Timely support for livelihood activities can provide opportunities to enhance income, strengthen family financial security and promote greater dignity and self-reliance. Financial assistance can play an important role in helping individuals from disadvantaged communities establish sustainable livelihoods and improve their economic condition.

Ms. Manikala Durga, aged 39, belongs to the Scheduled Tribe (ST) community and has been working as a waste picker in the Guntur Municipal Corporation for the past 15 years. Coming from a financially disadvantaged family, she could not attend school and remained illiterate. Before receiving assistance, her livelihood depended primarily on waste-picking activities, through which she earned approximately Rs. 8,000 per month. Her limited income made it difficult to meet household expenses and provide better opportunities for her children.

Ms. Durga, along with three other members, received financial assistance under the Swachhta Udyami Yojana (SUY) of the National Safai Karamcharis Finance and Development Corporation through Navajeevan Organisation. The assistance was provided in the form of an upfront capital subsidy for procurement of a De-Silting Machine for Open Drain Cleaning (Excavator with Backhoe Bucket). The group project had a total project cost of Rs. 35,03,500, comprising a loan of Rs. 21,27,624 and a capital subsidy of Rs. 13,75,876. The support was provided on 19 June 2023.

With the effective utilisation of the financial assistance, Ms. Durga has been able to generate an additional income of approximately Rs. 8,000 per month, taking her total monthly income to around Rs. 16,000. The increase in income has strengthened her ability to meet household needs and support her family in a more stable and secure manner.

The assistance under the SUY scheme has significantly improved Ms. Durga’s economic condition and provided her with an opportunity to pursue a more sustainable livelihood. The increased earning capacity has enhanced her financial security and confidence, while enabling her to contribute more effectively towards the well-being of her family and the education and future of her children.

Ms Durga expressed her contentment and said, ““The financial assistance has helped me increase my income and improve my family’s financial condition. It has given me greater confidence, financial stability and an opportunity to work towards a better future for my children.”

Ms. Manikala Durga’s journey demonstrates how timely financial assistance and livelihood support can enable individuals from disadvantaged communities to improve their earning capacity and move towards economic self-reliance. Her experience reflects the role of targeted financial support in creating sustainable livelihood opportunities, strengthening families and promoting a more dignified and self-reliant society.

SS-119-TAR-KV-GA-RK

Date: 07.10.26

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