Kudumbashree will launch 'Thirike Schoolil' (Back To School) State Level Campaign in convergence with the Department of Education from 1 October 2023 to 10 December 2023. As part of the state-level campaign organized by Kudumbashree, women from NHGs will come back to school as students. One of the main objectives of the campaign is to further strengthen the Kudumbashree three-tier organizational system and enable the NHGs to take up innovative projects in accordance with the new age possibilities. The campaign also aims to strengthen micro-economic livelihood activities in NHGs, create awareness about digital technology and create a vision that will help in uplifting the status of women. 

A total of 46 lakh NHG women will return to the school yard they left years ago with nostalgic memories. The NHGs will participate in schools under each CDS. More than 2000 schools in the state have been sanctioned for the campaign organized during the holidays. The main feature of the campaign is that 46 lakh neighborhood women become learners for knowledge acquisition. 'Back to School' Campaign will be the largest women empowerment campaign organized till date. More than half a crore people including 20,000 Area Development Societies, 1070 CDSs, 15,000 Resource Persons, Kudumbashree Snehitha, members of various training groups and State-District Mission staff will participate in the campaign.

The campaign activities have been designed in a way reminiscing the school days. Class time is from 9.30 AM to 4.30 PM. Assembly is from 9.30 AM to 9.45 PM. Kudumbashree's Mudra Geetham will be sung during the Assembly. Classes will be started after that. Lesson topics include Experience Lessons of united strength, Vibrancy of NHG is in Mathematics, Group Song-Life Security Our Happiness, Livelihood-Ideas & Projects and Digital Age. Each of these are divided into five lessons and the classes are given. Around 15,000 trained Resource Persons will be coming as teachers. There is a fifteen minute break before noon. Lunch time is from 1 PM to 1.45 PM. Everyone will eat together. Also, small art programmes will be held during this time. A bell will ring after each period. The students should bring lunch, drinking water, snacks, school bag, smart phone and earphone. Interested NHGs can also wear uniforms.

Training for State-District Mission Staff and District, Block, CDS Level Resource Persons for the smooth implementation of the campaign is ongoing.

The second phase of 'Thozhilarangathekk' Project, which is being implemented by the Kerala Knowledge Economy Mission in collaboration with Kudumbashree with the aim of providing opportunities for educated women in the field of knowledge-based careers has started. The first phase of the project was successfully completed in March 2023. Kudumbashree will coordinate field level activities of the Thozhilarangathekk 2.0 Project, focusing on 399 LSGIs registered with interest in the second phase of the project. Ms. Veena George, Minister for Health and Woman and Child Development, Government of Kerala inaugurated the second phase at a ceremony held at the Science and Technology Museum, Thiruvananthapuram on 4 September 2023.

Shri. V.K. Prasanth, MLA presided over the function.

Job readiness support will be provided through the Knowledge Economy Mission System to all those registered as part of the scheme via the DWMS (Digital Work Force Management System) of the Knowledge Economy Mission. The services provided by the mission include Skill Training, Career Counselling, Personality Development Training, English Score Test and Robotic Interview.

The beneficiaries of the scheme are female job seekers aged between 18 to 59 years with plus two as their basic qualification. The scheme is implemented by dividing the job seekers into different groups based on their educational qualification and forming Knowledge Job Units. Further activities will be undertaken by activating Knowledge Job Units including those formed in the first phase. Currently, 2,77,850 women job seekers from 14 districts have registered under the scheme. The second phase of the project will be completed before 31 March 2024. Training and job fairs will be organized in all 399 local self-government bodies.

Dr. P.S. Sreekala, Director, Kerala Knowledge Economy Mission, Ms. Bindu V.C, Managing Director, Women Development Corporation, Dr. C. Madhusoodhanan, State Programme Manager, Kerala Knowledge Economy Mission, Dr. Sreejith, District Mission Co-ordinator, Kudumbashree Thiruvananthapuram District Mission, Shri. Sabu. B, State Programme Manager, Kudumbashree spoke at the function. A panel discussion on 'Women and Knowledge Career Opportunities was also organized in connection with the function.

Kudumbashree is inviting logo and tagline for the Saras Mela, the national level product marketing fair, which is proposed to be held under the leadership of Kudumbashree, at Ernakulam during December 2023. The selected entries will be given prizes.

