Samunnathi - Kudumbashree Scheduled Caste Comprehensive Development Project has been launched at Kuzhalmannam Block of Palakkad district of Kerala. Shri. M.B. Rajesh, Minister, Local Self Government Department and Excise Department, Government of Kerala inaugurated the programme held at Thenkurissi Panchayath Community Hall, Palakkad on 29 July 2023. The Minister said that through the launch of this project, Kudumbashree aims at inclusion of the sidelined communities and this project has been launched in Kuzhalmannam Block as 25 % of the population are from Scheduled Tribes community. Within the last 25 years, Kudumbashree has made revolutionary and astonishing changes in the life of women socially, financially and politically. Making changes in the lives of women means that Kudumbashree is capable of making changes in the lives of the people of Kerala altogether. Kudumbashree have brought leadership of women to the mainstream of the society. Also Kudumbashree paved the way for comprehensive women empowerment  The Minister said. 

Kudumbashree has made the play written by V.T.Bhattathiripad come true by bringing women to the mainstream of the society. Kudumbashree had made great contributions to complete the social reformation movement of Kerala. The President of India had joined Kudumbashree during its Silver Jubilee Celebrations and the comment made by the President of India about Kudumbashree brings immense pride not only to every Kudumbashree member but also to all keralites. He added. 

Shri. K.D. Prasenan, MLA, Alathoor Constituency presided over the function. Shri. Jafar Malik IAS, Executive Director, Kudumbahsree explained the project. The Minister also launched the Samunnathi Guideline during the function. Various funds for the SC NHGs, distribution of special seed capital and livelihood funds to the 7 CDSs were also held.

Kudumbashree State Mission is starting a special project called 'Samunnathi' for the first time in the state in the Kuzhalmannam block of Palakkad district where the largest number of Scheduled Castes reside as part of the National Rural Livelihood Mission's Annual Action Plan as a part of special intervention in the Scheduled Castes region. This project aims to implement various development activities for the Scheduled Castes in the seven Kudumbashree CDSs of Kuzhalmannam block in three phases. This project also aims to bring all the families of the Scheduled Castes into the Kudumbashree system and implement various locally possible livelihood work activities and carry out various social women empowerment interventions.

There are 7 Local Self Government bodies in Kuzhalmannam block such as Thenkurissi Grama Panchayath, Kottayi Grama Panchayath, Kannadi Grama Panchayath, Kuzhalmannam Grama Panchayath, Kuthanur Grama Panchayath, Mathoor Grama Panchayath. Peringottukurissi Grama Panchayath. 25% of the total population belongs to the SC category. Wage labor and agricultural work are the main means of livelihood. Compared to other communities, the Scheduled Castes are economically, socially, educationally and professionally very backward. Mainly Panan, Mannan, Perumannan, Parayan, Cheruman, Kanakkan, Doban, Koodan, Kavara, Pulayan, Pulluvan, Valluvan, Nayadi, Chakiliyan and other groups live here.

Through the Samunnathi scheme, mainly the interventions such as formation and strengthening of NHGs, trainings for existing NHGs (accounting, organizational structure, various projects), strengthening of micro-income development activities by providing community funds Vulnerability Reduction Fund, Revolving Fund and Corpus Fund to NHGs and Seed Capital Fund, Livelihood Fund etc to CDSs, agriculture focused livelihood activities, formation of mechanized agricultural workforce (Green Army), formation of Agricultural Joint Liability Groups, initiation of animal protection initiatives, micro-enterprise formation by identifying local resource potential etc will be implemented for Scheduled Caste families.

Ms. Binumol .K, President, District Panchayath, Palakkad, Shri. C.K.Chamunni, Vice President, District Panchayath Palakkad, Shri. T.K.Devadas, President, Kuzhalmannam Block Panchayat, Ms. Maruthi Murugan, Block Panchayath President Attappady and Kudumbashree Governing Body Member, Shri. Bhargavan. R, President, Thenkurissi Grama Panchayath, Shri, Satheesh. R, President, Kottayi Grama Panchayath, Ms. Latha.M, President, Kannadi Grama Panchayath, Ms. Mini Narayanan, President, Kuzhalmannam Grama Panchayath, Shri. P.T. Sahadevan, President, Kuthanur Grama Panchayath, Ms. Pravitha Muraleedharan President, Mathoor Grama Panchayath, Ms. Keralakumari. K.M, President, Peringottukurissi Grama Panchayath, other officials also became part of the function. Shri. K.K. Chandradasan, District Mission Co-ordinator, Kudumbashree Palakkad District Mission welcomed the gathering and Shri. Jijin.G, District Programme Manager, Kudumbashree Palakkad District Mission delivered the vote of thanks. 

