Mahatma Phule Samaj Seva Mandal (MPSSM)

Since its establishment, MPSSM has diligently endeavoured to enhance the livelihoods of impoverished and marginalized farmers. By engaging in various initiatives such as the establishment of new wells, the refurbishment of existing ones through deepening and desilting, micro watershed projects, horticulture, and livestock development, MPSSM has significantly improved the lives of over 10,000 farmers by a noteworthy 10% to 15%.
In addition to this impactful work, MPSSM has extended support to more than 2000 women in securing access to credit for micro-enterprises. This crucial assistance has empowered women in rural areas, providing them with financial independence and a voice within their families. Consequently, they are better equipped to participate in decision-making processes.

MPSSM underscores the critical global importance of addressing climate change to ensure a sustainable and prosperous existence, not only for humanity but also for fostering a balanced and sustainable ecosystem for all organisms.
Furthermore, MPSSM advocates that the effective implementation of the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee scheme (MNREGA) can facilitate natural resource management. Activities conducted under MNREGA, such as afforestation, water conservation, horticulture, and land development, have significantly contributed to bolstering the flora and fauna within the region. Notably, villages like Padali, Kamone, Alsunde, among others, stand as testaments to this success story, having overcome drought and transformed into verdant havens that surpass neighbouring areas in greenery.

Since 1997, MPSSM has been deeply involved in enhancing water, sanitation, and hygiene conditions in Maharashtra. Over 100 villages have benefited from these efforts, enlightening more than 10,000 families about optimal water, sanitation, and hygiene practices. Collaboration with government funding agencies, corporates, and community contributions enabled the construction of 1000 toilets, while the installation of over 150 handpumps ensured access to safe and clean drinking water for villagers.
To sustain these initiatives, MPSSM provided training to local masons in constructing toilets, washing platforms, and areas surrounding handpumps. Additionally, it established WASH committees in each village, fostering a continuous process of improving water, sanitation, and hygiene standards.
With a focus on proper wastewater and organic waste management, MPSSM educated villagers and introduced the concept of Kitchen Gardens and Soak pits.

MPSSM commenced its initiatives by focusing on women's empowerment endeavours. Initially, it concentrated on aiding women who were victims of forced prostitution. The organization raised awareness among these women about practicing safe sexual behaviours and provided support for their children's education, among other forms of assistance.
Furthermore, MPSSM established over 100 women's self-help groups, offering them seed capital and facilitating access to credit from local and nationalized banks. These groups of women ventured into various micro-enterprise activities, fostering economic independence.
Additionally, MPSSM provided training to widowed and destitute women in tailoring and other valuable skills. This training empowered these women to pursue livelihood opportunities independently, reducing their reliance on others for sustenance.

Earthquake relief efforts: Efforts were directed towards delivering essential relief supplies during the 1993 Latur Earthquake and the 2001 Bhuj Earthquake. The organisation supplied critical materials such as blankets, stoves, tents, food provisions, and more.
Flood relief initiatives: MPSSM extended its assistance during the 2006 flood in District Sangli and the significant floods in Kolhapur District in 2020 and 2021. The aid included hygiene products, medicines, stoves, food supplies, and even seeds for farmers. Additionally, MPSSM conducted training sessions to educate villagers on managing such natural disasters.
Drought relief initiatives: Given the recurring droughts in Maharashtra's vulnerable regions, MPSSM consistently provided drought relief materials every two to three years.

MPSSM initiated awareness programs across various districts in Maharashtra, engaging with diverse stakeholders and conducting interviews with over 100 widowed women. This concerted effort prompted many Gram Panchayats to recognize and address the severe issues faced by widows. These customs included removing the mangalsutra and jodvi (toerings), wiping off the sindoor (vermillion), breaking the widow's bangles, and restricting her participation in social and auspicious activities. The panchayats unanimously passed resolutions during Gram Sabha meetings, declaring equal treatment for all women, whether married or widowed, and prohibiting traditional rituals that disrespected widows.
Currently, over 7,000 villages in Maharashtra have committed to abolishing widowhood practices.

The project's core objective is to minimize input costs within cotton production. It is centered on the cultivation of organic cotton, resulting in notable enhancements in livelihoods and food security. The project's scope covers 10 villages situated in the Jalgaon (JA) block of Buldana district, Maharashtra.
Key initiatives undertaken within this project include:
• Selection of 111 farmers for demonstration plots across the 10 project villages.
• Promotion of organic cotton cultivation in 55 demonstration plots (0.5 acres each) during the first year, involving 55 lead farmers from 5 project villages.
• Conducting village-level training sessions on organic cotton cultivation and implementing a comprehensive Package of Practices guiding each stage of organic cotton production.
• Establishment of a Block Level Organic Cotton Committee (BLOCC) to advocate for organic cotton, accompanied by the display of Information Education Communication (IEC) material on organic cotton cultivation.

The primary objective of this project is to provide relief to communities affected by floods in the Kolhapur and Sangali districts, aiming to enhance food security and improve overall health conditions for early recovery.
The project spans across 15 villages in the Shirol block of Kolhapur district and 5 villages in the Palus Block of Sangali District in Maharashtra.
Key initiatives undertaken within this project include:
• Provision of 6500 man-days of work in 11 villages to aid in recovery efforts.
• Distribution of 2075 dry ration kits across 11 villages to support affected families.
• Conducting awareness camps on Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) issues in 20 villages to educate and promote better practices.
• Distributing seed kits to 200 farmers in 10 villages to facilitate the revival of agricultural activities.
• Distribution of 150 hygiene kits to improve sanitation and health conditions among affected communities.

This project is dedicated to ensuring that Paradhi children thrive in a supportive environment, facilitating consistent attendance at school. Currently, 64 students reside in these hostels, receiving regular education while benefiting from nutritious meals. The Yashodhara Hostel is situated in Village Dagadi Baradgoan (RASHIN), Karjat block, Ahmednagar district, Maharashtra.
Adjacent to the hostel, a Government school was established in 2017, complementing the educational support provided. Remarkable transformations have been observed in the children's behaviour and health as a direct impact of this initiative.

The project's objective is to diminish the number of seasonal migrants from the drought-prone regions of Solapur & Beed districts in Maharashtra while enhancing livelihoods and ensuring improved food security. The project encompasses four villages situated in the Ashti block of Beed district and the Karmala Block in Solapur District, Maharashtra.
Key activities conducted within the project include:
1. Farmers Field School: Three sessions of Farmers Field School were organized involving 11 Community-based Sustainable Participatory Groups (CSPGs).
2. Excavation Initiatives: Excavation works included the development of ENB (Earthen Nala Bunding) and a new farm pond in Khadaki village.
3. Support for landless households: Ten landless and women-headed households were supported by providing 1 goat and 2 goat kids each, contributing to their livelihood enhancement.
4. Value addition training: Four training sessions on agricultural produce value addition were conducted.