MAYA ORGANIC is a macro-institution that facilitates the formation of worker-owned enterprises and partners them with various stakeholders through mutually benefical relationships for overall development of the informal economy.

• The worker-owned enterprises are formed as effective institutions with the support of the parent organisation - MAYA, a development organisation. The process of institution building of the worker-owned enterprises includes a strong emphasis on skill enhancement and professionalism, developing as mature and competent collective enterprises, capable of partnering with the formal industry and markets.
• Marketing and design development support is offered through an umbrella institution- MAYA ORGANIC Support Services, a not-for-profit company that primarily offers centralised support in terms of marketing, design and product development.
• For certain sectors such as construction, domestic work, etc, an institutional network in the form of LabourNet supports a preparatory period for self-organisation of the workforce, before they come together to form worker-owned enterprises. The Labournet functions independently of the sector-wise Institution & Business Development units; however over a period, workers who come forward to form worker-owned enterprises, would be supported and accompanied in doing so. >> for more on the LabourNet initiative

Based on an indepth understanding of the heterogeneity and specific needs of each of the sectors, in the initial phase MAYA ORGANIC has initiated processes in three sectors that represent the predominant occupation of adults in the slums and low-income areas where MAYA presently works: Lac-ware • Garments • Construction

While the construction and garments sector represent two of the largest employers of informal sector workers in urban areas, the lac-ware sector is a traditional craft of an entire cluster in Bangalore Rural district, currently facing a severe slump leading to unemployment, migration to other petty occupations, and other livelihood related issues. The work in the construction sector includes the services sector (addressed through LabourNet) and the products sector (wood & metal work) through the formation of worker-owned enterprises. Though MAYA ORGANIC does intend to extend its interventions to the rural sectors as well, particularly the agro-based services sector, it intends to first build its own capabilities and experience as a macro-institution working with these sectors.

As a macro institution, MAYA ORGANIC will also work closely with the Government to develop strategies on livelihood issues for the working poor that are instrumental in broader policy decisions on informal sector labour. Government involvement would also be sought in terms of channelising support and infrastructure for social security, skill development, literacy and adult learning, equal pay for equal work, and ensuring occupational health and safety practices. Partnership with trade unions for awareness of workers' rights would also be facilitated.