Workshop on Emergency Preparedness Plan for Kudumbashree held

Posted on Tuesday, April 9, 2019

Workshop on Emergency Preparedness Plan (EPP) for Kudumbashree was held at Hotel Fortune South Park and Kudumbashree State Mission office on 26-27 March 2019. The Emergency Preparedness Plan Workshop was organised associating with 'Save the Children', a global non-profit organisation which was founded in 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. 

Concept of hazard, risk, vulnerability and disaster, understanding humanitarian crises and its response frame used, understanding risk monitoring and risk analysis process, different standards (Core Humanitarian Standard, Sphere standards etc.) of emergency response, conceptual framework and understanding of organizational emergency preparedness and conceptualization of a stander planning template of organizational preparedness were discussed  during the 1.5 day's workshop. Assistant District Mission Coordinators, Resource Persons, District Programme Managers from Social Development  team and  the State Mission team actively participated in the programme.

EPP would an integral part of Kudumbashree Mission because of its reach and the capacities with the organisation where women and children can be the first respondents at the time of crisis and also contribute largely to reducing the magnitude and scale of disasters. Kudumbashree Mission and 'Save the Children' NGO had signed an agreement to reach out to 10,000 families from the most marginalized sections, to recover the losses due to the unprecedented floods and landslides across Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha and Wayanad districts during the Kerala floods in August 2018.

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Concept of hazard, risk, vulnerability and disaster, understanding humanitarian crises and its response frame used, understanding risk monitoring and risk analysis process, different standards (Core Humanitarian Standard, Sphere standards etc.)

Rangashree teams become part of Street Play Campaign in tribal areas in connection with Lok Sabha Election 2019

Posted on Tuesday, April 9, 2019

Rangashree teams become part of Street Play Campaign in tribal areas in connection with Lok Sabha Election 2019.The Street Play Campaign was inaugurated by Mr. Teeka Ram Meena IAS, Additional Chief Secretary and Chief Electoral Officer, Kerala at Kuttichal Panchayath, Thiruvananthapuram on 17 February 2019. The Street Play-'My Vote My right' is being performed at the selected 29 spots by Rangashree teams as part of the Street Play Campaign.

To uphold the spirit of free and fair elections, Election Commission of India had declared 'Accessible Elections' as their theme.

The Street Play Campaign envisages at making the tribal people aware about the importance of the elections and ensure the full participation of the tribal voters in the upcoming Lok Sabha Elections 2019 and make them aware of the VVPAT (Voter-Verified Paper Audit Trail) / Voting machine. The street plays are being performed by the Rangashree teams focusing on the places where the tribal reside. The Systematic Voter Education and Electoral Participation System (SVEEP) was implemented for ensuring that maximum number of voters are using their right to vote. Under this programme, Street plays would be conducted in selected 5 districts viz., Thiruvananthapuram, Pathanamthitta, Idukki, Palakkad and Wayanad.

The street play stressed on the importance of casting vote, It also reminded that voting right is not only men's right, but also women's as well. The street play also gave awareness on how to add name in the voter's list, how to vote, the identity proofs for casting vote, how to correct the errors in the voting list and how to add name to the voting list online through Ashaya centres.

The street play also educated the public, not to vote upon anyone's pressure. Along with the street play, voting machine and VVPAT was also introduced to the public.

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The street play stressed on the importance of casting vote, It also reminded that voting right is not only men's right, but also women's as well.

Branded products from Attappady for sale at Saras Fair 2019

Posted on Tuesday, April 9, 2019
Branded products from Attappady, is for sale at Saras Fair being held at Cheruvathur Ground, Kunnamkulam, Thrissur. The products from Attappady is of high demand among those who visit Saras Fair. The branded products include indigenous products ranging from honey, raagi millet, coffee, cardamom, kunthirikkam, chaama, corn, turmeric, fresh black pepper, cinnamon, cumin seeds, bamboo rice etc. The products are branded in the brand name ' Hill Value' and The price of the branded products from Attappady ranges upto Rs 200. It is for the third time that Attappady team is participating in Saras Mela. Ragi is the product, which is of high demand among the customers.

