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Saras Mela kickstarted at Kottayam

Saras Mela has been kickstarted at Kottayam. Shri. M. B. Rajesh, Minister, Local Self-Government and Excise Department, Government of Kerala inaugurated the Saras Mela being organized under the leadership of Kudumbashree at Nagampadam Ground, Kottayam on 15 December 2022. The Minister said that Kudumbashree has become a role model that no one can ignore through its activities for the quarter of a century.

Shri. V.N. Vasavan, Minister of Co-operation, Culture and Registration, Government of Kerala presided over the function. He said that a 'mini' India can be seen in Kottayam through Saras Mela and Saras Mela is a great initiative that uphold nationalism. Shri. Thiruvanjoor Radhakrishnan, MLA, Adv. Sebastian Kulatungal Chief Guests of the function. Dr. PK Jayashree, District Collector, Kottayam presented the topic. Shri. Jafar Malik IAS, Executive Director, Kudumbashree welcomed the gathering.

Ms. Nirmala Jimmy, District Panchayat President, Kottayam, Ms Binsi Sebastian, Chairperson, Kottayam Municipality, Ms Safna Nasiruddin, Sub Collector, Kottayam, Shri Ajayan K. Menon, Secretary, Grama Panchayath Presidents Association, Ms. Cincy Parel, Kottayam Municipal Councilor, Ms Ajitha Gopakumar, Ms. PG Jyothimol, Chairpersons, Kottayam Municipal CDSs delivered the felicitations. Shri. Abhilash K. Diwakar, District Mission Coordinator, Kudumbashree Kottayam District Mission delivered the vote of thanks.

The Saras Mela was started with a colorful procession from Kottayam Police Parade Ground to Nagampadam Ground at 2.30 PM. The procession was accompanied with Shinkari Melam, Panchavadyam, Nasik Doll and Band Music, and also colorful art forms like Theyyam, Mayilattam, Garudan, Kottakkavadi, Attakavadi etc. Ten thousands of people have lined up in the procession.

After the opening ceremony, various art programs were also staged. Organized as part of the National Rural Livelihood Mission (NRLM), Saras Mela showcases a wide variety of products from entrepreneurs from all states of India. There is also an India Food Court where one can get flavors from different states. The Saras Mela will come to an end on 24 December 2022.

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Saras Mela kickstarted at Kottayam

Oppam State Level Campaign Starts; Prizes for the Winners of Kudumbashree Photography Competition and Essay Writing Competition Distributed

Oppam State Level Campaign to provide livelihood and financial security to the beneficiaries of PMAY (Urban)-LIFE Scheme, beneficiaries of National Urban Livelihood Mission (NULM) being implemented through Kudumbashree in Kerala, urban poor, beneficiaries of Destitute Free Kerala Scheme and Auxiliary group members through entrepreneurship or wage-based employment was launched. The campaign will be organized till 28 February 2023 in the urban areas of the state and was inaugurated by Shri. M. B. Rajesh, Minister, Local Self-Government and Excise Department, Government of Kerala at Girideepam Convention Centre, Nalanchira, Thiruvananthapuram on 14 December 2022.

The Minister also released the handbook prepared as part of the campaign and the logo of Kudumbashree Initiative for Business Solutions (KIBS). Ms. Arya Rajendran, Mayor, Thiruvananthapuram Corporation presided over the function. Dr. Sharmila Mary Joseph, Principal Secretary, Local Self-Government Department, Government of Kerala delivered the keynote address. Adv. Anil Kumar, Mayor. Kochi Corporation and Dr. Beena Philip, Mayor, Kozhikode Corporation were the chief guests of the programme.

