NARSEE MONJEE INSTITUTE OF MANAGEMENT STUDIES

SCHOOL OF BUSINESS MANAGEMENT

WECARE INTERNSHIP REPORT

“Empowering Construction Workers: Promoting Rights and Understanding Challenges”

AT

Institute for Development Education and Learning (IDEAL), Centre for Social Justice (CSJ),
Ahmedabad, Gujarat

BY

S. No. Roll No. Name SAP ID

1 B039 Anmol Srivastava 80512300510
2 A043 Chaitya Nirav Gosalia 80512300690
3 I060 Mit Bakhda 80512301112
4 L030 Vikas Singh 80512300424

(Date of Submission: Feb. 28, 2024)

 Index
Sr No. Particular Page No.
1. About the internship organization 3
- Organizational Governance 5
- Financials of the organization 6
- Legal compliances 7
2. Operational Model of the organization 7
- Major Programs of CSJ 8
- SDGs aligned 9
- Service delivered 10
3. Project handled 10
- Methodology 12
- SDGs aligned 12
4. Learnings 13
- Social Issue Observation 13
- Personal Impact 14
- Management Gaps and Solutions 14
- Enhanced Understanding of Schemes 14
- New Learnings to Share 14
5. Memories on Making a Difference 15
6. Conclusion 19
About the Internship Organization

 A trailblazing socio-legal non-governmental organisation (NGO), the Centre for Social

Justice (CSJ) is based in Gujarat, India and is registered under the Societies Registration
Act, 1860 and the Bombay Public Trust Act, 1950. It operates under the auspices of the
Institute for Development Education and Learning (IDEAL). Ever since its establishment
in 1993, CSJ has been committed to protecting and advancing human rights while leading
the way in the fight for justice.
 The CSJ was first founded in Gujarat with a network of legal centres that were positioned
among disadvantaged groups in the community. Over time, the organisation has changed
and developed. Today, it covers several states, including Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan,
Chhattisgarh, Bihar, Jharkhand, Assam, Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, and Karnataka. Its
reach is much wider. This broad reach demonstrates the organization's dedication to
tackling the various issues marginalised groups confront.
 A committed team of solicitors, paralegals, and researchers work together at the CSJ's
network of law centres to advocate for human rights in a comprehensive manner. These
centres actively participate in community outreach through law clinics in addition to
offering litigative help, making sure that legal aid and awareness reach the local level.
 These legal centres continue to prioritise the defence of the rights of marginalised groups,
including women, Dalits, tribal people, minorities, and those who are subjected to
societal injustices. Through these legal centres, the CSJ handles up to 3,000 cases a year,
highlighting its significant contribution to defending the rights and dignity of people who
are frequently disenfranchised and neglected in society. The organization's expansion and
dedication highlight how important it is to the continuous fight for justice and human
rights in India's many areas.
Organizational Governance

The Centre for Social Justice (CSJ) is an organisation whose organisational governance is
overseen by a committed Board of Trustees, which consists of seven highly regarded members
who are crucial in directing and forming the course of the NGO. The following are the current
board members and their titles:
 Ms. Nafisa Goga D'Souza - Chairperson
 Mr. Gagan Sethi - Vice-Chairperson
 Mr. Vijay Parmar - Trustee
 Prof. K.D. Rao - Trustee
 Dr. Syeda Hameed - Trustee
 Ms. Maja Daruwala - Trustee
 Ms. Nupur – Trustee

Together, these trustees' varied backgrounds and areas of expertise support CSJ's efficient
governance and strategic decision-making.

Apart from the governing framework, CSJ provides a forum for cooperative participation and
education by means of an annual gathering called "Jahir Sabha." This meeting, which occurs
every two months, provides a venue for people who work for the NGO but are from different
states to get together. Intense conversations are held during the Jahir Sabha meetings as attendees
share their experiences and newfound understanding from the previous two years. Through
cooperative discussion, the group is able to evaluate successes, setbacks, and lessons discovered.
Staffing Pattern

Total Full Time/

Male Staff Female Staff
Slab of Staff Part Time Staff
Total
Renumeration
Part Full Part Full Part Full Staff
per month (INR) Total Total
Time Time Time Time Time Time
Upto 5,000 - - 0 2 - 2 2 - 2
5,001-10,000 2 21 23 2 16 18 4 37 41
10,001-25,000 - 19 19 3 13 16 3 32 35
25,001-50,000 - 15 15 2 16 18 2 31 33
50,001-100,000 - 4 4 1 - 1 1 4 5
100,000> - - 0 - 1 1 - 1 1
Total 2 59 61 10 46 56 12 105 117

Social Group Male Staff Female Staff Total Staff

General 16 25 41
Religious Minorities 5 3 8
OBCs 11 13 24
SC 11 8 19
ST 18 7 25
Total 61 56 117

Financials of the Organization

During the standups and meets with the folks at CSJ, we learnt about the financial standing of
the organization for the current year for CSJ. It's noteworthy that total funds received have
reached an approximate sum of INR 7 Crore, a testament to the collective efforts and support the
NGO has garnered for their tremendous work.