The Saras fair, which is being conducted by the Kudumbashree Mission in cooperation with the Ministry of Rural Development and the State government is a 11 long days stretched exhibition cum sale programme. The objective of the fair is to ensure market for rural entrepreneurs and to provide an opportunity to sell their products without any interference of any second person. Through this fair the rural artisans, craftsmen, and beneficiaries of Self Help Groups (SHG) across India would be able to exhibit and sell their products directly with customers, thereby earning additional income as well as a significant exposure. Saras Mela 2019 is being an incredible opportunity to get acquainted with the cultural, artistic, traditional, and rich heritage values of different states across the country. Undoubtedly, Saras Mela 2019 would add more colour to the festive days of Kerala. Saras Mela would come to an end on 7 April 2019.

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The Saras fair, which is being conducted by the Kudumbashree Mission in cooperation with the Ministry of Rural Development and the State government is a 11 long days stretched exhibition cum sale programme.

Balasabha students from Kasaragod actively involves in the Jalasabha Activities

Posted on Tuesday, April 9, 2019

Balasabha students from Kasaragod district of Kerala had actively participated in the Jalasabha activities. The Balasabha students gathered on the banks of Chemmanad Kadav of Chandragiri river and became part of the cleaning process for conserving the water. It is as part of the 'Jalamaanu Jeevan' (Water is life) programme, that the Balasabha students gathered together to clean the banks of Chandragiri river. The students removed the accumulated plastic and other wastes in the banks of Chandragiri river. Shri. T.T Surendran, District Mission Coordinator, Kudumbashree Kasargode District Mission gave leadership for the programme. 

Kudumbashree Mission had  joined hands with Harithakerala Mission for launching Jalasabha in neighbourhood groups with an aim of fighting against water scarcity. Awareness classes are organised in all NHGs as part of the Jalasabha programme. As World Water Day was observed on 22 March, special NHG meetings were conducted as part of the Jalasabha programme  in all NHGs in the state during 22 March- 31 March 2019. As part of the programme, discussions and activities were arranged, based on the pamphlets prepared on the topic 'Water is life'. The pamphlets had drawings and text which gave suggestions on how to conserve water during water scarcity.  The pamphlets also gave idea on how to make rain pits and how to do well recharging effectively. A total of 1,43,000 pamphlets have been circulated among  all the Balasabhas in the state. After the analysis and study a detailed report on the cleaning process would be handed over to Kudumbashree Mission and Harithakerala Mission.

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Kudumbashree Mission had joined hands with Harithakerala Mission for launching Jalasabha in neighbourhood groups with an aim of fighting against water scarcity. Awareness classes are organised in all NHGs as part of the Jalasabha programme.

Snehitha Calling Bell beneficiaries from Malappuram visits Saras Fair 2019

Posted on Tuesday, April 9, 2019

Snehitha Calling Bell beneficiaries from Malappuram district of Kerala visited Saras Fair 2019. It is the Snehitha Calling Bell beneficiaries from Marancherry CDS of Malappuram who had made their visit to the Saras Fair being held at Cheruvathur Ground, Kunnamkulam, Thrissur on 29 March 2019. Smt. Ammu Thekkepurakkal, Smt. Beevathu Parayil, Smt. Fathima Kaithakkattil, Smt. Thankam Pananvalappil, Smt. Nafeesa Kalappuraikkal, Smt. Devayani Chennakulath, Smt. Kalyani Pookkayil, Smt. Mani Chappayil and Smt. Thanka Palliparambil were the nine beneficiaries who visited the Saras Fair venue. Visiting Saras Fair was indeed a new experience for them as most of them were leading a lonely life and all the beneficiaries were much excited about the visit. The Snehitha Calling Bell beneficiaries from Marancherry CDS  got an incredible opportunity to get acquainted with the cultural, artistic, traditional, and rich heritage values of different states across the country. Smt. Fousia, CDS Chairperson, Marancherry CDS, CDS Accountant, Ward member and five CDS members also accompanied the Snehitha Calling Bell beneficiaries.  

