'Desi Dhamaka', the Mandalakala Marketing Fair, is in progress at Kudumbashree's Premium Cafe in Pathanamthitta district. The vegetarian food fair and the marketing fair of Kudumbashree products, as part of Desi Dhamaka, began on 27 November 2024 at the Kudumbashree Premium Restaurant in Kulanad of Pandalam. The fair will continue until 6 December 2024.

The Premium Cafe is situated opposite to the Valiya Koikkal Temple at Pandalam. Therefore, with the start of Mandalakala, devotees also come to the cafe in large numbers. Another attraction is that the Premium Cafe also has rooms for accommodation. Along with the food fair, which provides a variety of delicious vegetarian dishes, a marketing fair has been organized in which about twenty Kudumbashree entrepreneurs from different parts of the district are participating. Various handicrafts including elephant caparison (nettipattam), masala powders, chips and pickles are available at the marketing fair.

The fair was inaugurated by Shri. Premkrishnan S. IAS, District Collector, Pathanamthitta. Shri. Jiji Mathew, Chairman, Welfare Standing Committee, Pathanamthitta District Panchayat presided over the function. Shri. R. Ajayakumar, Chairman, Health Standing Committee, Pathanamthitta District Panchayat delivered the keynote address. Ms. Aadila S, District Mission Coordinator, Kudumbashree Pathanamthitta District Mission welcomed the gathering. Shri. Ajith Kumar. R (Vice Chairman, District Panchayat Planning Committee), Shri. Pradeep K.S (Regional Manager, Horticorp), Shri. Abdul Bari (Officer, Women and Child Development), Ms. Ayini Santosh (Chairperson, Kulanada CDS ), Ms. Anu Gopi (District Programme Manager, Marketing) spoke at the function. People's Representatives and Kudumbasree members and others also attended the event.

Visit Cafe Kudumbasree Premium Restaurant - https://maps.app.goo.gl/zM42p7qY298p9jX78

Highly productive sweet potatoes will now be grown in the farms of the indigenous people of Attappady, who traditionally cultivate sweet potatoes and make them a part of their diet. The Agriculture Division of Kudumbashree has provided this golden opportunity through the remarkable project 'Punarjeevanam', an agricultural entrepreneurship training series in association with the Indian Council of Agricultural Research - Central Tuber Crops Research Institute (ICAR - CTCRI). As part of the second phase of the project in Attappady, seeds and planting materials have been distributed to 40 Kudumbashree farmers selected from the Panchayat Samiti of Agali, Puthur, Kurumba and Sholayur.

At a function organized in Agali on 29 November 2024, about two tonnes of enriched high-yielding sweet potato varieties, about 2.5 lakh planting materials, organic fertilizers and organic pesticides required for extensive cultivation were distributed. This activity is a continuation of the three-day training series conducted in connection with the state-level inauguration of the Punarjeevanam project in August.

Kudumbashree aims to address nutritional deficiencies among the indigenous population of Attappady by cultivating enriched sweet potatoes extensively and developing a diet based on it and to ensure economic security by creating new enterprises through value addition of the surplus sweet potatoes. Dr. S. Shanavas, Programme Officer, Farm Livelihood, Kudumbashree    inaugurated the function presided over by Shri. B.S. Manoj, Assistant Project Officer, Attappady Special Project implemented by Kudumbashree. Dr. Pradeepika, Dr. Sangeetha, Scientists from the Central Tuber Crops Research Institute trained the farmers on sweet potato cultivation methods, organic fertilizers and organic pesticides.

Ms. Anitha (President, Kurumba Panchayat Samiti), Ms. Selina (President, Sholayur Panchayat Samiti), Ms. Tulasi (President, Puthur Panchayat Samiti), and Ms. Resi (Secretary, Agali Panchayat Samiti) welcomed the farmers and received planting materials. Shri. Akhil Soman (Farm Livelihood Co-ordinator, Attappady Special Project) welcomed the gathering and Shri. Aliyar (Co-ordinator, Farm Livelihood Project) delivered the vote of thanks. Farmers, Animators, Community Resource Persons, and Kudumbashree employees participated in the programme.

