The role of Community is inevitable in the rehabilitation process of the destitute families in Kerala. Kudumbashree Mission and Local Self Government Institutions have jointly found out 17,569 destitute families in Ernakulam district through a survey conducted using a Mobile App. The basic needs of these destitute families include food, medicine, hygienic toilet, electrification of houses and maintenance of dilapidated homes. Among the needs mentioned, food and medicine had been provided from the challenge fund allocated to Local Self Government Institutions by Kudumbashree Mission. The other needs mentioned are the responsibility of Local Self Government Institutions. It is a fact that the other needs like hygienic toilet, electrification of houses and Maintenance of dilapidated homes have not been materialized due to the dearth of funds in local bodies. With a view to offer the help to the most needy destitute families, Kudumbashree Ernakulam District Mission has launched a programme called Oppam.
The 101 Community Development Societies (CDS) in Ernakulam District collect money from the Neighborhood Group (NHG) members of the district with a minimum target of Rs 10 from each member to materialize the Oppam scheme. Each CDS has already found a most suitable destitute beneficiary to whom the service would be rendered. The services include hygienic toilet, electrification of houses and maintenance of dilapidated homes. 104 beneficiaries have already been selected by CDS for providing various services. A sum of Rs 28.5 lakh has been collected by the Kudumbashree community in Ernakulam so far and the amount is likely to increase.
Some CDS in the districts have started implementation and the other CDSs would start implementation soon. This scheme is expected to increase the participation of community in Destitute Free Kerala (DFK) project in the district. This year, Kudumbashree Mission aims is to make available all the services proposed in DFK project to the beneficiaries. In Manjapra, Malayattoor, Poothrikka and Kavalangad CDSs the maintenance works will be undertaken by Kudumbashree construction groups. This can be considered as a model of convergence as well.
- 1346 views