Malu Amma, who is member of Kudumbashree for the last 22 years, Mundiyamma, 80 year old NHG member and members of Prathyasha unit, Balasabha members, JLG members who did cultivation in 5 acres of land and the first NHG formed as part of the Samunnathi Project was also felicitated at the function.

Kudumbashree Palakkad District Mission arranges livelihood opportunity for 10 tribal families in Parambikulam. The initiatives were jointly inaugurated by Shri. B.S. Manoj, Programme Officer, Kudumbashree and Shri. K.K.Chandradasan, District Mission Co-ordinator, Kudumbashree Palakkad District Mission during a function organized on 22 July 2023.

Under Kudumbashree's Scheduled Caste Sustainable Development Project, two mini flour mill units named Minishree and Jayashree have been started under the leadership of Kudumbashree in the fifth colony of Parambikulam ward to promote livelihood activities. Minishree Curry Powder Unit will be run by Ms. Shanti, Ms. Nanji, Ms. Shelvi, Ms. Rugmini and Ms. Kaveri, members of Snehashree NHG and Jayashree Curry Powder Unit will be run by Ms. Madhavi, Ms. Jaya, Ms. Alli, Ms. Pacha and Ms. Rathi, members of Sreehari NHG of Muthalamada CDS. Kudumbashree has provided financial assistance of Rs. 60,000 each to start the mills.

 A social security insurance campaign was also started in the villages. Ms. Selvi, Ward Member, Ms. Komalam, Chairperson, Muthalamada CDS, Ms. Mallika. R, CDS Member, Shri. Muthu Swami, Head of the Hamlet, Shri. Jijin.G, Ms. Sabitha.C, Ms. Lakshmi.R, Ms. Priyanka.K,  Shri. Naushad, District Programme Managers, Shri. Jomon K.J, SD Co-ordinator, Ms. Rajitha, Micro Enterprise Consultant, Shri. Veluchami, Ms. Aishwarya, Shri. Satheesh, Animators also participated in the function.

 Parambikulam Reserve Forest is more than 80 km away from Palakkad town, which can be reached only after traveling through Tamil Nadu from Kerala and again through Kerala. Kudumbashree Palakkad District Mission is being a relief to the tribal groups of Malamalasar who live in this Parambikulam Reserve Forest, which is located at an altitude of more than 800 meters above sea level.

The first phase of the  'Sajjam'- Building Resilience Programme Training for Balasabha members which envisages preparing the new generation to face natural calamities has been completed.  9311 children participated in the training organized in 206 CDSs in 14 districts on 15-16 July 2023. A total of 608 District Level Resource Persons were trained by 28 Master Trainers and State Disaster Management Authority representatives. The Balasabha members are being given training through them.

It is aimed to provide training to one lakh Balasabha members of the state in different phases by Onam holidays. Along with providing awareness on the issues of nature, environment, disaster impact mitigation, rights and responsibilities, children will be given an opportunity to learn about various natural disasters like floods, landslides, droughts, landslides, sea storms and understand the current disaster management systems. 

Training is provided through various activities in which the children can understand for themselves, including how climate change affects their lives. Through these trained children, adults will also be given awareness.

The 'Karkkidaka Chantha' set up by Kudumbashree Wayanad District Mission at Thirunelly gained attention. Dr. Renu Raj IAS, District Collector, Wayanad inaugurated the programme on 17 July 2023. The 'Karkkidaka Chantha' was set up in connection with the Karkkidaka Vavu (Hindu ritual performed for the deceased ancestors) at the premises of Thirunelly temple. Various types of leafy vegetables, vegetables, Wayanad's unique rice Gandakashala, Mullan Kaima, Chomala, Veliyan Thondi etc along with dosa made from these rice, Puttu flour and products made from mani grass were made available at the 'Karkkidaka Chantha'.

