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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

Kudumbashree RISE State Level Campaign to start in January

The 'RISE' - Revitalizing Institution and Strengthening Excellence - State-Level Campaign organized under the auspices of Kudumbashree will start in January 2025. The aim is to strengthen the three-tier organizational structure as a whole by improving the efficiency and transparency of all 1070 CDSs under Kudumbashree.

The employees and Mission Officers who have been given the responsibility of enhancing the operational excellence of the CDSs under the name 'My CDS' are responsible for this. Under their leadership, the implementation and progress of project activities and related issues will be accurately evaluated in each CDS. Guidelines have been issued for Block Coordinators, District Programme Managers, District Mission Coordinators, Assistant Coordinators and Programme Officers in connection with the Campaign.

As part of the Campaign, various CDSs under a block will be distributed to 4 Block Coordinators. The period is three months. During this period, the activities and progress of the CDSs should be evaluated before the 7th of every month. The CDS will be visited and inspected to check the maintenance and accuracy of the registers prescribed under the Kudumbashree Bye-laws, loans, repayments, utilization of various funds available from the District Mission, software entry, and minutes of various meetings. Then, a report prepared in the prescribed format will be given to the District Mission Coordinator and a copy will be given to the CDS Chairperson. It is suggested that this report be included as a special agenda in the next CDS meeting and discussed to resolve the deficiencies. After three months, the responsibility of CDS will be transferred to the Block Coordinators. A common format inspection register will also be maintained in all CDSs.

Based on the report provided by the Block Coordinator regarding the functioning of the CDSs, the District Missions will categorize the CDSs into ABC and D. Then the District Programme Managers, Assistant Coordinators, District Mission Coordinators and Programme Officers will also examine the report. The CDSs will also be visited. The Consolidated Report of the CDSs is also included as a main agenda in the District Project Review Meetings. Activities to resolve the current deficiencies of the CDSs that have received low grades and to elevate all the CDSs to excellence will be devised and implemented under the leadership of the District Mission. The State Mission will lead all activities.

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Kudumbashree RISE State Level Campaign to start in January

Wayanad Micro Plan Inaugurated

The rehabilitation of the Mundakkai and Chooralmala landslides in Wayanad will be implemented quickly and there is no need to worry, said Shri. M.B. Rajesh, Minister for Local Self-Government, Excise Department and Parliamentary Affairs Department, Government of Kerala. The Minister inaugurated the Micro Plan prepared by Kudumbashree under the leadership of the District Administration at the Meppadi MSA Hall on 13 December 2024.

He said that the Micro Plan, which has been prepared comprehensively to cover all the needs and necessities of the disaster victims, is an important step forward for survival and that Kudumbashree, which undertakes action plans for the eradication of extreme poverty, has also achieved success in preparing the micro plan for landslide disaster rehabilitation in a timely manner. The Micro Plans were coordinated by local bodies, Kudumbashree, popular movements and government agencies, which are the hallmarks of popular interventions. The Minister also distributed MMG and PMEGP Financial Assistance from the Industries Department.

Shri. O.R. Kelu, Minister for Welfare of Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes and Backward Classes, Government of Kerala presided over the function. Adv. T. Siddique MLA, distributed Kudumbasree Prathyasha RF Financial Assistance. Shri. Samshad Marakkar, President, Wayanad District Panchayath distributed Self-Financing Financial Assistance from the Social Justice Department. Ms. T.V. Anupama IAS, Special Secretary, Local Self Government Department, Government of Kerala presented the report. Shri. Seeram Samba Siva Rao IAS, Principal Director, Principal Directorate, Local Self Government Department presented the Local Self-Government Action Plan and Shri. H Dineshan IAS, Executive Director, Kudumbashree presented the Kudumbashree Action Plan.

Shri. K Babu, President, Meppadi Grama Panchayath coordinated the Local Self-Government Institutions. Ms. D. R. Meghashree IAS, District Collector, Wayanad, Ms. S Bindu, Vice President, District Panchayath, Ms. Radha Ramaswamy, Vice President, Meppadi Grama Panchayath, Shri. B. Nazar, Chairman, Development Affairs Standing Committee, Shri. Raju Hejamadi, Chairman, Welfare Affairs Standing Committee, Shri. C. Raghavan, Member, Block Panchayat, Shri. P.K. Balasubramanian, District Mission Coordinator, Kudumbashree Wayanad District Mission and others spoke at the function.

