The Kerala government will roll out a major livelihood enhancement programme for Haritha Karma Sena (HKS) workers on August 14, with the state-level launch at Anthoor Municipality in Kannur. The initiative, part of the Kerala Solid Waste Management Project (KSWMP) supported by the World Bank, targets over 7,000 HKS members in 93 urban local bodies (ULBs).
From Waste Collection to Entrepreneurship
Under the scheme, each ULB’s HKS consortium will set up value-added enterprises, opening new income streams for members. Planned activities include cloth bag production, organic fertilizer manufacturing, scrap trading, and sanitary waste collection. The goal is to shift HKS workers from being solely service providers to becoming small-scale entrepreneurs.
Financial Support Without Repayment
KSWMP will provide non-repayable grants to two enterprises in every ULB, with a total allocation of Rs 24 crore. Incubation of 93 enterprise units has already begun. Technical and financial assistance will help HKS groups establish and sustain their businesses.
Inauguration and Key Announcements
At the launch, Minister for Local Self-Government and Excise, M.B. Rajesh, will inaugurate the “Bhoomika” organic fertilizer production and marketing unit by Anthoor’s HKS consortium. Former Minister M.V. Govindan Master MLA will preside over the event. Financial sanction letters for 19 approved Business Development Projects from ULBs including Anthoor, Attingal, Varkkala, Punalur, and Palakkad will also be distributed.
A Step Towards Sustainable Livelihoods
Officials say the project will improve financial stability for HKS workers, who play a vital role in maintaining Kerala’s cleanliness and waste management systems. By creating local enterprises, the state aims to integrate livelihood generation with sustainable waste management and circular economy practices.
Aligning With Kerala’s Green Goals
The scheme is positioned as part of a broader push for eco-friendly economic models, ensuring that waste management creates both environmental and economic benefits. The government hopes the initiative will set a precedent for similar programmes in other states.
