Swachhata Udyami Yojana: Waste Picker Manikala Durga Achieves Financial Independence Through Financial Assistance

Initiatives by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment are providing individuals from marginalized communities with opportunities to start sustainable livelihoods and improve their economic status. In this direction, the success of 39-year-old Ms. Manikala Durga, who belongs to the Scheduled Tribe (ST) community, serves as a significant example.

For the past 15 years, Manikala Durga had been working as a waste picker for the Guntur Municipal Corporation. Due to her economically weak background and lack of education, her monthly income was approximately 8,000 rupees, making it difficult for her to manage family expenses and provide better opportunities for her children.

Her situation changed when she and three other colleagues received financial assistance under the 'Swachhata Udyami Yojana (SUY)' of the National Safai Karamcharis Finance and Development Corporation through the 'Navjeevan Organization'. This assistance was provided on June 19, 2023, as an advance capital subsidy to purchase a de-silting machine (excavator with a backhoe bucket) for cleaning open drains.

The total cost of this collective project was 35,03,500 rupees, which included a loan of 21,27,624 rupees and a capital subsidy of 13,75,876 rupees. Through the effective use of this assistance, Ms. Durga's monthly income has increased by an additional 8,000 rupees, bringing her total monthly income to approximately 16,000 rupees.

Expressing satisfaction with her success, Ms. Durga stated that this financial assistance helped her increase her earnings and improve her family's economic condition. It has provided her with greater confidence and financial stability, enabling her to contribute to a better future for her children.