From Waste Picker to Swachhta Udyami: Balamala Malli's Journey Towards Dignity and Self-Reliance
Shri Balamala Malli, a 30-year-old waste picker from Andhra Pradesh, improved his livelihood through the Swachhta Udyami Yojana (SUY) component of the NAMASTE Scheme. Financial assistance enabled a five-member group to procure a 3-in-1 Jetting, Grabbing and Rodding Machine, increasing his monthly income from about Rs. 8,000 to Rs. 18,000. This support helped him achieve economic stability, dignity, and better educational opportunities for his children.
Why It Matters
This press release is relevant for competitive exams under government schemes, social welfare initiatives, and livelihood programs for marginalized communities.
In Simple Words
Sanitation workers from disadvantaged backgrounds often face poverty, social exclusion, and low incomes. Shri Balamala Malli worked as a waste picker in Andhra Pradesh earning Rs. 150 to Rs. 200 daily and faced severe poverty and illiteracy.
Through financial assistance provided on 19 June 2023 by the National Safai Karamcharis Finance and Development Corporation (NSKFDC) under SUY, his group procured a 3-in-1 Jetting, Grabbing and Rodding Machine. This mechanised equipment raised his monthly earnings and improved his family's living standards and dignity.
Key Points
- Shri Balamala Malli is a 30-year-old member of the Scheduled Tribe community.
- He worked as a waste picker with the Guntur Municipal Corporation in Andhra Pradesh for ten years.
- Financial assistance was provided on 19 June 2023 by NSKFDC under the SUY component of the NAMASTE Scheme.
- Assistance was given for a group project of five members to procure a 3-in-1 Jetting, Grabbing and Rodding Machine.
- The total project cost was Rs. 49,40,710, funded through a loan of Rs. 30,80,530 and an upfront capital subsidy of Rs. 18,60,180.
- His monthly income increased from approximately Rs. 8,000 to about Rs. 18,000 after procuring the machine.
- His parents were extremely poor, and he engaged in waste-picking from a young age instead of formal schooling.
- He is married with three children studying in elementary school.
Exam Angle
A. 19 June 2023
Source: Press Information Bureau