The Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment published a case study showcasing the impact of the Swachhta Udyami Yojana (SUY) scheme implemented through the National Safai Karamcharis Finance and Development Corporation. The document details how 39-year-old Scheduled Tribe waste picker Manikala Durga from Guntur Municipal Corporation received financial assistance under the program on June 19, 2023.
Ms. Durga, who had been working as a waste picker for 15 years with monthly earnings of approximately ₹8,000, received capital subsidy support along with three other members through implementing partner Navajeevan Organisation. The group project involved procurement of a De-Silting Machine for Open Drain Cleaning (Excavator with Backhoe Bucket) with total project cost of ₹35,03,500. The financing structure comprised a loan component of ₹21,27,624 and capital subsidy of ₹13,75,876 provided upfront.
The assistance resulted in Ms. Durga generating additional monthly income of approximately ₹8,000, doubling her total monthly earnings to ₹16,000. This improvement significantly enhanced her ability to meet household expenses and support her family's financial stability. The case study highlights how the scheme has enabled individuals from disadvantaged communities to establish sustainable livelihoods and move toward economic self-reliance through targeted capital equipment funding.
Ms. Durga expressed that the financial assistance has improved her family's financial condition, provided greater confidence and stability, and created better future opportunities for her children. The document serves as an illustrative example of the government's approach to creating sustainable livelihood opportunities through capital subsidy programs for marginalized communities.