Through the next phase of the Punarjeevanam project, Kudumbashree aims to distribute planting materials, agricultural equipment and machinery for other tuber crops that have high reproductive potential and are rich in nutrients, developed by the Central Tuber Research Centre.

Applications are invited from agencies to provide designers, photographers, videographers and video editors to prepare photos, videos, banners, posters, flyers, notices, pamphlets, cutouts, coupons, reels, trailers, short videos, live streaming, audio podcasts, etc. in a timely manner for the promotion of various programmes in connection with the National Saras Mela to be held in Chengannur, Alappuzha from 20 to 31 January 2025 jointly organized by Kudumbashree and National Rural Livelihood Mission.

Preference will be given to those with work experience in the field related to the promotion of Government and Quasi-Government National and International Programmes. (References can be included in the application). The period will be from 10 December 2024 to 31 January 2025.

Interested agencies should submit applications with details to the District Mission Co-ordinator, Kudumbashree District Mission, Thiruvambady P.O, Valiyakulam Junction, Alissery Ward, Alappuzha District, Pin Code-688 001, before 3 PM on 3 December 2024.

For more information - 9020651322, 8848126628.
www.kudumbashree.org/saras2025

Kudumbashree won three awards at the India International Trade Fair (IITF) organized at Pragati Maidan, New Delhi from 14 to 27 November 2024. Cafe Kudumbashree Food Court, which represented Kerala in the State Food Court organized as part of IITF, won the first position. Kudumbashree units also achieved a turnover of Rs. 52,83,854 through IITF, Saras Mela and Food Court organization.

Karthika Chips Unit of Thiruvananthapuram district won the first position for Kudumbashree in the food sector, leaving behind all other states in the Aajeevika SARAS Mela organized by the Union Ministry of Rural Development along with IITF. Also, Mr. Shobhu Narayanan, District Programme Manager (Marketing), Kudumbashree Thrissur District Mission was also selected as the Second Best State Co-ordinator at the fair.

The Andhra Pradesh Mahila Abhivriddhi Society (APMAS) Award for the Best Initiative at the National Level among the Initiatives supported by the Federation of Self Help Groups (CDS) was received by the members of Kudumbashree's Samrudhi & Blossom Amrutham Nutrimix Unit. The initiative is located in Vizhinjam under the Thiruvananthapuram Corporation Kudumbashree CDS 4.

Shri. C.S. Reddy, CEO & Managing Director, APMAS along with other representatives presented the award to Samrudhi & Blossom Unit at a function organized in Hyderabad on 22 November 2024. The award consists of a cash award of Rs. 1 lakh, a trophy and a certificate. Ten members, namely Ms. Prameela (President), Ms. Sindhu. L, Ms. Betty, Ms. Suni M, Ms. Shanthi, Ms. Valsala, Ms. Sona, Ms. Brijith, Ms. Clery and Ms. Ambili, received the award on behalf of the unit.

Kudumbashree is organizing 'Sargam 2024'- State Level Story Writing Competition (Malayalam) to develop the creative potential of Kudumbashree Women and to raise them to the art and literary sectors. Cash prizes of Rs. 20,000, Rs. 15,000 and Rs. 10,000 will be awarded to the 1st, 2nd and 3rd place winners respectively. In addition, three winners will be given consolation prizes of Rs. 2500 each. Winners will be given a memento and certificate along with cash award. The 40 people who submit the best stories will also have the opportunity to participate in a Three-Day Literary Workshop organized by Kudumbashree.

The award winners will be selected by a jury consisting of prominent literary figures. 40 people who send the best writings also have the opportunity to participate in the three-day literary camp 'Sargam-2023' organized by Kudumbashree. The stories along with the author's name, address, phone number and a certificate of CDS Chairperson proving membership of Kudumbashree should be made available by post or courier to the following address by 5 PM on 24 December 2024. Public Relations Officer, Kudumbashree State Poverty Eradication Mission, TRIDA Building-2nd Floor, Medical College P.O.,Thiruvananthapuram-695 011. The entries sent through e-mail and WhatsApp will not be considered for the competition. For more information about the competition, visit : www.kudumbashree.org/sargam2024

The Government of Kerala has decided to grant a monthly travel allowance of Rs. 500 to CDS members. It has fulfilled the long-standing demand of Kudumbashree. This is also a great recognition for the CDS workers who have taken a crucial position in all the poverty eradication and women empowerment activities implemented by Kudumbashree as volunteers. An amount of Rs. 11.02 crores is spent annually on this item for the 18,400 CDS members.

