Mashal has been implementing the Samruddhi Project in six slums: Shinde Wasti, Gosavi Wasti, Lohiya Wasti, Sainath Wasti, Tarawade Wasti, and Mahatma Phule Wasti.

Unemployment is one of the major challenges faced by people living in these communities. To address this issue, Mashal has undertaken several livelihood initiatives, one of which is providing business support materials to help families increase their income.

In 2019, Mashal identified 13 beneficiaries from these six slums and provided them with livelihood support materials such as sewing machines, handcarts, vegetable crates, electronic weighing machines, and masonry tools. This support enabled the beneficiaries to improve their earning capacity, resulting in an increase in their monthly income compared to their previous earnings.

Mr Somnath Mohan Kambale’s Journey

Mr. Somnath Mohan Kambale lives in Tarawade Wasti with his parents, wife, two sons, and one daughter, all of whom depend on him for their livelihood. His children are currently studying in school.

Before facing health challenges, Mr Somnath worked as a musician, playing the banjo—a traditional musical instrument—at weddings and other social functions using his own vehicle. However, about eight years ago, he developed a serious medical condition and had to sell his banjo vehicle to pay for his hospital expenses.

After recovering, he had no stable source of income. To support his family, he began collecting scrap materials using a rented handcart. Every month, he had to pay ₹1,500 as rent to the owner of the handcart, which significantly reduced his earnings.

During a household survey, Mashal’s field animator identified the family’s need for livelihood support. After assessing their situation, Mashal decided to provide Mr. Somnath with his own handcart.

Receiving the handcart brought a significant improvement to his livelihood. His average monthly income increased to ₹9,500–₹11,000, and after covering his operating expenses, he earned an average monthly profit of around ₹5,000. Since he no longer had to pay rent for the handcart, he was able to save more money. Owning his own handcart also allowed him to work longer hours, increasing his earning potential.

Coping During the COVID-19 Pandemic

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the nationwide lockdown severely affected Mr. Somnath’s scrap collection business, leaving him without a regular source of income. Demonstrating resilience and adaptability, he used the same handcart provided by Mashal to start selling vegetables near his home.

Although his earnings were lower during this period, the vegetable business became his family’s primary source of income. His average monthly income ranged between ₹4,500 and ₹5,000, with an average monthly profit of ₹2,000 to ₹3,000 after deducting his investment costs.

Once the lockdown restrictions were lifted and normal activities resumed, Mr. Somnath restarted his scrap collection business. Today, his average monthly income ranges from ₹8,000 to ₹9,000 and continues to grow. He has also continued selling vegetables as a supplementary source of income, making his family’s livelihood more stable and resilient.

Beneficiary Testimonial

“Mashal provided me with a handcart, which has helped me meet the basic needs of my family. I can now collect scrap more efficiently without paying any rental charges. During the COVID-19 lockdown, when all businesses came to a halt and movement was restricted, I started selling vegetables on the same handcart in front of my house. It became my family’s main source of income during that difficult period and helped us survive. I am sincerely grateful to Mashal and John Deere India for their timely support.”

 Mr. Somnath Mohan Kambale