Organisations

The founders of CoAST (Collaborative/COVID Action Support Team) come from Azim Premji Philanthropic Initiatives, Azim Premji University (APU), Foundation for Ecological Security (FES), E-Health Research Centre IIIT Bangalore, Partnering Hope into Action (PHIA) Foundation, Foundation Libtech India, Stranded Workers Action Network (SWAN), WASSAN and Revitalising Rainfed Agriculture Network (RRAN).

What?

As you might be aware, a large number of migrant labour in the country are on the walk - to reach back to their homes. We are working to ensure they can reach home safely and helping arrange transportation for them. CoAST is a collaboration of civil society organizations who are working to ensure that citizens (migrants and vulnerable populations) are able to receive help & relief during the COVID-19 lockdown and thereafter. Besides addressing immediate relief, the CoAST grew into a GIS enabled tech platform to aid coordinated support across various civil society organizations as well as government bodies.

Who?

More than 200 civil society organizations across the country with a footprint in more than 150 rural districts are involved in CoAST, including noted national level organizations, are deeply engaged in relief measures. We have been closely working with the Jharkhand government on supporting migrant related matters and are working with other state governments on assisting in relief measures in rural areas. The organizations are working on meeting immediate needs such as PPE, dry rations, community kitchens, awareness programmes, local quarantine facilities and shelters across the country. One of the immediate focus areas is on helping migrant labour workers walking on the road in getting them to home destinations in various states by coordinating with governments and civil society organizations by ensuring safe transportation. As a platform we are addressing immediate migrant needs but are also growing to address rehabilitation needs for the migrant workers such as NREGA, preparation for kharif agriculture and other livelihood needs as things evolve over time. We aim to do it in a manner ensuring physical distancing and quarantine where necessary.