The logo and tagline of the Saras Mela, should be in harmony with the district's unique cultural identity, artistic presence and regional uniqueness of the district. And it should also represent India's diverse products, food culture and women's community. The prepared logo and tagline can be sent to the e-mail address, sarasmelaernakulam@gmail.com. The last date for submitting the entries is 30 September 2023. For more details, contact - 7034077660,  9747473931.

The Saras Fairs are organized jointly by the Central- State Governments as part of the National Rural Livelihood Mission (NRLM), where the products of the rural entrepreneurs across the country is brought together for marketing. In addition to that 'India Food Court' would also be arranged as part of the Fair, where the cuisines from various states would be available.

Kudumbashree Kozhikode District Mission gifted a memorable onam to a group of Destitute through 'Ottakkalla Onam' Initiative of the District. Onam is celebrated irrespective of caste and creed with a variety of Onam games including swinging, singing and dancing, where everyone gathers enthusiastically and arranges floral carpets and prepares a sumptuous feast. But there are people in our society who have no one to gather and celebrate. Kudumbashree Kozhikode District Mission has prepared an unforgettable Onam for those who have been isolated without anyone due to various life circumstances through the program 'Ottakkalla Onam'.

Kudumbashree members of Kozhikode Kudumbashree reached out to 247 isolated families and 439 family members during Uthradam, Thiruvonam and Avittam days with Onam Feast and Onam Gifts. Along with them, they laid floral carpets, sang songs and made this Onam one of a kind. No one is alone, no one can be alone; Kudumbashree Kozhikode District Mission kept these families together with Kudumbashree by literally translating the words that Kudumbashree will not leave them alone and will always be with them. Through this exemplary and exceptional work, Kudumbashree Kozhikode District Mission set a new model of compassion.

The 'Onashree' Village Fest organized in 9 CDSs of Taliparamba Constituency under the auspices of Kudumbashree Kannur District Mission was a huge hit. The 'Onashree' Product Marketing Fair and Cultural Festival organized in 7 Grama Panchayats and 2 Municipalities of the Constituency from 20 August 2023 was a unique experience.

A turnover of Rs. 1 crore was achieved from the 8 to15 day long village festival. About Rs. 10 lakhs was received from the Food Court. The Village Fest was the brain child of Shri. M.V. Govindan Master, the MLA of the Constituency. Through this Village Fest during Onam, 350 Kudumbashree women entrepreneurs of this place have got a great opportunity for product marketing. Folk Art Forms of the respective regions were also staged as part of the Cultural Festival. The Cultural Festival with the local artists from children to the elderly also gave a unique experience to everyone.

Kudumbashree set a world record by showcasing the largest Thiruvathirakali Performance. As many as 7,027 members of Kudumbashree performed the traditional Thiruvathirakali in Thrissur to create a world record. Kudumbashree members from across the district participated in the Thiruvathirakkali performed at the Government College Ground, Kuttanellur on 30 August 2023. Kudumbashree secured a spot in the Talent World Records and the Limca Book of World Records for the highest number of participants for a dance performance.

Shri. K. Rajan, Revenue Minister, Government of Kerala inaugurated the Mega Thiruvathirakali Performance which gave the message of unity when more than 7,000 women wearing the traditional Kerala saree stepped to the tunes. The Onam celebrations were organised by the Tourism Department, DTPC, Thrissur, District Administration and the Thrissur Corporation.Shri. Raj Ahmmed Bashir Sayyid, Talent Record Book Observer handed over the Certificate of Record to Dr. A. Kavitha, District Mission Coordinator, Kudumbashree Thrissur District Mission. The certificate of the LIMCA Book of Records will be presented later.

Sales of Rs. 23.09 crores has been recorded through Kudumbashree Onam Markets organized under the leadership of Kudumbashree across the state. This achievement was made through a total of 1087 Onam Markets, including 1070 CDS Level Onam Markets and 17 District Level Onam Markets. Last year the turnover was Rs. 19 crores. An additional turnover of Rs. 4 crores is achieved this time.

Ernakulam district has achieved the highest turnover through Kudumbashree Onam Markets this year. Entrepreneurs of the district earned Rs. 3.25 crores from 104 Onam Markets. Thrissur district came second with a turnover of Rs. 2.63 crores from 103 Onam Markets and Kannur district came third with Rs. 2.55 crores from 81 Onam Markets.

