Four-Day State Level Capacity Building Training for Kudumbashree CDS Internal Auditors was held at Thiruvananthapuram from 27 to 30 December 2024. The training was initially provided to 11 CDSs selected for the 'Chalanam Mentorship Programme implemented by Kudumbashree Mission. Each CDS has two Internal Auditors.

Around sixty people, including CDS Internal Auditors, CDS Vice Chairpersons, Accountants, Mentors selected for the Chalanam Mentorship Programme, and City Mission Managers, participated in the training that was held in Thiruvananthapuram under the leadership of Kudumbashree State Mission. After the State Level Training, a three-day training will be organized at the ULB Level for 2 Internal Auditors each from the ADSs of these 11 Urban CDSs.

The main trainers of the training programme were the Mentor Core Group Members of the Chalanam Programme and selected KAASS team members. The training was organized on the basis of the manual and module prepared by the State Mission with the help of the said team. Ms. Beena E, Mr. Abdul Basheer, Mr. Sudheer. N.B and Mr. Nishad, State Programme Manager spoke about the relevance and main responsibilities of Internal Audit.

As part of the second phase of the National Urban Livelihood Mission (NULM) being implemented in the state through Kudumbashree, ‘Sanjha Utsav’ NHG Fair and ‘Kudumbashree Angadi’- Product Exhibition & Marketing Food Fair is being organized from 27 December 2024 to 6 January 2025 at Kochi Corporation which is implementing the pilot project. The programme is being held at the Open Air Theatre Complex near the Fort Kochi Corporation Zonal Office, Ernakulam. The aim is to encourage self-employment and products of NHGs and small entrepreneurs.

There will be more than fifty stalls in the ‘Kudumbashree Angadi’. All entrepreneurs in the agro-microenterprise sector will bring their products to this. A food court will also be part of the ‘Kudumbashree Angadi’ with a variety of food items prepared by entrepreneurs working in the canteen catering sector and street vendors who are beneficiaries of the project. As part of the project, there will also be a video exhibition on the progress achieved in urban areas across the country. Public participation is also ensured in the programme.

The National Urban Livelihood Mission is a project implemented in urban areas by the Union Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs with the aim of eradicating urban poverty. The activities are being carried out in collaboration with the respective State Governments. The first phase of the project was launched in Kerala in 2015. The excellence of the project implemented in the state through the nodal agency, Kudumbashree, has already been recognized at the national level several times.

Entries are invited for Kudumbashree Vlog and Reels Competition Season 2. Videos on various activities implemented in Kerala through Kudumbashree, the State Poverty Eradication Mission, will be considered for the competition. The last date for receiving videos is 30 January 2025.

A video not exceeding five minutes in length should be sent to the Vlog competition. Those who come First, Second and Third will receive a cash prize of Rs. 50,000, Rs. 40,000 and Rs. 30,000 respectively, along with a trophy and a certificate. The videos with a duration of not more than one minute will be considered for the Reels Competition. The first three winners will receive a cash prize of Rs. 25,000, Rs. 20,000 and Rs. 15,000 respectively. They will also receive a trophy and a certificate. Videos should be sent on CD or pen drive to the Public Relations Officer, Kudumbashree State Mission, Trida Building, 2nd Floor, Medical College P.O, Thiruvananthapuram 695011. The cover should be superscribed as Vlog & Reels Competition.

For terms and conditions, visit the link: www.kudumbashree.org/vlog-reels2025

The winners of 'Kudumbashree Oru Nerchithram' Photography Competition Season 6 was announced. Mr. M.J. Ratheesh Kumar of Ratheesh Bhavan, Kanjiramkulam, Thiruvananthapuram won the first pace in the General Category and Ms. Anusha Mohan of Ooruvayalil House, Payyoli Keezhoor, Kozhikode (member of Lotus Auxiliary Group of Division 18 of Payyoli Municipality) won the first place in NHG/Auxiliary category. They will receive a cash prize of Rs. 25,000 each, a trophy and a certificate.

