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.

In the 'Ooru Sangamam' (Meeting of Hamlets) of Kudumbashree, it was decided to provide livelihood to a hundred families in Edamalakudy Gram Panchayat this year. The  'Ooru Sangamam' which was attended by members from various hamlets, was notable for its discussions on new initiatives including branding of black pepper and cardamom, the main agricultural products of Edamalakudy. 

It has been decided to ensure a source of income for 100 members of Kanana Panchayat as part of the K-LIFT (Kudumbashree Livelihood Initiative For Transformation) project launched by Kudumbashree with the aim of providing livelihood to three lakh NHG members in the state this year. The panchayat provides employment to the residents in the areas of animal husbandry, agriculture related activities, sewing unit, small shop, bamboo products, collection and marketing of forest resources etc.

Breeding of indigenous breeds of goats and poultry will be promoted with emphasis on animal husbandry. Fish farming facilities will be developed. The scheme will be implemented as soon as possible considering the applications already received from the villagers for starting various initiatives.

Edamalakudy, which was the first ward of Munnar gram panchayat in Devikulam block, was formed as the only tribal panchayat in Kerala on 1 November 2010. Kudumbashree's activities had reached there even before that. After making it a special panchayat, the activities became more active. Kudumbashree has now accommodated all families in 36 NHG groups.

As a part of the NRLM project, hamlet level activities are being implemented in a more planned and systematic manner by appointing animators from the hamlets itself. The CDS office has also started functioning at Society Hamlet which has helped in revitalizing the activities. Twenty resident animators are woering based in the CDS office.

Ms. Amaravathi, CDS chairperson presided over the meeting held at the panchayat office. Shri. Mohandas, Vice President, Grama Panchayath  inaugurated the event. Shri. Nafih Muhammad, Public Relations Officer, Kudumbashree delivered the keynote address and Shri. Manoj, State Tribal Program Officer, Kudumbashree inaugurated the project. Ms. Sharika, State Assistant Program Manager and Shri. Biju Joseph, District Programme Manager spoke at the function. Ms. Supriya, Animator welcomed the gathering and Shri. Sarath, Animator delivered the vote of thanks. In addition to Kudumbashree members, Oorumooppans (heads of the hamlets), youth club representatives, animators etc. participated in the meeting.

The society also organized special hamlet level meetings at Society Kudi, Shedukudi, Idaliparakudi and Ambalapadi Kudi in connection with the meeting. Ms.Amaravathi, Chairperson, Ms.Saritha, Animator, Shedukudi and Ms. Supriya Ankamma, Animator gave leadership at Society Kudi. Whereas in Ambalapadi Kudi, Ms. Ramani, Former Chairperson, Shri. Sarath, Animator, gave leadership to the programme. In Idaliparakudi, Ms. Bhagyalakshmi, Ms. Neela, Ms. Sunitha, Shri. Biju, Shri. Gopi, Shri. Sasikumar, Shri. Soccer, Animators and Shri. Ramakrishnan, CDS Accountant gave leadership to the programme.

After a quarter of a century, there are no areas that Kudumbashree has not crossed. The Kottoor CDS of Kozhikode district of Kerala made an unforgettable intervention in the field of organ donation and realized the presence of Kudumbashree in all areas. 2500 NHG members of Kottoor CDS of Kozhikode district of Kerala signed & handed over the consent form for organ donation. This activity is done through the 'Jeevanam' project launched by CDS as part of Kudumbashree's Silver Jubilee celebrations.

The first phase of the Jeevanam Project, which was carried out with the full support of the Kottoor Panchayat, started in June 2023. During this phase various programmes were organized under the leadership of CDS to create awareness about organ donation. This included workshops, classes and door-to-door leafleting campaigns. After this, 2500 NHG members came forward for organ donation and signed the consent form. As part of Jeevanam project, an opportunity was provided to the public to give their consent for organ donation.

The organ donation consent form was jointly handed over by Ms. U.M Sheena, Chairperson, Kottoor CDS and Shri. C.H Suresh, President, Kottoor Grama Panchayath to Ms. K. K Shailaja Teacher, MLA, Mattannur Constituency and Former Health Minister during the function organized at Koottalida on 27 February 2024.

Kottoor CDS, who have planned and implemented such an activity and the Panchayat, which has fully supported it, and the the NHG members who have come forward for organ donation have set a new model by spreading the message of humanity to the whole country.

District-level trainings for the executives as part of the K for Care (Kudumbashree for Care) project, developed and implemented by Kudumbashree in the field of domestic care, have been started. The training is given in batches of 30 people. The training programme was first started in Thrissur district. The training is organized from 19 February 2024 to 4 March 2024 at Mother Hospital.

The training programme in Palakkad district was started on 26 February 2024. The training till 11 March 2024 is organized at PK Das Institute of Medical Sciences. The training in Kasaragod district will start on 29 February 2024. The training is organized in all the three districts under the leadership of Aspirant Learning Academy Private Limited. Expert training is provided on 31 subjects such as body parts and functions, healthy living and personal hygiene, patient's rights, infection control and prevention, eye care, wound dressing, catheter care, physiotherapy, insulin injection, patient transferring etc.

One of Kudumbashree's key interventions in the care economy is providing home care under one roof through K for Care. Executives trained by K for Care provide services in areas where a family needs the assistance of another person in daily life such as geriatric-child care, patient care, disability care and maternity care. Initially, Kudumbashree aims to train 1000 K for Care Executives.

General Orientation was organized for the newly inducted staff of Kudumbashree at KILA Campus in Thrissur during 22-24 February 2024. Shri. Jafar Malik IAS, Executive Director, Kudumbashree inaugurated the programme. The training was given on topics such as the Importance of Kudumbashree Organizational System, Working Methodology, Kudumbashree and Micro Finance, Kudumbashree and Social Development, Kudumbashree and Livelihood Opportunities, Importance of Special Interventions in Scheduled Tribes Sector, Duties of Officers, Approach Methodology, Kudumbashree Gender Activities to Ensure Justice and Equity, Academic Career Opportunities and Skill Development Activities, Urban Development Activities and Kudumbashree.

The training programme was organized in connection with KILA. Dr. Kavitha, District Mission Co-ordinator, Kudumbashree Thrissur District Mission, Shri. Nishad C.C, State Programme Manager, Shri. Abdul Basheer, State Programme Manager, State Programme Manager, spoke at the function. Dr. B. Sreejith, Programme Officer, Shri. Jahamgeer. S, Programme Officer, Shri. Manoj B.S, Programme Officer, Shri. Anish Kumar, State Programme Manager, Ms. Sindhu. V, State Programme Manager, Shri. Abdul Basheer, State Programme Manager, Shri. Appu B.C, State Assistant Programme Manager, Shri. Ratheesh. S, State Assistant Programme Manager, Shri. Sudheesh Attappady, Young Professional, and Shri. Aniyan Kunj, Training Team Member handled various topics.