Sales of Rs. 18.94 crores has been recorded through Kudumbashree Onam Markets organized under the leadership of Kudumbashree across the state. This achievement was made through 1102 CDS Level Onam Markets organized in the 1070 CDSs. Rs. 14.13 crores was recorded from the sale of the products of micro enterprises and Rs. 4.81 crores from the sale of agricultural products. Kudumbashree entrepreneurs were benefitted out of this opportunity.

It is for the first time that Kudumbashree is making a huge sales from the onam market after the unprecedented floods and the crisis of covid-19. Rs. 9.67 crores was earned during last year and double of that amount is earned during this year. Ernakulam district has made the highest sale through Kudumbashree Onam Market during this year. The entrepreneurs of Ernakulam district was able to make a sales of Rs. 2.90 crores. Kozhikode district came in the second place by making a sales of Rs. 2.62 crores. Whereas Alappuzha district came in the third place with a sales of Rs. 2.52 crores.

This time, the onam markets were also notable with the excellent participation of the entrepreneurs. The CDS Level Onam Markets were organized under the leadership the respective District Missions in collaboration with the Local Self Government Institutions. 35,383 micro enterprise units and 17,475 Kudumbashree farming groups brought their products to the CDS Level Onam Markets. Apart from this, Kudumbashree products were also made available at the marketing fairs organized in collaboration with the local bodies, Agriculture Department and Supplyco departments. The good organization and efficient coordination along with availability of quality products at fair prices paved the way for the success of the Onam Markets. 

Onam Market is one of the major sources of income for the Kudumbashree entrepreneurs working in the agricultural-micro enterprise sector. Though the color of the onam markets faded due to the covid recession during the last two years, Kudumbashree succeeded in activating the organization of onam markets in rural and urban CDSs, this time. The public market has also been buoyed this time as the threat of covid had faded.

Kudumbashree  micro enterprise units from Thrissur district of Kerala received work order for umbrellas worth Rs. 3 Lakhs from CEAT Tyre Company. The 'Friends Umbrella Manufacturing Unit' of Nenmanikkara Panchayath and 'Nice Umbrella Manufacturing Unit' of Velukkara Panchayath of Thrissur are the two units who received the order for umbrellas. Both the units have received an order worth Rs. 3 lakhs to manufacture and supply 1000 wooden umbrellas.

The company officials inquired with Kudumbashree Thrissur District Mission whether they could prepare and provide umbrellas with logo printed on them in the specified pattern. Following that, Kudumbashree District Mission decided to distribute the umbrella order to the 'Friends' and Nice' Umbrella units. The two units that carried out umbrella manufacturing completed the order on time and supplied the umbrellas to the center at Thrippunithura, Ernakulam. This onam was indeed an unforgettable one for the members of Friends Umbrella Manufacturing Unit' and 'Nice Umbrella Manufacturing Unit'.

Kudumbashree served delicious food to the viewers who came to watch the 68th edition of Nehru Trophy Boat Race held at Alappuzha on 4 September 2022. In the food fair organized by two enterprise units, delicious dishes like tapioca, fish curry, shellfish, biryani, tea, coffee, ilayada and samosas were served. The food stalls were set up at the entrance of the finishing point and at the entrance of Nehru Pavilion. Subhiksha Micro Enterprise unit from Alappuzha Municipal CDS and Anugraha micro enterprise unit from Muhamma Grama Panchayath CDS were the two units who served delicious food to those who came to watch Nehru Trophy Boat Race. The units were able to make a sales of Rs. 1,42,650 including coupons through the food fair.

The State Level Bala Parliament held for Balasabha members under the auspices of Kudumbashree had set a noteworthy representation. Adv. Antony Raju, Minister for Transport, Government of Kerala inaugurated the State Level Bala Parliament held at the Old Legislative Assembly Hall, Thiruvananthapuram on 5 September 2022. The Minister said that children should gain strength to overcome crises through democratic activities.

