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'Thillana' State BUDS Festival starts at Kollam

M. B Rajesh, Minister, Local Self Government Department, Excise Department and Parliamentary Affairs Department, Government of Kerala inaugurated the 'Thillana', the State Level BUDS Festival at Sree Narayana Guru Cultural Complex, Kollam. Prasanna Ernst, Mayor, Kollam Corporation presided over the function. K.N. Balagopal, Minister, Finance Department, Government of Kerala delivered the keynote address.

On inaugurating the State Level BUDS Festival, the LSGD Minister said that the State BUDS Festival, which started in 2017, has today become one of the most notable annual events of Kudumbashree. 450 artists participate in the State BUDS Festival. It is reaching an importance similar to the State School Youth Festival. There is something that motivated the Government to organize this Festival. It was decided to organize this festival with the intention of marking in front of our society that children belonging to the differently abled category are creative in many ways, just like others. It is believed that this art festival, with the energy it provides, can instil confidence in overcoming all limitations and moving forward in life. The experience of 7 years since 2017 shows that the art festival has been very successful and has good participation. All this preparation has helped strengthen the aspirations of children belonging to the differently-abled category, as the Government intended. The Minister said. The Minister also said that Kudumbashree is organizing the festival in a very exemplary and impeccable manner and he specially congratulated Kudumbashree for the same.

A Government Order has been issued that only products made by the children of BUDS Schools or books should be given as gifts to those who come as guests in the programmes of the Local Self-Government Department. This indicates the interest of the Government in BUDS Institutions. Kudumbashree has intervened and provided vehicles to 97 BUDS Institutions. The Chief Minister himself is evaluating such matters and giving guidelines. The Government will make every effort to provide better facilities. The Minister said.

There are 378 BUDS Institutions in Kerala- 212 BUDS Rehabilitation Centres and 166 BUDS Schools. A total of 13,081 people are receiving training in those 378 Institutions. Apart from this, the Government and Kudumbashree are jointly implementing many activities to uplift and develop them. More than 200 BUDS Institutions have been set up to provide livelihood facilities. Various products like pens, notepads, notebooks, etc. are being manufactured there. Kudumbashree itself is making efforts to create a market for these products. These products are available in all Kudumbashree stalls. There is a Kudumbashree stall at the Kozhikode International Airport. We can see these BUDS products there as well.

The interventions made by Kudumbashree in this field are exemplary. Kudumbashree is an unparalleled model in Kerala. Kudumbashree has become a shining example of stress empowerment in front of the world. At the same time, the indelible mark of Kudumbashree can be seen in every subtle sphere of Kerala life. That is what we can see in the case of BUDS Institutions as well. The Minister added.

K.N. Balagopal, Minister, Finance Department, Government of Kerala felicitated Aju V.J, Student, Thirunelly BUDS Paradise Special School, Wayanad and Sruthi Sandra S, Member, Ambady Balasabha, Paravur Municipality, Kollam who bagged the Ujjvala Balyam Award, constituted by the Department of Women and Child Development, Government of Kerala to encourage children who demonstrate exceptional talent in different fields.

Dr. P.K. Gopan, President, Kollam District Panchayat inaugurated the exhibition and marketing stall of the products made by the BUDS students. M. Naushad, M.L.A. Eravipuram Constituency released the souvenir of the festival by handing over the same to K.N. Balagopal, Minister, Finance Department, Government of Kerala.

M. Mukesh, MLA, Kollam Constituency welcomed the gathering. H Dineshan IAS, Executive Director, Kudumbashree explained the project. Vimal Chandran R, District Mission Coordinator, Kudumbashree Kollam District Mission delivered the vote of thanks.

The programme started with 'Thakadhimi', the dance performance by teachers of BUDS Institutions in Kollam district. Geetha Kumari, Chairperson, Development Affairs Standing Committee, Kollam Corporation, S. Jayan, Chairman, Welfare Affairs Standing Committee, Kollam Corporation), Adv. A.K. Savad, Chairman, Tax Appeal Standing Committee, Kollam Corporation, Honey Benjamin, Councilor, Vadakkumbhagam Division, Dr. V. Sreejith, State Programme Officer, Social Development, Sujatha Rathikumar, Chairperson, Kollam CDS & Sindhu Vijayan, Chairperson Kollam East CDS were also present at the function.

