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Kudumbashree units excel at the Darjeeling Saras Fair

Kudumbashree units excel at the Darjeeling Saras Fair held at Kanchanjungha Stadium, Siliguri, West Bengal from 22 January to 3 February 2020. Kudumbashree had bagged the title of Best Performing State in the 3rd Darjeeling Saras Fair 2020. Smt. Anitha Joshy and Smt, Smitha Shaji, Micro Enterprise Consultants from Idukki received the award for the Best Performing State. A total of four units of Kudumbashree took part in the 3rd Darjeeling Saras Fair 2020. The products of Kudumbahsree were of high demand among the Saras Fair.

2 Micro Enterprise Consultants represented the unit from Kozhikode, and Idukki. The unit from Idukki sold coffee powder and spices. One unit from Malappuram, and yet another unit from Ernakulam which makes Iron and tools also took part in the Saras Fair held at Darjeeling. The Cafe team of Kudumbashree had also bagged the prize for best performance at the Odisha Sisir Saras Fair. The event celebrated the rich cultural, ethnic, cuisine diversity of India and to exhibit India's richness of cultural diversity before world and thereby aims at promoting the tourism prospects of India.

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The unit from Idukki sold coffee powder and spices. One unit from Malappuram, and yet another unit from Ernakulam which makes Iron and tools also took part in the Saras Fair held at Darjeeling.

Women Security team formed at Payyanur

An innovative idea was implemented under the leadership of Kudumbashree in the enterprise sector at the Payyanur Municipality of Kannur district of Kerala. The first women security team of NULM/ Kudumbashree was formed in Payyannur under the leadership of Kudumbashree CDS and Payyannur Municipality. It was on realizing that there exists many opportunities for women in this sector, that the team decided to implement this novel idea as part of the National Urban Livelihoods Mission NULM) programme under the leadership of Kudumbashree CDS. At first, as part of forming women security team, the Payyanur team invited applications from those candidates would be interested, if such job opportunities would be evolved. Kudumbashree women welcomed the concept wholeheartedly and a total of 50 applications were received expressing their willingness. Out of the 50 women who applied, 35 were selected and were given two days training. 28 of them were given special uniform and the team was setup. The initiative aims at providing security services in enterprise model. Women security team will be for hire, for surveillance, traffic control and security purposes at auditoriums, shops, marriage functions, trade fairs and other functions.

Within one week of the launch, the team received 3 notable opportunities. The team is all set to extend their services not only in Payyanur Municipality, but also for programmes which would be held all across Kannur district. They will work as security personnel for one or two days as per the need of the client. They are also willing to work as a regular women security personnel at any institutions during day time. The NULM team of Kudumbashree aims at commencing similar enterprises at urban areas where there’s opportunity. The initiative would be the part of the National Urban Livelihoods Mission (NULM) programme. Kudumbashree Mission is the nodal agency for implementing the centrally designed programme, National Urban Livelihoods Mission (NULM) in Kerala.

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Within one week of the launch, the team received 3 notable opportunities.

Tribal Cross Country held at Attappady

Tribal Cross Country was held at Attappady under the leadership of Attappady Comprehensive Tribal Development and Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group Development Project. The event was conducted aiming at increasing the aptitude of the tribal community towards sports and for maintaining their physical fitness. 'Towards physical health educational empowerment' was the message of the Attappady Tribal Cross Country. The programme was organised by Attappady Comprehensive Tribal Development and Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group Development Project -Kudumbashree in convergence with district administration, District Tourism Promotion Council (DTPC), Integrated Tribal Development Programme (ITDP), Sports Council, Canara Bank and Perinthalmanna EMS Hospital. The marathon was flagged off by Shri, Arjun Pandyan, Sub Collector, Ottappalam. He had also participated in the Marathon.