Education means the the comprehensive development of an individual in a way that he can have social commitment and sense of responsibility along with the knowledge acquired in various fields. Kudumbashree's Bala Parliament is a project that helps to gain knowledge in all fields. The Bala Parliament trainings provided in relation to the democratic system, including the legislature and parliament, will help to develop high democratic values, leadership qualities, organizational skills and environmental awareness in children. The Minister said. He also added that the strength to face and survive failures should be acquired at an early age and wished that the participants in the Bala Parliament would be able to enter the Legislative Assembly in the future.

The Bala Parliament held after the inauguration session also witnessed the President's Policy Announcement, Question and Answer Session on various areas such as health, education, livelihood, women's safety, increasing drug use among students, presentation of emergency resolution and walkout of the opposition members.

J.C. Aloysius (Alappuzha) participated President and Nandana V (Ernakulam) became the Prime Minister. Whereas Kadambari Vinod (Kozhikode) participated as Speaker and Aromal Jayakumar (Alappuzha) as Deputy Speaker. Sayan Saji (Malappuram) participated as the Leader of Opposition in the Bala Parliament. Abhijit V.S and Krishnaendu C.P became Finance Minister and Parliamentary Affairs Minister respectively. Abhinand K (Ernakulam), Adil A (Alappuzha), Fatima Dufaima (Kannur), Shivani Santhosh (Alappuzha), Diya Joseph (Ernakulam), Shabana Shaukath (Thiruvananthapuram), Abron Saji (Ernakulam), Pavithra KT (Ernakulam), Sneha KS (Kannur) and Aishwarya Prajit (Alappuzha) became the other ministers. Sanusha moved an adjournment motion.

Shri. Pradeep Kumar. R, Programme Officer, Kudumbashree welcomed the gathering. Shri. Jafar Malik IAS, Executive Director, Kudumbashree distributed the certificates to Balasabha members. Shri. Sreekanth A.S, Programme Officer, Kudumbashree, Dr. Myna Umaiban, Public Relations Officer, Kudumbashree and Dr. Najeeb, District Mission Co-ordinator, Kudumbashree Thiruvananthapuram District Mission gave away the felicitations. Shri. Arun P. Rajan, State Programme Manager delivered the vote of thanks. State-District Mission officials and Resource Persons also participated in the programme.

'Chuvad 2022', the state level residential training programme for Kudumbashree CDS Chairpersons has been concluded at Agricultural Co-operative Staff Training Institute, Manvila, Thiruvananthapuram on 2 September 2022. Shri. Jafar Malik IAS, Executive Director, Kudumbashree gave away the certificates for the CDS Chairpersons and Training teams during the valedictory function. Smt. Hemalatha C.K, Additional Private Secretary to the Minister of Local Self Government Department and Excise Department, Government of Kerala presided over the function.

The training programme aimed at giving new speed and energy to local economic development. The training has been organized in 7 batches. The trainings have been conducted for the last one and a half months for the newly inducted CDS Chairpersons. Shri. M.V Govindan Master, Minister, Local Self-Government Department and Excise Department, Government of Kerala attended all the training of all the 7 batches and addressed the CDS Chairpersons. 

This time, Kudumbashree aimed at providing academic excellence and professionalism to CDS Chairpersons along with administrative skills. As part of this, Kudumbashree also provided opportunity for the CDS Chairpersons to interact with Shri S.M. Vijayanand, Former Chief Secretary, Shri T.K. Jose, Former Additional Chief Secretary, Home Department, Smt. Sarada Muraleedharan IAS, Additional Chief Secretary, Local Self-Government Department, Shri. S. Harikishore IAS, Director, Industries Department, Smt. P.I. Sreevidya IAS, Former Executive Director, Kudumbashree, Shri. Jafar Malik IAS, Executive Director, Kudumbashree, Shri. N. Jagajeevan, Executive Director, Grameena Patana Kendram and Former Programme Officer, Kudumbashree, Shri. M. Ramanunni, Director, Agricultural Co-operative Staff Training Institute and Former Programme Officer. Also, training of three batches were organized under the leadership of KILA.