The Awards of Kudumbashree Oru Nerchithram' Photography Competition Season 5, State Level Essay Writing Competition organized for college students on the occasion of Reading Week Observance, National Level Short Film Production organized as part of 'Khushiyom Ka Aashian' campaign and KIBS Logo Designing Competition were jointly given by Ms Arya Rajendran, Mayor, Thiruvananthapuram Corporation, Adv. Anil Kumar, Mayor, Kochi Corporation, Dr. Beena Philip, Mayor, Kozhikode Corporation, Dr. Sharmila Mary Joseph IAS, Principal Secretary, Local Self-Government Department, Government of Kerala, Shri. Jafar Malik IAS, Executive Director, Kudumbashree.

Shri. M. Krishna Das, Shri. M.O John, Municipal Chairmen, Ms. Sindhu Sasi, CDS Chairperson, Thiruvananthapuram Corporation CDS 1 delivered the felicitations. Shri. Jahamgeer S, Kudumbashree Program Officer explained the project.

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Oppam State Level Campaign Starts; Prizes for the Winners of Kudumbashree Photography Competition and Essay Writing Competition Distributed

Nayi Chetna'- Kudumbashree's State Level Campaign against Gender based Violence

The 'Nayi Chetna' gender campaign organized in all states of India under the leadership of the National Rural Livelihood Mission was launched in the state on 25 November 2022 under the leadership of Kudumbashree. This is a part of the nationwide campaign organized by the central government with the aim of equipping women to recognize and defend against violence and also to provide knowledge about their rights. A core committee has been formed at the state level as part of the four-week long campaign till 23 December 2022.

The campaign started with twenty-five Gender Resource Centers in various districts under Kudumbashree in the state. The activities are based on the theme 'Gender Equality and Gender Based Violence'. Specially prepared leaflets, posters, short films and pamphlets issued by the National Rural Livelihood Mission will be used for the awareness campaign. The campaign will mainly include the follow-up programs of the 'Sthreepaksha Navakeralam' campaign implemented in the state through Kudumbashree in the last financial year. Convergence of various departments has also been ensured.

It is proposed to organize awareness programs regarding the Internal Complaints Committee in the first week. This program is being conducted extensively at the Kudumbashree NHG, ADS and CDS level in collaboration with the Women and Child Development Department. Discussions on the extent to which current services are available to women are organized in all NHGs. In the second week, notices and posters about various services will be prepared by NHGs and displayed in public places. Also, prominent personalities in various fields will be honored at the local level under the leadership of CDS. Sharing the experiences of women survivors of violence is also organized at the ward level.

In the third and fourth weeks, a public meeting will be organized by including representatives of various organizations in each CDS area and activities will be implemented to create awareness for the effective use of various aid organizations against violence. As a part of this, pledge taking at NHG level, rallies at ward level and CDS level, short film exhibition, wall painting will be organized. Special emphasis is placed on ensuring maximum public participation in all activities related to the campaign.

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Nayi Chetna'- Kudumbashree's State Level Campaign against Gender based Violence

Kudumbashree bags two E-Governance Awards of the Government of Kerala

Kudumbashree has bagged two E-Governance Awards of the Government of Kerala. While Kudumbashree's official website (www.kudumbashree.org) won the E-Governance Award for the Best Website, Kudumbashree's Grand Care project was selected for the M-Governance Award for providing various services to the public through mobile phones. The Grand Care scheme was implemented to provide better security to the elderly across the state during the spread of Covid-19. The awards will be presented on 3 December 2022.

The Kudumbashree website was awarded the best website for its ease of use, excellent design, regular updates and in-depth information. Information about Kudumbashree, details of various projects implemented by Kudumbashree in the state including centrally initiated projects, latest information about each project, activities done by Kudumbashree in relation to covid-19 and floods, news, press releases, publications, best practices and success stories are all available in Kudumbashree's website. Kudumbashree has implemented the Grand Care project in a socially oriented manner with service readiness using three-tier organizational systems and it was considered for the M-Governance Award.