229 men and 43 took part in the 10 km Cross Country held between Mattathukaad ITI and Govt. Vocational Higher Secondary School, Agali. In the male category, Mahendran.M (36.43 minutes) came first, Vijay.M (40.19 minutes) came second and Varun Kumar ( 40.50 minutes) from Varun came in third place. In the female category, Swetha.D (1.01 hours) from Vandanpara of Attappady came in first place, Sindhu.N (1.03 hours) from Chemmanoor came in the second place and Selvi (1.07 hours)came in the third place. The first prize comprises of Cash Prize of Rs .7000 trophy and 2nd and 3rd prize comprise of cash prize of Rs 5000 and Rs 3000 respectively. The first 10 participants from the men and women category were also presented cash prize of Rs 1000 each and medals.

Smt. Jyothi Anil Kumar, Panchayath President,Puthoor Grama Panchayath, Shri. P. Saidalavi, District Mission Co-ordinator, Kudumbashree Palakakd District Mission, Smt. Sindhu. V, Project ,Manager, Attappady Comprehensive Tribal Development and Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group Development Project, Smt. Vani Das, Project Officer, Integrated Tribal Development Programme, Shri. Ajesh. K.J, Secretary, DTPC and Shri. Sathyan.T, Principal,Govt. Vocational Higher secondary School, Agali also attended the function. The Cross Country was led by Shri. Sasi Kumar, National Football Referee and Shri, Sebastain.K.J, District Basketball Association.

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229 men and 43 took part in the 10 km Cross Country held between Mattathukaad ITI and Govt. Vocational Higher Secondary School, Agali.

to Kudumbashree create history by selling cloth bags worth Rs 60 lakhs

Kudumbashree had created history by selling cloth bags worth Rs 60 lakhs. An average turn over of Rs 60,01,715 was recorded upto November 2019. A total of 456 cloth bag production units are functioning all across the state. As per the Government Order (G.O(MS) No.7/2019/Cir) plastic has been banned in Kerala starting from 1 January 2020. Kudumbashree is partnering in the fight against plastic and thereby make livelihood possible for women. Under the leadership of the respective District Mission Coordinators of Kudumbashree in the 14 districts of Kerala, Kudumbashree had already started making cloth bags regionally and had started conducting awareness programmes against plastic.

In short, along with fighting back against plastic, Kudumbashree is helping finding more livelihood opportunities for women. Various districts have devised various activities in fighting back against plastic and had even ventured into new activities to promote the use of cloth bags. The cloth bags produced by the districts are purchased by the governmental and non-governmental institutions. In many districts, activities are progressing in association with the respective district administration. A few units are getting regular orders for the cloth bags. The details of the cloth bag production units is available in the link : http://www.kudumbashree.org/pages/816

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Kudumbashree extending livelihood to around 1.54 lakhs people

Livelihood is being extended to around 1.54 lakhs people through various programmes and other employment opportunities. Through the Micro Enterprises programme, Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Grameen Kaushalya Yojana (DDU-GKY), Employment through Skills Training & Placement [EST&P] of National Urban Livelihood Mission (NULM) and Start-up Village Entrepreneurship Programme (SVEP), a sub-component of the National Rural Livelihood Mission, Kudumbashree is extending livelihood opportunities to as many common women.

91,630 women could find their livelihood through the micro enterprises of Kudumbashree. 34,394 candidates received job placements through DDUGKY, whereas 14,000 were placed through EST&P component of NULM and 9030 got placement through the SVEP programme. Kudumbashree is also active in supplying man power for various jobs in other governmental and non-governmental departments like KSEB, DTPC, Medical Colleges, Panchayath offices etc and 1640 women had secured job placements through this. In addition to that, a team of 3195 experienced professionals from various sectors is also working with Kudumbashree Mission in different levels, making sure that the projects designed and implemented for the social and economic empowerment of women are reaching out to the grass root level. In short, a total of 1,53,889 people is being extended livelihood through Kudumbashree Mission. Kudumbashree is fully equipped and is keeping on making innovative yet remarkable interventions for the betterment of the livelihood of the common people in the state.

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Kerala's first canteen by transgenders started at Palakkad

The first ever transgender canteen in the state was opened at Palakkad district of Kerala jointly by Kudumbashree, Palakkad District Administration and Social Justice Department, Government of Kerala. This project was included in the annual action plan of Palakkad District Panchayat (year 2018-19). This unique initiative started functioning in the premises of the Civil Station, Palakkad.