'Karkkidaka Chantha' was organized as part of the Kudumbashree Wayanad Tribal Comprehensive Development Project in association with Thirunelly Kudumbashree CDS, Van Dhan Vikas Kendra Thirunelly and Rebuild Kerala Initiative - Entrepreneurship Development Programme (RKI - EDP). 66 Kudumbashree entrepreneurial units participated in the market organized in the temple premises on 16, 17 and 18 July 2023.

 Ms. R. Sreelakshmi, Sub Collector, Wayanad, Shri. N.I. Shaju, Additional District Magistrate, Shri. P.K. Balasubramanian, District Mission Co-ordinator, Kudumbashree Wayanad District Mission, Ms. V.K. Rejeena, Assistant District Mission Co-ordinator, Kudumbashree Wayanad District Mission, Kudumbashree officials and members also attended the function.

The Third Phase of Polima Puthukkad of  Kudumbashree Thrissur District Mission has been started. The aim of the programme is producing non-toxic and safe vegetables. Implemented through effective integration of local bodies, Kudumbashree, Department of Agriculture, Co-operative Institutions and employment guarantee scheme, the project was initiated to implement the idea of the State Government to formulate and implement plans to achieve self-sufficiency in the field of food production. Those who are part of the scheme are provided with the assistance as part of the Agri Nutri Garden Scheme of Kudumbashree.

In the second phase of the project, 120 tonnes of vegetables were harvested on 29 hectares of land by 40,000 Kudumbashree women who are members of 2411 NHGs in eight panchayats of Puthukkad Constituency. Shri. K.K.Ramachandran, Puthukkad MLA inaugurated the third phase of the project at Kodakara Block Hall, Thrissur on 27 June 2023. He also distributed awards to the best performing NHGs who had done best in agriculture in the second phase.

The CDS Level NHGs include Nanma NHG (Mattathur Panchayath), Anashwara NHG (Vallachira), Devashree NHG (Alagappa Nagar), Aishwarya Lakshmi NHG (Puthukkad), Pratibha NHG (Nenmanikkara), Sauhrudha NHG (Varantharapilly), Friends Koottayma NHG (Thrikoor), Karunashree NHG (Parappukkara).

Shri. M.R. Ranjith, President, Kodakara Block Panchayath presided over the function. Shri. M.K. Radhakrishnan Master, President, Cherpu Block Panchayath, Shri. E.K. Anoop, Ms. Ajitha Sudhakaran, Shri. Simon Nampadan, Grama Panchayath Presidents, Dr. Kavitha. A, District Mission Co-ordinator, Kudumbashree Thrissur District Mission, Shri. P.R. Ajay Ghosh, Block Development Officer, Ms. Ambili Hari, CDS Chairperson, Puthukkad Panchayath Kudumbashree CDS delivered their felicitations. Shri. Unnikrishnan, Agriculture Officer, Mattathur took a class on scientific vegetable farming.

Training for Balasabha Members as part of 'Sajjam'- Building Resilience Programme has started on 15 July 2023. The programme envisages preparing the new generation to face natural calamities. 608 District Level Resource Persons in 14 districts were trained by 28 trained Master Trainers and representatives of the State Disaster Management Authority on 30 June 2023 and 1 July 2023. Through these 608 Resource Persons around 1 lakh children aged between 13 and 17 years of age across the state will be trained in disaster preparedness.

Along with providing awareness on the issues of nature, environment, disaster impact mitigation, rights and responsibilities, children will be given an opportunity to learn about various natural disasters like floods, landslides, droughts, landslides, sea storms and understand the current disaster management systems. The training is through various activities where the children can understand for themselves, including how climate change affects their lives. Through them awareness will be given to other children as well as adults.

