From now onwards, Kudumbashree's 81 coastal volunteers will strengthen the NHG activities at coastal areas. They are appointed in the 81 CDSs of Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Alappuzha, Ernakulam, Thrissur, Malappuram, Kozhikode, Kannur and Kasaragod districts.

Coastal Volunteers will strengthen the NHG activities in the coastal areas. They will oversee the activities, reconstruct inactive NHGs and help the women to find the better livelihood programmes.

A four day training was organised for coastal volunteers during last November.

It is also planned to conduct rallies to introduce Kudumbashree's programmes with the help of 'Rangasree', Kudumbashree's community theater group. There are 12,692 coastal NHGs in the state, with around one lakh women as members.

Agro Hyper Bazar, which will make avail all the farming machinery and value added products under one roof will sell Kudumbashree products from now onwards. Products made by Kudumbashree women from different parts of the district will be for sale at the shop.

The first of its kind was inaugurated by Shri.Pinarayi Vijayan, Chief Minister, Government of Kerala at Agriculture Complex at Chembukavu, Thrissur. Agro Hyper Bazar had allotted 6 racks for selling out Kudumbashree's products.They will sell curry powders, pickles, jam, squash, syrups, chips, coconut oil, handicrafts, brahmi products saphalam cashews, Kudumbashree organic rice, soap, body wash, hair oil, payasam mix and products from Attappady special programme also is for sale at Agro Hyper Bazar. Kudumbashree products are of high demand at the shop. Association with Agro Hyper Bazar had opened new doors for marketing Kudumbashree's products.

Kudumbashree women marked their presence in healthcare sector by providing their services to the patients of Malabar Cancer Care Centre,Thalassery, Kannur. 44 women who were trained under Healthcare Sector Skill Council joined Malabar Cancer Care Centre. They would deal with the front office management, assist nurses and would act as medical staff, who would take patients for checkup and so.

In addition, Kudumbashree will provide, different services on contract basis at Malabar Cancer Care Centre. 'Human Arm', society of women who received such skill training is also formed there. The Skill training for them was extended under the centrally sponsored programme, National Urban Livelihood Mission (NULM). Under this scheme, training is given in 73 different courses.

It is aimed to extend skill training to 15000 financially backward urban youth of 93 urban local bodies through 45 training agencies through NULM. After the training, loan up to Rs 2 lakhs would be given to individuals and loan upto Rs 10 lakhs to the group of young entrepreneurs for getting job placements or finding a job of their own. Training is being given to the beneficiaries based upon their qualifications.The courses are of 3 months to 6 months duration and are certified either by National council for Vocational Training (NCVT) or National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC). Food and accommodation is provided free of cost to the beneficiaries. If a course is not available in one's locality, he/she may avail free accommodation and training from other training centres. On contacting the NULM unit of the concerned urban local bodies, more details of the programme can be availed.

The 10 day training programme organised by Kudumbashree Mission at Grameena Padana Kendram, Karakulam, Thiruvananthapuram associating with International Labour Organisation (ILO) has changed the outlook of 16 Micro Enterprise Consultants, who came from different places across the state. The master trainers of ILO gave training to the MECs on the topic 'Start and Improve Your Business' (SIYB). International Labour Organisation's certificates were given to those who successfully completed the training. Shri. Issac Singh & Shri. Khaleel Ul Rahman, Master Trainers, ILO led the activity oriented sessions and gave training to the MECs on the topic 'Start and Improve Your Business' (SIYB). 16 selected MECs attended the training from 11-20 December 2017.

Start and Improve Your Business (SIYB) is currently the largest global business management training programme, with the focus on starting and improving businesses as a strategy for creating more and better employment for women and men. It supports the sustainable development goals by promoting the business development policies that support decent job creation, entrepreneurship and encourage the growth of micro, small and medium enterprises. It also supports productive employment and decent work for all, including the youth and persons with disabilities.

The association with International Labour Organization (ILO), the United Nations agency dealing with labour problems, particularly international labour standards, social protection, and work opportunities will enable Kudumbashree Mission to create revolutionary changes in micro enterprise development in Kerala. So far, 31,261 Kudumbashree Micro Enterprise units are working in Kerala altogether. By giving assistance in identifying the most suitable micro enterprises, MECs are extending their full support for the women entrepreneurs. Micro Enterprise Consultants also facilitate training, marketing services and Business counselling as well.

