Energetica India Magazine -October 2020

Is the availability of right kind of skilled manpower in the Indian renewables industry a challenge? What more could be done to tap this as an opportunity for India? Priyanka Mohan : No not at all, right kind of skilled man- power is available easily. There are many simple short courses are available that are too free of cost from the government institution at many places. There are many private bodies that are taking initiative to provide right trainings that too, on very nominal charges. So there are many skilled manpower available and we can hire them for our project execution. There are many institutions providing skilled training like National Institute of Solar Energy, Oorja trainings and Delhi Institute of Solar Energy and Technology etc. But, I think, government should come up with supportive pol- icies and smooth system for net metering. State policies to favour net metering for industrial as well as commer- cial buildings. What is your message for other women on joining the renewable energy industry in terms of scope and op- portunities in the sector? What skill sets they require? Priyanka Mohan : I believe Women have Undefined and unlimited Calibre. They have the ability to adapt and extremely good management skills. Nowadays, women are Electrical Engineers, Civil Engi- neers and into Designing Profession also. So they could be into solar system designing, good Project Manager or Project Head to execute project timely within costs. Women could be the owner of the company and run WOMEN INFLUENCERS “Government should come up with supportive policies and smooth sys- tem for net metering.” her organisation also like me. How important is the role of family in maintaining a balance between office work and family life for a work - ing woman? Priyanka Mohan : I believe women are actually better than men .They undergo several physical and emotion- al changes in life and play several roles as daughter, sister, daughter-in-law, mother etc. I did not ever ask for any type of concession or waiver at work and exhorted women to “Be Professional”. I am actually blessed to have good supportive family, colleagues and friends, especially, my Son who always motivates me to do my best. That’s why I am doing best. Where did you see Indian renewable energy industry’s road towards ‘AatmNirbhar’ in next five years? Priyanka Mohan : Now is the time to focus on domestic manufacturing which would help conserve substantial foreign exchange and create atleast 3 to 4 lakh jobs in next five years. About 63 per cent of cell manufacturing capacity and 43 per cent of module manufacturing facilities in India are located at SEZs. Government should support local manufacturing and came up with supportive plans for SMEs as well, so they would get a chance in manufac- turing and would be able to export as well as cater to domestic market. Hence, achieve economies of scale. What will be your suggestions for women taking a mid-career break and want to return to work? Priyanka Mohan : There are certain roles and responsibil- ity which nature has option other than Female. But, bi- ologically, God has chosen us (Females) to give birth to child and during this period I guess every woman has to take mid-career break during pregnancy. I believe this is a natural process so there is no harm in taking small break for family planning. As an individual, I also took a break for 2 years, infact, and then I joined back new company as a Professional. This is quite obvious and important too. I think women are borne best managers and they can manage any situation depending upon their priorities. Now, organ- isations have certain leave policies for women as well and they can plan accordingly. energetica INDIA- October_2020 39