Speaker

Ms Aarushi Gupta
Research Associate
Dvara Research Foundation

Delivery of Social Welfare Entitlements in India: Unpacking Exclusion, Grievance Redress, and the Role of Civil Society Organisations

Abstract Narrative

The outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic in India has had far-reaching socio-economic implications in the form of national lockdowns, consequent suspension of economic activity, and reversal of internal migration, to name a few. The lockdown led to significant distress due to employment loss,i wage cuts,ii transportation and food supply disruption,iii and other issues that increased dependency on social safety nets. In response, multiple relief packages were announced by Central and state governments such as ex-gratia food and cash entitlements delivered using the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT)4 and the Public Distribution System (PDS)5 infrastructure.iv We also saw many returning migrant workers returning from urban centresv turn towards the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee (MGNREGA)6 programme to seek temporary work.vi The pandemic has clearly underscored the necessity of such safety nets, but has also brought to surface the gaps that plague their delivery.
Using data from Gram Vaani’s IVR platform and deep-dive interviews of welfare beneficiaries, we documented the various challenges citizens faced in accessing the aforesaid welfare benefits for the period March-November 2020. To guide this analysis, we developed an exclusion framework, mapping exclusionary factors under four key stages of scheme implementation, viz., targeting, enrolment, back-end processing of benefits, and lastly, disbursement. The objective of this research was to learn, not only about the different exclusions that citizens face, but also to identify simple strategies that help resolution of issues for beneficiaries. Therefore, in the second stage of our project, we studied the modalities through which Gram Vaani volunteers assisted citizens. Through a detailed qualitative analysis of IVR recordings and interviews with volunteers, we created an impact framework that categorised volunteer actions under three broad heads: Information Provision to Citizen, Issue Escalation to Higher Officials, and Direct Assistance by Volunteer. We use these insights to recommend process improvements for existing grievance redress mechanisms offered by the government.
The resounding conclusion from our research is that, until state-citizen interfaces in welfare schemes are redesigned to become more citizen-centric and ergo effective, civil society organisations (CSOs) and social workers will remain a critical cog in the last-mile. Therefore, in addition to recommending a set of systemic and procedural improvements that need to be set in motion using policy levers, we also provide a detailed set of standard operating procedures that can be used a ready reference by other CSOs involved in resolving

1 This research study is funded by Azim Premji University as part of the COVID-19 Research Funding Programme 2020. The full report has been submitted to Azim Premji University for review and will be released publicly in March 2021.
2 Dvara Research is a policy research institution based in India. We work on key systemic issues that concern the Indian financial and social protection systems and undertake rigorous research and analysis to delve deeper into each of these work areas that have the potential to impact millions of individuals, households, and enterprises. For more details, please visit Dvara Research – Our Policy Initiatives.
3 Gram Vaani is a social technology company that operates an Interactive Voice Response (IVR) platform which permits citizens to record their grievances on the platform. Citizens are then connected to volunteers from the organisation who help them pursue resolution. For more details, please visit Gram Vaani – About Us.
4 Under the Direct Benefit Transfer system in India, Central and state governments provide cash transfers to welfare beneficiaries directly into their bank accounts. As of February 2021, benefits from a total of 318 government schemes are being delivered through this mechanism.
5 Under the Public Distribution System in India, subsidised food grains and other non-food commodities are delivered through a network of Fair Price Shops to poor households across the country.
6 MGNREGA is a public works programme which provides 100 days of wage employment in a financial year to every household whose adult members volunteer to do unskilled manual work.

citizen grievances in welfare. We also note that given the hyper-local expertise of such organisations, government departments may choose to embedvii them as part of their official grievance redress system or alternatively, may adopt similar simple technological innovations7 to ensure more accessible and transparent grievance redress systems.

