Source: Press Information Bureau (PIB), Government of India — Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment · PIB Delhi · Read the original release on pib.gov.in
- Manikala Durga's journey towards economic self-reliance
Providing timely support for livelihood activities can provide opportunities to increase income, strengthen family economic security, and promote greater dignity and self-reliance. Financial assistance can play an important role in helping people from disadvantaged communities start sustainable livelihoods and improve their economic conditions.
Ms Manikala Durga, 39, belongs to the Scheduled Tribe (ST) community and has been working as a ragpicker in the Guntur Municipal Corporation for the last 15 years. Coming from a financially weak family, she could not go to school and remained illiterate. Before receiving assistance, their livelihood depended primarily on ragpicking. She used to earn around Rs 8,000 a month from this work. Due to limited income, it was difficult for them to manage household expenses and provide better opportunities to their children.
Ms. Durga and her three other colleagues received financial assistance under the ‘Swachhata Udyami Yojana (SUY)’ of the National Safai Karmachari Finance and Development Corporation through ‘Navjeevan Sangathan’. This assistance was given in the form of advance capital subsidy for purchasing de-silting machine (excavator with backhoe bucket) for cleaning open drains. The total cost of this collective project was Rs 35,03,500, which included loan of Rs 21,27,624 and capital subsidy of Rs 13,75,876. This assistance was provided on 19 June 2023.
By making good use of the financial assistance, Ms. Durga has been able to earn an additional income of around Rs 8,000 every month, taking her total monthly income to around Rs 16,000. This increase in income has strengthened their ability to meet household needs and support their families in a more stable and secure manner.
The assistance received under the SUY scheme has significantly improved the economic condition of Ms. Durga and has given her the opportunity to earn a more sustainable livelihood. While increased earning capacity has increased their financial security and self-confidence, they are also able to contribute better to the welfare of their families and the education and future of their children.
Expressing her satisfaction, Ms. Durga said, "This financial assistance has helped me increase my income and improve the financial condition of my family. It has given me more confidence and financial stability. It has also given me an opportunity to work towards a better future for my children."
The journey of Ms. Manikala Durga highlights how timely financial assistance and livelihood support can help people from disadvantaged communities improve their earning capacity and achieve economic self-reliance. Their experience shows how targeted economic assistance creates sustainable livelihood opportunities, strengthens families and promotes a more dignified and self-reliant society.
This is the official press release issued by the Press Information Bureau (PIB), and is published without changes.