Micro Plan

Micro Plans focusing on six sectors have been prepared in a manner that comprehensively assesses the needs of 4636 people from 1084 disaster-affected families and finds solutions. As part of the follow-up work on the Micro Plan, which has been approved by the District Planning Committee and Meppadi Grama Panchayat, a meeting of the local body Chairmen/Chairpersons of the areas where the disaster-affected families currently reside will be held under the leadership of the District Collector to explain the information in the micro plan and future programmes. Urgent importance is given to activities that provide livelihood opportunities to the survivors as soon as possible. For this, existing short-term projects under various departments will be utilized. If necessary, instructions will be given to the departments to prepare new projects. A project implementation unit will also be started to implement and monitor the project in a timely manner.

Comprehensive Action Plan to revive NHGs

In addition, Kudumbashree has prepared a comprehensive action plan to revive all NHGs in the landslide disaster area. NHG meetings will be held online and offline until the township is completed. Cluster meetings will be held at the ADS level every month. All members will be included in the NHGs. Social -Psychological counseling will continue with the help of the Gender team. A special loan scheme will be introduced for NHG members. Kudumbashree has prepared an Action Plan for the disaster victims, including Jeevan Deepam, Oruma Insurance, and providing a disaster relief fund of Rs. 1.5 lakhs to the NHGs in Mundakkai ward.

Banking Sakhis will be appointed to provide banking services. Agricultural Extension Schemes, Financial Assistance for Agricultural Machinery, Financial Assistance for starting Agricultural related Businesses, Training in Various Agriculture, and Financial Assistance in Animal Husbandry Projects are all included in the Action Plan. The survey found 568 people who need employment in the micro-enterprise sector. Projects that are accessible to all of them are also being considered. Various Self-Employment Initiatives, an Apparel Park, etc. have all been included in the Action Plan prepared by Kudumbashree for the survival and livelihood of the disaster victims.

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Wayanad Micro Plan Inaugurated

Rs 53.19 lakhs from Kudumbashree as the Second Phase Instalment to Chief Minister's Distress Relief Fund as a helping hand for Wayanad

The cheque of Rs. 53.19 lakhs collected from Kudumbashree NHG members as the Second Phase Instalment for the Chief Minister's Distress Relief Fund (CMDRF) for the rehabilitation of Wayanad was handed over to Shri. Pinarayi Vijayan, Chief Minister, Government of Kerala by Shri. H. Dineshan IAS, Executive Director, Kudumbashree in the presence of Shri. M.B. Rajesh, Minister, Local Self-Government Department, Excise Department and Parliamentary Affairs Department, Government of Kerala on 11 December 2024.

In the first phase, Rs. 20,07,05,682 was contributed to Chief Minister's Distress Relief Fund (CMDRF) during August 2024. Now the total amount contributed by Kudumbashree to Chief Minister's Distress Relief Fund (CMDRF) is Rs 20,60,25,388.

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Rs 53.19 lakhs from Kudumbashree as the Second Phase Instalment to Chief Minister's Distress Relief Fund as a helping hand for Wayanad

Kudumbashree Kerala Chicken’s Branded Value Added Products launched

Frozen Value-Added Products have been launched in the market through Kudumbashree’s Kerala Chicken Project, which has gained wide acceptance among consumers. Shri. M. B Rajesh, Minister, Local Self Government Department, Excise Department and Parliamentary Affairs Department, Government of Kerala launched the products by handing over the products to Ms. P Sathi Devi, Chairperson, Kerala State Commission for Women, Government of Kerala during the function held at Nava Kairali Hall, Secretariat Annex, Thiruvananthapuram on 10 December 2024. Products such as Chicken Drumsticks, Boneless Breast, Chicken Biryani Cut, Chicken Curry Cut and Full Chicken have been launched in the market under the brand ‘Kudumbashree Kerala Chicken’. In the initial phase, the products will be available in Thrissur, Ernakulam, Kottayam and Pathanamthitta districts.

The broiler chicken raised in the farms of Kudumbashree NHG members under the leadership of Kudumbashree Kerala Chicken Broiler Farmers Company will be transported to the plant of Meat Products of India operating in Koothatukulam, Ernakulam district, where they will be processed and packed. All the products will be available in quantities of 450 gram, 900 gram. By scanning the QR code included in the envelope, consumers can also understand which farm the chicken was raised in. In addition to the current marketing channels, it is planned to sell frozen chicken products in vehicles in each district under the name 'Meat on Wheels' in the future. This is expected to find a market for Kudumbashree Kerala chicken products in urban and rural areas.