Kudumbashree, as a part of its ‘special NHG’ project, has two transgender Neighbourhood groups in Palakkad district. The canteen at Palakkad Civil Station would be run by one of them, viz. the ‘Oruma’ Transgender Neighbourhood group. The 10 members of the group were given skill training for running this canteen. The space for the canteen was provided by the district administration. The project was included in the annual plan of Palakkad District Panchayath. The canteen which functions from morning till evening would serve food items like, dosa, idiyappam, puttu, idli, tea snacks, chattikanji, puzhukku etc. This canteen at Palakad district civil station premises could be considered as an example of expanding initiatives for transgender communities with the convergence of various Governmental departments.

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Kudumbashree, as a part of its ‘special NHG’ project, has two transgender Neighbourhood groups in Palakkad district. The canteen at Palakkad Civil Station would be run by one of them,

Kudumbashree Ernakulam District Mission organises Nokkukuthi campaign against Human Rights Violations

Kudumbashree Ernakulam District Mission organises 'Nokkukuthi Campaign' against the Human Rights Violations against women,men and transgender communities happening in the society thesedays. Kudumbashree would install scarecrows at various locations in the city as part of the campaign to symbolically mention that, being a socially responsible and socially committed institution, Kudumbashree can't just remain scarecrows and remain mum seeing all such human rights violations.

The campaign is being orgnaised as part of the Gender Self Learning Programme of Kudumbashree and the same would be organised from 26 December 2019 to 1 January 2020. It is planned to install scarecrows at at least 1830 wards in the district. Papers and pens are also placed along with the scarecrows. People may write down about their issues that they wish to share, suggestions and remarks and may pin the same on the scarecrows. The same would be collected and compiled as well. The scarecrows are made by the Kudumbashree women themselves using eco-friendly materials. More than one scarecrow would be placed in every wards. It is planned to call attention seeking meetings in CDS level with the assistance of Local Self Government Institutions on 1 January 2020.

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The same would be collected and compiled as well. The scarecrows are made by the Kudumbashree women themselves using eco-friendly materials

Balakrishi of the Balasabha Students from Kasaragod sets a mark

The Balakrishi of the Balasabha students from Kasaragod has set a unique mark. The Balasabha students of the Chemmanad Gramapanchayath CDS of the Kasaragod district of Kerala have set a model by doing Balakrishi in their Panchayath. The 14 students of the Balasabha of Chemmanad Grama Panchayath did cultivation in 8 cents of land available at Perumbla Patteri Tharavad of Chemmanad Grama Panchayath during the free time available after school and during holidays. The children were able to produce poison free vegetables are rice and thereby ensured rain water conservation, nature conservation and retaining the organic nature of the soil. On seeing the enthusiasm of the Balasabha children, the CDS, public and Kasaragod District Mission also extended their support the children in their endeavor. The little farmers were able to cultivate 96 Kg of rice.

Balasabha is a collective attempt of children to ensure their participation in the democratic space at the local Government level and in their community. The prime objective of constituting Balasabhas is to prevent inter-generational transmission of poverty through capability enhancement of children. Small Learning Groups for experimental and systematic learning, opportunities for understanding democratic process, participation in conserving environment, enabling children to unfold the intricacies of collectivization are the basic focal points of Balasabha. Balakrishi is the special agricultural activity organised by Balasabha as a look back to the farming culture of Kerala.

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Small Learning Groups for experimental and systematic learning, opportunities for understanding democratic process, participation in conserving environment, enabling children to unfold the intricacies of collectivization are the basic focal points of Bal

Some participants of Arangu 2019 substantiates that age is just a number

Some participants of Arangu 2019 substantiated that age is just a number for them. Smt. Komalavalliyamma, aged 80, from Alappuzha district and Smt. Mariyam Pennamma aged 64, from Kottayam and Smt. Vijayam Gopalakrishnan aged 62 hailing from Idukki district of Kerala just proved that age is nothing but a number for them. Komalavaliyamma took part in Thiruvathirakali competition whereas, Smt Mariyam Pennamma and Smt.Vijayam took part in the poetry recitation (senior) and Folk Dance (senior) respectively.