Mr. Aravindan Manali of Perumpully Thazhath House, Kanimangalam, Thrissur won the second place in the General Category. Mr. K.A. Abdul Khader of Kannan Chathayil, Thrissur won the third position. In the NHG/Auxiliary Group category, Ms. Jesna Palakkal of Kodur Pattupara, Malappuram district won the second position. Ms. Jesna is a member of the Chembakam Auxiliary Group. Ms. Gemini Benny of Kuttiyankal, Kurichikkara, Kongampara, Thrissur won the third position. Ms. Gemini is also the President of Sneha Kudumbashree NHG under Mulagunnathukavu CDS. The second and third place winners in both categories will receive a cash award of Rs. 15,000 and Rs. 10,000 each, a trophy and a certificate respectively.

Consolation Prizes: 

General Category - Mr. A.J. Rishikesh (Thrissur), Mr. Alfred M.K. (Thrissur), Mr. V.P. Gibi Sam (Thiruvananthapuram), Mr. A. Prasad (Thiruvananthapuram).

NHG/Auxiliary Group Category - Ms. Jishana. K. (Malappuram), Ms. Fathimath Soura (Kasaragod), Ms. Remeena T. K (Thrissur). The consolation prize is Rs. 2000 each.

For the first time, the competition was held separately for the general category and NHG/Auxiliary category. More than 600 entries were received in the competition. The winners were selected by a panel comprising Mr. Vinod. V (Chief Photographer, I&PRD), Mr. B.S. Prasannan (Retd. Photo Editor, Mangalam), Mr. G.  Binulal (Retd. Senior Chief News Photographer, Mathrubhumi).

To view the winning photos, click here:  www.kudumbashree.org/photography2024

Parappanangadi CDS, the urban CDS in Malappuram district is becoming a model for all other Kudumbashree CDSs in Kerala. Parappanangadi CDS has fulfilled the dream of having its own office building for all ADSs (Area Development Society or ward-level organizational structure of Kudumbashree) under the CDS. Parappanangadi CDS is also the first urban CDS in Kerala to achieve this feat.

Offices were set up for all 45 ADSs with the approval of the Municipal Council. Out of these, only five are working in rented buildings. The collective efforts of the people's representatives and ADS office bearers of each ward led the CDS to this feat. Parappanangadi is the CDS selected from the district to implement the ongoing activities of the Chalanam Mentorship Programme implemented by Kudumbashree at the urban level. It is also noteworthy that the CDS achieved this achievement as part of this.

Mr. P.P. Shahul Hameed, Chairman, Parappanangadi Municipality made the official announcement of the setting up of offices for all the ADSs at a function organized on 17 December 2024. Ms. Shaharbanu, Vice Chairperson, Parappanangadi Municipality, Mr. Suresh Kumar, District Mission Co-ordinator, Kudumbashree Malappuram District Mission,  Ms. P.P. Suharabi, Chairperson, Parappanangadi CDS, Ms. Rahiyanath, Vice Chairperson, Parappanangadi CDS, Mr. Reneef, City Mission Manager, Mr. Anil Kumar. S, Kudumbashree Core Mentor, Ms. Sheela. S, Mentor, Councilors, CDS Conveners, Block Co-ordinator etc. participated in the programme.

Ahead of the conclusion of 'Nayi Chetna' 3.0 Campaign, which is ongoing in the state since 25 November 2024, Kudumbashree organized a Media Workshop at Hotel Grand Chaithram, Thiruvananthapuram on 20 December 2024. Representatives of various visual, print, audio, online media & legal experts participated in the workshop. The Media Workshop envisaged sensitizing the media on Gender Discrimination and Gender issues. The workshop explained the various activities carried out in the state so far and the new projects and activities being implemented through Kudumbashree in the field of women's empowerment.

The primary objective of the workshop was to equip media professionals with the tools to address gender-based violence and inequality, and to collectively envisage new methods of implementing gender equality. The Media Workshop started with a Gender Sensitization Pledge followed by a Panel Discussion and Interaction Session with the Media Personnel. During the Panel Discussion, Dr. Sreejith, Programme Officer at Kudumbasree, emphasized that the goal of the Nayi Chetna 3.0 Campaign is to build a society where everyone is treated equally. He highlighted the various efforts of Kudumbasree which aims at sensitizing the public on gender-related issues. 

