Value generation of Rs. 9.83 every Rupee invested in facilitating waste pickers’ access to social security entitlements
By Nalini Shekar, Executive Director and Co-founder, and Bianca Fernandes, IEC Manager & Policy Advocate, Hasiru Dala
Hasiru Dala, meaning “Green Force” in Kannada, is a social impact organisation that works with waste pickers and other waste workers primarily in the informal sector. Founded in Bengaluru in 2013, Hasiru Dala believes that social security access and livelihood opportunities are the two sides of the coin that will bring in quantum change in the living standards of waste pickers and their families. Hence integration of waste pickers in solid waste management and facilitation of social security has been a strong and first pillar of Hasiru Dala’s work , over 10 years across the state in 18 cities, 38 taluks and 64 villages. Over the decade, Hasiru Dala has facilitated 67,220 social security services for waste pickers and their families
As a partner of Saamuhika Shakti, Hasiru Dala has been implementing initiatives across multiple areas impacting the lives and livelihoods of waste pickers including Mobile Social Security, Housing, Health, Financial Literacy and Inclusion, Leadership and Community Engagements, Livelihood, Community and Family Conflict, and Substance Abuse.
At the end of Phase 1, Hasiru Dala conducted a study to quantitatively assess the impact of all the Saamuhika Shakti initiatives. The three month long intense and rigorous assessment was carried out by Enviro-Verse Private Limited involved a comprehensive review of project documents along with gathering feedback and insights from key project stakeholders. To further enrich the initiative’s knowledge base, a mixed-method research design was adopted that included quantitative and qualitative research tools, focus group discussions, case studies, and key informant interviews. The OECD framework was used by Enviro to analyse the collected data.
This article centres around the Social Return on Investment (SROI) achieved through the mobile social security program for waste pickers implemented by Hasiru Dala. The results of the study indicate a ratio of 9.83:1, which translates to Rs. 9.83 in value generated for every Rupee invested.
The rationale for the SROI analysis
Hasiru Dala faced a challenge from a philanthropic organisation to justify the need to be supported in facilitating access to social security schemes provided by the government. The reason was obvious: Hasiru Dala serves a community of waste pickers who often lack formal education and face challenges in accessing digital platforms where social security schemes are increasingly administered. Without organisations like Hasiru Dala bridging this gap, these communities’ risk being excluded from essential government benefits. There is also a pervasive fear among waste pickers that they may not be treated fairly or respectfully when accessing social security benefits directly from government institutions. This perception further discourages direct engagement and reinforces the need for intermediaries like Hasiru Dala who understand and advocate for the community's rights.
In response to the philanthropic challenge, Hasiru Dala endeavoured to find an evidence-based rationale for the strategy of facilitating social security schemes. Traditional metrics such as the sheer number of waste pickers reached or the monetary value of benefits accessed did not fully capture the impact. The Social Return on Investment (SROI) methodology provided a way to assess the actual value generated with financial metrics.
The benefits of the mobile social security initiative were seen to extend beyond just financial gain, creating a ripple effect of positive impacts: waste pickers saw a direct benefit through increased income and healthcare cost savings. This economic empowerment, along with improved health, translated into greater social inclusion. The environment also benefited from this program, as waste pickers contribute to a cleaner world through their work.
Mobile Social Security (MSS)
Hasiru Dala believes that social security schemes provided by the government help to fill some of the gaps required for decent living in the absence of living income for waste pickers, and in some cases help sustain the family. However, these schemes are often out of reach of the very people it aims to support. Whilst digitalisation of access has improved the transparency of government resources, it has posed major challenges as the marginalised communities do not have the wherewithal to navigate the digital platforms, even if they have the opportunity or resources to access or have their own device. The MSS initiative takes the schemes to the door step of the community to facilitate social security access.
Through MSS, Hasiru Dala facilitated access to 49+ broad level government schemes such as: PAN Card, Aadhaar Card, Bank Account, Voter ID, Ration Card, Health ID, PMJAY (Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana), Pension Schemes, E-shram Card, Gruha Jyoti to name a few. Both KYCs (Know Your Customer), a verification process to ascertain the identity and legitimacy of customers for financial institutions and other businesses, and actual scheme access was ensured through the MSS initiative.
Over the last four years, the MSS team covered eight zones across Bengaluru and rural areas, enabling 7,992 successful applications to social security schemes for over 2,500 individuals.