Smt S. Nisha, Director, Kudumbashree Mission, Shri. Ramesh Chandran, General Manager, District Industries Centre, Smt. N.S Niranjana, Programme Officer, Kudumbashree, and Smt Akhila Devi, State Assistant Programme Manager also attended the valedictory function.

In addition to the 64 BUDS schools and 87 BUDS Rehabilitation Centres operating in the state, Government of Kerala gave sanction for starting 200 more BUDS institutions. The Local Self Government Institutions are supposed to locate the place and facilitate the basic amenities for the same. It is the responsibility of Kudumbashree Mission to give the necessary guidelines and training for the teachers. Panchayaths may approach the concerned Kudumbashree District Mission offices for starting BUDS Institutions in their place.The activities of BUDS Institutions will be under the control of the Governing body presided by the concerned Panchayath Presidents.

The children who face mental challenges need regular care and help. Raising a child who is mentally challenged requires emotional strength and flexibility.Whether the special needs of the child are minimal or complex, the parents are inevitably affected. Parents of such children commonly experience extended emotions and would be undergoing severe stress over the years. It was in the light of this reality that, Kudumbashree launched BUDS Institutions. The first of its kind was started at Venganoor Panchayath of Thiruvananthapuram District. in 2004. Later, when this programme came under the 'The Persons with Disabilities Act (1995), BUDS institutions was started in other Panchayaths also.

Using specially designed syllabus, classes are given to the children under 18 years of age in BUDS schools and those above 18 years are trained in BUDS Rehabilitation centres. The programme will enable them to be self reliant and it mainly focuses on their overall development. i.e., social, emotional and personality development . Training is also given to manage their daily routines of their own.

In addition to the primary education, speech therapy and physiotherapy are also facilitated for them. They are offered skill training on handicrafts making, tailoring, LED bulb production, candle making etc. Around 5000 students are undergoing training through 151 BUDS institutions.

Tajikistan Delegation visiting Kerala to study more about Kudumbashree Mission came to see Dr. K.T Jaleel, Minister, Local Self Government Department, Government of Kerala. The Delegation invited Kudumbashree to Tajikistan for replicating the Kudumbashree model in Tajikistan context.The delegation visited Minister at his chamber at Secretariat, Thiruvananthapuram .

The 10 membered delegation include Ms.Jamilya Saidova, Deputy Minister of Agriculture Tajakistan, Mr.Abubakr Inomov, Minister of Justice,Tajikistan and other senior officials from various departments.

The delegation is studying Kudumbashree programme with a view to explore replication of best practices in context of Tajikistan. Based on the interaction with the Kudumbashree officials, they are understanding the approach of Kudumbashree Mission towards women empowerment and poverty alleviation in Kerala. Daily field trips are also arranged as part of their visit. By interacting and visiting the beneficiaries of Kudumbashree, the delegation is understanding the key elements that has contributed to the scale and sustainability of the programme, the policy environment and the role of support institutions that had contributed to the growth of Kudumbashree. The delegation is closely analyzing the intervention that Kudumbashree had made in Kerala for the last 20 years.

The delegation include other officials Ms Azimova Mahbuba, Deputy Chairperson for Committee of Women and Family Affairs, Tajikistan, Ms Zulfiya Kurbonova, Head of Department on Women rights and empowerment, Presidential Apparatus, Tajikistan, Ms Zebo Sharifova, Executive Director of League of Women Lawyers of Tajikistan, Ms Mohru Makhmudova, Advisor, GIZ TRIGGER (Towards Rural Inclusive Growth and Economic Resilience ). The team also include the officials from Tajikistan chapter of Oxfam, the international confederation of charitable organizations focused on the alleviation of global poverty, Mr. Seyed Faiz Hayat, Economic Justice Programme Manager, Economic Justice Programme, Tajikistan, Mr Farhod Khalikov, Economic Justice Deputy programme Manager, Tajikistan, Ms. Masuda Saidova, Co-ordinator, GEM programme, Tajikistan and Ms. Safamo Gulomova, GEM Program Officer.