J. Chinchurani, Minister for Animal Husbandry and Dairy Development, Government of Kerala will inaugurate the valedictory function proposed to be held on 10 January 2025 at 3.30 PM. The Minister will also give the awards to the winners.

Currently, there are 378 BUDS Institutions operating across the state, including 166 BUDS Schools and 212 BUDS Rehabilitation Centres. BUDs Institutions are functioning in association with local self-government bodies. Through these Institutions, Kudumbashree supports 13,081 trainees in their daily life, rehabilitation and vocational training. Along with the Rehabilitation Council of India Registration, the services of specially qualified teachers for the education and training of differently-abled persons are also made available here.

'Thillana' State BUDS Festival

More than 450 BUDS Students are participating in 'Thillana', the State BUDS Festival. There are 5 venues named 'Manju', 'Rangam', 'Sukrutham', 'Kadavu', 'Kaliveedu'. The State BUDS Festival venues have been named after the works of Late. M. T. Vasudevan Nair, the famous writer as a tribute to him.

A total of 22 competitions are taking place in these venues in Junior and Senior Categories. On the first day Junior Category Folk Dance (Girls, Boys), Junior, Senior Category Mimicry, Light Music, Folk Song Competitions, Fancy Dress, Instrumental Music (Chenda), Crayon Painting, Emboss Painting, Oppana and Band Music Competitions were held on the first day of the festival.

On the second day of the festival Senior Category Folk Dance (Girls & Boys), Senior, Junior Category Recitation, Group Dance, Key Board, Work Experience (Paper Craft), Pencil Drawing Competitions will be held. There are live telecasts from two venues through the official Facebook & YouTube Page of Kudumbashree.

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'Thillana' State BUDS Festival starts at Kollam en

National Saras Mela in Chengannur : Construction of the main pavilion starts

The construction of the Main Pavilion of the National Saras Mela organized by Kudumbashree proposed to be held in Chengannur of Alappuzha district from 20-31 January 2025 was inaugurated on 4 January 2025. Mr. H Dineshan IAS, Executive Director, Kudumbashree inaugurated the construction of the main pavilion. A 1.5 lakh square feet, fully air-conditioned pavilion is being prepared for the Saras Mela. It will have the main stage, 350 product marketing stalls and 30 food stalls.

The fair, which will provide a variety of products and unique food dishes from entrepreneurs from various states of India, will also feature cultural programmes every day. Entry to the Saras Fair is free. A proclamation procession will also be organized with the participation of a large number of people on 18 January 2025.

The Pavilion Construction Ceremony organized at the Municipal Stadium was presided over by Mr. M.H. Rasheed, Chairman, Kerala Coir Machinery Manufacturing Company. Mr. Ranjith S, District Mission Coordinator, Kudumbashree Alappuzha District Mission welcomed the gathering. Rev. Kuriakose Mar Gregorius Thirumeni, Kandarar Mohanar, Sabarimala Thanthri, and Al Ustad Naufal Falili Kollam delivered speeches.

Mr. G Vivek, Convener, Publicity Committee, Ms. Sreekala, Chairperson, Chengannur Municipality CDS, Mr. Sreekanth A.S, Programme Officer, Kudumbashree, Various Sub Committee Chairmen, Conveners, Members, and Public Representatives participated in the programme.

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National Saras Mela in Chengannur : Construction of the main pavilion starts

Data Collection on Bio-Waste Disposal Facilities- Kudumbashree Survey begins across the state

As part of the Malinya Muktham Nava Keralam Campaign, a Kudumbashree survey has been launched to ensure the efficiency of bio-waste disposal facilities. Mr. M. B Rajesh, Minister, Local Self-Government, Excise and Parliamentary Affairs Department, Government of Kerala performed the State Level Inauguration of the survey at his residence in Kodambath, Palakkad on 6 January 2025. The Minister also said that a completely Waste-Free New Kerala will be declared on 30 March 2025, the International Zero Waste Day.