A Two- Day National Workshop on PRI-CBO (Panchayati Raj Institutions-Community Based Organisations) Convergence Universalisation Programme was held at Uday Samudra Beach Hotel, Kovalam, Thiruvananthapuram on 13-14 July 2023. Shri. Shailesh Kumar Singh, Secretary, Ministry of Rural Development (MoRD) delivered the Keynote Address via Video Conference on 13 July 2023. He spelled out the various steps taken so far in the process of PRI-CBO convergence. He said that this partnership is envisaged to empower the poor to know, to demand and to access their rights and entitlements, include the poor and the vulnerable sections of the community in the local development process and enable them to benefit from it, strengthen the local democracy, making the Grama Panchayats responsive and accountable, engender local level development and make it participatory and inclusive and strengthen gram panchayats through citizen engagement.

Shri. Sunil Kumar, Secretary, Ministry of Panchayati Raj (MoPR) spoke on the 'MoPR Perspectives on PRI-CBO Convergence' via Video Conference.  He said that it is extremely heartening to learn that several women leaders have risen from the ranks of SHGs, particularly Kudumbashree and are now occupying positions as elected representatives in Panchayats at all three levels and some are now even getting elected to the legislative assemblies. That is perhaps the befitting response to the PRI-CBO convergence, the process that was set in motion over the last 15-20 years and in which Kerala has gained a pioneering role. In recent times, both MoRD and MoPR have been actively promoting this convergence. He added. 

He also complimented the Kudumbashree team, with the dance-drama presentation presented the journey of Kudumbashree which clearly showed that they now were active in almost all the nine themes that are now part of LSGDs, whether it is the theme of clean and green panchayat, socially just and socially secure panchayath, panchayath with gender development, child friendly panchayat, panchayath with good governance. In all these themes, Kudumbashree has shown that it has a vital role to play. He also added that he is happy to note that Kudumbashree is actively engaging with the NRLM in all the 16 to17 states participating in the workshop and is playing a key role and there is a lot that has to be learnt and that can be learnt from the Kudumbashree experience. He also added that he is happy to note that the delegates will be visiting Panchayats and see for themselves on how this convergence is coming out. 

Ms. Smriti Sharan, Joint Secretary, MoRD talked about  the 'Universalization of Convergence Project- Key features and strategies'. Ms. Sarada Muraleedharan, Additional Chief Secretary, Local Self Government Department, Government of Kerala spoke on 'PRI-CBO Convergence- Concept, Strategies and Experiences'. Shri. S.M. Vijayanand, Former Chief Secretary, Kerala spoke on the 'Collaboration between MoPR and MoRD in Localising SDGs'. Shri. Sajith Sukumaran, COO, Kudumbashree NRO welcomed the gathering. The Live Musical Choreograph depicting the saga of Kudumbashree, penned by Shri. Karivellur Murali, Poet and sung by Ms. Pushpavathy Poypadathu was performed by Kudumbashree NHG members.  

'Convergence Chronicles', a compendium on learnings from PRI-CBO convergence initiatives was released during the function. MoU signing of Himachal Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Nagaland, Tripura and Meghalaya was also held during the function. Shri. Anil. P. Antony, Director, Kudumbashree signed the MoUs on behalf of Kudumbashree. Dr. Prasada Rao Vaddarapu, CEO, Tripura SRLM, Ms. Imtimenla, Mission Director, Nagaland SRLM, Ms. Kalyani Gupta, Deputy CEO, Himachal Pradesh SRLM, Shri Ronald Kynta, COO, Meghalaya SRLM,  Ms. Krishna Baruah, State Mission Director, Assam SRLM,  Ms. Usha Rani, Lead IBCB (Institution Building and Capacity Building), NRLM and Ms. Savithri, Puducherry SRLM were also present at the inaugural function.Ms. Krishna Baruah and Shri Ronald Kynta felicitated the dignitaries on the dais. 

In the afternoon session, the delegates were divided into 6 groups and they made field visits to Venganoor, Balaramapuram, Kottukal, Kanjiramkulam, Pallichal and Karakulam Panchayats and visited BUDS Institutions, Anganwadi, ALMSC (Anganwadi Level Monitoring and Support Committee, Budget Hotel (Janakeeya Hotel) and Haritha Karma Sena. They also made interactions with Panchayat, CDS and line department officials regarding Structure of Panchayat and CBO, Preparation of CDS Action Plans, Evaluation Committee, Women Component Plan, Destitute Free Kerala Programme, Microplan for Extreme Poor, Citizen’s committees, Sustainable Development Goals, VPRP- GPDP integration mechanisms and integration of schemes of line departments with GPDP.