i Mint. (2020). Covid-19 lockdown impact: Unemployment rate rises to 23.4%. Retrieved from https://www.livemint.com/news/india/covid-19-lockdown-impact-unemployment-rate-rises-to-23-4- 11586202041180.html
ii Economic Times. (2020). Virus takes a toll on blue collar staff; no pay for 12 crore. Retrieved from https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/jobs/virus-takes-a-toll-on-blue-collar-staff-no-pay-for-12- crore/articleshow/75415272.cms?from=mdr
iii Economic Times. (2020). Indian Railways suspends passenger train operations till 3rd May as PM extends lockdown. Retrieved from https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/industry/transportation/railways/covid-19- indian-railways-suspends-passenger-train-operations-till-3rd-may-as-pm-extends- lockdown/articleshow/75135645.cms?utm_source=contentofinterest&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign= cppst
iv Ministry of Finance. (2020). Finance Minister announces Rs 1.70 Lakh Crore relief package under Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Yojana for the poor to help them fight the battle against Corona Virus. Retrieved from https://pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=1608345
v Business Today. (2020). 23% migrant workers walked back to villages during coronavirus lockdown. Retrieved from https://www.businesstoday.in/current/economy-politics/23-percent-migrant-workers-returned-home- walking-during-coronavirus-lockdown/story/412585.html
vi MGNREGA in need. (2020). Retrieved from https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/editorials/mgnrega-demand- rural-labours-migrant-workers-coronavirus-6441371/
vii Chakraborty, D., Ahmad, S., and Seth, A. (2017). Findings from a Civil Society Mediated and Technology Assisted Grievance Redressal Model in Rural India. Retrieved from https://www.cse.iitd.ac.in/~aseth/civilsocietygrievanceredressal.pdf

Biography

Aarushi Gupta is a Research Associate with the Social Protection Initiative at Dvara Research in Chennai, India. Her focus area is last-mile delivery of social protection and is currently studying exclusion and grievance redressal in welfare schemes through various field projects in India. She is currently leading the team’s work on measuring exclusion and has been conducting citizen surveys and case studies in states like Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Assam, and Chhattisgarh, involving multiple stakeholders from regional governments. A significant portion of her research is focused on cash transfer schemes like Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi, National Social Assistance Programme, and Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee programme, among others. Previously, she has worked as an Associate Consultant at Ernst & Young in their Fraud Investigation & Dispute Services team. She holds a Master’s degree in Public Policy from National Law School of India University, Bangalore and a Bachelor’s (Honours) degree in Economics from Christ University, Bangalore.

Dr Olga Kondratjeva
Program Evaluation Specialist
Washington University In St Louis

Did Government Benefits Help Israeli Households Avoid Hardship during COVID-19? Evidence from a National Survey

Abstract Narrative

At the outset of the COVID-19 pandemic, the government of Israel quickly introduced aggressive social distancing measures to curb the virus spread and adapted its unemployment insurance program in response to rising unemployment rates. This study examines the relationship between household income and the experience of material hardship during the course of the COVID-19 pandemic in Israel, and investigates how the receipt of unemployment benefits moderated the relationship between income and material hardship. Using data from a multi-wave household survey, we find a negative association between household income and the experience of material hardship. Moreover, middle-income households receiving unemployment benefits were more likely to experience material hardship than those who did not receive government support. The difference was largely not observed for low- and high-income households. This study informs the efforts of policymakers to improve existing social support programs to expedite economic recovery during and after the COVID-19 pandemic.

Biography

Olga Kondratjeva is a Program Evaluation Specialist Washington State Employment Security Department and Senior Data Analyst at the Social Policy Institute. She is broadly interested in the topics of financial inclusion, financial capability, and asset building. She has been involved in a number of projects examining issues in financial security and financial well-being in the U.S. population. In addition, her work has included conducting research on the universal child savings program in Israel. She earned her Ph.D. in Public Policy and Management from The Ohio State University, where her dissertation explored the relationship between borrowing from formal and informal financial institutions and household well-being in Nepal.

Dr Peggie Chiwara
Department of Social Work and Criminology, University of Pretoria

Policy and practice responses to the COVID-19 pandemic in Namibia

Abstract Narrative

“The COVID-19 pandemic has had far reaching negative impacts on the social, economic, physical, emotional, spiritual, and psychological dimensions of human existence. In Namibia, it threatens to reverse the development gains made in the country’s self-declared war against poverty (Republic of Namibia, 2016). Following the declaration of a National State of Emergency on the 17th of March 2020, the state, civil society, and private sector have responded to the pandemic by implementing various micro, mezzo, and macro-level responses. However, empirical research on the social development responses to COVID-19 in Namibia remains at a preliminary stage. That being the case, it is noteworthy mentioning that the effective management of the repercussions caused by the COVID-pandemic cannot thrive without the social development flare both in design and execution. This is because a plethora of the negative impacts dovetailed by the COVID-19 pandemic fall within the social development mandate. Guided by a social development frame of reference, the researchers will conduct a comprehensive review of literature to better understand the responses to COVID-19 in Namibia. The review will be guided by the following questions: (1) What social development strategies and interventions inform the COVID-19 response in Namibia? (2) What socio-economic problems are targeted by these interventions? (3) What is the demographic reach of these interventions? (4) What are the policy and practice gaps in the COVID-19 response in Namibia? The review will entail a comprehensive search of online newspaper, academic, government and development partner databases in Namibia and will be guided by the following search terms related to the COVID-19 response in Namibia; National Response Plan for COVID-19; Economic Stimulus and Relief Package, Mental Health and Psychosocial Support Services, Child Protection and Social Protection. The review will include articles published between the 17th of March 2020, when the National State of Emergency was declared in Namibia and February 2021. A Discourse Content Analysis shall be utilised to analyse data with the ultimate goal of making new interpretations. It is anticipated that the findings will contribute to strengthening the COVID-19 response in Namibia. The critical analysis of the response strategies is poised to unearth some gaps and areas of improvement that will foster a broad-based effective management of the pandemic. This is further envisaged to lay a strong foundation for the mainstreaming of a social development framework in the management of pandemics presently and in the future. Key words COVID-19 response Namibia Social development Pandemics References Government of the Republic of Namibia. (2016). Harambee Prosperity Plan. http://www.op.gov.na/documents/84084/572904/HPP.pdf/3c5b6d5f-3394- 4302-aeec- bd10ca58a119 ”

