A great opportunity has come for women of rural and semi-urban areas. Under the Free Solar Flour Mill Scheme run by the government, women from economically weaker sections are being given flour mills running on solar power absolutely free of cost. The biggest feature of this scheme is that the cost of electricity is zero and women can start their own business sitting at home.

The price of this solar flour mill in the market is between Rs 20 to 25 thousand, but the government is providing it free of cost with 100% subsidy. This machine is charged by sunlight during the day and works for a long time. The biggest thing is that women can earn good income in a month by grinding flour for their family as well as grains of other people of the village.

What is the purpose of the scheme?

The main objective of this scheme is to make women of rural areas self-reliant and empowered. Even today, in many villages one has to go to far-flung markets to get flour milled, which leads to wastage of both time and money. After getting free solar flour mill, women can grind flour at their home and can also start a small business.

This scheme improves the economic condition of women and increases their self-confidence. This machine running on solar energy is also beneficial for the environment because it does not require any kind of fuel or diesel. The government believes that this will also promote solar energy in the country and women will get self-employment opportunities.

Who can avail the benefits of the scheme

Some important eligibility conditions have been fixed to avail the benefits of Solar Flour Mill Scheme. First of all, it is mandatory for the applicant to be an Indian citizen and the age should be between 18 to 60 years. In some states the minimum age has also been kept at 21 years.

In this scheme, priority is given to widow women, disabled women, women below poverty line and women associated with self-help groups. The annual income of the family should be less than Rs 2.5 lakh. Special preference is given to women holding SC, ST, OBC and BPL cards. Women from rural areas get the first chance in this scheme, especially women from those places where there is no facility of flour mill.

What will be the required documents?

Some important documents are required while applying. These include Aadhar card, residence certificate, income certificate, photocopy of bank passbook, passport size photo and mobile number. In some states, verification letter may also be sought from the Gram Panchayat or Municipal Body.

If you are a BPL card holder, then its copy will also have to be attached. All documents should be updated and correct so that there is no problem in the application process. Before uploading the scanned copies of the documents, check their quality.

Apply online like this

It is very easy to apply for the scheme. First of all go to the official website of your state food supply department. You can check the website fcs.up.gov.in for Uttar Pradesh and pmsuryaghar.gov.in for central government schemes.

Click on the link of ‘Solar Atta Chakki Yojana’ or ‘Free Solar Flour Mill Apply’ on the homepage of the website. After this, the application form will open, fill the details like your name, address, age, income details, bank account information and mobile number correctly. Scan and upload all the necessary documents.

After submitting the form, you will get a registration number, through which you can track the status of your application. Solar flour mill is provided to eligible women after completion of verification by government officials. In some states, there is also the facility of offline application, for which the Gram Panchayat or the concerned government office can be contacted.

Changes coming in women’s lives

Free Solar Flour Mill Scheme is bringing a big change in the lives of women. Women who did not have any solid means of livelihood are now earning well through this machine. Women’s self-confidence has increased and their role in the family has also strengthened.

Many women today are earning thousands of rupees per month by running small mills in the village and are contributing to their children’s education and household expenses. This scheme is an important step towards women empowerment, which is laying the foundation for their bright future. If you are also eligible then apply as soon as possible without delay and avail the benefits of this scheme.