Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Urban) - LIFE is a scheme implemented by Central and State Governments in collaboration with Municipal Corporations with the objective of providing 'Housing for All'. Till date, 1,32,327 beneficiaries have received approval for construction of houses. Construction of 1,12,563 beneficiary houses has been started and 86,338 houses have been completed. Kudumbashree is the nodal agency of the project in Kerala.

Meetings with the project beneficiaries were organized in various municipalities of the state with the objective of approving the best convergence activities and livelihood models done as part of the project and providing services including pension to the beneficiaries through the help desks of the related departments. Various activities like felicitation of the members of the beneficiary families who achieved personal achievements in areas like examinations, art-sports competitions and awareness classes on subjects like home literacy were organized as part of the Meeting. It is also noteworthy with the presence of Assembly Speaker, Ministers, MLAs, Mayors and other dignitaries in the meetings.

So far around 17,000 beneficiaries have participated in the beneficiary meeting activities which started in the second week of February. As part of the beneficiary meeting, the information of the beneficiary family members who need skilled vocational training and those who are interested in starting self-employment enterprises were also collected. It was found that 418 persons required vocational training and 394 persons were interested in starting self-employment enterprises. Necessary interventions are being made for them.

A building permit camp and awarding of contracts were also organized as part of the Beneficiary Meeting to speed up project implementation. As part of the Beneficiary Meeting, building permits were issued for 438 new houses and contracts were signed with 249 beneficiaries. Signature campaigns, exhibitions including pictures of completed houses, medical camps were also organized in various municipalities as part of the meetings.

Rangashree Dramas become the main attraction of Beneficiary Meetings

The dramas performed by Kudumbashree's Rangashree teams became the main attraction of the Beneficiary Meetings. Rangashree teams performed plays as part of Beneficiary Meetings in 78 municipalities. Through these dramas, the themes of timely completion of houses, cost-effective construction of houses and upliftment of living standards have been effectively conveyed to the beneficiaries.

Kudumbashree's 'Quick Serve', the professional teams are trained to perform various tasks in urban homes and offices across 16 cities in the state. They do various jobs like housework, elderly-child care, inpatient care, car wash, house cleaning etc with a professional approach. The State-level inauguration of 'Quick Serve' teams trained to use modern machines was held in Thiruvananthapuram on 8 March 2024. There are more than 300 members in all the teams.

Cities where Quick Serve Teams have started and  their contact numbers:

Thiruvananthapuram
1. Neyyattinkara - 8547215197
2. Thiruvananthapuram Corporation - 8848455400 / 7012656760

Alappuzha
3. Kayamkulam - 9526634480
4. Alappuzha Municipality - 8848220645

Kottayam
5. Kottayam Municipality - 8281043868

Ernakulam
6. Kalamassery - 8129124869

Thrissur
7. Guruvayoor - 9544052463
8. Irinjalakuda - 9037786583
9. Chalakudy - 8281036794

Palakkad
10. Palakkad Municipality - 9995775490

Kozhikode
11. Vadakara - 8075904709

Kannur
12. Mattannur - 9745214639
13. Payyanur - 8547262439
14. Koothuparamba - 9497300552
15. Anthoor - 8075892695

Kasaragod
16. Neeleswaram - 9847000798 / 9746872398

The 'Ma Care Centres' of Kudumbashree Kasaragod District Mission are solving the problems of teenagers who leave the school compound during breaks for various purposes like for buying pen, pencil, snacks, juice and get addicted to drugs. Kudumbashree Kasaragod District Mission is implementing this activity in collaboration with the District Panchayat, Police, Excise Departments and School PTAs with the objective of making the schools of the district drug free.

As part of the project, the first 'Ma Care Centre' was started at Government Higher Secondary School, Chayyoth in Kinanoor Karinthalam Panchayat on 9 May 2023. So far centres have been started in 11 schools. The aim is to start 'Ma Care Centres' in 29 schools of the district. The work of the centre is coordinated by a ten-member monitoring committee comprising the school headmaster, PTA president, CDS chairperson and ward member.

The 'Ma Care Centre' Scheme is a continuation of the Vimukthi scheme, Yodhav Scheme implemented by the Government and the Surakshashree scheme implemented by the Kudumbashree District Mission with the aim of completely eradicating drug use among teenagers. Various juices, tea, coffee, ilayada, salads, sandwiches etc. are available through 'Ma Care Centre'. Also, study materials like books, pen, paper, pencil etc. are also available in these centres.