Ms Cherra Mathis
Doctoral Student
Arizona State University

The Crimmigratory Agenda: Historical, Economic, and Political Dimensions of the Criminalization of Immigration in the United States

Abstract Narrative

Objectives: Crimmigration is the convergence of criminal and immigration law, a policy trend that is punishing immigrants with criminal consequences for immigration infractions . The purpose of this paper is to explore the history of crimmigration in the United States, track its economic impacts and connection with xenophobia and extremist right-wing populism, and consider its implications for advocates, practitioners, and scholars. Social workers and other professionals are practicing in contexts shaped by crimmigratory policies such as lengthy detention, family separation, and other human rights violations. Understanding the dimensions of crimmigration will enable them to push back and advocate for the human rights of forcibly displaced people.

Methods: This paper analyzes the historical, economic, and political dimensions of crimmigration, addressing the impetus for crimmigratory changes in legislation, policy, and enforcement. We examine the US’s conflicted and often violent history with the immigrants. We also unpack the economic factors at play. Economically the US has always and continues to depend on immigrants, yet crimmigration policies impose a high cost on government and the immigrants. Immigration is a matter of intense public debate; therefore, we assess the political rhetoric, platforms, and agendas fueling crimmigration approaches. Finally, we look to the practitioners working to support immigrants.

Results: Historical analysis reveals the roots of crimmigration in early US policies such as the 1882 Chinese Exclusion Act that excluded migrants and the post-World Wars legislative groundwork enabling lengthy detention and felony charges for immigrants. Economic analysis indicates how crimmigration is massively expensive, with taxpayers footing the gargantuan, and growing bill for ICE and Customs and Border Patrol, as well private prisons rife with human rights violations. There are additional costs to the economy as crimmigration discourages the migratory workforce necessary for US agriculture and other industries. Political analysis shows how rhetoric and legislation supports crimmigration policy by stoking nativism, economic fears, and security threats. Advocates, organizers, and practitioners are working to undo, remedy and address the rights violations that are the natural outgrowth of a century of increasing crimmigration. These responses both highlight the systemic failures and model implications for reforming policy.

Conclusions: The crimmigratory trend has codified a restrictionist, punitive approach in immigration policy that violates immigrant rights and undermines the system of migration at great cost. While we study the US, crimmigration is a global phenomenon with similar developments in Australia, and Europe. We conclude with implications for practitioners to support migrants harmed by crimmigration as well as recommendations for immigration policy reform to advance human rights and social development.

Biography

Cherra Mathis is a doctoral student in the School of Social Work at Arizona State University, focused on forced migration, interdisciplinary collaboration on behalf of refugees and asylum seekers, and responses to gender-based violence. Her background is working with child-survivors of abuse and neglect as part of a lawyer-social worker representation team in family and criminal courts in the United States.

Ms Allison Raygor
Mpa Candidate
LSE

Addressing the barriers of indigenous populations and people from African descent in benefitting from social protection in Latin America as a result of COVID-19

Abstract Narrative

This paper presents original research on the ways in which indigenous (IP) and Afrodescendant (AD) populations access social protection schemes in Latin America and how these have been impacted by COVID-19. IP and AD communities have disproportionate access to social assistance programmes in Latin America and are particularly vulnerable to shocks. The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted everyone, yet the circumstances are exacerbated for these vulnerable and marginalized populations. We analyse the barriers IP and AD communities regularly encounter in accessing social protection programmes through case study analysis, literature review, and key informant interviews, and highlight the ways in which Latin American policymakers have addressed the needs of IP and AD people during this current global emergency. However, the responses have fallen short in ensuring equal and equitable access for vulnerable populations. Using a framework of intersectionality and cultural adequacy, we propose policy recommendations for programming that includes novel responses to ensure an inclusive society in which all communities, IP and AD included, have their needs, risks and vulnerabilities appropriately addressed for the remainder of this pandemic as well as pre-emptive measure to ensure these communities are better prepared for future crises.

