Provision & Delivery of Services for Inter-state Migrants

Supporting migrant workers’ access to healthcare, social security, and financial inclusion.

Timeline: 2013 – 2016 | Location: Katedan Industrial Area, Hyderabad

Context: 

Inter-state migrant workers in industrial areas often face significant barriers to accessing healthcare, identity documentation, financial services, and social security systems. Long working hours, unstable living conditions, and lack of institutional support further increase their vulnerability and exclusion from essential public services.

Project Approach: 

Supported by the Sir Dorabji Tata Trust, the project focused on creating accessible, community-based support systems for migrant workers and their families in the Katedan industrial area. The initiative combined direct service delivery with financial literacy, documentation support, and livelihood enhancement programmes.

Building Access and Support Systems: 

• Organised health camps in partnership with the Red Cross across migrant settlements
• Supported workers in accessing pensions, Aadhaar cards, and ESI services
• Conducted financial literacy sessions and distributed financial diaries
• Assisted migrant workers in opening no-frills bank accounts
• Established a skill development centre with Mahila Sanatkar for migrant women
• Provided stitching and tailoring training to enhance livelihood opportunities

Key Learnings:

• Migrant workers often remain excluded from welfare systems due to documentation barriers
• Community-based outreach significantly improves trust and participation
• Financial literacy and banking access are critical for long-term security
• Women-focused livelihood programmes strengthen household resilience and income stability

Why We Think This Matters: Migrant workers are central to urban economies yet frequently remain invisible within public systems. The project worked to strengthen access, dignity, and social protection for migrant communities by connecting them to essential services and livelihood opportunities.