The first phase of the Startup Village Entrepreneurship Programme (SVEP), which is being implemented in Kerala through Kudumbashree aiming at encouraging entrepreneurship development in the rural sector, has successfully been completed. Through this programme, which is being implemented at the block level within 4 years, financial support and other assistance is given for forming enterprises in non-farming sectors other than agriculture and animal husbandry sector. 

SVEP is the joint programme of central-state governments and the first phase of the same in Kerala was started at Vadavucode and Parakode of Ernakulam & Pathanamthitta districts. The programme which got approval during 2016 was started from January 2017. It was successfully completed by March 2021. The activities of these two blocks were recognized as the best models in the national level and this itself brings immense pride to Kudumbashree.The aim was to launch 2,054 enterprises at Vaduvakode. 2,129 enterprises have already been formed until now. The aim was to start 2,164 enterprises at Parakkode and 2,089 enterprises were started there.

Kudumbashree had selected the Vadavucode and Parakode blocks for the programme implementation as per the criteria put forward by the National Rural Livelihood Mission (NRLM). Preliminary activities such as the initial survey to know about the natural resources and enterprise opportunities, appointment and training of Micro Enterprise Consultants (MECs) to support the enterprise activities, formation of the Block Nodal Society for Enterprise Promotion (BNSEP) in the block level and registration of the same as per the 'Society Act' for overseeing the programme and giving leadership and the formation of Block Resource Centre (BRC) in the block level for extending support regarding the formation and development of the enterprises were implemented in these two blocks. Later, awareness was given to the NHGs through MECs and the NHG members or their family members who were interested in launching the enterprises were identified and they were extended various training sessions.  Needed capital was provided, support was given in forming enterprises and marketing support was also provided. The MECs extend handholding support to these enterprises for at least one year. The monthly income and other activities of the enterprises are being analyzed using a special software. Though the 4 year programme activities have been completed, Kudumbashree aims at extending the follow up support to these entrepreneurs through BNSEPs and BRCs  and identify and support the enterprises which have scale up opportunities in the upcoming years.

In the second phase (2018), the programme has been started in 12 blocks viz., Idukki (Idukki), Nilambur (Malappuram), Vaikom (Kottayam), Neeleswaram (Kasaragod), Pathanapuram (Kollam), Vamanapuram (Thiruvananthapuram), Panamaram (Wayanad), Thycattussery (Alappuzha), Kodakara (Thrissur), Koothuparamba (Kannur), Perambra (Kozhikode) and Nenmara (Palakkad). In the fourth phase (2020), approval has been received to implement the programme at Vypin block of Ernakulam district. The detailed plan of the same has been prepared and is submitted for approval.  Kudumbashree was able to start 19,371 enterprises as part of SVEP until July 2021. Government of Kerala has entrusted Kudumbashree to implement the enterprise development activities in 14 flood affected blocks in the state in SVEP model as part of Rebuild Kerala initiative. The initial activities have been started in the particular blocks and the enterprise formation activities have already been started.

The registration for 'PEARL' (Pravasi  Entrepreneurship Augmentation and Reformation of Livelihoods), the Pravasi Bhadratha Nano Programme being implemented through Kudumbashree has been started. The Pravasi Bhadratha Programme formed by the Government of Kerala through NORKA Roots to support the emigrants who are in crisis due to covid-19, had officially been launched on 26 August 2021. As part of this Kudumbashree has received the opportunity to implement the Pravasi Bhadratha Nano Programme, converging with the NORKA Roots. The registration process of this programme has been started now. The details of the 'PEARL' Programme is given as follows.

1. Who are the beneficiaries?
The emigrants who lost their livelihood in the background of covid-19 pandemic are the beneficiaries of this programme. They should be the family members of Kudumbashree NHG members (who hold an NHG membership for a period of at least 6 months) or be the family members of the newly formed women auxiliary groups of Kudumbashree. The beneficiary should have been an emigrant for at least 2 years. Either men or women can become the beneficiaries of the programme. The family members of the emigrants who had died due to covid-19 can become the beneficiaries of the programme. If the jobless emigrant is a patient, their family members can also become the beneficiaries of the same. Those who have already started the enterprise after returning to their homelands losing their livelihood due to covid-19 can expand the same through this programme.

