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Kudumbashree Mission ties up with KMRL for supplying food in steel boxes

Kudumbashree Mission ties up with Kochi Metro Rail Limited (KMRL) for supplying homely food in steel boxes to the employees of Kochi Metro. Its on getting inspired from the Dabbawalas of Mumbai, that the dabbawala service of Kudumbashree is launched.The freshly prepared homely food is packed in steel boxes (dabbas) and are distributed to the employees of Kochi Metro. The service was launched during the last week of November 2018. It is Kudumbashree Mission’s Micro Enterprise-Samrudhi Catering based at Choornikkara panchayath, Aluva of Ernakulam district, which prepares food for the employees and supplies the same among the KMRL employees across the 16 Metro stations in Kochi.

The lunch orders are placed by the Kochi Metro employees before 10 AM everyday and once the food is prepared, the Kudumbashree members gather with their dabbas at Muttom station from where they separate to different metro stations to distribute the food. Kudumbashree members are permitted to travel on metro trains free of cost for distributing the food. As of now, they are sticking on to the usual meals for lunch but on progressing, they plans to provide more options as well. The dabba system stands out unique that only Rs 40 is charged per meal which includes rice with sambar, curd, and fish curry or fry or chicken curry. The steel boxes are later collected and are brought back to the Micro Enterprise unit. The unit is now distributing food in 100 dabbas now.

Kochi Metro is maintained environment friendly. The dabbawala system was implemented to discourage the employees from bringing food in plastic containers and with the launch of the dabbawala system, there has been a decrease of plastic waste across all the 16 metro stations.

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The unit is now distributing food in 100 dabbas now

Kudumbashree Thiruvananthapuram Mission starts Kudumbashree Courier Service

Thinking out of the box and thereby making a difference, Kudumbashree Thiruvananthapuram Mission launched a courier service in Kadinamkulam CDS of Thiruvananthapuram district as a micro enterprise unit. Kudumbashree Courier Service was started during October 2018. Courier services are particularly useful for people that sell products online and need a shipping solution for sending multiple parcels. Kudumbashree Courier Service offers faster and more secure service and delivery.

Smt. Jeetha who is the President of the unit had a past work experience in courier service and so she is managing all the services of Kudumbashree Courier Service along with the other four group members. Kudumbashree Courier Service had even made a tie up with a private professional courier agency for domestic and international courier services. It is also planned to take initiatives to expand the services of Kudumbashree Courier Service to more areas. They are also managing an online bus/train ticket booking services as well. Kudumbashree Thiruvananthapuram District Mission had provided necessary financial assistance to this group.

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Kudumbashree Courier Service offers faster and more secure service and delivery.

Gender Youth Movement for young girls launched at Ernakulam

The Gender Youth Movement for young girls was launched at Ernakulam by Smt. Asha Sanal, District Panchayath President at Kakkanad, Ernakulam on 24 November 2018. Gender Youth Movement aims to provide self defense training, training for improving the artistic and athletic potential of members, workshops that inculcate leadership skill, assertiveness and personality development through residential programmes.

The Gender youth Movement, through its convergence with other national and international agencies focus to support the members with carrier excellence as well. The study tours and camps would help to explore certain unfamiliar areas and opportunities in this present trend of sedentary youth-hood. Instead of being like a ‘couch potato’, the gender youth movement aims to develop vigorous young people through blending with the’ Snehitha’s Calling Bell Support Programme’. The activities include house visits and interaction with the Snehitha Calling Bell support recipients and rendering voluntary service to tackle the needs of support recipients or beneficiaries.

Though Kudumbashree have ‘Balasabha’ for children till the age of 15, there is no such initiative for young girls after 15, during which girls freedom are limited due to security issues. Women act wisely and confidently when their physique is strong enough to defend any violence against her, which is to be developed from very young age. In order to maintain their gap and to bring a change in the present stereotype, gender youth clubs named ‘Gender Youth Movement’ are formed in 101 Panchayaths, for young girls, between the age of 15 -29 years. The youth clubs are formed with any numbers, not less than 10, in each CDS and one affiliated to the Kerala state youth Welfare Board and the Nehru Yuva Kendra.