Shri. M.B. Rajesh, Minister, Local Self Government Department and Excise Department, Government of Kerala announced one day Work From Home for Kudumbashree Staff in the time of Menstruation. He was inaugurating the Women's Day Celebrations of Kudumbashree during the function held at Mount Carmel Convention Centre, Vazhuthacaud, Thiruvananthapuram on 8 March 2024.

The Minister said that Kudumbashree should be able to rewrite the verdict of social life like they rewrote the fate of the lives of women. Kudumbashree, which was started as a poverty eradication mission has now transformed as an important means of empowerment during these years. Kudumbashree has played an unparalleled role in the social, financial and political empowerment of women in Kerala. Kudumbashree has always been keen in ensuring the security of women in the society. Kudumbashree has rendered commendable service in ensuring women's safety and gender equality in the social sphere of Kerala.  He added. The Minister also launched the 'Gender Point Person' Concept of Kudumbashree.  

The campaign theme for this year's Women's Day is 'Inspire Inclusion.' Nowadays exclusion, marginalization an discrimination is ongoing in the name of gender, religion, caste,  language etc nationally and internationally. And this theme is relevant in the current social scenario. The Minister added.  

Shri. Jafar Malik IAS, Executive Director, Kudumbashree welcomed the gathering. Dr. Sharmila Mary Joseph IAS, Principal Secretary, Local Self Government Department, Government of Kerala presided over the function. She also launched the 'Quick Serve' the professional team for various services in urban areas and launched the logo of 'Quick Serve' and also distributed the ID cards for the 'Quick Serve' Executives. Dr. T.K. Anandi, Former Gender Advisor to Government of Kerala distributed the ID cards to the Gender Point Persons.

The CDS Chairpersons along with the dignitaries launched the 14 Rachna Memoir Books from the districts. The awards for the Best GRC and Best Snehitha Gender Help Desks were also distributed to Nanniyode GRC, Thiruvananthapuram, Vazhayoor GRC, Malappuram and Snehitha gender help desk, Malappuram respectively.

Ms. Vidhu Vincent, Cinema Director, Ms. Shylaja P Ambu, Cine Actress, Rtn. Vijayaraja Mallika, GC Member, Kerala Sahitya Academy were the chief guests of the function. Ms. Geetha Nazeer, Governing Body Member, Kudumbashree, Ms. Smitha Sundareshan, Governing Body Member, Kudumbashree, Ms. Rakhi Ravikumar, Ward Councilor, Ms. Sindu Sasi, Chairperson, CDS1, Thiruvananthapuram Corporation, Ms. Vineetha P, Chairperson, CDS 2, Thiruvananthapuram Corporation, Ms. Shyna A, Chairperson, CDS 3, Thiruvananthapuram Corporation, Ms. Beena P, Chairperson, CDS 4, Thiruvananthapuram Corporation also took part in the function.  Ms. K. S Bindu, Director, Kudumbashree delivered the vote of thanks.

A Seminar was held on the topic- 'Interventions and challenges related to gender-based violence' by the representatives of various departments.  A talk on 'Mental Health – Emerging Trends, Challenges and Solutions' was done by Dr. Arun B Nair, Mental Health Expert, Government Medical College, Thiruvananthapuram.

An art performance by Rangashree members and Auxiliary Group Members, Dheeram Karate Performance and experience sharing of the beneficiaries of Snehitha Gender Help Desk, Gender Resource Centre was also held prior to the inaugural function.

16 Kudumbashree NHG members from Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes Community visited Rashtrapati Bhavan and Amrit Udyan on 8 March 2024, International Women's Day. Their visit to Delhi was as part of the opening of Amrit Udyan and Rashtrapati Bhavan to the public. As part of it, approval was given for women self-help groups in all states and Union Territories of the country for visiting the same.

Since last year, women belonging to Scheduled Tribes and Scheduled Castes have been selected to visit Rashtrapati Bhavan and Amrit Udyan under the leadership of the National Rural Livelihood Mission. On that day, Kudumbashree had taken 15 women of the CDS leadership to visit Delhi. This year, 15 people from Scheduled Tribes and one from Scheduled Castes were selected for the visit. The team reached Delhi on 7 March 2024 and visited Qutab Minar, Red Fort, Rajghat, India Gate, Birla Mandir and Kerala Bhavan.