2. Which are the various stages of the programme?
In the first stage, the jobless emigrants would be identified and be considered as a special section. Those who are interested in starting the enterprises would be equipped for the same. In the second stage, they would be equipped to become entrepreneurs by extending General Orientation training, Entrepreneurship Development training and skill training.  Those emigrants who do not need skill training and have prior experience can make registrations at the respective CDSs directly for starting the enterprises. In the third stage, the needed financial aid and support would be given to the enterprises and efforts would be made to start the enterprises and ensure the sustainability of the same.

3. How is financial support given?
The beneficiaries would be given interest free loans of a maximum of Rs 2 lakhs per individual or 75% of the total project cost of the enterprise, whichever is lower. The remaining 25% amount should be borne by the beneficiaries. The beneficiaries should repay this Interest Free Loan as equal installments within 21 months after the three month moratorium period, once the first installment is received.

4. How to apply?
The application form is available on the website of Kudumbashree. It is also available at the CDSs.  The beneficiaries should submit the applications at the respective CDSs, along with the documents that prove their eligibility to become part of the programme. Those who need the enterprise training should register in the Kudumbashree job portal. The application form, job portal link and other details are available in this link:  www.kudumbashree.org/pearl.

The grading of 1095 Janakeeya Hotels has been completed. Shri. M.V Govindan Master, Minister, Local Self Government Department, Government of Kerala made the official announcement regarding the completion of the grading of the Janakeeya Hotels on 9 September 2021. Out of the 1095 Janakeeya Hotels, 266 Janakeeya Hotels have secured A plus grade and 359 Janakeeya Hotels have secured A grade. Whereas 285 Janakeeya Hotels have secured B grade and 185 Janakeeya Hotels have secured C grade.The grading process has been completed based on a special index. The grading of the Janakeeya Hotels aims at improving the performance and quality of the Janakeeya Hotels and to elevate them to the next level. Janakeeya Hotels has been launched as part of the 'Hunger Free Kerala' Programme of the Government of Kerala. 

Rs 23.64 crores has been allotted for the Janakeeya Hotel Programme during the 2020-21 financial year and the same has been fully utilized. Rs 20 crores has been allotted for this year and out of which Rs 18.20 crores had already been given as subsidy and revolving fund to the entrepreneurs. The Grading Index was prepared in association with the Institute of Hotel Management and Technology. The grading was completed based on the criteria such as hygiene, variety of the dishes, quality of the food, working time, monthly sales and condition of the building and surroundings where the Janakeeya Hotel functions. Kudumbashree would extend the support including training and financial aid to those entrepreneurs who failed to attain better grades. 

The Janakeeya Hotels are functioning in the micro enterprise model of Kudumbashree. An average of 1.80 lakh meals are being sold through Janakeeya Hotels everyday. Kudumbashree aims at improving their functioning and extending the Janakeeya Hotels to more areas that would be of help to the public, based on the local opportunities. Through this, many women who are working in the canteen-catering sector would be able to enter into this sector and earn a better income of their own. 

'Huger Free Kerala' was the programme presented by the Government of Kerala in the Budget during the 2019-20 financial year. The programme aimed at distributing food at affordable rates or at free of cost to the financially backward people, destitute and the geriatrics, on a daily basis. In the first stage, it was started as 'Community Kitchen' to ensure the availability of food to all, as part of the covid-19 countering activities. Following that, the name of the Community Kitchens were changed to 'Kudumbashree Janakeeya Hotels' across the state. The Janakeeya Hotels function associating with the Local Self Government Institutions and the Food and Civil Supplies Department of the Government of Kerala. Meals are available at the Janakeeya Hotels at Rs 20 per meal. Through this programme, 4895 Kudumbashree members are able to earn a regular income of their own.