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Kudumbashree bags two E-Governance Awards of the Government of Kerala

Thrissur District Team bags the Overall Championship in State BUDS arts Festival

Thrissur District Team has bagged the Overall Championship in State BUDS arts Festival which was held at CUSAT Campus, Kalamassery, Ernakulam on 13 and 14 November 2022. Thrissur Team bagged the Championship b securing 23 points. More than 300 children have participated in 15 categories. Ernakulam District Team who host the BUDS Youth Festival came in second place by scoring 21 points and the Wayanad district team secured the third position with 19 points.

Shri. Anwar Sadat, MLA presided over the concluding session and Shri. K.N. Unnikrishnan MLA inaugurated the function. The Award to the winners were distributed by Shri. K.N. Unnikrishnan, Shri. Anwar Sadat, Shri. Mathew Kuzhalnadan, Dr Renu Raj IAS, District Collector, Ms. Rima Kallingal, Chief Guest of the function and cine actress Ms. Krishnapriya, Chief Finance Officer, Kudumbashree and Shri. Pradeep Kumar, Programme Officer, Kudumbashree.

Anish AC of Kondazhy BUDS School of Thrissur district became the 'Kalaprathibha'. Ms. Rima Kallingal, Cine Actor presented the awards to Ms. Sreelakshmi who designed the State BUDS Youth Festival logo and Ms Danny Varghese who suggested the name 'Thakadhimi' and Master Nayan, an Autistic Child Philosopher.

Shri. Ullas Thomas, President, Ernakulam District Panchayath welcomed the participants during the valedictory function. Ms. Seema Kannan, Chairperson, Kalamassery Municipality, Ms Sangeeta Rajesh, Councilor, Ms Sujatha Velayudhan and Ms Fathima Muhammed delivered the felicitations. Ms. Preethi. M. B, District Mission Coordinator, Kudumbashree Ernakulam District Mission delivered the vote of thanks.

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Thrissur District Team bags the Overall Championship in State BUDS arts Festival

Kudumbashree units record sales of Rs 26 Lakhs and bags Two Awards at the Gurugram Saras Mela

Kudumbashree units record sales of Rs 26 Lakhs and bags Two Awards at the Gurugram Saras Mela. Kudumbashree Entrepreneurs came back from Gurugram of Haryana to Kerala after making such a great accomplishment. Kudumbashree had eight product display/marketing stalls and four stalls in the food court supervised by Kudumbashree NRO (National Resource Organization) as part of the Ajeevika Saras Mela organized by the Union Ministry of Rural Development at Leisure Valley Park in Gurugram from 7 to 23 October 2022.

The Kudumbashree Entrepreneurs earned Rs. 17.90 lakhs from the sale of products and Rs. 8.10 lakhs from providing good local Kerala food. They made a total sales of Rs 26 lakhs! Kudumbashree Entrepreneurs also bagged Award for the Best Display and Marketing Stall and Award for the Best Cafe Stall in the Food Court.

Shreyas unit from Idukki district which sold spices won the Award for the Best Display and Marketing Stall. Whereas Lakshya unit of Transgender group from Ernakulam district which prepared various kinds of juices won the Award for the Best Cafe Stall in the Food Court. A total of 17 states including Kerala had participated in the Gurugram Saras Mela.

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Kudumbashree units record sales of Rs 26 Lakhs and bags Two Awards at the Gurugram Saras Mela

Indian Urban Housing Conclave 2022' - Kudumbashree bags the Award for the Best Exhibition Stall

Kudumbashree won the Award for the Best Stall in the Exhibition section of the 'Indian Urban Housing Conclave 2022' organized by the Union Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs at Rajkot, Gujarat. Kudumbashree's stall stood first out of the 152 stalls displayed in various categories such as the Union Ministry, Various States, Industrial Establishments and Builders.

The Kudumbashree exhibition stall was set up based on the concepts of Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Urban) implemented by Kudumbashree in Kerala, the integration model of various departments and projects, better community based project implementation and housing construction through Kudumbashree Women Construction Units.

