NAMASTE Scheme: Sanitation Worker Karnati Srinivas Rao Improves Family's Financial Status by Becoming Sanitation Entrepreneur
Karnati Srinivas Rao, a sanitation worker with the Vijayawada Municipal Corporation, has increased his income and provided financial security to his family with the help of the NAMASTE scheme.
The Sanitation Entrepreneur Scheme, operated under the 'NAMASTE' initiative of the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, is bringing positive changes to the living standards of sanitation workers. Through this scheme, 53-year-old Karnati Srinivas Rao, a sanitation worker employed by the Vijayawada Municipal Corporation, has strengthened his family's economic condition.
Mr. Rao's struggles began in childhood when financial hardships forced him to drop out of school after the sixth grade. He began his career in 2008 as an outsourced sanitation worker for the Vijayawada Municipal Corporation with a monthly salary of only 2,500 rupees. Due to limited education and low income, he faced difficulties finding other employment opportunities, making it challenging to cover household expenses and save for the future. Although his monthly income eventually increased to 22,500 rupees over time, he continued to seek additional sources of income to meet family needs and emergency situations.
His search ended on August 21, 2025, when Mr. Rao and four of his colleagues received financial assistance for a group project under the Sanitation Entrepreneur Scheme. Under this project, a 'Gulper 8 KL Desludging Vehicle' was purchased at a cost of 50 lakh rupees. This total amount included a loan of 31.25 lakh rupees and an advance capital subsidy of 18.75 lakh rupees.
With the help of this mechanized sanitation equipment, Mr. Rao and his group developed a new source of sustainable livelihood. In addition to his regular job, he now earns an additional income of approximately 10,000 rupees per month. As a result, his total monthly income has increased from 22,500 rupees to 32,500 rupees.
This additional income has not only reduced his economic hardships but has also enabled him to better manage household expenses and save for the future. Mr. Rao's experience demonstrates that targeted financial assistance and mechanized sanitation solutions can lead sanitation workers toward a more secure, dignified, and self-reliant future.