28,401 micro enterprise units and 20,990 women farmer groups under Kudumbashree have paved the way for the market success this time as well by bringing their produce to the market. In this way, Kudumbashree was also able to support the Government's interventions to prevent price hike in the public market and provide products at a fair price.

By organizing 110 Onam Markets, Malappuram district has taken the lead in the number of fairs. Malappuram district also secured the highest number of entrepreneurs with participation of 4854 units from the agricultural micro enterprise sector. Ernakulam district with participation of 4723 units in 104 Onam Markets, Thrissur district with participation of 4550 units in 103 Onam Markets came in second and third place respectively.

Kudumbashree has also been able to establish its presence in the market by realizing the demand for flowers in the Onam market. In order to produce flowers for the Onam celebrations here itself without depending on other states, this year 1870 women farmer groups from across the state have done flower cultivation in 780 acres. Thrissur district came first with 100 groups cultivating in 186.37 acres. In the Kudumbashree Onam Marketing Fairs organized across the state, the flowers grown by the Kudumbashree farmer groups were also marketed. It is hoped that this success will help to spread flower cultivation to more areas in the upcoming years. The success of Kudumbashree Onam Markets lies behind the availability of quality products at fair prices along with excellent organization and efficient coordination.

Kudumbashree Thrissur District Mission launched 'Kudumbashree School of Drives' which offer cycling for tourists visiting Athirappally and Vazhachal, major tourist destinations. Through the 'Cycle of Drives' the cycle tourism project, Kudumbashree Thrissur District Mission is arranging an opportunity for the tourists to enjoy the beauty of the forest by linking these two centres. The project is implemented in convergence with the Athirappally Panchayath.

This project is carried out as part of the Special Scheduled Tribes Project implemented by Kudumbashree with the aim of sustainable development. The project envisages to find a way of livelihood for the Kadar section of the PVTG (Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups) of the panchayath. The 'Cycle of Drives' project also aims at minimizing the environmental pollution caused by the travel of tourist vehicles through the forest and thereby achieve the goal of 'Carbon Neutral Athirappally'.

The bicycle rental facility is available at the District Tourism Promotion Council counter leading to Athirappally Falls. Cycles are available from 9 AM to 5 PM. Public can use the cycle for Rs. 100 for the first one hour and Rs. 30 for the subsequent half hour. Helmets will also be provided for safety.

The project was inaugurated by Shri. Sanish Kumar Joseph, MLA, Chalakudy Constituency on 23 August 2023. Adv. Athira Devarajan, President, Athirappally Gram Panchayath presided over the function. Ms. Saumini Manilal, Panchayath Vice President, Shri. K.K. Rijesh, Chairman, Health Education Standing Committee, Shri. Jayachandran, Ward Member, Dr. A. Kavitha, District Mission Co-ordinator, Kudumbashree Thrissur District Mission, Shri. K. Radhakrishnan, Assistant District Mission Co-ordinator, Kudumbashree Thrissur District Mission and Shri. Vijayakrishnan, District Programme Manager, Kudumbashree Thrissur District Mission spoke at the function. Kudumbashree CDS members and officials participated.

Kudumbashree's DDU-GKY CXO Meet was held at Hotel Hycinth, Thiruvananthapuram on 24 August 2023. Ms. Sarada Muraleedharan IAS, Additional Chief Secretary, Local Self Government Department, Government of Kerala inaugurated the programme and delivered the Inaugural Address. Smt. Sharmila Mary Joseph IAS, Principal Secretary, Local Self Government Department, Government of Kerala delivered the keynote address. 

Shri. Harikishore IAS, Managing Director, KSIDC and Ms. Anu Krishna, State Head, CII offered their felicitations. Ms. Preethi Menon, Senior Assistant Director, FICCI Kerala State Council, Shri. Sudhakar Reddy, Director, Monitoring & Evaluation, NIRD & PR also addressed the gathering. Shri. Jafar Malik IAS, Executive Director, Kudumbashree welcomed the gathering. He also made a presentation on the Scope of DDU-GKY & Industry Convergence. The presentation was followed by the Open Forum and Discussion on Industry Demands. Shri. Pradeep Kumar R, Chief Operating Officer- DDUGKY delivered the vote of thanks.