This financial support comes from various philanthropic organizations and a few Corporate
Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives. Notable contributors include the Global Fund for
Community Foundation (GFCF), Chintu Gudiya Foundation, Azim Premji Foundation,
Misereor, Dasra, Godrej, Thermax, Bread for the World, along with contributions from
individual donors.

It's heartening to witness such a diverse group of supporters aligning with the mission of CSJ.
These funds will undoubtedly play a significant role in advancing the initiatives and making a
positive impact in the community.

Legal Compliances

The organization complies with Sections 12A which grants tax exemption to the income earned
by the organization from specific sources and 80G of the Income Tax Act, 1961 which enables
donors who contribute to the organization to claim a tax deduction on their donations,
encouraging individuals and companies to support the organization's work. Therefore,
compliance with both sections implies that the organization operates within the legal framework
for tax benefits and encourages charitable activities.

Operational Model of the Organization

Major Programs of CSJ

 LEGAL AWARENESS: CSJ conducts awareness programs to disseminate information

about legal rights and entitlements. These initiatives include campaigns, radio shows, and
street plays. By educating individuals and communities, CSJ empowers them to
understand their rights within the legal framework.

 LEGAL AID: CSJ actively addresses legal issues faced by individuals and communities.
They aid in litigation and facilitate entitlements and claims under various laws and
enactments. Whether it is helping someone navigate bureaucratic processes or
representing them in court, CSJ ensures that legal barriers are overcome.

 ALTERNATIVE DISPUTE RESOLUTION: Using formal & informal dispute

resolution to resolve a legal dispute between two parties by activating formal state
agencies such as permanent boards and mediation centres. It also involves activating and
working with informal spaces including Anjuman, mahila mandals, village heads, etc.

 LEGAL CAPACITY BUILDING: CSJ runs various programs to enhance the capacities
of different stakeholders:
  Young Lawyers and Paralegals: Training and skill development to effectively use legal
tools.
 Volunteers: Equipping volunteers with legal knowledge to assist vulnerable populations.
 Civil Society Organizations: Empowering NGOs and community groups to advocate for
rights.
 Government Officials: Enhancing their understanding of legal provisions related to
vulnerable groups.

 LEGAL REFORM: CSJ leverages its grassroots experiences, learnings, and best
practices to critique existing laws and policies. Their goal is to make these legal
frameworks more sensitive to the needs of marginalized communities. By advocating for
reforms, CSJ contributes to a fairer and more just society.

SDGs aligned

SDGs Aligned with Projects/Programs:

SDG 1: No Poverty

- To this end, CSJ concentrates on bonded work and economic exploitation. By advocating
for fair compensation, worker rights, and dignified working conditions, CSJ contributes
to the reduction of poverty. Through such activities, underprivileged individuals can
break free from cycles of poverty.

SDG 5: Gender Equality

- CSJ actively opposes discrimination and violence against women. They strive for a more
equal society by providing legal aid, organising awareness campaigns, and engaging in
advocacy. CSJ advances gender equality through empowering women and dismantling
discriminatory norms.

SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth

- SDG 8 is closely aligned with CSJ's commitment to promoting fair labour practices. They
support fair compensation, safe working conditions, and the rights of employees. CSJ
promotes economic growth that benefits all by guaranteeing decent work opportunities.

SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities

- Combating discrimination against marginalized groups is at the centre of CSJ's primary

mission. CSJ fights against injustices, including discrimination based on caste, tribal
 rights, and minority rights. Their legal actions aim to establish more equality and a more
welcoming community.

SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions

- This objective is closely related to the work of CSJ. They improve vulnerable
populations' access to justice and the rule of law. CSJ advances justice and peace by
giving people the freedom to pursue justice, raising public awareness of the law, and
fighting for more robust institutions.

In summary, CSJ’s programs not only address specific legal issues but also contribute to broader
societal goals, fostering a more just and sustainable world.

How are Services delivered to the Beneficiaries?

Legal aid: CSJ makes sure that justice is available by giving communities and individuals who
cannot afford legal representation free legal aid. By removing financial obstacles, this
commitment gives marginalized groups the ability to take on legal challenges.

Community outreach: Outreach initiatives from CSJ promote inclusivity by being free and
available to the public. These programmes, which include awareness seminars and legal clinics,
have a direct impact on the communities they serve. CSJ promotes community engagement,
trust-building, and the creation of a more just society by making events accessible.