Gender based discrimination against women is pervasive across the world. The patriarchal world always treated girls inferior to boys and this had been deeply engraved in the mind of girls even from their childhood. When we analyse the cases registered in Snehitha from its beginning in 2013, it’s understood that, in most of the atrocities against women and girls especially in POCSO (Protection of Children from Sexual Offences ) cases the accused are either a relative or a person who is close to the victim, rather than a stranger. When boys are allowed to stroll outside with peers, or to involve in any recreational activities, girls are restricted inside like a ‘domesticated parrot’.

The gender youth club can ensure the social participation of young girls without any gender bias and improves the confidence and self esteem of members. Through club activities eminent women leaders in Kudumbashree in local self governing can be developed in the upcoming future. A good percent of more than half of the Kerala women population are mainstreamed through Kudumbashree, but still the issue of women security and equal participation to be discussed and enacted further. Staying together help to defeat vulnerable situation. An able bodied, yet vigorous generation of women can be developed through Gender Youth Movement.

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The youth clubs are formed with any numbers, not less than 10, in each CDS and one affiliated to the Kerala state youth Welfare Board and the Nehru Yuva Kendra.

Nano Market hits Kottakkal Municipality

Marketing is the key component for the success of any enterprise. Kudumbashree have already developed a brand image in the minds of common people that the products from Kudumbashree are pure and is of best quality. Low market penetration and tough competition from the products and marketing strategies of large scale enterprises was posing a challenge to Kudumbashree products. It is as a solution to this issue, that Nano Markets were launched. In Nano Markets, Kudumbashree products are positioned in par with its near competitors.

Kottakkal Municipality Community Development Society has launched the Nano market at Municipal office with the intention of promoting the market opportunities of Kudumbashree products, to provide a constant income for NULM entrepreneurs, create local demands and provide permanent outlets, increase market visibility and reinforce the brand of Kudumbashree products in the minds of local customers. Kudumbashree Nano Market is installed in the front office of Kottakkal Municipality with the full support of Kottakkal Municipal council. The location is very much suitable to exhibit and promote sales of Kudumbashree products. Variety of curry powders of Kusumam Unit and Soparnika SHG, Pickles of Santhwanam SHG, Powders and dried chilly of Chaithanya SHG, Handmade Chocolates and cakes of Theertha SHG units of Kottakal are now selling their products through Nano Market. Rs. 750 is the average sales recorded per day. The stock register and sales register are maintained by Community Development Societies(CDS) and entrepreneurs would get their payments after 15 days. CDS will get 5-10% commission on the basis of the recorded sales.

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Handmade Chocolates and cakes of Theertha SHG units of Kottakal are now selling their products through Nano Market.

Arishree Rice launched

Arishree rice, produced from the paddy harvested in fallow lands was formally launched by Dr.T M Thomas Issac, Minister of Finance, Government of Kerala on 25 November 2018 at Milan Ground, Kasaragod.Mazhapolima was the fallow less village campaign conducted in 37 CDS of Kudumbashree Kasaragod District Mission as a part of Mahila Kisan Sashaktikaran Pariyojana (MKSP) farm livelihood Programme. There were 235 acres of fallow land cultivated in puncha–mundakam season. 134 Joint Liability Groups under different Kudumbashree units have cultivated varies varieties of paddy including puncha,mundakam with the support of gramapanchayth and Agriculture department.

Mazha polima Best CDS award instituted by Kudumbashree Kasaragod District Mission was presented to Meenja, Karaduka , Kinanur Karinthalam and Kanchagad CDS. Winners of the Mazhapolima District Photography Competition- Mr.Rajesh O.K (First Place), Mr.Deepash Puthya purayil (Second Place) and Mr. Surandran Madikai (Third place ) were also honoured at the function.

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There were 235 acres of fallow land cultivated in puncha–mundakam season.

Snehitha Counselling Centre opened at Town Police Station of Kannur District

As a part of the expansion of the Snehitha services, a Counselling Centre was opened in collaboration with the Police Department at Kannur district. The newly opened Snehitha counseling centre is working with all facilities at the campus of the Kannur Town Police Station.The services of Snehitha counsellor would be available on every saturdays from 10 AM to 1 Pm. So far 17 cases were reported from the police reference.