Mr. V. Palanichamy, Additional Director General - Media & Communication (Region), Press Information Bureau stressed that the behavior change toward gender equality must begin within families. He added that practicing equality at home is crucial for achieving lasting societal change. He also spoke about the importance given to education in Kerala. Adv. Sandhya, Legal Expert and Secretary of Sakhi NGO, emphasized the need for the inclusion of men in Gender Sensitization Programmes. She stressed the critical role of the media in driving gender equality and empowerment.

Important issues such as women’s safety in Kerala, dowry-related violence and suicide, and the importance of involving men in gender equality campaigns were raised and discussed during the Interaction Session. The session also discussed the need for dismantling gender roles even among empowered women and the role of children in shaping future generations' views on gender equality. The media personnel also shared their suggestions in reshaping the society against Patriarchy.

Mr. Nafi Muhammed, Public Relations Officer, Kudumbashree, Ms. Preetha G Nair, State Assistant Programme Manager - Gender, Kudumbashree also participated in the Panel Discussion. Ms. Feby D.A, Ms. Krishnakumari R, State Assistant Programme Managers and Mr. Arjun Pratap R.P., Office Secretarial Staff were also present.

A Gender Carnival is being organized in 1070 Kudumbashree CDSs in the State on 23 December 2024. This is in connection with the conclusion of the 'Nayi Chetna' National Gender Campaign, which is being organized across India from 25 November 2024 to 23 December 2024 under the leadership of the National Rural Livelihood Mission. The carnival will begin with an Open Forum in each CDS, involving people from various walks of life on the topic of 'Dowry and Women's Rights'. In addition, the Carnival will feature a variety of programmes such as a report presentation on the activities carried out in CDSs for the past month in connection with the campaign, honoring Gender Champions, and a Nutrition Food Festival. To make the Carnival a huge success, the participation of public representatives, experts from various fields, school and college students will also be ensured, in addition to the Kudumbashree NHGs, Auxiliary Groups, and Balasabha members.

The main aim of the campaign is to create gender awareness. As part of this, a number of activities have been organized in the last three weeks focusing on NHGs, ADSs, CDSs, Auxiliary Groups, 854 Gender Resource Centres, and Vigilant Groups. Key among these are classes on the POSH Act, which ensures a decent and safe work environment for women in the workplace, and training organized to form internal committees in all institutions. In addition, in collaboration with local self-government bodies, Special Grama Sabha were convened against gender-based violence, Group Discussions involving men, boys and local leaders, Gender Quizzes, Group Discussions, Poster-Hashtag-Mural Campaigns, Pledge-Taking, Street Plays, Flash Mobs and Short Film Screenings were also organized. Active participation of men and boys along with women was also visible in many places. It is assessed that all the activities were able to gain attention in public spaces.

'Nayi Chetna' is a national-level campaign organized by the National Rural Livelihood Mission from 25 November 2024 to 23 December 2024 across India. This year's theme is 'Against Gender Discrimination and Gender-Based Violence'. The camp aims to create an environment where women and individuals of different genders can live fearlessly based on their rights without facing discrimination and violence. In the last two years, 'Nayi Chetana'. Kudumbashree has been able to perform well at the national level by taking up the campaign. This year, when the campaign organized at the NHG, ADS, CDS and District Levels will be completed, 48 lakh Kudumbashree members will become  part of it.

The 'RISE' - Revitalizing Institution and Strengthening Excellence - State-Level Campaign organized under the auspices of Kudumbashree will start in January 2025. The aim is to strengthen the three-tier organizational structure as a whole by improving the efficiency and transparency of all 1070 CDSs under Kudumbashree.

The employees and Mission Officers who have been given the responsibility of enhancing the operational excellence of the CDSs under the name 'My CDS' are responsible for this. Under their leadership, the implementation and progress of project activities and related issues will be accurately evaluated in each CDS. Guidelines have been issued for Block Co-ordinators, District Programme Managers, District Mission Co-ordinators, Assistant Co-ordinators and Programme Officers in connection with the Campaign.

