Brief note on Urja Yatra-2017 as part of Rashtriya Urja Jan

Jagriti Abhiyan(RUJJA)
Background:
Indias initiatives in the RE sector, commitments at Paris, Challenges in
Energy self reliance and the problems in energy consumption at the
grass root level due to infrastructure, service, technical and financial
issues call for a Saffron Revolution as the need of the hour. This
also has the potential to tap massive job opportunities, especially
skilled ones, in the RE sector. VIBHA is embarking on a second Urja
Yatra as part of RUJJA for catalyzing a mass movement towards this
end.

Objectives:
1. Spread the message of sustainability and propagation of RE
technologies among school, college and professional students,young
professionals, entrepreneurs, peoples representatives from Panchayat
to Parliament, working class and the general public.
2. Assessment of availability of power, type of power as well as quality
at grassroot and peoples perception.
3. Create a network of energy ambassadors for transformation of the
energy sector.
4. Encourage innovation, entrepreneurship and skill development in RE
and climate friendly technologies, especially among professional
students and young professionals and establish effective linkages to
programs like Skill India and Start up India, Academia and Industry.
5. Facilitation of multi disciplinary linkages for innovation, technology
transfer and funding mechanisms.

Action Plan:
URJA
YATRA
from
Feb.2017,5Yatras.
A.Pre-Yatra

3rd

Feb.2017(Ratha

Sapthami)-18th

1.National level competition(online) for school students, college &

professional students, young professionals and teachers in innovative
ideas, working models and creative teaching.
2. Establishing nodal linkages through Urja Vahini (URVA-energy club)
units at schools,@100 per yatra route.
3. Pre-Yatra survey to assess need, availability, type and quality of
power on the ground, so as to formulate the content of communication
materials.
4. Formation of Committees at the national, State and District/Local
level
5. Preparation of audio, video and print material as well as messaging
through various art forms for the Yatras in local languages, Hindi and
English.
6. Publicity through various media, including social media.
7. Preparation of an IT backbone for data collection, analysis,
communication and monitoring during the various phases (pre-yatra,
yatra and post-yatra) including a mobile app for the purpose.
8. Competitions at the local level with award ceremonies during yatra
programs, round tables with participation across relevant sectors for
identification and analysis of specific issues.
9.Enlisting support from various govt. agencies /organizations including
N.C.C.,N.S.S.,AICTE,CBSE,ICSE, State boards, Ministries at central and
state level, Agencies for RE at state level(CREDA,MEDA etc.),PSUs,
Private industries and industrial organizations.

B. Yatra:
5 Yatras, each covering 1500-1800 kms. In 15days(+ I rest
day) with about 5 programs per day
Will include a group of vehicles, including electric and solar driven,
(ideally with e-rikshaws as pilots) ,a mobile exhibition and stage with
audio and video facilities, nukkad dramas, songs, speeches, handouts,
documentation and spot surveys, meetings at schools, colleges,
professional and R&D institutions and public assemblies.
Manpower for various functions.

C.Post Yatra
1. Ground level peoples report on technology, infrastructure, resources
and manpower needs for optimum utilization of RE power and
sustainable approaches and strategies for bridging the gaps.
2. Facilitating development of modules for education, skill development
and Entrepreneurship development in RE power and sustainability
domains in school and college curricula and beyond after review of
existing materials/opportunities.
3. Strengthening University linkages to Skill India& Start Up in
RE/Sustainability domains
4. Policy level inputs based on Yatra feedback
5. Formation/strengthening of groups for exchange of experience,
technology and support.
6. User level information support mechanisms, both online and offline,
for installation, maintenance and funding of RE systems.
7. Follow up of the key takeaways/recommendations of various round
tables
8. Establishment of further 1000 URVA units to spread /introduce RE
power and sustainability concepts.

Support from the ministry:

1. Members for National and State level organizing committees for
coordination with ministry/state level agencies, Communication to
state power/RE ministers and secretaries and a meeting with
secretaries of state energy development agencies.
2. Support for preparation of audio, video and print materials.
3. Funding support for
a. 1500 URVA units (500 pre-yatra and additional 1000 post yatra,
proposal has already been submitted)
b. Content development for audio, video and print.
c. Yatra (Vehicles- including maximum electric vehicles two
wheelers, four wheelers and e-rikshaws, fuel, manpower &publicity)

d. Post Yatra skill development initiatives

e platform for information dissemination on RE technologies,
resources, career opportunities and discussion fora.