Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment
Mekala Yesamma’s Journey towards Economic Empowerment
प्रविष्टि तिथि: 06 OCT 2026 7:58PM by PIB Delhi
Financial assistance can play an important role in helping individuals from disadvantaged communities establish sustainable livelihoods and improve their economic condition. Timely support for self-employment can create new income opportunities, strengthen family financial security and promote greater dignity in livelihood.
Ms. Mekala Yesamma, aged 33, belongs to the Scheduled Tribe (ST) community and had been working as a waste picker in the Guntur Municipal Corporation for nearly 12 years. Coming from a financially disadvantaged family, she could not attend school and remained illiterate. Her family faced persistent economic hardships, while limited income and restricted access to opportunities made it difficult for her to meet household needs and secure a better future for her children.
On 19 June 2023, Ms. Yesamma, along with one other member, 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 capital subsidy for a group project to procure an Open Nallah Cleaner (Tractor-Mounted). The total project cost was Rs. 16,99,952, supported by a loan of Rs. 10,24,964 and capital subsidy of Rs. 6,74,988.
Before receiving the assistance, Ms. Yesamma earned approximately Rs. 8,000 per month through waste-picking activities. With the support provided under the SUY scheme and the resulting livelihood opportunity, she now earns an additional Rs. 10,000 per month, taking her total monthly income to approximately Rs. 18,000. The increase in income has strengthened her ability to meet household expenses, support her children’s education and improve the overall standard of living of her family.
The support provided under the SUY scheme has significantly improved Ms. Yesamma’s socio-economic condition and provided her with an opportunity to pursue a more productive and dignified livelihood. The intervention has enhanced her financial security and confidence while reducing her dependence on limited sources of income.
Expressing her gratitude, Ms. Mekala Yesamma said, “The financial assistance under the SUY scheme has helped me improve my livelihood and increase my monthly income. It has made it easier for me to meet my family’s needs, support my children’s education and work towards a more secure future.”
Ms. Mekala Yesamma’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 SUY in creating sustainable livelihood opportunities and promoting dignity, financial security and a stronger, more self-reliant society.
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SS-117-TEL-SUY-YES
Date: 06.10.26
(रिलीज़ आईडी: 2319800) आगंतुक पटल : 111