As part of the Campaign, various CDSs under a block will be distributed to 4 Block Co-ordinators. The period is three months. During this period, the activities and progress of the CDSs should be evaluated before the 7th of every month. The CDS will be visited and inspected to check the maintenance and accuracy of the registers prescribed under the Kudumbashree Bye-laws, loans, repayments, utilization of various funds available from the District Mission, software entry, and minutes of various meetings. Then, a report prepared in the prescribed format will be given to the District Mission Co-ordinator and a copy will be given to the CDS Chairperson. It is suggested that this report be included as a special agenda in the next CDS meeting and discussed to resolve the deficiencies. After three months, the responsibility of CDS will be transferred to the Block Co-ordinators. A common format inspection register will also be maintained in all CDSs.

Based on the report provided by the Block Co-ordinator regarding the functioning of the CDSs, the District Missions will categorize the CDSs into ABC and D. Then the District Programme Managers, Assistant Co-ordinators, District Mission Co-ordinators and Programme Officers will also examine the report. The CDSs will also be visited. The Consolidated Report of the CDSs is also included as a main agenda in the District Project Review Meetings. Activities to resolve the current deficiencies of the CDSs that have received low grades and to elevate all the CDSs to excellence will be devised and implemented under the leadership of the District Mission. The State Mission will lead all activities.

As part of the Nayi Chetana 3.0 National Gender Campaign, a Gender Quiz & Gender Debate were organized at the Kudumbashree State Mission Office under the leadership of the Gender Section. Ms. M. Geetha, Chief Finance Officer, Kudumbashree administered the gender pledge.

A Gender Carnival is also being organized at the CDS level on 23 December 2024 to mark the conclusion of the Nayi Chetna 3.0 Campaign, which was started on 25 November 2024. The Nayi Chetna 3.0 Gender Campaign is being organized all over India as part of the National Rural Livelihood Mission (NRLM).

To create gender awareness, various activities such as various classes, group discussions, poster, hashtag, mural campaigns, street plays, flash mobs, etc. are being conducted by focusing on NHGs, ADSs, CDS organizational systems, Auxiliary Groups, Gender Resource Centres, and Vigilant Groups.

The programme organized at the Kudumbashree State Mission was led by Dr. B. Sreejith, Programme Officer, Mr. Nafih Muhammed, Public Relations Officer, Ms. Preetha G. Nair, Ms. Feby D.A, Ms. Krishnakumari R, State Assistant Programme Managers and Mr. Arjun Pratap R.P., Office Secretarial Staff.

In the Gender Quiz Competition, the team consisting of Mr. Sreekanth A.S (Programme Officer), Ms. Anitha. G, Ms. Muneera K, Ms. Abhirami U.S, Mr. Shaji Babinson, Ms. Jayakumari A, Ms. Raji S, Ms. Resmi P, Ms. Anukala P.L, Mr. Sreejith M.S, Mr. Sreebal B.S won the first place. In the Gender Debate Competition, Ms. K. Bhavana, Ms. Muneera M & Mr. Nishad C.C, also received prizes for the Best Performers.

As part of the Kudumbashree Malappuram Nilambur Tribal Special Project, the indigenous people have started Little Millet Cultivation on 2.5 acres of land in Uchakkulam Hamlet. These hamlet residents, who belong to the Kattunayakan community, an ancient tribal group, are hoping to harvest a good yield from the cultivation carried out in collaboration with the Department of Agriculture Development and Farmers Welfare as part of the 2024-25 Millet Farming Project of the Moothedam Krishi Bhavan.

In previous years, turmeric, ginger, ragi and sesame were cultivated through 7 Joint Liability Groups (JLGs) of Kudumbashree. The project aims to develop and promote millet farming, which has nutritional value and is capable of preventing lifestyle diseases.

Shri. P. Usman, President, Moothedam Grama Panchayath inaugurated the millet farming during a function organized at Uchakkulam Hamlet on 6 December 2024. Ms. T.P. Safiya, Vice President, Moothedam Grama Panchayat  presided over the function. Shri. B. Suresh Kumar, District Mission Co-ordinator, Kudumbashree Malappuram District Mission was the Chief Guest of the function.

Ms. Neethu Thankam, Agriculture Officer, Moothedam welcomed the gathering and Shri. K.K. Muhammed Sanu, Co-ordinator, Nilambur Tribal Special Project delivered the vote of thanks. Shri. Veeran, Head of the Hamlet, People's Representatives, CDS Representatives, JLG Members, Kudumbashree Block Co-ordinators, Animators, etc. participated in the programme.