Improving Access to Government Benefits for Internal Seasonal Migrant Workers in India

India witnesses significant internal, seasonal migration, comprising 10% of GDP. These migrants are eligible for five to seven government benefits but only receive one on average due to issues including documentation, digital literacy, language, and awareness. To generate best practices and ultimately inform guidelines for the Indian government through collaboration with Tata Trusts, this project identified five organizations with distinct but promising models which address this problem, with specific focus on serving women and children. The project uncovered effective and cost-efficient processes that provide linkages to the ‘last mile,’ including algorithmic identification of benefit eligibility, community-building through cultural events, and building relationships across policymaking stakeholder groups.

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Hard to Reach

Seasonal migrant workers and their families in India.

Key Takeaways

Indian civil society organizations and Migrant Resource Centres have stepped in to connect migrant workers with their social benefit entitlements. Many have developed several strategies to facilitate access for migrant workers to social benefits including:

1. Ensuring benefits are actually delivered is crucial for building trust among vulnerable migrant workers.
2. Community trust is fundamental to the successful registration and participation of migrant workers in benefit-entitlement programs.
3. Digital strategies must be designed to be accessible and user friendly.
4. Collectivization is a powerful way to mobilize and advocate for the rights of migrant workers.
5. Building networks and partnerships among civil society organizations (CSOs) is vital for enhancing the support system for migrant workers.

Acknowledgments

We extend our deepest gratitude to Tata Trusts, whose partnership and support were instrumental in conducting this comprehensive study. Their commitment to improving the lives of internal seasonal migrants has been invaluable to our efforts. We are also immensely thankful to the numerous civil society organizations that facilitated our research and provided rich learning opportunities. Special thanks to Jan Sahas, Aajeevika Bureau, Youth for Unity and Voluntary Action (YUVA), Centre for Advocacy and Research (CFAR), and Grameen Evam Samajik Vikas Sanstha (GSVS), whose collaboration
and on-ground support were crucial in gathering insights and understanding the complexities faced by the
communities we studied. Our work also benefited greatly from the wisdom and expertise of many researchers and
academics in the field. Their guidance and critiques have not only shaped this study but have also deepened our
understanding of the broader implications of our work. This case study reflects a collective effort, and it is through these partnerships and contributions that we have been able to bring light to important issues and
propose meaningful solutions for internal seasonal migrants.