Mission Salamati - Promoting livelihood among COVID-hit families

Center for Monitoring Indian Economy recently released the latest data for unemployment in both urban and rural areas. The figures present an alarming situation. The data shows that the unemployment rate has increased to 8.59 % and 10.69% in rural and urban areas respectively as on June 28. According to the International Labour Organisation, more than 90% of India's workforce is employed in the informal sector. Majority of these are daily wage workers having their source of income from various industries, construction sector etc. With the country wide lockdown, the worst affected in this Corona virus crisis are these daily wagers and labourers. The curfew has robbed them of their daily income. Millions of workers have migrated back to their hometowns. The halt in industrial activity has rendered them helpless. Moody’s, the world renowned rating agency, has estimated that corona pandemic will reduce the country’s growth rate to around 2.5 per cent. Considering the sudden slowdown, it may be difficult for all of them to find jobs

 We plan to conduct short-term training with a view to provide livelihood opportunities to 150 people (one member from one family) so that they are self-reliant. These training opportunities will last 15 to 20 days with a view to support them in opening their micro-enterprises. After completion of training period, the project also intends to support them with a nominal working capital ranging from Rs. 10000 to Rs. 15000 (depending upon the enterprise) to start the work. In case, they need more funds to start, then these people will be linked to banks for credit linkages for sustaining their businesses. These enterprises shall be able to meet the local requirements and also bridge gap between demand and supply. The enterprises will also be linked with existing/new government schemes floated by the government for rehabilitation of those who have been rendered unemployed due to after affects of Covid-19. The project shall be implemented after the lockdown is called off. These people will be equipped with establishing micro-enterprises in the following areas:

1. Mask making
2. Hand sanitizer making
3. Hand-made soaps
4. Online food delivery system & maintaining hygiene
5. Subzi online – app for vegetable vendors
6. Bank-mitra training - Govt. banks, Private Banks, Money transfer, Common-service-centre, Ration Card Application, Form filling assistance, Govt. schemes, forms, documentation and KYC, Cash dispensing, Chalta-Firta Bank, Phone recharge etc.
7. Helpdesk for government schemes
8. Cloth Bags
9. Bio- Sand water filter for clean water
10. Home decor through old jeans & cotton clothes
11. Mobile-cover making

They would be first evaluated for their existing skills and skills gaps would be identified. Then skill up gradation and soft skill training would be provided. People will also be trained on obtaining necessary licenses/registrations for starting their micro-enterprises

After project completion, the project shall be able to achieve the following impact

1. 150 people trained on different skills
2. 150 people supported with seed money
3. 150 people availing government schemes
4. 150 people linked with banks/financial institutions for credit linkages
5. 100 to 150. of enterprises established
6. Average monthly revenue of Rs. 10000 to Rs. 15000