On behalf of Kudumbashree, Dr. Sharmila Mary Joseph IAS, Principal Secretary, Local Self Government Department, Government of Kerala and Shri. Jahamgeer. S, Programme Officer, Kudumbashree jointly received the award from Shri. Kaushal Kishore, Union Minister of State for Housing and Urban Affairs. Shri. Kuldeep Narayanan IAS, Joint Secretary, Union Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs also attended the event. Ms. Roshni Pillai and Ms. Bhavana. M, State Programme Managers, Kudumbashree also participated in the function on behalf of Kudumbashree.

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Indian Urban Housing Conclave 2022' - Kudumbashree bags the Award for the Best Exhibition Stall

PMAY (Urban): Kudumbashree receives national awards for Kerala

Kudumbashree has received two national awards at the PMAY (Urban) Awards 2021 organized by the Union Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs as part of the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Urban) project which aims to provide housing to all homeless people in urban areas. Shri. Jafar Malik IAS, Executive Director, Kudumbashree received the awards on behalf of Kerala from Shri. Hardeep Singh Puri, Union Housing and Urban Affairs Minister at the award ceremony held on 19 October 2022 to mark the inauguration of the Indian Urban Housing Conclave at Rajkot, Gujarat.

Shri. Jahamgeer S, Programme Officer, Kudumbashree and Ms. Roshni Pillai and Ms. Bhavana. M Programme Managers, Kudumbashree also participated in the function on behalf of Kudumbashree. Shri. Kaushal Kishore, Union Minister of State for Housing and Urban Affairs and Shri. Manoj Joshi IAS, Secretary, Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs were present at the award ceremony.

Kerala through Kudumbashree bagged the special award for the 'Best Model of Integration with Schemes including Livelihood Schemes' and the 'Award for the Best Community Oriented Project' under the scheme. Kudumbashree is the nodal agency of the project in Kerala. In Kerala, PMAY (Urban) Scheme is being implemented in 93 ULBs in combination with LIFE Housing Scheme. Based on the best performance in the specified 150 days, the Mattannur Municipal Corporation also won the third place in the municipal level awards at the national level.

The Special Integration Model Award is for the effective integration activities carried out with LIFE Housing Scheme, Ayyankali Urban Employment Guarantee Scheme, National Urban Livelihood Mission (NULM) implemented by Kudumbashree in urban areas and various schemes of the respective Municipal Corporations.

Kudumbashree provides better employment and livelihood opportunities through convergence by providing them with free job skill training, self-employment support etc along with making the PMAY (U) beneficiary families part of Kudumbashree NHGs. Free gas connection is also provided as part of the central scheme. By making it a part of the Ayyankali Employment Guarantee Scheme, the beneficiary also gets an additional financial assistance of Rs 27,990 for housing. Apart from this, Kudumbashree is also making interventions such as including all the beneficiaries who have completed construction of houses till 2021 in housing insurance, providing CSR assistance to the needy beneficiaries and providing housing construction materials at low cost were also considered in the award determination.

Kerala is also the state that provides the most assistance in this scheme in the country. In addition to Rs 1.50 lakhs provided by the Central Government, the State Government and Municipal Corporations also provide Rs 2.50 lakhs to the beneficiary. Also no beneficiary share is charged after merging the scheme with LIFE Mission.

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PMAY (Urban): Kudumbashree receives national awards for Kerala

'LokOS' Mobile Application to record information of rural NHGs: Kudumbashree National Regional Workshop held

Kudumbashree National Regional Workshop was held in connection with 'LokOS' Mobile Application to record information of rural NHGs at Radisson Blu Hotel, Ernakulam on 17 October 2022. Shri. M. B Rajesh, Minister, Local Self Government Department and Excise Department, Government of Kerala inaugurated the workshop. He said that Kudumbashree will take up new challenges in the field of social, economic and women empowerment based on the last 25 years of activity. He added that Kudumbashree is the shining example of women empowerment that Kerala has presented to the world. He was speaking at the inauguration of the three-day national workshop organized on the new mobile application 'LokOS' designed by the Union Ministry of Rural Development to record information and activities related to NHGs, ADSs and CDSs in rural areas.

