Due to lockdown a large number of migrant workers (mostly daily wage earners) are stuck in cities with little food and money. They are in very vulnerable situations. The following critical measures need to be undertaken to reduce their vulnerability and keep them safe.

7.1.4.1 Food and Non-Food support to migrant families

Priority: Immediate

Please refer to Appendix B1 & B2 for further details.

Areas where Civil Society Organizations can help:

• Support govt in locating & building a database of the vulnerable migrant families stuck due to lockdown.
• Procurement and distribution of food and non-food items to the migrant families.

7.1.4.2 Safe place to stay

Priority: Immediate

Many migrant labourer families were staying in makeshift arrangements near to construction / working sites. Once national lockdowns were announced, many of them are in crowded places where it is difficult to maintain any physical distancing measures. There is an immediate requirement for linking them to safe places to stay till the clampdown comes to a normal stage, like the Govt supported camps or civil society operated centres.

Areas where Civil Society Organizations can help:

• Support govt in locating & building a database of the vulnerable migrant families in need of a safe place to stay.
• Running of such safe short stay centers for migrant labourers families following physical distancing norms.

7.1.4.3 Basic Financial Support

Priority: Immediate

There will be some migrant families who are having a place of stay, but don’t have money to sustain their life. Many state governments have started to transfer some benefits to these families via Direct Benefit Transfers (DBT). However, there will be a good number of such families who are not receiving support for various reasons. Thus in addition to the dry ration, some financial support needs to be provided to keep their dignity and ability to meet their needs and requirements.

Areas where Civil Society Organizations can help:

• Support govt in locating & building a database of the vulnerable migrant families in need of such support.

7.1.4.4 Psycho-Social Support to the needy and vulnerable

Priority: Subsequent

This type of pandemic creates a lot of mental strain, anxiety and depression. This might create impediments for them to return to their normal life. Thus there will be a need to provide counseling by trained counsellors for providing psycho-social support.

Areas where Civil Society Organizations can help:

• Support govt in setting up such support mechanisms.
• Support the government with professionals to run such services in the state/districts.