The CDS members working in each ward play a major role in the efficient implementation of various schemes implemented by Kudumbashree at the grassroots level. Most of them belong to the BPL category. They play a key role in coordinating the three-tier organizational activities of Kudumbashree and successfully delivering welfare activities to the grassroots. In addition, CDS members were the backbone of relief and rehabilitation activities during the floods and the Covid pandemic.

The announcement of granting travel allowance to CDS members was made in the 2021 budget. The Cabinet meeting held on 27 November 2024 approved this and the CDS members are excited to receive this as their New Year's gift. Rs. 11.02 crores has also been allocated for granting travel allowance to CDS members in the Plan Fund of Kudumbashree for the Financial Year 2025-26.

This is the first time in the state that a Kudumbashree CDS has received ISO (International Standard Operation) Accreditation. Vengapally CDS in Wayanad has won this award for its operational service excellence. The utilization of files, accuracy in maintaining financial transactions and registers, information about NHGs, accurate accounting system, efficiency, improvement of the office system to provide any information related to Kudumbashree within three minutes, and conducting internal auditing every six months to make the accounting system efficient, all these have led to Vengapally CDS achieving this accreditation.

Nisha Ramachandran (CDS Chairperson), Soumya P.S, Sahini Raveendran, Babitha V.P, Sudha, Nijikumari, Kavitha, Sarojini, Sajina, Suhara, Sunitha, Jasmine, Santha E.K, Razeena A (Accountant) and Rajendran M.P (CDS Member Secretary) are leading the CDS activities.

The Nayi Chetna 3.0 Gender Campaign organized by Kudumbashree in Kerala began in all districts on 25 November 2024. The National Rural Livelihood Mission has been organizing the Nayi Chetna campaign across India since 2022. This year's theme of the Nayi Chetna campaign is 'Against Gender Discrimination and Gender-Based Violence'. To mark the conclusion of the campaign, which will last until 23 December 2024, a Gender Carnival will be organized in 1070 Kudumbashree CDSs in Kerala.

The campaign focuses on NHGs, ADSs, CDSs, Gender Resource Centres and Vigilant Groups. Training on the POSH Act, which ensures a dignified and safe work environment for women in the workplace without facing harassment, and on forming an Internal Committee in all institutions will be organized as part of the campaign.

A variety of activities will be conducted, including open forums, special Grama sabha, group discussions involving men, boys and local leaders, gender quiz, honoring gender champions, hashtag, poster and mural campaigns, pledge taking, street plays, flash mobs, short film exhibitions and Rangashree Cultural Processions.

Kudumbashree had a colorful presence as usual at the India International Trade Fair (IITF) that began on 14 November 2024 at Pragathi Maidan, Delhi. Kudumbashree's branded products are also attracting the most attention! The Kerala Pavilion of the Fair which is organized by the India Trade Promotion Organization and the Union Ministry of Rural Development, had two Kudumbashree stalls containing various products of NHGs from Kollam, Ernakulam, Kottayam and Kannur districts. In addition, 5 Kudumbashree entrepreneurial units (Athira Herbals, Karthika Chips from Thiruvananthapuram, Grace Food Products from Kollam, Madhuvani Millets Unit from Attappady, Sree Handlooms from Palakkad) were present at the Ajeevika Saras Mela held simultaneously.

Kudumbashree 'Fresh Bites' brand of chips, Jaggery Coated Banana Chips (Sarkaravaratti) and branded curry powders are the stars of the Kudumbashree stalls this time. In addition, handicrafts, pickles and textiles were also made available. The IITF Food Court had delicious food prepared by two Kudumbashree units (Souparnika from Kozhikode and Lakshya from Ernakulam). The fair came to an end on 27 November 2024.