With effective planning and organization, 'Chuvad 2022' organized under the leadership of Kudumbashree has turned out to be the most comprehensive training programme ever given to CDS Chairpersons. Smt. Sarada Muraleedharan IAS, Additional Chief Secretary, Local Self-Government Department and Smt. P.I. Sreevidya IAS, Former Executive Director, Kudumbashree gave leadership to the selection and formulation of training topics which helped in achieving a more professional approach to the programme. Also, officials of Kudumbashree National Resource Organization, Kudumbashree State Mission and training group members participated. 

Behind the success of a one and a half month long training programme was the determination of Kudumbashree along with the continuous efforts of around sixty members from the training groups. Those who came from distant districts with their babies for training were were supported by their love. From taking over the day care of the children, they have been supervising and coordinating the matters including the accommodation and food of the camp visitors. Dr. Myna Umaiban, Public Relations Officer, Kudumbashree welcomed the gathering and Shri. Nishad C.C, State Programme Manager, delivered the vote of thanks.

Kudumbashree felicitated Shri. M.V. Govindan Master, the outgoing Minister, Local Self Government Department and Excise Department, Government of Kerala. Shri. Jafar Malik IAS, handed over the gift to M.V. Govindan Master on behalf of Kudumbashree at the farewell function held at Swaraj Bhavan, Thiruvananthapuram on 01 September 2022.

Smt. P.K. Shyamala (wife of Shri. M.V. Govindan Master), Smt. Sarada Muraleedharan IAS, Additional Chief Secretary, Local Self Government Department, Dr. Sharmila Mary Joseph IAS, Principal Secretary, Local Self Government Department, Shri. Jahamgeer, Programme Officer, Kudumbashree, Dr. Myna Umaiban, Public Relations Officer, Kudumbashree were also present at the function. Kudumbashree family wish him all the very best to shine brightly in his new realm.

The winners of Kudumbashree State Level Essay Competition for College Students on 'The Role of Kudumbashree in Social, Economic and Women Empowerment' as part of the Reading Week Celebrations has been announced. Shri. Abhiram Pavithran O (Integrated M.A English Studies Student-IIT Madras) hailing from Angadipuram of Malappuram district came in the first place. Shri. Akshay P.P , M.A. Sociology Student-Pondicherry University came in second place and Ms. Neelima Vasan, B.Sc. Physics Student-St. Joseph's College, Devagiri, Kozhikode came in the third place.

Also, Shri. Harivindnath V.P, M Ed. Student, Department of Education, Kerala University and Smt. Sivarenjini G.B, LLB Second Semester Student- Government Law College, Thiruvananthapuram bagged consolation prizes. The first, second and third place winners will be awarded cash prizes of Rs.10,000, Rs. 7,000 and Rs. 5,000 respectively. Consolation Prizes winners will be awarded cash prize of Rs.1000 each. The winners will be awarded trophies and certificates as well.

Kudumbashree has set up a sustainable entrepreneurship project in the state to make Kudumbashree women, employers from self employment. The Special Livelihood package is launched as the second phase of the Start Up Village Enterprises (SVEP) scheme, which was launched by the Government of India. The SVEP Scheme aimed at the poverty alleviation in the rural areas will lead to the creation of new employment opportunities at the local level and thereby pave the way for regional economic exchange. Shri. P.V. Sreenijin, MLA inaugurated the state level plan to develop the MEC group in view of the local potential of the state in the other 13 blocks of the state, at Kolenchery, Ernakulam on 27 August 2022.

Shri. Jafar Malik IAS, Executive Director, Kudumbashree welcomed the gathering. Shri. Ullas Thomas, President, District Panchayath presided over the function. Ms. Rama Santhosh, Member, Governing Body, Kudumbashree launched the logo of Sevika Garments, which was launched as part of the livelihood package. For the first time in Kerala under the leadership of Kudumbashree, SVEP was implemented as a pilot project in Vadavucode block of Ernakulam district and Parakkode block of Pathanamthitta district, during the financial year 2017. A total of 2129 enterprises that produce value added products were set up in Vadavucode block during this period.