Cases relating to the women and children are directly referred to Snehitha Counseling Centre for counseling and guidance. Through the establishment of the Counseling Centre, cases and short stay services are directly reported to Snehitha. In such situations, Snehitha provides counseling and immediate follow ups. Students are also availing counselling services from Snehitha. The reported cases are mainly related to behavioural problems, family issues and study related problems of children. The centre started working when Mr.Sreejith Koderi, Town Sub Inspector inaugurated the same on 28 July 2018. The details of the project were explained during the inaugural programme.

Apart from this, various programmes had been conducted for children by the Snehitha counseling centre and town police station. The main aim of these activities is to construct a child friendly society, extending counseling activities to nearby schools. In association with Kannur town police station , Snehitha had conducted several programmes for student police cadets as well. In connection with the World Mental Health day, a seminar on the topic' Youth Mental Health' was conducted for Student Police Cadets (SPC) in convergence with Town Police Station Kannur on 10 October 2018 and a total of 40 students participated in the seminar. Snehitha had also organised ‘Kerala piravi’ Quiz competition for high school students, in which 55 students had participated. These programmes helped Snehitha to reach their activities to the society in a different way.

Snehitha Gender help desk is a 24 hours working system under Kudumbashree mission. The main aim of the centre is to provide help and support to those women and children who are in distress and provide voice for their issues and concerns, also to prevent, protect and prevail over domestic violence through advocacy, empowerment and social change. Snehitha is facilitating its services with the convergence of other like minded agencies like legal service authority, police department, Child Welfare Committe (CWC), NGOs and other Government departments. Snehitha is working on the principle of convergence, which is followed by a close interface and collaboration with the service providers and counselors.

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Arts & Craft Groups in Vellar Craft Village to create a unique ethnic hangout

Creating a unique ethnic hangout, Vellar, a rocky hamlet situated near Kovalam in Thiruvananthapuram district of Kerala, would soon enter into the tourist circuit as an Arts and Crafts Village. To become fully functional before the next tourist season, Vellar, with its handicraft stalls, ethnic food joints, and recreational facilities, will gift a genuine Kerala shopping experience for travelers. The craft village will have dedicated facilities for traditional artisans to work and market their finished products. Governmental, semi-governmental agencies, non-governmental organisations, charitable societies and skilled individuals may associate with the project.

Kudumbashree Mission identified Arts and Crafts group in Vellar Craft village Project in association with Uralungal Labour contract Co-operative Society(ULCC). The members will be given stipend and food during the training period. The trainings are provided by the experienced faculties inside and outside the state and the training will be extended for a period of 3 months. 98 Kududumbashree members are identified, interviewed and selected for this project.Training had already been started for the crafts group formation like jewellery making, bag making, handicrafts etc. Arts group is formed for Daffmottu, Thiruvathirakali and Margam Kali. The 3 months training has already been started at Vellar Craft village.

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Kudumbashree Mission identified Arts and Crafts group in Vellar Craft village Project in association with Uralungal Labour contract Co-operative Society(ULCC).

An act of social responsibility of Balasabha Members from Alappuzha

The act of social responsibility of the Balasabha members from Bharanikavu Panchayath of Alappuzha district of Kerala is becoming a model for many. The Balasabha members also became part of the Chekutty doll making campaign and made Chekutty dolls, a handmade doll made from the garments at Chendamangalam handloom weavers that were soiled and destroyed during floods.

A block level creative campaign was organised for the Balsabha members at Bharanikav Panchayath Community Hall on 25 November 2018 and 65 Balasabha members attended the training. Shri Muhammed Haneef, a volunteer from Chekutty doll making team taught the members on how to make Chekutty dolls and arranged the raw materials as well. The Balasabha members altogether made a total of 168 Chekutty dolls. The Chekutty dolls made by the Balasabha members would be returned to the team, which would labelled, boxed the same and would be sent to the customers as per the orders received online.

Handloom weavers at Chendamangalam in the Ernakulam district lost their only source of livelihood when the unprecedented floods destroyed their weaving units and washed away all their stock and raw materials. Later, two social entrepreneurs in came up with the idea of making 'Chekutty', handmade dolls out of the soiled garments at Chendamangalam, which had gained much publicity among the public. Chekutty has later become a a symbol of hope to almost 600 weavers at Chendamangalam. All the proceeds from the sales of Chekutty will go to livelihood programs envisaged by the Karimpadam Handloom Weavers Cooperative Society Limited No.191 in Chendamangalam.

