ASSESSING PORTABILITY OF SOCIAL PROTECTION & SERVICES AMONG CHILD MIGRANTS IN INDIA

CPR collaborated with UNICEF India to understand the impact of social protection schemes and measures undertaken by the Government of India on womena and children migrants, particularly those engaged in seasonal and circular migration. Spread across five states (Uttar Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Odisha, Maharashtra and Gujarat), the study examined government responses in the wake of the COVID–19 pandemic and resulting migrant crisis, as well as studied measures to improve access to services and portability of social benefits, particularly children. The findings highlight the invisibility of women and children in a labour-centric migration discourse and the need to pay attention to service delivery in urban contexts. Further, it suggests how portability features for migrants could be strengthened within existing schemes and entitlements.