The survey will be conducted from 6-12 January 2025. The survey team consists of a Haritha Karma Sena member, Kudumbashree CDS or ADS or Auxiliary Group representatives. The survey is being conducted using the Haritha Mithram Mobile Application. The survey aims to assess the availability of bio-waste treatment facilities, ensure the availability of inoculum (composting tonic) for operating bio-bins, and extend the services of Haritha Karma Sena to all households and institutions. The district-level inauguration of the survey was also organized on 6 January 2025 in the presence of Ministers, MLAs, MPs and other prominent personalities. Around 35,000 Haritha Karma Sena members will be a part of this survey across the state.

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Data Collection on Bio-Waste Disposal Facilities- Kudumbashree Survey begins across the state

Kudumbashree National Saras Mela in Chengannur; ‘Cheeru’ is the Lucky Symbol

The lucky symbol, poster and theme song competition winners of the National Saras Mela organized by Kudumbashree proposed to be held from 20 to 31 January 2025 in Chengannur, Alappuzha district have been selected. Mr. Nithin, a native of Seethathodu, Pathanamthitta, was the winner of the lucky symbol and poster competitions. Ms. P. Jayalakshmi, a member of Kairali NHG in Bharanikavu Panchayath in Alappuzha district, is the winner of the theme Song Competition. Both will be presented with cash prizes at the closing ceremony of the Saras Mela.

‘Cheeru’, a baby duck, rowing a small boat with a carp in one hand, has been selected as the lucky symbol, evoking the traditional characteristics of Alappuzha.

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Kudumbashree National Saras Mela in Chengannur; ‘Cheeru’ is the Lucky Symbol

National Saras Mela in Chengannur; Reception Committee Office opened

The Reception Committee Office of the National Saras Mela organized by Kudumbashree proposed to be held in Chengannur, Alappuzha was inaugurated by Mr. Saji Cherian, Minster for Fisheries, Youth Affairs and Cultural affairs, Government of Kerala on 2 January 2025. The Reception Committee Office is located at the Relief LP School Ground near the Chengannur KSRTC Bus Stand.

The inauguration ceremony was presided over by Ms. Shobha Varghese, Chairperson, Chengannur Municipality. Mr. O.S. Unnikrishnan, Chairman, Folklore Academy, Mr. M.H. Rasheed, Chairman, KCMMC, Mr. M. Sasikumar, Chairman, Taluk Circle Cooperative Union, Ms. Valsala Mohan, Ms. Hemalatha Mohan, Mr. G. Vivek, Mr, Anil P. Sreerangam, District Panchayath Members and Mr. S. Ranjith, District Mission Coordinator, Kudumbashree Alappuzha District Mission spoke at the function.

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National Saras Mela in Chengannur; Reception Committee Office opened

Kudumbashree Block Coordinators' Salary Increased by Rs. 5000

As a New Year's gift, the salary of Kudumbashree Block Coordinators has been increased by Rs. 5000. The salary, which was Rs.15,000, has been increased to Rs. 20,000. The salary of MIS Block Coordinators, who handle three sections of Kudumbashree Organization, Micro Finance and Management Information System (MIS), has been increased. The 152 Block Coordinators working on contract basis in 152 blocks in the state in connection with strengthening Kudumbashree activities, will benefit from this. Rs 3.64 crores has been allocated in the NRLM Annual Action Plan for the salary hike of MIS Block Coordinators.