The NHG Members who visited Delhi are as follows:

Kasaragod

1. Thankamani. P (Darshan NHG, Kinanoor Karinthalam Panchayat)

Kannur
2. Sini C.K (Vandanam, Aralam)

Kozhikode

3. Vineetha P.K (Kottoor Panchayat)

Malappuram
4. Valsala P.C (Ashwas, Mampad)

Wayanad

5. Sindhu K. K (Devika NHG, Thirunelly Panchayat)
6. Sajitha. A. J (Thennal, Panamaram)

Palakkad

7. Radha. M (Attappady Sholayur Panchayat)
8. Vanitha. M (Dhanashree, Pattanchery)
9. Bindu K (Anamika NHG, Peringottukurissi CDS Chairperson)

Thrissur
10. Anita. MM (Avani, Puthur)

Ernakulam

11. Sukumari Soman (Athira, Kuttampuzha)

Idukki
12. Libby Shaju (Snehadeepam, Udumbannur)

Kottayam

13. Bijimol Shaji (Aswathi, Thalanad)

Pathanamthitta

14. Raji. P Ramachandran (Tarangini, Vadasserikkara)

Kollam
15. Vimala. O (Samadarshini, Kulathupuzha)

Thiruvananthapuram

16. Neetu S.R (Sri Shasta, Tholicode)

The team including Shri. Manoj B.S, State Program Officer, Kudumbashree Tribal Section, Shri. Prabhakaran M, State Programme Manager (Nodal Officer) and Ms. Sarika S, State Assistant Program Manager gave leadership to the Delhi visit. The team returned to Kerala on 12 March 2024.

Kudumbashree bagged the 'Vanitha Ratnam' Award for the year 2023 by the State Government. This recognition of the Department of Women and Child Development is in consideration of the excellent service of Kudumbashree in the field of women empowerment. Kudumbashree has given immeasurable contributions to the social and economic upliftment of women through its activities in the last 25 years.

Shri. Jafar Malik IAS, Executive Director, Kudumbashree received the award from Ms. Veena George, Minister for Health and Woman and Child Development, Government of Kerala along with Ms. Sindhu Sasi, Chairperson, Kudumbashree Thiruvananthapuram Corporation CDS 1, Ms. Vineetha P, Chairperson, Kudumbashree Thiruvananthapuram Corporation CDS 2, Ms. Shyna A, Chairperson, Kudumbashree Thiruvananthapuram Corporation CDS 3, Ms. Geetha M, Chief Finance Officer, Kudumbashree, Shri. Nafih Muhammed, Public Relations Officer, Kudumbashree and Shri, Nishad, State Programme Manager, Kudumbashree during the function organized by the Women and Child Development Department at Nishagandhi Auditorium on 7 March 2024.

Technoworld Third team, Kudumbashree IT unit from Kozhikode district of Kerala has won the Award for the Best Women Entrepreneur of the Union Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs. The team under the leadership of Ms. K. Vijaya, President received the award on behalf of the Technoworld Third IT Unit.

Technoworld, the only enterprise from Kerala to have received this honor, operates under the Kozhikode Corporation. Started by five women in March 2004, this IT unit has provided livelihood opportunity to 50 women permanently and more than 1500 women temporarily.
  
In addition to directly operating the data entry and printing press, Kozhikode Corporation Kiosk, Motor Vehicle Department e-Seva Kendra and various hospital kiosks are also operated through the unit. Also there are training and plan facilitation centers. Technoworld is also a recognized agency of the government in the field of data entry and printing.

Golden opportunity to get free skill training in over 40 courses such as Web Developer, Optical Fiber Technician, Aerospace CNC. Free skill training is provided through the Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Grameena Kaushalya Yojana (DDU-GKY) scheme implemented by Kudumbashree in collaboration with the Central and State Governments. Currently 3000 candidates have the opportunity to apply for the vacant seats. Unemployed women and men between the age of 18 to 35 can apply.

