For sanitation workers from socially and economically disadvantaged backgrounds, limited education, irregular earnings and dependence on physically demanding work can make financial security difficult to achieve. Timely support for mechanised sanitation services can open a pathway to safer work, self-employment and dignity.

Demonstrating the impact of the Swachhta Udyami Yojana (SUY) under the NAMASTE Scheme, Kailash Chander, a 63-year-old sanitation worker belonging to the Scheduled Caste-Valmiki community from Jhunjhunu district, Rajasthan, transitioned from physically demanding sewer cleaning work to operating his own mechanised sanitation-service enterprise.

A resident of Harijan Basti, Gudha Gorji, Kailash Chander studied up to the sixth standard and spent much of his life undertaking sanitation-related work to support his family. Limited livelihood opportunities and financial hardship compelled him to continue working as a sewer cleaning worker for many years, despite the occupational risks and modest earnings associated with the work.

His challenges became more pronounced with advancing age. The work remained physically strenuous, while low and unstable income, limited technical skills, social challenges linked to caste and occupation, and restricted access to sustainable livelihood opportunities made it difficult to build financial security.

Kailash Chander nevertheless remained committed to earning with dignity. Married and living with his wife, he has three sons who are married and reside separately with their families. He strongly believes in self-reliance and wanted to manage his own and his wife's expenses without becoming financially dependent on his children.

A transformative opportunity came through the Swachhta Udyami Yojana, implemented under the NAMASTE Scheme. On 24 September 2025, he received financial assistance in the form of an upfront capital subsidy for purchasing a tractor fitted with a suction machine to undertake sanitation services independently.

The total project cost was ₹11.86 lakh, comprising a loan of ₹5.93 lakh and a capital subsidy of ₹5.93 lakh. This support enabled him to establish a mechanised sanitation-service business and move away from dependence on strenuous manual work.

The tractor-cum-suction machine brought a significant change to his livelihood. Mechanisation made the work safer and more dignified, strengthened his income-generating capacity and allowed him to build upon his experience in sanitation services as an entrepreneur.

Kailash Chander now provides sewer cleaning and sanitation services in Nagar Panchayat Udaipurwati and nearby areas of Jhunjhunu district. The enterprise has also created employment for one driver and one helper, whom he pays approximately ₹12,000 and ₹8,000 per month respectively.

Even after meeting operational expenses and paying a monthly EMI of ₹8,267, he is able to generate savings of approximately ₹8,000-₹10,000 per month. The regular surplus has improved his financial stability and enabled him to support himself and his wife independently.

Before receiving assistance, Kailash Chander depended on physically demanding sewer cleaning work that offered limited earnings and little long-term security. After receiving support, he became the owner of a mechanised sanitation enterprise with a steadier livelihood and the capacity to provide employment to others.

The intervention has improved not only his income but also his confidence and quality of life. At 63, he continues to work with pride through his own business and remains financially independent, reflecting the determination and self-respect that have guided his journey.

Support under NAMASTE-SUY has helped replace hazardous and strenuous work with a safer, technology-enabled livelihood. It has also demonstrated how targeted financial assistance can help sanitation workers become entrepreneurs while promoting mechanised sanitation services.

Kailash Chander's journey from a sewer cleaning worker to a sanitation entrepreneur is an inspiring example of dignity, resilience and self-reliance. His enterprise now supports his household, serves communities across Udaipurwati and nearby areas, and provides livelihoods to two additional workers.

Through the Swachhta Udyami Yojana under NAMASTE, a lifetime of physically demanding work has been transformed into an opportunity for safer employment, entrepreneurship and lasting financial independence.

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