Project handled:

During our internship at IDEAL-CSJ, we were involved in several impactful projects focused on
promoting the well-being of marginalized communities. Here are some key highlights:

1. Construction Worker Outreach:

Translated and created an e-Nirman pamphlet in Hindi to make information about government
benefits more accessible.
Participated in field visits to construction sites, educating workers about their rights and available
government schemes through presentations and individual interactions.

Collaborated with volunteers to raise awareness and empower these workers, contributing to
improved living conditions and access to resources.

Challenges faced -

There was a focus on the volunteers and the language used for the propaganda. The workers
sometimes did not understand Gujarati language hence the use of Hindi language became
imperative, but the schemes of Government were in anything but Hindi. Hence, due to that
language barrier, there was a gap in the message that we were trying to convey to those laborers.

The role of the volunteer was utterly crucial here. The volunteer was responsible for us getting
entry into those marginalized areas as well acclimatizing us with those laborers. It was due to the
virtue of connections of those volunteers that we were able to deliver the presentation in those
deep areas.

The mode of presentation was audio-visual. The government of Gujarat has uploaded plethora of
videos online, so the task becomes relatively easier for us to deliver. But, in the areas where the
people only speak Hindi language, we did face a certain amount of difficulty to communicate our
objectives.

2. Jahir Sabha Observation:

Attended Jahir Sabha meetings, observing legal proceedings and gaining insights into ongoing
social justice issues.

Learned about crucial campaigns like "Har dil mein samvidhaan" (Constitution in every heart)
and "Angels don't have wings," raising awareness about social injustices and promoting positive
change.

Gathered valuable information on financial management and effective social media strategies for
impactful campaigns.

The meeting had justice advocates from 3+ states so there was a plethora of cases to be discussed
in that limited time. The lawyers had vast experience covering all types of cases. The prime aim
of the discussions was to make the general public aware of the type of cases that existed and
what issues the lawyers could typically face in them of justice and their workarounds for getting
justice.

The meeting was not only limited to lawyer discussions. There was a session in which all the
members were shown videos about the existing issues in society and details about them.

3. Labourer Outreach & Bus Pass Assistance:

Conducted outreach campaigns in various locations, informing labourers about government
benefits they could rightfully claim.

Assisted numerous labourers with the process of creating AMTS bus passes, facilitating easier
and more affordable transportation options.

Supported Seema Ma'am by completing pending Right to Information (RTI) requests for laborers
seeking rightful claims, ensuring transparency and accountability.

Challenges faced -

Although the laborers were getting the bus pass, they always failed to gauge the benefits of it.
The Bus pass was provided for the complete year, and it proved useful in the long term. But,
coming with the team to the Bus Depot meant missing out on a day’s work. The people were
daily wage earners, and they are not usually on board to miss a day’s work even though getting
the bus pass will be beneficial to them in the long run. So, our primary challenge was to identify
such candidates who were ready to let go of a day’s wage to get the bus pass. There were folks
who did not want to miss out on a day’s work, and we tried to explain to them the importance of
a bus pass and how beneficial it will be to them in the long run if they could just think long term.

4. Climate Change Vulnerability Assessment:

Learned about the "Kobo Toolbox" technology used to assess climate change vulnerability in
urban slum areas.

Gained valuable insights into the impact of climate change on these communities and contributed
to data collection efforts.

This survey was supposed to be happening in 11 slum areas of Ahmedabad and we were required
to visit 2 such areas – one of which was near the dumping ground of Ahmedabad city. The
respondents were very honest and open whilst answering the questions. We were supposed to ask
them questions about themselves, and their community and the survey was 55 questions long
which required the volunteers to spend about 15-20 mins at each household.

5. Slum Community Survey:

Conducted an extensive survey in a slum community to understand daily challenges faced by

residents and the specific impacts of climate change on their lives.

Analyzed collected data and contributed to a report summarizing findings and recommending
solutions for improved living conditions and climate resilience.

Raised awareness among slum residents about available government benefits and the importance
of documentation to access them, empowering them to claim their rights and improve their well-
being.
Overall, our internship provided us with invaluable experience in the field of social justice and
community development. I learned valuable skills in communication, outreach, data analysis,
and collaboration, while making a tangible contribution to the lives of marginalized
communities. This experience has solidified my commitment to working towards a more
equitable and sustainable society.

Methodology:

 Field visits, presentations, and individual interactions for worker education.

 Active observation and participation in Jahir Sabha meetings.
 Outreach campaigns, individual consultations, and assistance with application processes.
 Data collection through interviews and surveys using Kobo Toolbox.
 Community engagement and information dissemination through various channels.

