The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has launched a Request for Proposal (RFP) inviting reputed consultancy firms for the evaluation of its Human Resource Development (HRD) Programme implemented between 2021-22 and 2025-26. This programme was aimed at institutionalizing renewable energy education and training to develop skilled manpower in the sector. It covers short-term training, fellowships for higher studies, research, internships, and infrastructure development in educational institutions. A total financial outlay of ₹200 crore was sanctioned for the programme over five years.
Under the HRD Programme, key training initiatives include the Suryamitra scheme for solar PV technicians, Varunmitra for solar water pumping, Vayumitra for wind energy, and Biomitra for biomass. These skill development programs were implemented through institutions like the National Institute of Solar Energy (NISE), National Institute of Wind Energy (NIWE), and National Institute of Bio-Energy (NIBE). Additionally, supervisory and managerial training was conducted for professionals, engineers, and officers involved in renewable energy projects.
A significant component is the National Renewable Energy Fellowship scheme, which supports M.Sc., M.Tech., Ph.D., JRF, SRF, and post-doctoral research in renewable energy. Each year, 150 new fellowships are awarded, with ongoing support continuing from the previous scheme period. Institutions must be among the top 100 under the National Institutional Ranking Framework to qualify for fellowships and laboratory upgrade grants.
The HRD Programme also includes the establishment of Renewable Energy Chairs in leading academic institutions, with a grant of ₹1.5 crore per chair. Five such chairs are planned in areas like solar, wind, hydrogen, biomass, and biogas. The Renewable Energy Internship scheme provides students with internship opportunities at MNRE and its affiliated institutions, with a stipend of ₹15,000 per month for physical internships.
The selected consultancy firm will evaluate the utility and effectiveness of these HRD components. The evaluation includes assessing the impact on employment, effectiveness of fellowships and internships, infrastructure development, and availability of in-house training by RE companies. The firm must submit a technical proposal, a financial proposal, and an earnest money deposit of ₹40,000 by July 15, 2025. The evaluation will follow a Quality and Cost-Based Selection method with 70% weight for technical and 30% for financial proposals.
The consultancy work must be completed within two months of the award. Payment will be released in stages based on the submission of the inception, draft, and final reports. All reports, data, and findings will remain the property of MNRE, with a strict non-disclosure agreement in place. The entire exercise will help the ministry review the effectiveness of its HRD strategy and guide future interventions in developing renewable energy expertise in the country.
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