What is Sutra Vaani?

A free and locally facilitated HELPLINE for workers (especially informal/ unorganised sector) in livelihoods’ distress. The helpline respond to the needs of worker’s searching for dignified livelihood opportunities and related support in their home state or otherwise.These responses are available in the form of information and/ or direct support at the local level.

Sutra Vaani is conceptualised by Vikalp Sutra, with its technology partner, Gram Vaani (which provided migrant workers a helpline support during the Covid19 pandemic induced migration, job and livelihood losses). 

The helpline will be implemented by interested organisations/ local collectives in their operational sites, and enable them to extend necessary support to the workers. Some local level variations may emerge in the implementation of Sutra Vaani, as per the context and needs at the field level.

Pilot Sutra Vaani

The first helpline has been set up in Bhuj city, Gujarat on 20th March 2021. It is powered by Vikalp Sutra, in collaboration with tech partner, Gram Vaani and field partner, Homes in the City (HIC) coalition.

The process of setting up this helpline included a training of the ground team to understand and manage the technology. The helpline began with offering assistance four categories of workers in Bhuj city (including street vendors, waste pickers, cattle rearers and migrant labouriers). The helpline is available in Gujarati and Hindi languages, with IVR options that can be selected as per need.

Every caller receives a response from the field partner in order to assist them with their need or request as best as possible.

How it works

  • Any worker in distress from Bhuj city can give a missed call to the 10 digit, Sutra Vaani number.
  • The worker will receive an automated call back and asked to answer some basic questions to identify the problem and need.
  • Once completed, the worker will receive a follow-up call to help resolve the problem being faced, restore or secure a livelihood need or offer any other information that may be of assistance.
  • Currently, the helpline poses specific questions to street vendors, migrant labourers, waste pickers and cattle rearers, but it is also open to other categories of workers calling the number.