Community Enterprises Fund will be provided up to Rs. 50,000 for individual enterprises and up to Rs. 1 lakh for group enterprises under SVEP scheme. So far a total of Rs. 4,63,05,000 has been disbursed as Community Enterprises Fund to 991 enterprises in Vadavucode Block. When the SVEP scheme expired during March 2021, the state government sanctioned Rs. 2.5 crores for the two blocks for the reactivation of the enterprises, i.e. for the next step from self-employment to being employer enterprises.

Rs. 50 lakhs has been sanctioned to 'Sevika Garments', a wholesale and retail clothing initiative started by 8 members of the Vadavucode Sevika MEC group to support enterprises in the textile sector. Ms. Sonia Murukesan, President, Vadavucode Panchayath, Shri. C.R. Prakash, President, Thiruvaniyoor Panchayath, Shri. T.P. Varghese, President, Poothrikka, Ms. Anu Achu, Vice President, Vadavucode Block Panchayath, Shri. Jubil George, Chairman, Vadavucode Block Development Standing Committee, Smt. Rajamma Raju, Chairperson, Welfare Standing Committee Chairperson, Vadavucode Block, Ms. Lizy Alex, Member, District Panchayath delivered the felicitations. Ms. Preethi M.B, District Mission Co-ordinator, Kudumbashree Ernakulam District Mission delivered the vote of thanks.

Apart from providing banana chips and sarkaravaratti to the onam kit prepared by Supplyco, Kudumbashree members are now busy cultivating various types of  flowers all across the state for this onam season. Kudumbashree has also been organizing onam marketing fairs by providing vegetables and various other products.

Flowers like marigold, chendumalli and banthi are being cultivated by Kudumbashree members. Kudumbashree consider onam season as an opportunity to earn better income for Kudumbashree farming groups focusing on horticulture. Flower cultivation by Kudumbashree members is progressing well in Kasaragod (18 units,12 acres), Kannur (55 units, 27.5 acres), Wayanad (1 unit 1.5 acres), Malappuram (31 units, 10.76 acres), Kozhikode (3 units 1 acre), Thrissur (77 units 28.85 acres), Ernakulam (14 units 8 acres), Alappuzha (294 units 27.87 acres), Kottayam (21 units 6.5 acres), Pathanamthitta (1 unit 50 cents) and Thiruvananthapuram (19 units 3.52 acres) districts.

District Level Bala Parliament Sessions are progressing in the state with strong debates, expert answers and topic based discussions. The issues such as the travel woes faced by school students, child rights issues and the suffering and starvation of marginalized people are all topics of discussion at the Bala Parliament sessions being held in the districts. The opposition come up with whip-like questions and the administration avoids controversies with expert answers. The Bala Parliament held in various districts of the state during the past two weeks were literally eventful.

Bala Parliament is implemented to make Kudumbashree Balasabha members understand the importance and scope of democratic system. Currently, 3.95 lakh children are members of 28,000 Balasabha in the state. it also aims at creating awareness on various issues like parliamentary procedures, administrative systems, law making and constitutional value.

Bala Panchayaths are organized at the local body level, consisting of selected children who are members of Balasabha under each Local Self Government Institution. District Parliaments are held at the district level, consisting of one member elected from the Bala Panchayats of each district. Ten children (five girls and five boys each) selected from the district parliaments of each district participate in the State Level Bala parliament. The rights of children from different backgrounds and the challenges they face are discussed and documented through these mechanisms.

District Level Bala Parliaments have already been organized in Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Kottayam, Idukki, Ernakulam, Palakkad, Malappuram, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur and Kasaragod districts. The State-level Children's Parliament will be organized in Thiruvananthapuram during next month.