WOMEN ENTREPRENEURS SPARK A BILLING REVOLUTION WITH PORTABLE PRINTERS

In the context of the Uttar Pradesh State Rural Livelihoods Mission (UPSRLM), the utilization of Sampann thermal printers by village-level women entrepreneurs for door-to-door electricity billing has emerged as a transformative initiative. This case study delves into the successful implementation of this program and its impact on women empowerment and service delivery in rural communities.

In partnership with local electricity distribution companies, UPSRLM identified a need to streamline electricity billing processes in rural areas and enhance last-mile service delivery. Under the program, village-level women entrepreneurs were provided with training on using portable Sampann thermal printers and were equipped with the necessary tools to carry out door-to-door electricity billing. The entrepreneurs were responsible for collecting meter readings, generating bills using the portable printers, delivering them to households within their designated areas, collecting payments and earning part of revenue.

“By equipping women with the tools and skills to engage in economic activities such as electricity billing, initiatives like the one implemented by UPSRLM can drive positive social change and sustainable development at the grassroots level”

Benefits:

Empowerment of Women Entrepreneurs: The initiative empowered women entrepreneurs by providing them with new skills, responsibilities, and income-generating opportunities, thereby contributing to their economic independence and social empowerment.

Improved Service Delivery: By decentralizing the billing process and enabling direct interaction with consumers, the use of portable thermal printers enhanced transparency, accuracy, and efficiency in electricity billing, leading to improved service delivery and customer satisfaction.

Enhanced Financial Inclusion: Through their involvement in electricity billing activities, women entrepreneurs were able to access formal financial services, build financial literacy, and contribute to financial inclusion efforts in rural communities.

Sustainable Business Model: The program created a sustainable business model for women entrepreneurs, enabling them to earn a livelihood while providing essential services to their communities. The use of portable thermal printers facilitated ccost-effective and efficient billing processes, ensuring the viability of the initiative.