A person's life can change drastically if they have strong determination and timely support. This is the story of 25-year-old Chevuri Anjaneyulu from the Gunthur district in Andhra Pradesh state. He managed to transition from garbage collection work to financial self-sufficiency and became an example of self-respect.
Chevuri Anjaneyulu belongs to the Scheduled Tribe (ST) community. His childhood was not like that of an ordinary child surrounded by toys and books. Due to severe financial hardship, he had to work with his parents at an early age, collecting garbage on the streets. Because of poverty, he never had the opportunity to go to school or receive basic amenities.
Furthermore, he constantly faced discrimination and neglect from society. After marriage, when he took responsibility for supporting his wife and two children, he continued this difficult job for about seven years, providing for his family while moving around and collecting trash.
The turning point in Anjaneyulu's life came when he learned about the 'Swachhata Udyami Yojana' (SUY) program, implemented under the central 'Namaste' (NAMASTE) scheme. Through this, he received direct benefits via the National Sanitation Workers and Development Corporation Fund (NSKFDC).
On June 19, 2023, a group project worth 35 lakh rupees was approved for Anjaneyulu and three of his colleagues. This amount included a loan of 17.5 lakh rupees and a subsidy of 17.5 lakh rupees. Thanks to this financial assistance, Anjaneyulu and his comrades were able to start their new journey as sanitation entrepreneurs, utilizing modern waste management equipment and vehicles.
According to a PIB report, revolutionary changes occurred in Anjaneyulu's income after joining the 'Swachhata Udyami Yojana' program. He now earns an additional approximately 10,000 rupees per month thanks to this new initiative, which has provided financial stability to his family.
However, for Anjaneyulu, the greatest joy was not the increase in earnings, but the ability to give his two children an education that he himself was deprived of in his childhood. Today, both of his children study in a private school with English medium instruction.
This journey, which began with garbage collection, has turned into an example of economic security and social dignity. The story of Chevuri Anjaneyulu proves that if a person at the very bottom of society is provided with the necessary resources and opportunities, they are capable not only of changing their own destiny but also of securing the future of their descendants.