In the background of the second wave of Covid-19 pandemic in the state, Government of Kerala would provide financial support of Rs 196.22 crores to 19,489 Kudumbashree Area Development Societies (ADSs) in the state and 133 Oorusamithis of Attappady. Rs 1 lakh each would be given to them as Revolving Fund. Shri. Pinarayi Vijayan, Chief Minister, Government of Kerala inaugurated the programme as online on 8 September 2021. Shri. M. V Govindan Master presided over the function.

Government Order has been issued for providing Rs 196.22 crores to Kudumbashree regarding the same. The programme is being implemented by including the same in the '100 Day Programme' of the Government of Kerala. The programme aims at extending support to the NHGs, who had been facing various challenges such as health issues and income loss due to the covid-19 pandemic and the lockdown. Special criteria had been issued to identify the eligible NHGs to provide the Revolving Fund. As per this, the ADSs would submit the proposals to the respective CDSs regarding the identification of the NHGs and the nomination on how much amount is needed to be issued as Revolving Fund. The Revolving Fund of Rs 1 lakh each received by the ADSs would be helpful for the internal lending of the NHGs. As many NHGs in the state would benefit from this. As per the programme, the respective ADSs would provide the Revolving Fund to the NHGs. Considering the efficiency and the promptness of the NHGs in repayment of the loans, the ADSs would give Rs 10,000 to Rs 20,000 to the NHGs. The ADSs holds the responsibility to ensure that this fund is only used for the internal lending activities.

Smt. Sarada Muraleedharan, Additional Chief Secretary, Local Self Government Department, Government of Kerala delivered the welcome speech and Smt. P.I Sreevidya, Executive Director, Kudumbashree Mission extended the vote of thanks. Following the state level inauguration, the fund distribution inauguration was also held at Panavoor CDS of Thiruvananthapuram district and Pariyaram CDS of Kannur district. Shri D.K Murali, MLA, Vamanapuram Constituency handed over the cheque to the Panavoor CDS Chairperson and Adv.K.K. Retnakumari, Chairperson, Health and Education Standing Committee, District Panchayath, Kannur handed over the cheque to the Pariyaram CDS Chairperson.

The last date of Kudumbashree 'Onam Utsav', the online Trade Fair,  being conducted through www.kudumbashreebazaar.com, the e-commerce portal of Kudumbashree is extended till 15 September 2021. 'Onam Utsav' was launched to extend maximum support to Kudumbashree micro entrepreneurs and farming group members (JLG) to make maximum out of the onam market.

Various offers are introduced in the 'Onam Utsav' online trade fair. Discounts are given upto 40% as part of the 'Onam Utsav'. Those who purchase for more than Rs 1000 would get an additional discount of 10% as well. The products would be delivered free of cost all across the country, associating with the Postal Department. There are attractive combo offers as well. Food products, apparels, cosmetic products, masala powders, bags, umbrellas, spices, toiletries, honey, ragi, millet, cardamom, coffee etc from tribal sectors are also available. The customers can buy around 1000 products from this online trade fair. The customers would get the opportunity to buy the organic, pure and ethnic products produced by Kudumbashree entrepreneurs, with greater discounts from anywhere across the country through this online trade fair.

Kudumbashree Thrissur District Mission started online sessions on Covid-19 awareness through the Gender Online School, which was launched as part of the Gender Self Learning Activities during the lockdown. The videos are prepared as part of the 'Mission Covid 2021' Campaign implemented by Kudumbashree. The online sessions are dealt on various topics such as the points the NHGs should note during covid-19 pandemic, vaccination, home quarantine, the points enterprise units should note during the covid countering activities, how to prevent other contagious diseases along with covid-19, the points pregnant women should take care of during the time of covid, who would be there to support the public during the time of emergencies, duties and responsibilities of CDS Resource Persons etc. The classes are dealt by the Resource Persons of Kudumbashree in the district. The 'Gender Online School' has around  10,000 subscribers. 

