CPD engages extensively with those living without permanent shelter in Mumbai, many of whom belong to the Pardhi community (categorised as nomadic/denotified tribes) and other socially marginalised groups. They often migrate to the city under duress, distressed by droughts, and escaping caste-based exploitation and poverty. Despite offering essential labour for cleaning sewers, building roads, clearing garbage, and selling goods at traffic signals, they struggle for basic dignity and security.

CPD has worked to facilitate entitlements for them, registering 300+ people as voters. This has enabled them to be political stakeholders whose issues are considered by election candidates. We are taking this initiative further by advocating for access to basic services for these communities, such as housing, water, sanitation, food security, electricity, healthcare, and education.

Appeal

We are in process to strengthen our interventions with Pardhi and other marginalized communities living on roadsides in Mumbai. We need to build trust and ignite hope in young and community leaders. Hope to believe that we also have rights, entitlements and there is a constructive way to claim that.

For this we need a team of 2 fulltime community Organiser and 1 program coordinator. We also planning to have community leader training workshops around Entitlements, procedures and process, documentation of people and families, accessing welfare schemes and programs.