Those who successfully complete the course will receive a certificate issued by the Sector Skill Council of India and assistance in getting a job. For more details - kudumbashree.org/ddugkycourses

Phone - 0471-3586525 , 0484-2959595, 0487-2962517, 0495-2766160

Kudumbashree's 'Lunch Bell' project, which distributes food to offices at the state level, was inaugurated by Shri. M.B. Rajesh, Minister, Local Self Government Department and Excise Department, Government of Kerala during the function held at KTDC Grand Chaithram Hotel, Thiruvananthapuram on 5 March 2024. Initially, the lunch bell service will be available at Secretariat, Legislative Assembly, Vikas Bhavan, Government Offices in Public Office areas, Banks and other private institutions  in Thiruvananthapuram district. Through Kudumbashree's Pocket Mart mobile application, orders can be made on the same day from 7 am to noon.

In his inaugural address, the minister said that the lunch bell project will help in the economic empowerment of Kudumbashree women. The government's aim is to implement activities to increase income along with financial empowerment of Kudumbashree members by emphasizing on the basic objectives of Kudumbashree. The Lunch Bell scheme is a good example of that. Kudumbashree's signature is craftsmanship and reliability. The aim of Kudumbashree is to work with the hopes of the people. Kudumbashree has initiated various schemes to increase income. Agri Kiosks to provide non-toxic vegetables and fruits, K 4 Care scheme for geriatric-patient care, and the Rs. 430 crore worth 'K-LIFT 24' (Kudumbashree Livelihood Initiative For Transformation) Project to provide livelihood and employment opportunities to three lakh people in the next one year are all schemes to ensure employment and income generation for women. He added.

The minister said that Kudumbashree will pave the way for major changes in the field of economic and social women's empowerment by providing better job opportunities including in the new technological sectors within the next 25 years and the government will provide all support for these activities. The minister also flagged off the first journey of the food delivery team comprising women selected as part of the project.

Adv. Antony Raju, MLA presided over the function. In his presidential address, Adv. Antony Raju MLA said that the activities implemented by Kudumbashree by combining science and technology with new income generating ideas are very helpful for common women. He said that the implementation of schemes to provide employment opportunities to women by emphasizing on the basic objectives of Kudumbashree is exemplary.

In his welcome speech, Shri. Jafar Malik IAS,  Executive Director, Kudumbashree said in his welcome speech that the best services including quality, fair price and distribution of food will be available through the Lunch Bell scheme. Along with meals, other food items are also in demand through the Pocket Mart application. Taking this into consideration, in the next phase, activities will be initiated to start food distribution in all government and private institutions in Thiruvananthapuram and also in Technopark. He added.

The catering unit members and food delivery members who are part of the Lunch Bell Project handed over the lunch box to those on the stage including the minister. Adv. D.Suresh Kumar, President, Thiruvananthapuram District Panchayath was the chief guest of the function. Ms. Geetha Nazeer, Adv. Smitha Sundaresan, Ms. K.K. Lathika, Dr. P.K Sainaba, Shri. K.R. Jojo, Governing Body Members, Ms. Bindu K.S, Director, Kudumbashree, Ms. Geetha M, Chief Finance Officer, Kudumbashree, Ms. Bindumol K.N, Accounts Officer, Kudumbashree attended the function. Shri. Jafar Malik IAS, Executive Director, Kudumbashree welcomed the gathering and Shri. Ramesh G, District Mission Co-ordinator, Kudumbashree Thiruvananthapuram District Mission delivered the vote of thanks. 

'Sanjeevani' unit of Malappuram district of Kerala won the Entrepreneurship Award constituted by the Government of Kerala. The unit located in Thazhekkad panchayat won the Award for the Best Women Enterprise in Manufacturing Sector in the Micro, Small and Medium Entrepreneur Awards of the Industries Department. They unit members received the award from Shri. P. Rajeeve, Minister for Law, Industries and Coir, Government of Kerala during the function held at Thiruvananthapuram on 28 February 2024.

They produce products such as Amrutham Nutrimix, nutritional product for pregnant-lactating mothers, teenagers, elderly, cakes and biscuits. They are bringing the products to the market under the name brand name 'Jeevas'. This enterprise which was started in 2006 is run under the leadership of Ms. P. Ummusalma, Unit Manager, Ms. Mariyamma George, Ms. M. Susheela, Ms. M. Vijayashree, Ms. M. Kamalam, Ms. M. Fathima, Ms. P. Ambika, Ms. M. Shobha, Ms. Sheebu and Ms. Ajeesha.