Along with the salary hike, the salary of all Block Coordinators working under various schemes under Kudumbashree has been unified at Rs 20,000. Last month, the Government had decided to grant a monthly Travel Allowance of Rs 500 to CDS members, except the Chairperson. An annual expenditure of Rs 11.02 crores will be spent on this item for the 18,400 CDS members

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Kudumbashree Block Coordinators' Salary Increased by Rs. 5000

Kudumbashree Gender Carnival concluded with a Celebration of Rights & Freedom

The Gender Carnival organized by Kudumbashree across the state, giving a new face and strength to women's struggles for rights and freedom, concluded with a colorful event. The Gender Carnival coincided with the conclusion of the 'Nayi Chetna 3.0 National Gender Campaign' organized nationwide under the theme 'Against Gender Discrimination and Gender-Based Violence'. The Gender Carnival organized in all 1070 CDSs under Kudumbashree concluded by presenting a modern-day vision of women who are fearlessly coming forward to respond, defend and raise their voices against atrocities. The Nayi Chetna 3.0 campaign is led by the National Rural Livelihood Mission at the national level.

As per the specially prepared calendar for the campaign that started on 23 November 2024, Kudumbashree had organized a variety of programmes at the NHG, ADS, CDS and district levels in the last four weeks. Most of these programmes aimed at paving the way for the intellectual development of Kudumbashree members, including gender awareness and legal awareness. In connection with the Gender Carnival, an open forum organized on the topic of ‘Dowry and Women’s Rights’, on 23 December 2024 with the participation of various departments, garnered a lot of attention. Programmes such as gender quiz, debate, group discussions involving men, boys and local leaders for gender equality, honoring gender champions, nutritional food festival, and Rangashree Street Play were also held in connection with the carnival.

In the last two years, Kudumbashree has been able to perform well at the national level by taking up the 'Nayi Chetna' Campaign. In a similar manner, Kudumbashree has been able to make the campaign successful in Kerala, this time as well. The participation of 4.6 million women in the three-tier organizational system was crucial in this.

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Kudumbashree Gender Carnival concluded with a Celebration of Rights & Freedom

Four-Day State Level Capacity Building Training held for Kudumbashree CDS Internal Auditors

Four-Day State Level Capacity Building Training for Kudumbashree CDS Internal Auditors was held at Thiruvananthapuram from 27-30 December 2024. The training was initially provided to 11 CDSs selected for the 'Chalanam Mentorship Programme implemented by Kudumbashree Mission. Each CDS has two Internal Auditors.

Around sixty people, including CDS Internal Auditors, CDS Vice Chairpersons, Accountants, Mentors selected for the Chalanam Mentorship Programme, and City Mission Managers, participated in the training that was held in Thiruvananthapuram under the leadership of Kudumbashree State Mission. After the State Level Training, a three-day training will be organized at the ULB Level for 2 Internal Auditors each from the ADSs of these 11 Urban CDSs.

The main trainers of the training programme were the Mentor Core Group Members of the Chalanam Programme and selected KAASS team members. The training was organized on the basis of the manual and module prepared by the State Mission with the help of the said team. Ms. Beena E, Mr. Abdul Basheer, Mr. Sudheer. N.B and Mr. Nishad, State Programme Manage spoke about the relevance and main responsibilities of Internal Audit.

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Four-Day State Level Capacity Building Training held for Kudumbashree CDS Internal Auditors

Kudumbashree organizes a Media Workshop as part of Nayi Chetna 3.0 National Gender Campaign

Ahead of the conclusion of 'Nayi Chetna' 3.0 Campaign, which is ongoing in the state since 25 November 2024, Kudumbashree organized a Media Workshop at Hotel Grand Chaithram, Thiruvananthapuram on 20 December 2024. Representatives of various visual, print, audio, online media & legal experts participated in the workshop. The Media Workshop envisaged sensitizing the media on Gender Discrimination and Gender issues. The workshop explained the various activities carried out in the state so far and the new projects and activities being implemented through Kudumbashree in the field of women's empowerment.

The primary objective of the workshop was to equip media professionals with the tools to address gender-based violence and inequality, and to collectively envisage new methods of implementing gender equality. The Media Workshop started with a Gender Sensitization Pledge followed by a Panel Discussion and Interaction Session with the Media Personnel. During the Panel Discussion, Dr. Sreejith, Programme Officer at Kudumbasree, emphasized that the goal of the Nayi Chetna 3.0 Campaign is to build a society where everyone is treated equally. He highlighted the various efforts of Kudumbasree which aims at sensitizing the public on gender-related issues.