Snehitha calling bell is an innovative programme which aims to ensure protection and security of individuals who are living alone or at isolated places. The programme  was started to focus on senior citizens, as the crime against people who are living alone has increased in some areas. Kudumbashree Mission has started the programme state wide in the financial year 2018-19. Snehitha gender help desk has the responsibility of implementation and monitoring of the program. Snehitha had identified the individuals who are isolated in the society and people who are distressed and no one to look after. The NHG in the area holds the responsibility of taking care of the person. The health volunteer or any member of the NHG will be visiting/contacting them once in a day. This will help to avoid the atrocities and violence against aged and those who are living alone. And also this will help to provide any other support immediately if needed.

The Saras fair, which is being conducted by the Kudumbashree Mission in cooperation with the Ministry of Rural Development and the State government is a 11 long days stretched exhibition cum sale programme. The objective of the fair is to ensure market for rural entrepreneurs and to provide an opportunity to sell their products without any interference of any second person.  Through this fair the rural artisans, craftsmen, and beneficiaries of Self Help Groups (SHG) across India would be able to exhibit and sell their products directly with customers, thereby earning additional income as well as a significant exposure. 

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Snehitha calling bell is an innovative programme which aims to ensure protection and security of individuals who are living alone or at isolated places.

Saras Fair commences at Kunnamkulam with a bang

Posted on Saturday, March 30, 2019

Saras Fair, the celebration of entrepreneurship has been kick started at Kunnamkulam of Thrissur district of Kerala, when hundreds of CDS Chairpersons of the districts lit the lamps to mark the inauguration of the event on 28 March 2019. The gathering of entrepreneurs from the fields of art, craft, food and clothing across India marked their presence as the 11 days exhibition cum sale began at Kunnamkulam. Followed by, the entrepreneurs across the India were wholeheartedly welcomed by a ceremonial procession through the town starting from town hall, Kunnamkulam to Cheruvathoor ground. The procession was accompanied by hundreds of performers with live performance of traditional art forms like daff mutt, kuthirakali, folk song, mohiniyaattom, theyyam, shingarimelam, thiruvathira, karakaattam etc.

The fifth edition of the Saras Fair organised by State Kudumbashree Mission was began with a theme feast- ‘India on plate’.  The food items prepared by the representatives of 29 states and 7 union territories were arranged in a single table. All the people gathered were amused by the varieties of cuisine on a single plate like Puran Boli of Maharashtra, Khilanchi of Lakshadweep, Buttari of Punjab, Sarli soup of Jarkhand, Dal Batti and Churma of Rajasthan, Hadi Chaaval of Haryana, Telangana special Dhum Biriyani, varieties of momos and chaumin of Sikkim, Pothrekula of Andhra Pradesh and a lot more were presented. Followed by the official inauguration and theme feast, the big stage of SARAS was opened to cultural programmes performed by Kerala Kalamandalam artists and a mega stage show.

Pink force, a bunch of women volunteers controlled and managed the crowd on the first day of Saras Fair. In addition, 22 selected women are trained and appointed as pink force. These women force would act as security guards with uniform including a cap and whistle. The main objective of the force is to control traffic and to facilitate vehicle parking space allotted at the Cheruvathoor ground. They are on force after the 10 days training conducted by Kunnakulam Muncipality. T0he pink force will be on power in the upcoming days as well. 

The Saras fair, which is being conducted by the Kudumbashree Mission in cooperation with the Ministry of Rural Development and the State government is a 11 long days stretched exhibition cum sale programme. The objective of the fair is to ensure market for rural entrepreneurs and to provide an opportunity to sell their products without any interference of any second person.  Through this fair the rural artisans, craftsmen, and beneficiaries of Self Help Groups (SHG) across India would be able to exhibit and sell their products directly with customers, thereby earning additional income as well as a significant exposure.  Saras Mela 2019 would be an incredible opportunity to get acquainted with the cultural, artistic, traditional, and rich heritage values of different states across the country. Undoubtedly, Saras Mela 2019 would add more colour to the festive days of Kerala. The mela would come to an end on 7 April 2019.

