Kudumbashree has launched Micro Enterprise Resource Centre (MERC) to strengthen the entrepreneurship development activities. Shri. M.B. Rajesh, Minister, Local Self Government Department and Excise Department, Government of Kerala inaugurated the first of its kind Micro Enterprise Resource Centre at Nedumangad, Thiruvananthapuram on 13 March 2023. The Minister said that the Micro Enterprise Resource Centres started under the leadership of Kudumbashree will strengthen the entrepreneurship development activities.
The Minister said that MERCs will function as Employability Centres at the block level as per the guidelines related to Local Economic Development. Kudumbashree aims to strengthen the livelihood sector to ensure sustainable employment and income for women. Micro Enterprise Resource Centres started at block level will be the best mechanism to grow enterprises. He also clarified that through this, various supports needed to start the enterprise will be available along with finding the real beneficiaries.
Shri. G.R. Anil, Minister for Food and Civil Supplies, Government of Kerala said in the presiding speech that Micro Enterprise Resource Centres will help women to get knowledge and skills to enter diverse career fields using new information technologies in the modern world. He also released the logo prepared as part of the project.
MERCs also started functioning in Idukki, Kottayam and Kasaragod districts from 13 March 2023. By 31 March 2023, MERC will start operations in all the remaining nine districts except Wayanad. Shri. Jafar Malik, Executive Director, Kudumbashree stated in the project explanation that the aim is to expand the project to 30 blocks in the next financial year.
Ms. Sreeja C.S, Chairperson, Nedumangad Municipality welcomed the gathering. Shri. D.K. Murali, MLA and Shri. G. Stephen MLA were the chief guests of the programme. Ms. V. Ambili, President, Nedumangad Block Panchayath, Ms. Lekha Rani. U, President, Karakulam Grama Panchayath, Ms. R. Kala, President, Aruvikkara Grama Panchayath, Ms. Beena Jayan S, Ms. Shailaja, Ms. Mini. S, Presidents, Grama Panchayath, Ms. Sunitha, Chairperson, Thiruvananthapuram District Panchayath Standing Committee, Shri. B. Satheesan, Chairman, Nedumangad Municipality Welfare Affairs Standing Committee, Shri. K.V. Sreekanth, Member, District Panchayath, Ms. Sindhu Krishna Kumar, Councilor, Nedumangad Municipality, Shri. Sreekanth A.S, Programme Officer, Kudumbashree and Ms. Seenath, Chairperson, MERC also participated in the programme. Dr. B. Najeeb, District Mission Co-ordinator, Kudumbashree Thiruvananthapuram delivered the vote of thanks.