The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment has highlighted the success story of a young entrepreneur from Bihar who has built a sanitation business with government support. Twenty-six-year-old Diwakar Kumar has moved from working as a sewer and septic tank cleaner to running his own mechanised sanitation enterprise. His case shows how the NAMASTE-SUY initiative helps skilled workers transition to business ownership.
How the scheme worked for Diwakar
Diwakar completed 12th standard schooling and moved to Noida to work with an approved sanitation company operating under Greater Noida Authority. Within a year, he learned to operate Jetting-cum-Grabber Machines used for cleaning sewers and septic tanks. This hands-on experience convinced him that mechanised sanitation offered stable income and professional dignity.
In October 2025, Diwakar received assistance under the Swachhta Udyami Yojana (SUY) component of the NAMASTE Initiative. Against a total project cost of Rs. 14,77,500, he received equal parts loan and subsidy: Rs. 7,38,750 as a loan and Rs. 7,38,750 as an upfront capital grant. This money allowed him to purchase a Jetting-cum-Grabber Machine and a Mahindra vehicle for independent operations.
Financial outcome
- Monthly income: Rs. 40,000 to Rs. 50,000
- Monthly loan repayment: Rs. 22,000
- Monthly savings: Rs. 25,000 to Rs. 30,000
What this means for you
If you work in manual sanitation roles and want to start your own business, the NAMASTE-SUY scheme offers both loans and grants to help you buy equipment. The scheme recognises that skilled workers often lack capital but have the practical knowledge needed to succeed as entrepreneurs. Diwakar’s stable monthly savings now allow him to plan major life goals like marriage and buying a home, showing that government support can genuinely improve earning power and financial security for sanitation workers willing to transition to mechanised operations.