Shri. K. P Anil, Private Secretary, LSGD, Shri. M Raghavan, Assistant Private Secretary, LSGD, Shri. Santhosh Kumar.S, Assistant Private Secretary, LSGD, Smt.S. Nisha, Director, Kudumbashree Mission, Shri. Binu Francis, Programme Officer, Shri. Ajith Chacko, Chief Operating Officer, Smt. Jayanthi narendranath, Public Relations Officer and Dr. Rahul. K, Thematic Anchor were also present at the occassion.

Kudumbashree Mission is harvesting success from Saras Fairs (Sale of Articles of Rural Artisans Society), organised by Ministry of Rural Development with the objective of finding market for the ethnic products, artistry and Micro Enterprises. Kudumbashree Mission had recorded a total sale of Rs 66 lakh altogether from all Saras Fairs this year.

As per the instructions of Ministry of Rural Development, each state is supposed to organise atleast 2 Saras Fairs an year. The 10 day long Saras Fair conducted by Kudumbashree Mission at Malappuram from 25 August 2017 to 3 September 2017, offering the best of traditional food and artistry has drawn massive crowds and drawn a sale of Rs 6 crore altogether.

Kudumbashree had also marked their presence at Saras Fairs held at Raipur, Bhilai (Chattisgarh), Ahmedabad (Gujarat), Kolkota (West Bengal), Goa and Indian International Trade Fair conducted at New Delhi. Kudumbashree had made a collection of Rs 32 Lakh from Saras fairs itself. A sale of Rs 5.63 Lakh was collected from Kerala Cultural and Trade Fair 2017 hosted organised by Information and Public Relations, Department of Kerala as part of the interstate information and public relations event held at Bengaluru.

Micro entrepreneurs from Kudumbashree are actively participating in the saras Fairs at Guwahati )(Assam), Gadag (Karnataka) and Patna( Bihar). Kudumbashree will soon mark their presence at the Saras Fairs scheduled to be held at Vishakhapatnam( Andhra Pradesh), Bhuvaneswar (Orissa), Jorethang ( Sikkim), Mumbai ( Maharashtra ), Margao (Goa), Thiruchirappally ( Tamil Nadu) and Ranchi (Jharkhand). Kudumbashree Women are participating in Saras Fair under the leadership of Micro Enterprise Consultants selected from the districts.

Results of Kudumbashree oru Nerchithram’ Photography Competition announced. Shri.G.Shivaprasad, Photographer, Mathrubhumi Kottayam unit bagged the first prize. Shri.Sudharmadas, Photographer, KeralaKaumudi Kochi unit came second and Shri. Shaju. V. Karat from Malappuram came in third place.The Award for the Best Photographer will be Rs 20,000. The second prize and third prize will be Rs 10,000 and Rs 5000 respectively. The beauty of the unity of Kudumbashree women was well captured in Sivaprasad's click. Sudharmadas captured the reflection of the hardwork of Kudumbashree women creatively.Photograph of a Kudumbashree woman digging well for drinking water with the caption 'Onto tbe depths for livelihood' made Shaju's photograph selected.

Kudumbashree Mission which envisions at eradicating poverty through women in Kerala had successfully completed 19 revolutionary years, conducted the photography competition for motivating the aspiring photographers and to propagate the activities of Kudumbashree Mission through photographs.

Shri. Alagappan, renowned cinematographer was the Jury Chairman who selected the winners. Shri. Pramod, Photographer, Deshabhimani Smt.Nisha. Director, Kudumbashree Mission and Smt.Jayanthi Narendranath, Public Relations Officer, Kudumbashree Mission were the other Jury members.

Rs 1000 each will be issued for 10 entries as consolation prizes. Free subscription of Kudumbashree Magazine will be given to selected 50 people. More details are published in the website www.kudumbashree.org

The contestants were directed to submit photographs that reflect the various activities of Kudumbashree Mission.

Tajikistan Delegation is visiting Kerala to study more about Kudumbashree Mission and its activities on 16 December 2017. The 10 membered delegation  include Ms.Jamilya Saidova, Deputy Minister of Agriculture Tajakistan, Mr.Abubakr Inomov, Minister of Justice,Tajikistan and other senior officials from various departments. Studying the Kudumbashree model of poverty alleviation, the delegation will spend  in Kerala till 22 December 2017.