On the second day of the workshop, the Experiences from the Field Visits were shared by the Field Visit Teams in the session moderated by Ms. Kavita Maria, National Mission Manager, NMMU (National Mission Management Unit). Prior to the presentation of the field visit teams, Ms. Priya Paul, Manager, PRI-CBO Convergence, Kudumbashree NRO explained the Three-Tier Community Structure of Kudumbashree in Kerala.

According to the delegates, the field visits gave them a wholesome experience and helped them to identify the gaps in their implementation and replicate the Kerala model. According to Dr. Prasada Rao Vaddarapu, CEO, Tripura SRLM, the Grama Panchayats in Kerala acts as a 'Mini Secretariat' and it is highly impressive. He added that Kerala has made tremendous achievements and Kerala should be considered a 'Global Model'. The delegates also mentioned about the effective convergence system they experienced and how this convergence is coming out. They also mentioned how systematically Haritha Karma Sena in the state is working. They also suggested that Janakeeya Hotels and BUDS Institutions are unique models from Kerala. 

Shri. Vikas Anand, Joint Secretary, MoPR talked on VPRP-GPDP (Village Poverty Reduction Plan-Grama Panchayat Development Plan) Integration: Scope of Convergence between CBOs and PRIs and Role of SIRD (State Institute of Rural Development), DoPR (Department of Panchayati Raj). Dr. Sharmila Mary Joseph, Principal Secretary, Local Government Department, Government of Kerala moderated the Panel Discussion - PRI CBO Convergence: Role of MoPR (Ministry of Panchayati Raj), DoPR (Department of Panchayati Raj), NIRD (National Institute of Rural Administration), SIRD (State Institute of Rural Development).

Ms. Usha Rani, Lead IBCB, NRLM, moderated the Panel Discussion on 'Pilot experience of PRI-CBO Convergence' of Assam, Bihar, Jharkhand and Meghalaya. Whereas, Ms. Jui Bhattacharya, National Mission Manager, NMMU moderated the State Operational Framework (SoF) Presentation of Tamil Nadu, Tripura and Himachal Pradesh.

Ms. Smriti Sharan, Joint Secretary, MoRD spoke about the Way Forward. Shri. S.M. Vijayanand, Former Chief Secretary of Kerala, Dr. Prathyusha Bhatnaik, Assistant Professor, NIRDPR, Dr. Nirmala Sanu George, Advisor, Kerala State Finance Commission, Government of Kerala were also present at the function. Dr. B. Najeeb, District Mission Co-ordinator, Kudumbashree Thiruvananthapuram District Mission delivered the vote of thanks. A Dance Programme by a group from Kurumba Tribal Community of Attappady was presented during the function.

The National Workshop was proposed on realising the need of organising a national consultative meeting with all the concerned stakeholders for the structured integration of the Panchayati Raj Institutions -Community Based Organisations interventions. The National Workshop on PRI-CBO Convergence Universalization Programme aims to address the vision of the Ministry of Rural Development (MoRD) for the widespread implementation of the PRI-CBO convergence model across the country. 

The National  Workshop brought together representatives from the Ministry of Rural Development, Ministry of Panchayati Raj, State Rural Livelihood Missions, National Institute of Rural Development, and State Institute of Rural Development. The workshop is serving as a platform to share experiences, insights, and best practices, and facilitate field visits to observe the tangible benefits and impact of the PRI-CBO convergence model on governance, community participation, and livelihood promotion.

The Objectives of the National Workshop include sharing the MoRD's vision for implementing the PRI-CBO convergence model across 16 states, emphasising citizen-centric governance, improved service delivery, and access to rights and entitlements, providing a platform for participants to share their experiences, challenges, successes, and lessons learnt in implementing the PRI-CBO convergence model, facilitating discussions on effective approaches, innovative practices, and solutions to common implementation hurdles, making exposure visits to understand the tangible benefits and impact of the model on governance, community participation, and livelihood promotion, engaging representatives from the Ministry of Panchayati Raj, Ministry of Rural Development, State Rural Livelihood Missions, National Institute of Rural Development, and State Institute of Rural Development to foster dialogue, collaboration, and consensus-building to address challenges and develop a unified approach to universalise the PRI-CBO convergence model.