The 'LokOS' Application is set up in connection with the National Rural Livelihood Mission (NRLM) scheme implemented in the state through Kudumbashree. The project will be implemented in selected blocks of seven states including Kerala. The workshop will be held from 17 to 20 October 2022 for the Project Implementation Officers and Kudumbashree Resource Persons in these states.

The advantage of the new mobile application is that complete information about NHG activities can be recorded in a short period of time. Activities related to this will be done through selected Resource Persons. The aim is to prepare the NHG office bearers in the rural areas to record information by training them on the mobile application, within two years.

In the first phase, the project will be implemented on a pilot basis in Mullassery block of Thrissur district. In the second phase, it is planned to start the project in the remaining 15 blocks of the district and in each block of other districts in this financial year itself. In the third phase, the scheme will be extended to the rest of the blocks in other districts.

A section of LokOS Mobile Application is the profile entry of NHGs, its members, Area Development Society(ADS) and Community Development Society (CDS). By linking with Aadhaar, one can avoid the situation of getting membership in multiple NHGs.

The second is the entry of financial transactions. In Kerala, a total of 52 people have been selected as a Resource Person for fifty neighborhood groups for these activities. They will also be given a special ID.

The project will give a new face to the NHGs who currently follow the traditional style of keeping all information including savings and loan repayments in registers and notebooks. The key feature is that once the Mobile Application becomes familiar, all the members will have all the information about the NHG activities at their fingertips. It is also an advantage to be able to know all the information like bank account, savings, loans etc. of each neighborhood group. The new scheme will also be very helpful in real-time assessment of work progress. In this way, it is possible to reduce the work load of the officers who have to keep records of the financial transactions of the NHGs and bring more efficiency and transparency to the operations.

Dr. Sharmila Mary Joseph, Principal Secretary, Local Self-Government Department presided. Shri. Jafar Malik, Executive Director, Kudumbashree welcomed the gathering. Ms Neeta Kejriwal, Joint Secretary, Union Ministry of Rural Development delivered the introductory speech. Shri. Arjun Venkataraman, Programme Officer, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation delivered the felicitation. Ms. Krishna Priya, Chief Finance Officer, Kudumbashree, Shri. A.S. Sreekanth, Chief Operating Officer (NRLM), Shri. Nirmal S.C, District Mission Coordinator, Kudumbashree Thrissur District Mission participated in the function. Ms. Preetha M.B, District Mission Coordinator, Kudumbashree Ernakulam District Mission delivered the vote of thanks.

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'LokOS' Mobile Application to record information of rural NHGs: Kudumbashree National Regional Workshop held

National Saras Mela @Kottayam- Invites logo & Tagline

Kudumbashree is inviting logo and tagline for the Saras Mela, the national level product marketing fair, which is proposed to be held under the leadership of Kudumbashree, at Kottayam during the second week of December 2022. The selected entries will be given prizes.

The logo and tagline of the Saras Mela, held in the background of Kudumbashree's 25th Anniversary Celebrations, should be in harmony with the district's unique cultural identity, community of women entrepreneurs and regional identity. The prepared logo and tagline can be sent to the e-mail address, sarasmelakottayam@gmail.com. The last date for submitting the entries is 20 October 2022. For more details, contact - 0481 2302049, 9400550107.

The Saras Fairs are organized jointly by the Central- State Governments as part of the National Rural Livelihood Mission (NRLM), where the products of the entrepreneurs across the country is brought together for marketing. In addition to that 'India Food Court' would also be arranged as part of the Fair, where the cuisines from various states would be available.

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National Saras Mela @Kottayam- Invites logo & Taglineenen