Vulnerable Occupational Groups Formation – Mission for Elimination of Poverty in Municipal Areas, Andhra Pradesh

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Case Study

Empowering Urban Livelihoods through Vulnerable Occupational Groups Formation

The “Vulnerable Occupational Groups Formation” initiative, launched under the aegis of the Mission for Elimination of Poverty in Municipal Areas (MEPMA), Andhra Pradesh, is a pioneering program targeted at addressing the socio-economic vulnerabilities of urban informal workers. Spearheaded as part of the DAY-NULM framework and operational from November 1, 2024, the project aims to uplift transport workers, gig workers, domestic workers, sanitation and waste workers, care workers, and construction workers—segments often overlooked in the broader urban poverty alleviation narrative.

The program was conceptualized in recognition of the pressing challenges faced by these occupational groups, including income instability, lack of savings, dependence on informal lenders, and minimal access to social security schemes. These groups typically operate in unorganized sectors, making them susceptible to occupational hazards, economic shocks, and systemic exclusion from formal financial institutions. By identifying these issues, the initiative set forth to organize these individuals into structured collectives known as Common Interest Groups (CIGs), thereby providing a platform for collective empowerment, financial inclusion, and access to welfare entitlements.

The implementation of the initiative followed a meticulous, phased approach. Beginning in October 2024, survey formats were finalized in collaboration with project directors, technical experts, and community organizers. A mobile-based application was developed to streamline data collection and monitoring. Nodal officers were designated for each pilot city in Andhra Pradesh, and both district and urban local body (ULB) level executive committees were constituted to oversee the rollout of NULM 2.0. A series of workshops at both the state and district levels ensured capacity building across implementation tiers—from municipal coordinators and data entry officers to grassroots resource persons.

Strategically, the project focused on organizing workers through CIGs based on occupational categories and physical work locations—such as auto stands for transport workers and community clusters for domestic workers. These CIGs not only acted as support systems but also served as mechanisms for facilitating access to banking services, promoting savings habits, and raising awareness about financial instruments and social protection schemes. MEPMA worked in close collaboration with departments such as Labour, ICDS, Road & Transport, and Urban Health and Sanitation to gather relevant data and facilitate services.

Despite a clear vision, the program encountered significant implementation challenges. Reaching and engaging members of vulnerable groups required intensive outreach, often hampered by their unpredictable work hours and geographic dispersion. Motivating them to participate in collective action, especially in environments where trust in formal structures was low, required sustained handholding. Creating awareness about financial and social security services posed another barrier, primarily due to low levels of digital and financial literacy among beneficiaries. Furthermore, instilling a culture of saving among daily wage earners—who were often living hand-to-mouth—proved to be a behavioral shift that needed repeated reinforcement.

Notwithstanding these hurdles, the program achieved remarkable outcomes within a short span. By March 2025, a total of 1,949 CIGs had been formed across the country, of which 818—representing 42%—were established in Andhra Pradesh alone, under the stewardship of MEPMA. Through these groups, over 4,090 individuals were formally onboarded into financial systems, receiving savings accounts, credit linkages, and information on social protection programs. Many beneficiaries experienced improved income stability, enhanced entrepreneurial opportunities, and increased access to insurance and welfare schemes, thus marking the first step in their transition from informal to organized work sectors.

The initiative’s impact extended beyond individual empowerment. By structurally organizing informal workers into occupational clusters, the project contributed to the formalization of the urban economy. It enabled municipal administrations to better understand and cater to the needs of these populations, resulting in more targeted policy-making. Moreover, the empowerment of care and domestic workers, often women, addressed gender-based disparities and promoted inclusive development.

MEPMA’s strategy of regular monitoring, policy feedback, and stakeholder consultations played a vital role in adapting the program for improved effectiveness. Feedback loops were integrated into the monitoring system to refine implementation based on ground realities. Paper clippings and media coverage helped create public awareness and visibility, amplifying the message of the initiative and motivating further participation.

Several lessons emerged from the execution of the program. First, the importance of targeted outreach was underscored, as traditional communication methods were insufficient to engage highly mobile and marginalized populations. Second, the value of community formation came into sharp focus; close-knit groups were not only more resilient but also more proactive in seeking entitlements. Third, the transformative power of financial inclusion became evident as access to credit and insurance significantly reduced the financial precarity of members. Fourth, inter-agency collaboration was key to avoiding duplication of efforts and ensuring a coordinated delivery of services. Lastly, the initiative revealed the indispensable role of ongoing education and awareness campaigns in enabling individuals to make informed decisions.

Looking ahead, the project demonstrates strong scalability and replicability potential. It can be extended to other urban areas and expanded to include other vulnerable groups such as street vendors and migrant laborers. Integration with other government schemes—such as health insurance programs or skill development missions—can multiply its impact. Additionally, the use of digital tools and mobile platforms for real-time data collection, service delivery, and beneficiary engagement can streamline operations and reduce overhead costs.

In conclusion, the “Vulnerable Occupational Groups Formation” initiative stands as a model for innovative urban poverty alleviation. It addresses systemic issues through a holistic, participatory approach that bridges the gap between vulnerable populations and formal support systems. Under the visionary leadership of officials like Mission Director N. Tej Bharath, IAS, MEPMA has set a benchmark in how local governance can drive inclusive economic growth. The project’s success reaffirms that with the right institutional support, community engagement, and policy innovation, even the most marginalized segments of society can achieve sustainable livelihoods and dignity.

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For more information, please contact:
Tej Bharath N at mdmepma2@apmepma.gov.in

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