Though, Komalavaliyamma's team hadn't bagged any prize, they stole the hearts of the audience. Komalavaliyamma came from Thakzhy CDS of Alappuzha district. Her team performed Thiruvathira in its traditional way, where the women sing and dance by themselves in a circle. Komalavalliyamma herself trained her team. She had started practicing Thiruvathira from the age of 12 and she restarted performing Thiruvathira once stopped after her marriage, from the stages of Kudumbashree Mission and Kerala State Literacy Mission. Smt. Mariyam Pennamma from Kottayam had bagged third prize in poetry recitation. She is the active member of Kudumabshree for the last 20 years. She had special love for poetry from her childhood itself. Mariyam Penamma is the most senior one among the participants of poetry recitation (senior) competition. She recited the poem-Kattupoovu of Vinod Poovakkod and bagged third prize. Smt. Vijayam Gopalakrishnan hailing from Idukki bagged first prize in Folk Dance(Senior) competition. Vijayam had stole the hearts of the audience by infusing traditions and ethnic elements into her dance.

Arangu 2019 was kickstarted when Shri. A.C Moideen, Minister, Local Self Government Department, Government of Kerala inaugurated the festival at Palakkad on 1 November 2019. Arangu 2019 was held at 6 venues in Palakkad district from 1-3 November 2019. Kasaragod District bagged the award for the best performance at Arangu Art Festival with 128 points. Kannur and Kozhikode district came in the second and third place with 93 and 65 points respectively. Arangu 2019 had undoubtedly showcased the inherent talents of women of all ages from different parts of the state.

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Arangu 2019 was kickstarted when Shri. A.C Moideen, Minister, Local Self Government Department, Government of Kerala inaugurated the festival at Palakkad on 1 November 2019.

Kudumbashree Art Festival- 'Arangu' showcased the inherent talents of Kudumbashree Women

Kudumbashree's Art Festival 'Arangu' showcased the inherent talents of Kudumbashree Women. Kasaragod District bagged the award for the best performance at Arangu Art Festival with 128 points. Kannur and Kozhikode district came in the second and third place with 93 and 65 points respectively. Arangu 2019 was kickstarted when Shri. A.C Moideen, Minister, Local Self Government Department, Government of Kerala inaugurated the festival at Palakkad on 1 November 2019. The three day Arts Festival took place at the 6 venues named Karuthamma (Govt. Victoria College, Palakkad), Indulekha (Govt. Moyans LP School, Palakkad), Suhara (Fine Arts Society, Palakkad), Nanimistress (Govt. Victoria College Auditorium, Palakkad), Sumithra (Govt. Victoria College Auditorium, Palakkad), Chemmarathi (Govt. Victoria College Ground, Palakkad). The Mime and Drama Competitions were held at Chembai Memorial Government Music College, Palakkad.

1904 women from 14 districts across the state took part in 34 competition items. The competitions were arranged in Junior and Senior sections. Those within the age limit 18-35 came under the junior section and those above 35 years were considered in the Senior section. Light Music, Fancy Dress, Mappila Pattu, Mono Act, Folk Dance, Mimicry, Elocution, Recitation, Drawing (Pencil), Poetry Writing, Drawing (Water Colour), Story Writing, Cartoon, Collage, Kathaprasangam, Group Song, Group Dance, Folk Song, Drama, Oppana, Margamkali, Thiruvathira, Skit, Mime and Shinkarimelam were the 34 competition items in which the women competed with each other.

More than 2500 Kudumbashree women took part in the procession organised prior to the inaugural function. Kudumbashree members from Palakkad district handed over the cheque of Rs.18,51,000 to Shri. A.C Moideen, Minister for Local Self Governments, Government of Kerala towards Chief Minister’s Distress Relief Fund (CMDRF) during the inaugural function. The Art Festival became an opportunity for the women to present their artistic talents before the society. Arangu 2019, the three day Arts festival of Kudumbashree Mission had indeed stolen the hearts of the art lovers of Palakkad

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More than 2500 Kudumbashree women took part in the procession organised prior to the inaugural function.