From Skilled Worker to Swachhta Udyami: Diwakar Kumar's Journey towards Self-Reliance

Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment

From Skilled Worker to Swachhta Udyami:

Diwakar Kumar's Journey towards Self-Reliance

Posted On: 08 SEP 2026 8:04PM by PIB Delhi At 26, Shri Diwakar Kumar represents the determination and entrepreneurial spirit of young Indians who are using skills, technology and government support to build sustainable livelihoods. A native of Bihar and educated up to the 12th standard, he began his professional journey with the aspiration of creating a secure future for himself and his family.

Demonstrating the possibilities created through mechanised sanitation and enterprise support, Diwakar has progressed from a skilled sewer and septic tank worker to a self-reliant Swachhta Udyami under the NAMASTE-SUY Initiative. His journey reflects how practical experience, continuous learning and timely assistance can help young workers establish dignified and sustainable livelihoods.

In pursuit of wider professional opportunities, Diwakar moved to Noida on the advice of his friend, Shri Dharmendra Kumar Ray. He joined Shiva and Shiva, an approved company working under the Greater Noida Authority, where he gained valuable exposure to mechanised sanitation services.

During his employment, Diwakar learned to operate and handle Jetting-cum-Grabber Machines used for sewer and septic tank cleaning. Through dedication, hard work and a willingness to learn, he acquired practical knowledge and technical experience within a year. The experience enabled him to recognise mechanised sanitation as a field offering safety, dignity, professional growth and sustainable livelihood opportunities.

Inspired by these possibilities, Diwakar decided to move towards entrepreneurship and independently manage sanitation operations. With the goal of building a better future for himself and his family, he applied along with his friend for assistance under the Swachhta Udyami Yojana SUY) component of the NAMASTE Initiative.

Under NAMASTE-SUY, Diwakar received financial assistance in the form of an upfront capital subsidy for procuring sanitation machinery and a vehicle. The assistance enabled him to purchase a Jetting-cum- Grabber Machine along with a Mahindra Maxx City CBC 1.3 LX vehicle. Against a total project cost of Rs. 14,77,500, a loan of Rs. 7,38,750 and a capital subsidy of Rs. 7,38,750 were provided. The support was extended on 3rd October 2025.Access to the machinery and vehicle became an important milestone in Diwakar's professional journey. It expanded his work opportunities and gave him the confidence to manage mechanised sanitation operations independently. The intervention strengthened both his earning capacity and his professional identity as a skilled sanitation entrepreneur.

Today, Diwakar earns approximately Rs. 40,000-Rs. 50,000 per month. Despite paying a monthly EMI of Rs. 22,000, he reports savings of around Rs. 25,000-Rs. 30,000 through regular work opportunities and improved financial management. His stable livelihood has strengthened his financial security and enabled him to plan confidently for the future.

The progress achieved through the initiative has encouraged Diwakar to pursue important personal milestones. He is preparing for his marriage and aspires to purchase a house where he can bring his parents and live together with them. For Diwakar, owning a home represents not only financial progress but also the fulfilment of his wish to provide his parents with a comfortable and secure life.

The NAMASTE-SUY intervention has strengthened Diwakar's economic condition, confidence and dignity of work. Standing proudly beside his mechanised sanitation vehicle, he embodies the transformative impact of skills, opportunity and self-belief. His journey from acquiring technical experience to becoming a Swachhta Udyami demonstrates how targeted assistance can foster entrepreneurship and help individuals create a secure future for themselves and their families.

SS-69-TAR-KV-GA-RK

Date: 8.9.26 (Release ID: 2308007) Visitor Counter : 371

Read this release in: Urdu , ही , Kannada