India, Oct. 12 -- The Government of India has issued a release:

The National Scheduled Castes Finance and Development Corporation (NSFDC), through its Term Loan Scheme, provides financial assistance to eligible beneficiaries to pursue income-generating activities and work towards economic self-reliance.

For many families dependent on seasonal agricultural work, limited income and a lack of financial resources can make it difficult to establish a stable livelihood.

The journey of Shri Santosh Kumar from Gosainganj Block in Lucknow district of Uttar Pradesh illustrates how such assistance can create opportunities for sustainable self-employment.

Shri Santosh Kumar, 36, and his family previously depended on seasonal agricultural work for their livelihood. With an annual family income of only Rs.70,000 to Rs.80,000, meeting daily household expenses was challenging. Although he possessed driving skills, financial constraints prevented him from purchasing a vehicle and starting his own self-employment venture.

A significant change came when Shri Santosh Kumar received financial assistance of Rs.3 lakh under the NSFDC Term Loan Scheme. With this support, he purchased an auto-rickshaw and started his own business. The assistance enabled him to utilise his driving skills productively and establish a source of regular income, reducing his dependence on seasonal agricultural employment.

Today, Shri Santosh Kumar is successfully operating his auto-rickshaw, and his family's annual income has increased to approximately Rs.2.25 lakh, compared with its earlier earnings of Rs.70,000 to Rs.80,000. This improvement has strengthened the family's financial position and contributed to a better standard of living. His journey reflects the positive impact of access to financial assistance in enabling individuals to overcome economic constraints and build a more secure future.

Shri Santosh Kumar's experience highlights how the NSFDC Term Loan Scheme can support self-employment, promote livelihood opportunities and empower beneficiaries to move towards economic independence. By transforming his driving skills into a sustainable source of income, he has taken a significant step towards self-reliance and a more dignified life for his family.

Disclaimer: Curated by HT Syndication.