It is expected that the National Workshop on PRI-CBO Convergence Universalization Programme will yield significant outcomes that will contribute to the widespread implementation of the PRI-CBO convergence model across the states in India.

Kudumbashree Thrissur District Mission launches 'Suraksha 20' Campaign to bring all Kudumbashree employees and all the members of the support system under insurance cover. The project is being implemented in collaboration with Lead Bank. Shri. Ratheesh Kumar. K, Programme Officer, Kudumbashree did the District Level Inauguration of the Campaign on 4 July 2023. Dr. Kavitha A, District Mission Co-ordinator, Kudumbashree Thrissur District Mission presided over the function. Shri. Praveen Kumar, Officer, Lead Bank was the Chief Guest of the function. 

A total of 275 people including Kudumbashree employees and support system members became part of the project. Ms. Reji Thomas, District Programme Manager, Kudumbashree Thrissur District Mission welcomed the gathering and Shri. Nirmal S.C, Assistant District Mission Co-ordinator, Kudumbashree Thrissur District Mission delivered the vote of thanks. The activities as part of the 'Suraksha 20' Campaign to bring the general public in the tribal areas of the district under insurance cover was started on 12 July 2023.

'Nattarangu 2023' of Nalleppally CDS of Palakkad stand out with the complete participation of the geriatrics. 'Nattarangu 2023', the Arts Festival for people between 60 and 80 years of age was organized under the auspices of the Nalleppally CDS at Nalleppally Grama Panchayath Hall, Palakkad. It was a festival that celebrated arts without competition, by cheering everyone on the stage and dancing and singing along with them. 

Such an Arts Festival was organized by Nalleppally CDS as part of the Relationship Kerala project implemented by Kudumbashree with the aim of mainstreaming the elderly, differently-abled groups and transgenders. The Arts Festival had the objectives of empowering the elderly NHGs, capacity building and nurturing the artistic skills of the members.

Various art forms learned in the past like singing film songs, dancing for film songs, Kollipaat, Skit, Porat Drama and Devotional Songs were all presented as part of the Arts Festival. Around 170 elderly People participated in the Arts Festival. They were also presented with gifts. 450 people, including men and women, are part of the elderly NHGs in the panchayath.

Ms. S. Anisha, President, Nalleppally Grama Panchayath inaugurated the festival. Shri. Satheesh, Vice President, Nalleppally Grama Panchayath presided over the function. Ms. Anitha, Kudumbashree CDS Chairperson welcomed the gathering. Ms. Renjini, Block Co-ordinator, Kudumbashree explained the Programme. Ms. Shelvam, CDS Vice Chairperson delivered the vote of thanks. Panchayath Governing Body members, CDS members and Kudumbashree officials participated in the function.

Kudumbashree Palakkad District Mission launched 'Namath Usr' (Our Life), Anti-Drug Campaign to fight against addiction focusing on tribal villages. The campaign, which will last till 2 October 2023, is being organized in the Scheduled Tribe areas, educational institutions and other areas of the district in coordination with the Excise Department.

A number of activities like awareness classes, signature campaign, screening of anti-drug short films and rallies are planned as part of the campaign. The district-level inauguration of the campaign was performed by Shri. K.Krishnan Kutty, Minister of Electricity, Government of Kerala during the function held at Nadupathi Hamlet of Walayar on 03 July 2023.

As part of the campaign designed to educate the youth and the society about the consequences of drug addiction, activities will be organized to provide services of de-addiction centres to drug addicts, provide psychological support and counseling services to family members. These activities will be carried out jointly by Kudumbashree Snehitha Gender Help Desk staff and Community Counsellors.

Shri. A. Prabhakaran, MLA, Malampuzha Constituency presided over the inaugural function. Shri. V. Bijoy, President, Malampuzha Block Panchayath was the Chief Guest of the function. Shri. K.K. Chandradas, District Mission Co-ordinator, Kudumbashree Palakkad District Mission welcomed the gathering and Ms. M. Susheela, CDS Chairperson delivered the vote of thanks. The elders of the hamlets and the students of the hamlet who achieved high marks were felicitated in the function.