The production and marketing of chicken value-added products is being initiated as part of the very extensive activities envisaged in the second phase of the project. In addition to producing at least half of what is required for the domestic market, the main goal of this phase is to increase the income of farmers.

Kerala Chicken is a project launched in the state in 2019 with the aim of providing clean chicken meat to the consumer at a reasonable price. Currently, 431 broiler farms and 139 outlets are operating as part of the project in 11 districts. It is hoped that more women will get employment opportunities as the manufacturing and marketing of value-added products intensify.

Ms. P Sathi Devi, Chairperson, Kerala State Commission for Women, Government of Kerala, Ms. T.V. Anupama IAS, Special Secretary, Local Self-Government Department, Government of Kerala, Shri. H. Dineshan, Executive Director, Kudumbashree Governing Body Members, Kudumbashree Programme Officers and others also attended the programme.

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Kudumbashree Kerala Chicken’s Branded Value Added Products launched

Micro-Enterprise Development in the Indigenous Area; Kudumbashree K-TIC Beneficiary Selection Progressing

The beneficiary selection as part of the Kudumbashree K-TIC (Kudumbashree Tribal Enterprises and Innovation Centre) Project to improve the livelihood of the youth in the indigenous area of Kerala and improve their quality of life is in progress in the districts. The beneficiaries of the K-TIC Project are 800 young women who will be identified separately from the indigenous area in all 14 districts of Kerala.

The project mainly focuses on enterprise development as a self-sufficient and long-term profitable livelihood through micro-enterprises that are started by understanding the local potential and ensuring market potential. The project envisages action programmes to enable knowledge, experience and capacity development for those who voluntarily enter the entrepreneurial sector. Kudumbashree will also ensure various ongoing support assistance to the entrepreneurs through the project, including financial assistance and incubation training.

Incubators are selected to properly implement the activities of the K-TIC Project at the field level. This incubation team is the main link in the implementation activities of the project. Incubators carry out all the important activities such as providing necessary training to mentors and beneficiaries and providing necessary facilitation for the implementation of the project. Those who have work experience in various training areas of Kudumbashree have been selected as Incubators. Skill training is being provided to members working as animators in tribal sanctuaries and support is being ensured for those who become entrepreneurs. Currently, 421 Animators have been trained to become mentors across the state.

A total of 277 youths have been selected from Thiruvananthapuram, Alappuzha and Kannur districts as beneficiaries of the scheme. The selection process in other districts will be completed by the end of December.

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Micro-Enterprise Development in the Indigenous Area; Kudumbashree K-TIC Beneficiary Selection Progressing

Results of the Kudumbashree State-Level Essay Writing Competition For College Students-Season 2 Announced

Mr. Abhiram Pavithran, a native of Varambur, Palakkode of Malappuram and a fifth-year Integrated MA Student at IIT Chennai, won the first place in the State-Level Essay Writing Competition organized for College Students in March-April 2024 under the auspices of Kudumbashree.

Mr. Alan Antony, a student of the Centre for Professional and Advance Studies at Thottakkad College of Teacher Education, Kottayam, won the second place. Mr. Al Amin. J, a native of Pattom, Thiruvananthapuram and a research student in the Department of Sociology at the School of Social Sciences, University of Hyderabad, won the third position. The winners will receive cash awards of Rs. 20,000, Rs. 15,000 and Rs. 10,000 each, respectively.

Ms. Nandana. M, a third-year B. A. Malayalam student at Nehru Arts and Science College, Kanhangad, Kasaragod, and Ms. Amit Jyothi U.P, a first-year B. A. Economics student at Government Women's College, Thiruvananthapuram, also won consolation prizes of Rs. 5,000 each. All the winners will receive a cash award, a memento and a certificate.

The winners were selected from around seventy entries received as part of the competition. The winners were selected by a jury comprising Ms. R. Parvathy Devi, Former PSC Member, Former Kudumbashree PRO and Media Activist and Shri. N. Jagajeevan, Consultant, Suchitwa Mission and Former Kudumbashree Programme Officer .

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Results of the Kudumbashree State-Level Essay Writing Competition For College Students-Season 2 Announced