SDGs Aligned with our Project

Construction Worker Outreach:

SDG 1: No Poverty: By translating and disseminating information about government benefits,

the project contributes to poverty alleviation among construction workers.

SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth: Educating workers about their rights aligns with
the goal of promoting decent work and ensuring fair and inclusive economic growth.

Jahir Sabha Observation:

SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions: Attending Jahir Sabha meetings and learning
about ongoing campaigns contributes to the promotion of peaceful and inclusive societies with
access to justice.

Labour Outreach & Bus Pass Assistance:

SDG 1: No Poverty: Informing laborers about government benefits supports poverty reduction.

SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities: Assisting with bus passes promotes equal access to affordable
transportation for vulnerable communities.

Climate Change Vulnerability Assessment:

SDG 13: Climate Action: Participating in the assessment aligns with the goal of taking urgent
action to combat climate change and its impacts.
Slum Community Survey:

SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities: The survey contributes to understanding
challenges in urban slums and recommending solutions for improved living conditions.

SDG 13: Climate Action: Analyzing the impact of climate change on the community aligns
with the goal of climate action.

Team Learnings:

 Importance of Awareness and Outreach: Through our campaign, our team learned the
significance of awareness and outreach efforts. We discovered that educating
marginalized communities about their rights and available resources is important for
enhancing their quality of life. Engaging with various working communities across
different regions, we observed that despite facing diverse challenges, many are unaware
of government schemes that could address their issues.
 Collaboration and Teamwork: One key learning we gained from our campaign is the
importance of collaboration and teamwork. We recognized that achieving impactful
results relies heavily on effectively collaborating with volunteers, organizations and
beneficiaries.
 Advocacy and Empowerment: Helping workers and slum residents claim their rightful
benefits fosters empowerment and promotes social justice. We witnessed the power of
advocacy and supporting people.
 Challenges in Implementing Government Schemes: Through interacting with
beneficiaries, we understood the gaps between policy and practice, highlighting the need
for improved awareness, streamlined processes, and grievance redressal mechanisms.
 Importance of Data and Technology: Data collection through surveys and tools like
Kobo Toolbox can inform intervention strategies and measure impact. We learned the
value of data-driven approaches.

Social Issue Observations:

Pervasiveness of social inequalities: Witnessing the struggles of workers and slum residents
likely provided a deeper understanding of the extent and interconnectedness of social issues like
poverty, lack of access to education, and climate change.

Resilience and resourcefulness of communities: Despite facing challenges, communities often

demonstrate impressive resilience and resourcefulness. We saw the importance of fostering
community ownership and capacity building for sustainability.
Impact of systemic barriers: Bureaucratic hurdles, limited resources, and lack of awareness
hinder access to government schemes and services. We witnessed the need for systemic reforms
and collaborative solutions.

Personal Impact:

Increased empathy and understanding: Interacting with diverse communities fostered empathy
and a deeper understanding of the complexities of social issues.

Enhanced critical thinking and problem-solving: Identifying management gaps and finding
solutions challenged you to think critically and adapt to various situations. This improves your
problem-solving skills.
Appreciation for collaboration and community action: Witnessing the impact of collective efforts
can solidify your belief in the power of collaboration and community-driven solutions for social
change.

Management Gaps and Solutions:

Lack of data-driven decision making: Implement data collection systems, conduct regular
evaluations, and utilize findings to improve program effectiveness.

Gaps in government scheme implementation: Advocate for improved awareness campaigns,

simplified application processes, and effective grievance redressal mechanisms.

Enhanced Understanding of Schemes:

We now have more understanding of the government schemes

Observing challenges in implementation provided deeper insight into the gap between policy and
practice.

Witnessing beneficiary struggles highlighted the need for improved awareness, accessibility, and
grievance redressal.

New Learnings to Share:

Importance of storytelling: Sharing personal stories and lived experiences can raise awareness
and connect with diverse audiences.
Focus on sustainability: Building community capacity and ownership ensures long-term impact
beyond immediate assistance.

Power of technology: Utilizing technology effectively can enhance outreach, data collection, and
communication strategies.

Widespread of Ignorance in the non-marginalized community – Coming from families who are
not below the poverty line, we were ignorant of certain issues that these families face on daily
basis, even though we think that we know about the problems. Some problems are disguised so
well that we cannot even inspect it without deep diving into these matters ourselves.

Memories on Making a Difference

Conclusion

Our We care internship at the Centre for Social Justice (CSJ) - Institute for Development
Education and Learning (IDEAL) turned out to be a priceless educational opportunity. It gave us
the chance to apply the theoretical ideas we learned in class to real-world scenarios, obtain
hands-on experience in social justice work, and hone critical abilities like communication and
cooperation.