Following the inaugural session, a Panel Discussion was held on th topic- 'Skill Ecosystem in Kerala - Past, Present & Future.
Dr. Usha Titus IAS (Chairperson & Managing Director, ASAP was the Moderator of the Panel Discussion. The Panel Members included Shri. Jafar Malik IAS, Executive Director, Kudumbashree, Shri. Sudhakar Reddy, Director, Monitoring & Evaluation, NIRD & PR, Shri. Unnikrishnan Nair, Head, Maritime Logistics and NSDC, Dr. Jayakumar, CEO, VISL, Shri. Muhammed Riyas, General Manager (Skills), KKEM, Shri. Pradeep. M, General Manager, Lakeshore Hospital.

As part of the 25th Anniversary Celebrations of Kudumbashree it has been decided to organize a State Level Mega Job Fair at Thiruvananthapuram during December 2023. Prior to the job fair, the CXO Meet is being organized to address the momentous requirement of the companies and to pool the vacancies across the nation. The CXO Meet serves as a platform for establishing new industry linkages ensuring candidates get suitable employment opportunities at present and in near future.

The CXO Meet will deliberate on the current Industry demands, emerging opportunities and key trends in some of the booming sectors like Healthcare, Logistics, Retail, Construction, BSFI, IT-ITes. Tourism & Hospitality etc. The meet intends to highlight the skilled manpower available under DDU-GKY and the opportunities for empanelment of new PIAs to explore the potential of the scheme. It is expected that the outcome of the CXO Meet would not only enhance the better livelihood options for the rural youth of Kerala but also facilitate the industry to get the quality manpower they are looking for. It also intends to serve as a platform for convergence of key stakeholders from the Government, Private Sector and Industries for brainstorming and exchange of ideas.

DDU-GKY (Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Grameen Kaushalya Yojana) is a Central & State sponsored skilling and placement scheme under the Ministry of Rural Development Government of India. In Kerala, Kudumbashree Mission (State Rural Livelihood Mission, under Local Self Government Department, Government of Kerala) is the nodal agency for implementing the scheme.

The State Level Inauguration of the Onam Market Fairs of Kudumbashree was held. Shri M.B. Rajesh, Minister, Local Self Government Department and Excise Department, Government of Kerala performed the State Level Inauguration of the fair at Police Training Ground, Thycaud, Thiruvananthapuram on 22 August 2023. The 1085 Onam Market Fairs conducted by Kudumbashree throughout Kerala are important among the interventions made by the State Government to contain the price hike during Onam.The Minister said.

Kudumbashree's greatest asset and capital is the credibility it has gained among the people through its activities spanning a quarter of a century. These marketing fairs build on that credibility. The minister said that every new step Kerala takes has the stamp of Kudumbashree on it and the sky is the limit for Kudumbashree. The minister also inaugurated the marketing stalls at the Onanilavu-Onam Marketing Fair.

Shri. Antony Raju, Minister for Transport, Government of Kerala presided over the function. Even if Maveli does not come, Onam will be held, but if there is no Kudumbashree, there is no Onam in Kerala, commented Shri. Antony Raju, Minister for Transport, Government of Kerala. He also said that the reason why the Kudumbashree movement, formed in Kerala, has become a model for the world, is the recognition of the selfless service of the NHG members.

Adv. D. Suresh Kumar, President Thiruvananthapuram District Panchayath conducted the first sale at the fair by receiving the same from Ms. Jazeera, JLG Member. Shri. Jafar Malik IAS, Executive Director, Kudumbashree explained the project.

The Onam Markets organized under the leadership of Kudumbashree are started across the state. The aim of the Onam Markets is to provide pure and unadulterated unique products at fair prices. Kudumbashree's unique products will be available at the fair, from Kudumbashree's own flowers for flower arrangements to fruits and vegetables for preparing the feast. Kudumbashree and local self-government bodies are organizing 1085 fairs across the state with the aim of providing pure and unadulterated products to consumers at fair prices.

The state-level fair, which will be held till 28 August 2023, will have special Onam counters and a food court besides 50 stalls selling products of Kudumbashree entrepreneurs and Kudumbashree Joint Liability Groups. The flower market will have flowers grown by Kudumbashree farmers in the countryside in large quantities. Stalls for flowers are specially set up in the state fair. A variety of arts and cultural events will also take place every day.

Ms. Geetha Nazir, Kudumbashree Governing Body Member and District Panchayath Member, Elected Representatives and CDS office bearers were also present at the function. Artistic performances by the children of BUDS School, Pothencode were also staged during the function.