Biography

Allison Raygor, USA
Allison received a BA in International Studies and Spanish in the US. She has lived on four continents and can maneuver in as many languages. Her professional experience has centered around management and administrative roles while pursuing equality, equity, and social justice for marginalized communities through work in a variety of non-profits, ranging from refugee resettlement to anti-sex trafficking and food policy. Prior to pursuing the MPA from LSE, she worked most recently with a food access and justice non-profit in New York City connecting farmers and consumers, and another organization working to encourage investments in the local food economy.

Co-authors:
Samy Gálvez Vargas, Peru
Samy holds a Bachelor in Economics and International Business. Her core professional experience is on the analysis of fiscal policy issues at the Fiscal Policy Department of the
Ministry of Economics and Finance of Peru. She has a strong motivation for working in the public sector or in any organization that pursues the greatest human development. With the MPA, her purpose is to be adequately skilled to address the persistent policy challenges of her country (informality, poor quality of essential public goods, entrenched corruption, among others). She is passionate about several spheres of public policy; her goal for the MPA was to enhance her knowledge of policies aimed at reducing socioeconomic inequalities.

Camille Hors, France
Camille is a MPA Dual Degree student between LSE and Sciences Po, where she completed a Bachelor of Social Sciences. At LSE, she specialized in international development and the design and implementation of public policies in emerging countries. She is particularly interested in Latin America. She lived one year in São Paulo, Brazil, to complete an academic exchange, where she volunteered for an NGO. She also volunteered as Youth Ambassador for The One Campaign that fights against extreme poverty. Last year, she participated in a consulting program launched by Sciences Po’s Public Policy Incubator in partnership with the Agence Française de Développement and worked on how to restore Senegalese citizens’ trust in democracy through digital tools.

Germán Sahid-Garnica, Colombia
German holds a BA in International Relations, a MA in National Security and Defense and a MA in Strategic Intelligence. His professional experience is centered as an advisor to the Minister of Defense of Colombia for the intelligence services and recently in the implementation of the peace accords between the FARC guerrilla and the national government. He has been a lecturer in both military schools and universities in Colombia. Additionally, he has been a consultant for the International Organization for Migration and the Senate of the Republic in Bogota.

Prof Sophie Plagerson
Visiting Associate Professor
University of Johannesburg

Development as freedom’: implications for social protection responses to the pandemic

Abstract Narrative

“The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are informed by an understanding that human wellbeing and freedom go hand in hand. Yet in recent months, through measures intended to protect wellbeing, such as lockdowns, curfews and travel bans, millions have experienced the temporary curtailment of freedoms to study, work, earn and socialize, with enduring consequences in many instances. Political leaders have found themselves making decisions between lives and livelihoods, between health and education, universal and indivisible freedoms that had not previously been set in opposition against one another. Against this backdrop, over 200 countries implemented more than a thousand different social protection measures in response to the pandemic and government responses to it. This presentation uses a capability lens, and the notion of ‘development as freedom’ to examine the implications of the pandemic, and responses to it, for social protection policy and practice and for realizing the SDGs going forward. Several principles, derived from the concept of ‘development as freedom’ are applied to the analysis of largely temporary social protection programme extensions, expansions and first-time responses in relation to the pandemic. It is argued firstly that the expansion of real freedoms for all is a complex journey, and that it requires partnerships between governments, businesses, international and local civil society stakeholders. Secondly, that social protection systems need to promote carefully calibrated systems that expand interdependent economic, social and environmental freedoms in a sustainable manner. A third metric is to examine whether programmes extend the freedoms of women, children and of vulnerable groups who are systematically marginalized by contemporary social, political and economic systems. Lastly the understanding that not only is expanding freedom the goal, but that it is also the route to attaining that goal is discussed in relation to social protection, by supporting rights-based platforms for dialogue, giving voice to the marginalized, and investing in inclusive and transparent governance. ”

Biography

Sophie Plagerson is a Visiting Associate Professor at the Centre for Social Development in Africa at the University of Johannesburg. She is currently based in the Netherlands and working as an independent consultant.