Who are we
HIVE India was established with the mission of providing care, support, and access to healthcare for the most vulnerable populations living on the streets of Kolkata – the needy, abandoned, homeless, and destitute individuals who struggle daily with hunger, illness, infection, and life-threatening conditions under open skies.
The organization was founded in the early 1990s by former businessman Shri Nitaidas Mukherjee, along with the Late Dr. Rakesh Agrawal, with a vision to introduce organized humanitarian intervention for the urban homeless population. HIVE India was formally registered in 1999 under the West Bengal Societies Registration Act, 1961.
Over the years, HIVE India has grown into one of Kolkata’s most effective civil society organizations working closely with all 91 Police Stations, 10 police Divisions and other Special units of Kolkata Police, covering an area of approximately 534 square kilometres.
The organization has established effective operational linkages with multiple government departments and agencies, including the Special Juvenile Police Unit (SJPU), Disaster Management Group, Women Grievance Cell, Child Welfare Committees, Fire and Emergency Services Department, and other relevant state institutions.
Guided by its simple yet powerful motto, “No one should be allowed to die on the streets of Kolkata,” HIVE India has evolved into a comprehensive solutions provider for people at risk on the streets. In its initial years, the organization ran crèches and coaching centres for underprivileged children, benefiting nearly 4,000 children. It also operated mobile medical clinics across south and east Kolkata each on regularly, providing treatment to more than thousands patients from homeless and marginalized communities.
The Emergency Response Unit (ERU) has remained the organization’s flagship and primary program since its inception. ERU functions as a 24x7 emergency rescue and response service for Any Person At Risk on Street (APAROS) — including abandoned individuals, homeless people, accident victims, children in need of care and protection (CNCP), women in distress, elderly persons, and persons with psychosocial disabilities.
Over the last five years alone, HIVE India has rescued and supported approximately 1,500 individuals, including children, women, men, and elderly persons. The organization provides comprehensive support, including emergency medical care, hospitalization, psychiatric support, rehabilitation, and family reunification wherever feasible.
Geographical Area: All areas under Kolkata Police jurisdiction covering 144 Kolkata Municipal Corportaion wards as well.
Whom we work with
During the COVID-19 pandemic, when access to basic necessities was severely disrupted, HIVE India continued its outreach services for the homeless population. The organization distributed essential supplies such as food, drinking water, medicines, blankets, and protective materials. Similar relief operations were carried out during the devastating cyclones to support those most affected on the streets.ERU also addresses cases involving children at risk due to child labour, human trafficking, abandonment, poverty, malnutrition, and social marginalization. The unit coordinates closely with child protection agencies to ensure protection, rehabilitation, restoration of rights, and long-term reintegration into society.
HIVE India maintains strong partnerships with other civil society organizations such as Child line India Foundation, CINI Urban Unit, All Bengal Women’s Union, The Hope Kolkata Foundation, and Iswar Sankalpo, along with several government bodies including the Directorate of Health Services, Women & Child Development and Social Welfare Department, Directorate of Vagrancy, Government Hospitals, Kolkata Police, and the Chief Minister’s Office, Government of West Bengal. Through these collaborations, HIVE India has helped develop a coordinated and responsive safety net system in Kolkata. The Emergency Response Unit (ERU) operates across all areas under Kolkata Police jurisdiction, covering all 144 wards of Kolkata Municipal Corporation, and also extends support to adjoining districts of West Bengal when required.
Overview of Emergency Response Unit
The Emergency Response Unit (ERU) provides round-the-clock rescue, rehabilitation, and restoration services to individuals in extreme humanitarian crisis situations. The unit focuses on rescuing:
- Homeless individuals living on the streets
- Children in need of care and protection
- Victims of trafficking and child labourer
- Missing and runaway children and adults
- Women in distress and survivors of abuse
- Persons with psychosocial disabilities
- Accident victims without immediate support
- People affected by disasters or urban emergencies
The ERU Response Team is equipped with ambulances and responds to emergency calls within approximately 20 minutes. Immediate medical first aid and psychological support are provided at the spot, followed by referral, hospitalization, or specialized care as required. Legal processes are conducted in collaboration with the police and relevant authorities. Rehabilitation, restoration, and family reunification are pursued wherever appropriate.
The ERU operates 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, and serves as a critical safety lifeline for Kolkata’s most vulnerable populations.