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The fifth edition of the Saras Fair organised by State Kudumbashree Mission was began with a theme feast- ‘India on plate’

Women Entrepreneurship Development Programme starts at Snehitha Gender Help Desk of Thrissur

Posted on Friday, March 29, 2019

Women Entrepreneurship Development Programme has been started at Snehitha Gender Help Desk of Thrissur. The programme is launched in convergence with Entrepreneurship Development Institute of India (EDII), an autonomous and non-profit institute for entrepreneurship development. Women entrepreneurship development programme for Snehitha beneficiaries is a course of 6-8 weeks duration based on the essentials of conceiving, planning, initiating and launching an economic activity or an enterprise successfully. 

The content of the Women Entrepreneurship Development Programme  include class room training on essentials of entrepreneurship, survey of the prevalent socio - economic scenario, identification of business opportunities, role and function as well as schemes of assistance offered by various constituents of the support system, preparation of a technically feasible and economically viable project report, achievement Motivation Training and also the nuances of management of an enterprise, sessions on technology and finance are also arranged, depending upon the nature of project selected and field visits- different micro enterprises run by women entrepreneurs.  

From the case analysis report of Snehitha gender help desk, Thrissur during 2017-18 it was identified that about 69% of the women were unemployed and having educational status of above matriculation.  In most of the domestic violence cases it is the lack of income for women that makes the situation worse. In some cases the women are not even willing to go for legal action due to the fear of losing the maintenance of children from husband.  In order to overcome the situation, Snehitha Gender Help Desk of  Thrissur took an initiative to start a women entrepreneurship development Programme with an objective of 'Making women financially literate and equip them to start  a micro enterprise according to their area of interest.  
 
The course was started on 19 December 2018. Twenty five beneficiaries of Snehitha are benefited out of the programme. The selection was on the basis of a need assessment report of the registered cases in Snehitha Gender Help Desk. From the need assessment report, 32 women having interest to start an entrepreneurship were identified. An interview was conducted and  25 candidates were selected for the course having graduation and a base in the field of science and technology. The sessions were handled by experts from business and banking field. The participants were actively involved in the discussions and shared their experiences. After the successful completion of the course all the candidates got a certificate which would be useful for them to get Mudra loan, loan from employment exchange,  Prime Minister's Employment Generation Programme (PMEGP) Loan etc to start an entrepreneurship. The course was completed on 24 January 2019. 

The programme was highly beneficial for the participants it helped them to improve their self-confidence and feeling of become self-reliant. Presently the participants were planning to start a new micro enterprise like Photostat and printing press, women’s ware with tailoring unit etc. individually or as a team from the Experience and encouragement of this training programme. As the first season of the Women Entrepreneurship Development Programme was a success, it is planned to start the next batch immediately as possible. 

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From the case analysis report of Snehitha gender help desk, Thrissur during 2017-18 it was identified that about 69% of the women were unemployed and having educational status of above matriculation

Saras Mela 2019 set to begin at Kunnamkulam

Posted on Thursday, March 28, 2019

Organised by Kudumbashree Mission Saras Mela 2019, the national food and cultural expo, the largest rural exhibition in the country which would offer the best of traditional ethnic food and artistry is all set to begin at Cheruvathur Ground, Kunnamkulam, Thrissur on 28 March 2019. Thousands of entrepreneurs from different parts of the country has begun to arrive at Thrissur with various kinds of products to steal the hearts of the customers. The products includes food, clothing, handmade items, household items etc.  Around 250 colorful stalls are set up at Cheruvathur ground at Kunnamkulam.  

