CBM India Drives Rural Transformation with Clean Energy, Water and STEM Initiatives
By combining clean energy, water access and education, the programme aims to build healthier, more resilient communities while supporting long-term social and economic development.
CSR-backed programme spans Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh to improve health, education and livelihoods
Bengaluru: CBM India Trust, a development organisation focused on improving the lives of persons with disabilities and marginalised communities, has rolled out a multi-sector rural initiative spanning Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Madhya Pradesh, targeting clean energy access, safe drinking water, and STEM-based education.
The programme, supported through a corporate CSR initiative, aims to address fundamental development challenges in underserved communities by integrating sustainable infrastructure with social impact interventions.
As part of the initiative, over 560 improved cookstoves have been distributed in Tamil Nadu, helping reduce indoor air pollution and improve household health, particularly for women and children who are most exposed to smoke from traditional cooking methods. The energy-efficient stoves also reduce firewood consumption, easing the burden on rural households.
To enhance energy access, 100 solar home lighting systems and 10 solar-powered streetlights have been installed, providing reliable and clean electricity in remote areas. The intervention enables extended study hours for children and improves safety and community activity after dark.
The initiative also focuses on education through the establishment of eight STEM laboratories in government schools across the three states. These labs are designed to promote hands-on learning, particularly among first-generation learners, and encourage participation in science and technology fields.
In addition, four water ATMs have been set up to provide safe drinking water in villages, reducing dependence on unsafe sources and lowering the risk of waterborne diseases.
“Sustainability was at the heart of how we designed this program. We chose to work with existing public infrastructure so that the benefits continue even beyond the project lifecycle,” said Sony Thomas, Executive Director, CBM India Trust.
By combining clean energy, water access and education, the programme aims to build healthier, more resilient communities while supporting long-term social and economic development, the organisation said in a statement on Thursday.
CBM India Trust works across 17 states and union territories, focusing on inclusive development and enabling access to health, education and livelihood opportunities for vulnerable populations.