“A mascot of the emerging Keralam, being rebuilt through our solidarity, resilience and beauty of hearts despite some of the stains and scars that will remain in our lives. Chekkutty has scars.Chekkutty has stains. But Chekutty represents each one of us who survived the floods,” says the Chekutty website. By volunteering for Chekutty doll making campaign, the Balasabha members had also became a part of supporting the weavers.

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Policy interventions in Agriculture sector of Kudumbashree

To scale up the farm livelihood sector which engulfs more than three lakh rural women of Kerala some policy interventions were attempted by Kudumbashree Mission Agriculture viz., Agriculture technology fund, Value addition unit fund and organic farming additional incentive package. Agriculture inevitably, needs technology infusion to accelerate the production to feed the growing population. The technology deficit gap needs to be filled on a fast track basis to match productivity ratios with the rest of the country/world. New technologies are needed to push the yield frontiers further, utilize inputs more efficiently and diversify to more sustainable and higher value cropping systems.

Sixty thousand JLGs are currently engaged in farm livelihood activities of Kudumbashree and have been enjoying traditional method of agriculture. Encouraging the farmers, based on the micro environment that basically contain need, demand, feasibility and sustainability of the venture, support structures, convergence opportunities etc., to adopt latest agricultural technologies or innovative enterprises would be beneficial to enter into the next realm of farming activities. Agriculture technological fund was launched during 2018-19 which extends financial assistance for implementing latest agricultural technologies through the adoption of novel technologies including improved varieties, innovative ideas, innovative crop management system, superior post-harvest processing techniques and value addition units etc. The fund supports the interested JLGs in terms of capital subsidy of 40% of the project cost or Rs 2 lakh, whichever is lesser. Tricho card units. VAM units, hydroponics, aqua ponics. rain shelters, tissue culture labs etc are some of the initiatives already identified under this initiative.

Value addition fund extends financial support to interested groups for establishing units in various crops like coconut, banana, mango, jack fruit, pine apple, passion fruit etc as part of the value chain activity. The value addition units would be established by groups based on local availability of the produce and preference of the community. The subsidy scheme is loan linked. Each value addition unit can have a maximum of 40% or Rs 2 lakhs whichever is lesser to each as subsidy for establishment.

Kudumbashree has ventured into the realm of organic cultivation to promote organic farming and agricultural commodities with organic certification. The project launched during 2018-19 envisages bringing 10,000 Ha under organic farming in 201 clusters all across Kerala. This mission expects an involvement of around one lakh Kudumbashree women farmers through 20000 Joint Liability Groups. Realising the fact that there will be yield reduction in the initial years of organic practice and also that the bio inputs are costlier than the conventional inputs it was decided to support and encourage the farmers who venture into organic farming by providing them with 10% additional area incentive from the existing pattern. This incentive will be provided for the first three years of cultivation only and restricted to those who are registered under the organic programme of Kudumbashree Mission.

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Kudumbashree has ventured into the realm of organic cultivation to promote organic farming and agricultural commodities with organic certification

Kudumbashree Alappuzha District Mission observed Child Rights Day

Kudumbashree Alappuzha District Mission in collaboration with 'Save The Children' NGO celebrated International Child Rights Day. A rally was organised to spread the message on protection of child rights carrying blue balloons to 'go blue' as per this years theme by UN. Rally ended in the Beach where a large canvas was arranged for a mass drawing campaign to spread the message of Child Rights Day. Various programmes were organised for Balasabha members, which was inaugurated by Smt. Daleema Jojo, District Panchayath Vice President and Famous Play Back singer.

An awareness class on Child Rights was extended to the children and Adv. Reghuvaran lead the class.Shri. Sippy Pallipuram, famous children's story writer interacted with the children. Shri..Sanjay and Smt. Geeta, representatives from Save the children, interacted with the children and sponsored 100 T-Shirts,caps and school bags filled with study materials for the participants in the programme and had also participated in the campaign.

'Save The Children' is a global non-profit organisation which was founded in the year 1919 and is India's leading independent child rights NGO, which run programmes in the remotest corners of India and urban areas to provide quality education and healthcare, protection from harm and abuse and life-saving aid during emergencies to children.

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An awareness class on Child Rights was extended to the children and Adv. Reghuvaran lead the class.Shri. Sippy Pallipuram, famous children's story writer interacted with the children.