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KUDUMBASREE

Kudumbashree

Kudumbashree – State Poverty Eradication Mission

Kudumbashree is an innovative initiative established by the Government of Kerala (Department of Local Self-Government) in 1998, with the objectives of poverty eradication and women's empowerment. Its activities are implemented through a community-based organizational system formed under the leadership of Local Self-Government Institutions (Panchayats/Municipalities).

▣ Organizational Structure

• Neighbourhood Group (NHG): A group consisting of 10–20 women members, with one woman member from each participating household who has completed 18 years of age.

• Area Development Society (ADS): A federation of Neighbourhood Groups at the ward level.

• Community Development Society (CDS): Functions at the Panchayat/Municipality level. The office-bearers are women elected through a democratic process, while elected representatives of the Local Self-Government Institutions provide leadership as patrons/members of the monitoring committee.

◎ Major Objectives

• Poverty Eradication – The primary objective.

• Economic Empowerment – Through income generation, entrepreneurship, and microfinance.

• Social Development – Focusing on areas such as healthcare, education, and Agathirahitha Keralam (Destitute-Free Kerala).

• Women's Empowerment – Promoting leadership, participation in decision-making, and gender justice.

✦ Major Areas of Activities and Programmes

1. Economic Development / Livelihood

• Micro-Enterprises: More than one lakh micro-enterprise groups operate in diverse sectors, including Cafe Kudumbashree, Janakeeya Hotels, Nutrimix, Haritha Karma Sena, construction groups, and apparel groups.

• Bank Linkage & Savings and Credit: Bank-linked loans are provided to lakhs of Neighbourhood Groups, along with savings and credit activities through self-help groups.

• Marketing: Products are listed on platforms such as ONDC to facilitate online marketing and expand market access.

• Agriculture / Animal Husbandry / Value Addition: Activities include collective farming, Farmer JLGs (Joint Liability Groups), processing, branding, and participation in fairs and exhibitions.

2. Social Development

• Agathirahitha Keralam (Destitute-Free Kerala): Activities aimed at identifying poor and destitute families and ensuring their rehabilitation and comprehensive support.

• BUDS & Balasabha: Initiatives focused on the education, care, protection, and overall development of children.

• Relief / Rehabilitation: Livelihood assistance and rehabilitation support for families affected by disasters.

3. Women's Empowerment

• Women's empowerment initiatives are carried out through interventions such as Sthree Padavi Self-Learning Programme and Snehitha Gender Help Desk.

• Skill Development & Employment: Skill training and employment opportunities are provided to rural youth through DDU-GKY 2.0.

• Leadership Training: Capacity-building programmes are conducted at the CDS/ADS/NHG levels in areas such as democratic governance, microfinance, and livelihood management.

4. Other Major Interventions

• PMAY-LIFE (Kerala): Kudumbashree functions as the nodal agency for the programme.

• SVEP / SRLM-NRLM: Provides support for rural entrepreneurship and livelihood activities.

• Marketing Interventions: During the Onam season, market interventions are undertaken through initiatives such as 'Onakkani' to support price regulation and ensure the availability and distribution of essential products.