Methodology
The Enviro team initiated a comprehensive review of Mobile Social Security project documents to gain a thorough understanding of the initiative. This review facilitated the identification and mapping of key project stakeholders, ensuring their valuable opinions and feedback were captured throughout the process. A mixed-method research design was adopted to ensure rich collection of information and data from both quantitative and qualitative sources.
Social Return on Investments (SROI)
Based on the data, SROI analysis was completed focusing on all aspects of the program's inputs, activities, outputs, outcomes, and impact.
The objective of the analysis was to assess the impact of the program on stakeholders and demonstrate the monetary value created by the program.
SROI is a globally recognized methodology employed to understand, measure, and value the impact of programs or organisations. It encompasses social, environmental, and economic impacts, providing a comprehensive assessment of value creation. Rooted in social accounting and cost-benefit analysis, SROI offers an outcomes-based approach to quantify the difference made by programs and organisations. It is underpinned by eight social value principles -
These principles guide the analysis and ensure it is robust, transparent, and consistent while allowing flexibility to identify and measure the varied experiences of the different stakeholders.
Theory of Change
A total of 23 focus group discussions were conducted across all the initiatives implemented by Hasiru Dala, engaging 227 beneficiaries. This sampling strategy aimed to ensure representation across genders, zones, and types of projects involved. Additionally, 16 key informant interviews and 10 case studies were conducted to provide further insights into the initiative's impact.
The data collection and review process provided insights into the program's theory of change, which was complemented by program data reports and case studies.
The SROI analysis considered a wide range of outcomes for all affected stakeholders, encompassing both intended and unintended changes, contributors to the change, duration, adverse effects, and counterfactual scenarios. Based on which the Theory of Change was established which can be seen in the image below.
The data collected from interviews and surveys were analysed to identify material outcomes relevant to the SROI analysis. After using financial filters, these outcomes were monetised using specific valuation methods to estimate their appropriate monetary value.
Some of the financial proxies for conducting SROI analysis for the changes experienced by waste pickers and their families in Bengaluru due to Hasiru Dala’s interventions include increase in their earning through predictable income, medical camp and health care cards facilitated for the waste pickers brought down medical care expenses. Environmental impact was also observed as waste pickers with occupational ID cards were integrated into the decentralised waste management through Dry Waste Collection Centres (DWCCs).
These proxies reflect the local economic conditions and cost structures, providing valuable insights into the economic value of the social changes experienced by waste pickers and their communities. This enabled the calculation of the SROI ratio, which compared the total value created by the programme to its investment.
The SROI Ratio, comparing the program's total value creation to its investment, is a crucial indicator of its social impact and cost-effectiveness. This quantification offers stakeholders valuable insights into the program's effectiveness in achieving objectives and delivering whānau for the community.
Measuring Impact: The Social Return on Investment (SROI) Analysis
The data collected from interviews and focus group discussions were meticulously analysed to identify material outcomes relevant to the SROI analysis. Utilising financial filters, these outcomes were then monetised by employing valuation methods to estimate their monetary worth accurately.
The calculated SROI ratio for the Saamuhika Shakti initiative by Hasiru Dala underscores its significant impact and efficiency.
Key findings
The program generates a significant return on investment, with a ratio of 9.83:1 for social security interventions alone. This means for every Rupee invested, Rs. 9.83 of value is created. When all the general and administrative costs were included, the return was calculated at Rs 6.01 value generated for every Rupee invested in the initiative.
The SROI analysis shows the social security program under Saamuhika Shakti implemented by Hasiru Dala is making a real difference for waste pickers and their families. In financial terms, the benefits vastly outweigh the program's costs.
The analysis discovered significant economic returns and social impact resulting from the interventions. Beyond the direct benefits to individuals, the programs contribute to the community’s upward mobility and economic stability. This evaluation highlighted the multiplier effect of the work and underscored its importance to both philanthropic organisations and governmental entities.
The findings from their SROI analysis provide a compelling case to policymakers. It demonstrates the real costs and benefits associated with ensuring equitable access to social security schemes. By facilitating this access, Hasiru Dala has not only enhanced social justice but also supported economic efficiencies that benefit the state and society as a whole.
In conclusion, Hasiru Dala's justification for support revolves around their critical role in overcoming barriers to social security access for marginalised waste picker communities. This evidence-based approach through SROI analysis not only quantifies the impact of our strategy but also underscores the broader societal and economic benefits of the interventions. This holistic perspective is essential for garnering support from philanthropic organisations and advocating for policy improvements in social security administration.
The authors would like to thank Neha Agarwal, Founder and CEO Enviro- Verse Pvt. Ltd, for her contribution.
