The Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment showcased the success story of Sanjay Kumar, a 42-year-old contractual sanitation worker from Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh, under the National Action for Mechanised Sanitation Ecosystem (NAMASTE) Scheme. Mr. Kumar, who previously earned approximately ₹12,000 per month supporting his family of six, attended an awareness camp at the Ghaziabad Municipal Corporation where he learned about the Swachhta Udyami Yojana (SUY).
Through the scheme, he received financial assistance during 2021–22 consisting of a ₹3.64 lakh capital subsidy from the Ministry and a ₹5.91 lakh loan from Canara Bank to procure a desludging vehicle with a total project cost of ₹9.55 lakh. This support enabled his transition from contractual employment to self-employment as a mechanised sanitation service provider.
Mr. Kumar's monthly income increased substantially to approximately ₹60,000–₹65,000 through his sanitation services business. After meeting operational expenses, he now saves around ₹25,000 every month, significantly improving his family's financial stability and future planning capabilities. The case demonstrates how targeted financial assistance through capital subsidy and institutional credit can create economic empowerment opportunities for sanitation workers.