than Rs 3,500 crore, earning over Rs 45 crore in commissions. The Namo Drone Didi scheme is training women associated with self-help groups to operate drones for agricultural work. These women use drones to spray pesticides and nutrients on crops, giving them an additional source of income. The Uttar Pradesh government aims to train 2,236 women as Drone Didis, with the initiative expected to cover around 23.64 lakh hectares of agricultural land. A woman trained under the scheme said she was earlier known as a self-help group member but is now recognised as a "Drone Didi". The initiatives are aimed at helping rural women become financially self-reliant through technology and new employment opportunities.