The Saras fair, which is being conducted by the Kudumbashree Mission in cooperation with the Ministry of Rural Development and the State government is a 11 long days stretched exhibition cum sale programme. The objective of the fair is to ensure market for rural entrepreneurs and to provide an opportunity to sell their products without any interference of any second person.  Through this fair the rural artisans, craftsmen, and beneficiaries of Self Help Groups (SHG) across India would be able to exhibit and sell their products directly with customers, thereby earning additional income as well as a significant exposure. 

Around 40 entrepreneurs from 5 states have already reached Thrissur. The entrepreneurs came all the way from Goa, Haryana, Jharkhand, Rajasthan and Maharashtra to make the fair more attractive with their traditional food items. entrepreneurs from 29 states and 7 union territories across the country will be the part of the programme. Micro entrepreneurs form different states of the country are keeping on arriving at the Saras Fair 2019. The handicrafts that would showcase the heritage and culture of each states, art forms, jewelry, fabrics, utensils etc would be for sale at the Saras Mela. The ethnic food prepared by the Kudumbashree women would add more colour to the programme. 

 The India food court which would be opened at the Saras Fair would offer various cuisines from different states across the country. Thukpa, chow mein, thenthuk, fakthu, gyathuk, wonton and momos would be available at the food stall of Sikkim. Lakshadweep biriyani, lakshdweep mass, keelanchi, chattipathiri, irachipathiri,fish roll, fish cutlet, fish samosa, pookkuthappam, kadukatti, choolala shake, maasappam, thokkappam,kattippaal, lakshadweep halwa, tuna pickle etc would be at sale at Lakshadweep's food stall. Karnataka's food stall would offer rice bath, bisi bela bath, vanki bath, chaat dishes, ragi dishes, different varieties, pulav, bajjis, curries, rotis, golgappa, panipuri, masala poori, akki rotti, chicken kebab etc whereas marathi chicken biriyani, veg biriyani, pani puri, vada paav, dahee dappatta, chinna badam chutney, dahi vada, masala papad etc would be offered by Maharashtra's food stall. Goan fish moli, grilled fish, vada paav, goan pakoda, goan veg dhaali,  varieties of prawn dishes and special goan masala papad would be offered by the food stall of Goa.

Officials of Kudumbashree National Resource Organisation in cooperation with Adebha Institute of Food Research and Hospitality Management, Thrissur (AIFRHM) has conducted an awareness class for these entrepreneurs to discuss the rules and regulations, the suggestions and their needs for the smooth participation in the fair. In addition to this, 45 student beneficiaries of DDUGKY conducted a flash mob near Kunnamkulam bus stand on 26  March 2017  for the publicity and promotion of the fair.

Saras fairs help the micro entrepreneurs to sell out their products to the consumers without the interventions of the middle men and would help them to grow better business relations and thereby increase their sales. this would in turn help them in earning more income and better life style. The programme would strictly follow green protocol and would be opened from 10 AM to 10 PM. Only cloth bags and paper bags would be used during the mela. Daily cultural programmes would also arranged in connection with the programme. Entry to Saras Mela is absolutely free.

Saras Mela 2019 would be an incredible opportunity to get acquainted with the cultural, artistic, traditional, and rich heritage values of different states across the country. Undoubtedly, Saras Mela 2019 would add more colour to the festive days of Kerala. The mela would come to an end on 7 April 2019.

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The Saras fair, which is being conducted by the Kudumbashree Mission in cooperation with the Ministry of Rural Development and the State government is a 11 long days stretched exhibition cum sale programme.

Kudumbashree Mission to host Janakiya Pankalithavum Punarnirmanavum Initiative

Posted on Wednesday, March 27, 2019

Janakiya Pankalithavum Punarnirmanavum Initiative aims at building a Kerala model of People’s Plan and democratic decentralization in the post-disaster recovery process after the unprecedented floods and landslides that affected 11 out of the 14 districts of Kerala during August 2018. The project attempts to bring people’s voices and feedback into the process of building a more resilient Kerala and the same is now being implemented by Kudumbashree Mission in association with UNICEF, Kerala Institute of Local Administration (KILA), Local Self Government Department, Kerala State Disaster Management Authority, Tata Institute of Social Sciences, Sphere India and Ridhi Foundation.

