For nearly 20 years, Shiv Lal (44) of Rajasthan’s Jhunjhunu district worked as a sewer and septic tank cleaning helper, earning about Rs 6,000 per month to support his family. Belonging to the Scheduled Caste (SC) Valmiki community and educated only up to Class VIII, he faced limited employment opportunities and struggled to meet household expenses and fund his children’s education.
Married since 2002, Shiv Lal lives with his wife, a homemaker, and their two children. While his 19-year-old son has recently enrolled in college, his 10-year-old daughter continues her school education. Despite financial hardship, he remained determined to secure a better future for his family.
Years of sanitation work offered little scope for economic growth. Low wages, limited skills and social stigma associated with the profession made financial independence difficult. Yet Shiv Lal nurtured a dream of becoming self-employed by owning a Tractor-cum-Suction Machine to provide sanitation services independently.
A major breakthrough came on August 12, 2025, when he received support under the Swachhta Udyami Yojana (SUY), a component of the NAMASTE Scheme. The assistance enabled him to purchase the machine and launch his own sanitation enterprise. The project cost totaled Rs 11.34 lakh, including a Rs 7.25 lakh loan and a Rs 4.08 lakh capital subsidy, helping him overcome a significant financial barrier.
Today, Shiv Lal runs his own sanitation services business. After meeting monthly loan repayments of around Rs 18,186 and labor expenses of nearly Rs 8,000, he earns a net surplus of approximately Rs 10,000-12,000 per month. The increase from his earlier income has improved his family’s financial stability and strengthened his ability to support his children’s education.
Beyond higher earnings, entrepreneurship has boosted his confidence, dignity and self-reliance. Shiv Lal’s success story highlights how targeted financial assistance and access to productive assets can transform the lives of sanitation workers. His journey from a low-paid helper to an independent entrepreneur reflects the impact of inclusive welfare initiatives in creating sustainable livelihoods and empowering marginalized communities.