Mr. V. Palanichamy, Additional Director General - Media & Communication (Region), Press Information Bureau stressed that the behavior change toward gender equality must begin within families. He added that practicing equality at home is crucial for achieving lasting societal change. He also spoke about the importance given to education in Kerala. Adv. Sandhya, Legal Expert and Secretary of Sakhi NGO, emphasized the need for the inclusion of men in Gender Sensitization Programmes. She stressed the critical role of the media in driving gender equality and empowerment.

Important issues such as women’s safety in Kerala, dowry-related violence and suicide, and the importance of involving men in gender equality campaigns were raised and discussed during the Interaction Session. The session also discussed the need for dismantling gender roles even among empowered women and the role of children in shaping future generations' views on gender equality. The media personnel also shared their suggestions in reshaping the society against Patriarchy.

Mr. Nafi Muhammed, Public Relations Officer, Kudumbashree, Ms. Preetha G Nair, State Assistant Programme Manager - Gender, Kudumbashree also participated in the Panel Discussion. Ms. Feby D.A, Ms. Krishnakumari R, State Assistant Programme Managers and Mr. Arjun Pratap R.P., Office Secretarial Staff were also present.

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Kudumbashree organizes a Media Workshop as part of Nayi Chetna 3.0 National Gender Campaign

Conclusion of 'Nayi Chetana' 3.0 Campaign: Kudumbashree Gender Carnival to be held in all CDSs on 23 December 2024

A Gender Carnival is being organized in 1070 Kudumbashree CDSs in the State on 23 December 2024. This is in connection with the conclusion of the 'Nayi Chetna' National Gender Campaign, which is being organized across India from 25 November 2024 to 23 December 2024 under the leadership of the National Rural Livelihood Mission. The carnival will begin with an Open Forum in each CDS, involving people from various walks of life on the topic of 'Dowry and Women's Rights'. In addition, the Carnival will feature a variety of programmes such as a report presentation on the activities carried out in CDSs for the past month in connection with the campaign, honoring Gender Champions, and a Nutrition Food Festival. To make the Carnival a huge success, the participation of public representatives, experts from various fields, school and college students will also be ensured, in addition to the Kudumbashree NHGs, Auxiliary Groups, and Balasabha members.

The main aim of the campaign is to create gender awareness. As part of this, a number of activities have been organized in the last three weeks focusing on NHGs, ADSs, CDSs, Auxiliary Groups, 854 Gender Resource Centres, and Vigilant Groups. Key among these are classes on the POSH Act, which ensures a decent and safe work environment for women in the workplace, and training organized to form internal committees in all institutions. In addition, in collaboration with local self-government bodies, Special Grama Sabha were convened against gender-based violence, Group Discussions involving men, boys and local leaders, Gender Quizzes, Group Discussions, Poster-Hashtag-Mural Campaigns, Pledge-Taking, Street Plays, Flash Mobs and Short Film Screenings were also organized. Active participation of men and boys along with women was also visible in many places. It is assessed that all the activities were able to gain attention in public spaces.

'Nayi Chetna' is a national-level campaign organized by the National Rural Livelihood Mission from 25 November 2024 to 23 December 2024 across India. This year's theme is 'Against Gender Discrimination and Gender-Based Violence'. The camp aims to create an environment where women and individuals of different genders can live fearlessly based on their rights without facing discrimination and violence. In the last two years, 'Nayi Chetana'. Kudumbashree has been able to perform well at the national level by taking up the campaign. This year, when the campaign organized at the NHG, ADS, CDS and District Levels will be completed, 48 lakh Kudumbashree members will become part of it.

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Conclusion of 'Nayi Chetana' 3.0 Campaign: Kudumbashree Gender Carnival to be held in all CDSs on 23 December 2024