Social and Educational status in Chanan Block of Banka District in Bihar

Renewal Solar Energy contributing towards transforming the Social and Educational status in Chanan Block of Banka District in Bihar

The Study of National Sample Survey Organization (NSSC) has revealed that the uses of Kerosene Oil for the purposes of lighting lamps at home is still very high in rural area of Bihar  , it may be either due to lack of power connection or unavailability of adequate supply of electricity. It is expected that students are using Kerosene oil for their basic needs who mostly reside in the rural area. The higher use of Kerosene Oil is making adverse effect on the environment through air pollution which harm women, children’s health as well as the education.  With the improvement in the number of schools, facilities in schools and initiatives for enrolment, the dropout rate is 9-10% , which seems to be far away from the goal of universal retention at primary level.

Supporting Education of underprivileged children in the un-electrified rural households by providing them access to solar study lamps, a clean light solution to students which will cease the usage of kerosene wick lamps for studying thus indirectly reducing health and environmental hazards. This can also contribute towards reducing the school dropout rates in rural area. 

Under one such initiative, Gramin Vikas Trust in association with the Indian Institute of Technology ( IIT) , Mumbai has taken up the SoUL project in Chanan block , district of Banka  ( Bihar). The Assembling and Distribution center has been established with a view to focus on “Localization of Solar Energy” wherein the local men / women are engaged in Assembly, Distribution, Repairing and Maintenance of Solar Lamp. 

The Observation on field level is very encouraging. Both boy and girl students are now using the lamp for their studies. Besides, it is also very useful for the purpose of domestic use.