The delegation will study from the experience of Kudumbashree programme with a view to explore replication of best practices in context of Tajikistan. Based on the interaction with the Kudumbashree officials, they would understand the approach of Kudumbashree Mission towards women empowerment and poverty alleviation in Kerala. They would understand the key elements  that has contributed to the scale and sustainability of the programme, the policy environment and the role of support institutions that had contributed to the growth of Kudumbashree. The delegation would closely analyze the intervention that Kudumbashree had made in Kerala for the last 20 years.

The delegation will make field visits and will interact with the beneficiaries who had harvested success through Kudumbashree Mission. They will also discuss the scope of replicating Kudumbashree model in Tajikistan context.

History of Kudumbashree Mission, it's organisational structure, the projects of Kudumbashree Mission etc will be explained to the delegation in detail. Daily field visits are also arranged as part of their visit.

A 26 membered team from Afghanistan, Mangolia, Malavi, Kenya, Mozambia and Liberia had visited Kudumbashree during last March. As part of this, Kudumbashree was invited to Uganda for giving  training and a team from Kudumbashree had visited Uganda and gave training on 'Entrepreneurial development on agricultural sector' among rural women.

The delegation include other officials Ms Azimova Mahbuba, Deputy Chairperson for Committee of Women and Family Affairs, Tajikistan, Ms Zulfiya Kurbonova, Head of Department on Women rights and empowerment, Presidential Apparatus, Tajikistan, Ms Zebo Sharifova, Executive Director of League of Women Lawyers of Tajikistan, Ms Mohru Makhmudova, Advisor, GIZ  TRIGGER (Towards Rural Inclusive Growth and Economic  Resilience ). The team also include the officials from Tajikistan chapter of Oxfam, the international confederation of charitable organizations focused on the alleviation of global poverty, Mr. Seyed Faiz Hayat, Economic  Justice Programme Manager, Economic Justice Programme, Tajikistan, Mr Farhod Khalikov, Economic Justice Deputy programme Manager, Tajikistan, Ms. Masuda Saidova, Co-ordinator, GEM programme, Tajikistan and Ms. Safamo Gulomova, GEM Program Officer.

Kudumbashree Mission is joining hands with Kerala Grameen Bank for making avail the agriculture loans with concessions in interest for the Joint Liability Groups (JLG) who are engaged in group farming under the centrally sponsered programme,  Mahila Kisan Sashaktikaran Pariyojana (MKSP). 

Associating with Kerala Grameen Bank, Kudumbashree Mission will organise camps across the state  for identifying the JLGs who haven't availed loans so far and offer loans for them. The first phase of the camp will be at Thrissur and Kazargode region from 18-21 December 2017 and the second phase at the remaining districts will be on January 2018.

The camps at Koratti, Vadakkekad and Kaipparamb of Thrissur District is scheduled on 19, 20 and 21 respectively. At Mannarrkad and Kuzhalmandham of Palakkad District it will be on 21. The camps at Vaduvanchal and Kaniyambatta of Wayanad District is scheduled on 19 anf 21 respectively. At Meppayyoor, Chelannoor and Thuneri of Kozhikode District the camps will be on 19,20 and 21 respectively. The camps at Tirur, Perinthalmanna and Thiroorangady will be on 18, 20 and 21. At Cherupuzha and Payyavoor of Kannur District, the camps will be on 19 and 21. The camps at Neeleswaram and Manjeshwaram of Kazargode District, are scheduled on 18 and 20 respectively.

51574 JLGs are pursuing farming 28563 hectres of land and so far Rs 310 Crore had been given as Bank loan. Kudumbashree  plans to make avail Rs 400 crore bank loan for the JLGs.

Banks give loan starting from Rs 1 lakh to JLGs for a financial year. Those who repay the loan in time are given special concessions. In fact, this become interest free loans then.

It's on behalf of the centrally designed programme, that Kudumbashree is involved.To improve the representation of women in agricultural sector, to promote the livelihood of women through organic way of cultivation are the aims of the centrally sponsered programme, Mahila Kisan Sashaktikaran Pariyojana (MKSP). Kudumbashree  is the nodal agency of MKSP in Kerala.