As per the initiative, feedback would be collected from the affected communities and be submitted to the Government for further activities.The project is being conducted in the administration of 489 Local Self Government Institutions in 7 districts. The project will take into account the needs of the unprivileged, women, children, specially- abled and geriatrics. Janakiya Pankalithavum Punarnirmanavum Initiative will give information support to the areas like health, nutrition, education, child protection, shelter, hygiene, food security and livelihood. The Janakiya Pankalithavum Punarnirmanavum Initiative was launched after piloting in the affected grama panchayaths of Alappuzha and Wayanad districts of Kerala during October-November 2018 in the first phase and later during December 2018- March 2019, the second phase, with additional gram panchayaths in 5 more districts leading to a total of 489 most affected panchayaths across 7 districts.

The Janakiya Pankalithavum Punarnirmanavum Initiative aims at enabling a connection between on-going development planning processes and humanitarian responses and recovery while also contributing to preparedness and resilience-building for future disasters, should they occur. Building on the evidence and lessons learned over the recent years during disaster response across the world, the initiative aims at empowering affected populations and ensuring that they have a voice in rehabilitation and reconstruction decisions.

The rationale for the initiative is the need to focus more to 'Build Kerala Back Better' with stronger and resilient communities, systems and services. It aims at institutionalizing community-led engagements for Disaster Recovery and Reconstruction planning process. The key objectives of the project include improving communities’ access to information about recovery, reconstruction and support assistance available to them and ensuring that they could provide their views on their post-disaster needs by communicating their issues and concerns to the government authorities. Apart from hosting the programme, Kudumbashree Mission would ensure the availability of the Resource Persons training including CDS, ADS and NHG staff, guide the implementation of the community mobilization initiative, interdepartmental mechanism for use of data for informing recovery and reconstruction decision making at state/district level. Janakiya Pankalithavum Punarnirmanavum Initiative had also developed a website - www.kudumbashreejpp.org for updating the progress of the project.

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The rationale for the initiative is the need to focus more to 'Build Kerala Back Better' with stronger and resilient communities, systems and services.

Kudumbashree Wayanad District Mission organised Lasitham Residential Camp for Balasabha students

Posted on Wednesday, March 27, 2019

Kudumbashree Wayanad District Mission had recently organised Lasitham Residential Camp for Balasabha students. The programme envisaged at improving the quality of the children and giving them training in Indian arts free of cost and thereby improve their talents.The Lasitham Residential camp was of 6 days duration. The arts performance of 700 students who completed residential training was also conducted along with the programme.

Kudumbashree Wayanad District Mission had launched this initiative associating with Spic Macay ( Society for the Promotion of Indian Classical Music And Culture Amongst Youth), a non-political, nation wide voluntary movement founded in 1977, which intends to enrich the quality of formal education by increasing awareness about different aspects of Indian heritage and inspiring the young mind to imbibe the values embedded in it.

The residential camp and performance were held at Government High School, Kaniyambatta and Sarvodaya Scholl, Echom. Trainings were given in bharathanatyam, mohiniyattom, mural paintings, yoga, manipuri, ottam thullal, nangyaarkoothu, puppet dance etc. Eminent artists Ms. Deepthi Parol, Ms. Deepa Saseendran, Ms. Abhayalakshmi, Shri. Kalamandalam Vijayanand,

Ms. Vidya Pradeep, Shri. K.R Babu, Ms. Sinam Basu Singh, Shri. Kalamandalam Mohana Krishnan and Dr. Aparna Nangyar gave training in the respective art forms. Lasitham Residential Camp was received wholeheartedly by the Balasabha students as it was a warm experience for them which nourished their artistic talents.

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The residential camp and performance were held at Government High School, Kaniyambatta and Sarvodaya Scholl, Echom. Trainings were given in bharathanatyam, mohiniyattom, mural paintings, yoga, manipuri, ottam thullal, nangyaarkoothu, puppet dance etc