The Gender Online School was formulated and implemented for the smooth functioning of the gender activities in the district, even during lockdown, without any interruption. Thrissur team had launched an ‘Online School' through YouTube as part of the ‘Gender Self Learning Programme’, which was formulated to make the NHG members aware of their situation, social status and rights. Continuous trainings and NHG level discussions as part of the Gender Self Learning Activities  in the district were also telecasted  through the 'Gender Online School', YouTube channel. The Gender Resource Persons lead the class through the YouTube channel on the basis of module prepared by the district team.  Each classes were taken based on the module prepared by the district team. This module included  theory as well as life experiences of the Resource Persons and NHG members. The sessions were prepared after analyzing the existing gender gap in each areas. These classes were used for creating Gender awareness among the NHG members. 

After preparing the scripts of each video, the Gender Resource Persons themselves shot the videos. These videos are then uploaded in the YouTube channel. The YouTube links of the videos are shared through the WhatsApp groups of the NHGs. The response of each NHGs towards the video is received as WhatsApp messages and YouTube comments. The district team who came forward with such a novel idea for continuing the activities even during lockdown without any interruption, is making use of this opportunity to spread the awareness on how to prevent the covid-19 pandemic.

The date for submitting entries for 'Kudumbashree oru Nerchithram' Season 4- Photography Competition is extended till 15 September 2021. Kudumbashree Mission has launched the Season 4 of ‘Kudumbashree or Nerchithram’ Photography Competition for motivating the aspiring photographers and to propagate the activities of Kudumbashree Mission through photographs.

The contestants may submit photographs that would reflect the priority projects of Kudumbashree Mission. The photographs should reflect the activities of Kudumbashree such as, Kudumbashree Neighbourhood Group meetings, various enterprises run by Kudumbashree women including Kudumbashree canteens and cafes, the farming activities of Kudumbashree women, the parking management of Kudumbashree women at railway stations and various other spots, the waiting halls managed by Kudumbashree entrepreneurs, housekeeping services and the activities of the BUDS institutions etc.

The jury, composed of renowned photographers and officials of Kudumbashree Mission will select the winner. The Award for the Best Photographer will be Rs 25,000. The second prize and third prize will be Rs 15,000 and Rs 10,000 respectively. Rs 2000 each will be issued for 10 entries as consolation prizes.

Entries may be sent to the mail id, kudumbashreeprcontest@gmail.com or may be sent in CD Format to the address, The Executive Director, Kudumbashree State Mission Office, Trida Building, Medical college P.O, Thiruvananthapuram-695011. The name, address, mail id and contact number should be mentioned along with. A short note on the photograph should be attached along with. The photographs should not contain any watermarks. More details of the notification is available in the link : www.kudumbashree.org/photography2021.

The first season of ‘Kudumbashree or Nerchithram’ was conducted during November- December 2017, the second season during February -March 2019 and the third season was held during January- February 2020. The three seasons of 'Kudumbashree Oru Nerchithram' Photography Competition resulted in a huge success. Good quality photographs portraying the strength of Kudumbashree, functioning focusing on women empowerment is considered for the ‘Kudumbashree Oru Nerchithram’ Photography Competition, which is being conducted from 2017 onwards. Kudumbashree Mission which envisions eradicating poverty through women in Kerala had successfully completed 23 revolutionary years.

Through Onam Trade Fairs and Onam Markets, Kudumbashree had made better marketing opportunities for Kudumbashree entrepreneurs and farming group members during this onam season amidst the challenges caused by covid-19. A sales of Rs 12.45 crores was recorded through these trade fairs and markets, which were organized wherever possible in the state level, LSGI level and district levels maintaining the covid protocols. The trade fairs and onam markets were started from 16 August 2021 onwards.

Kudumbashree had organized onam trade fairs on its own and converging with Supplyco, Agriculture Department and various other departments as well. Such trade fairs were organized in the LSGI level and district level. A total of 905 onam trade fairs were organized in the LSGI level under the leadership of the respective CDSs. In addition, 21 district level trade fairs were also organized. Products of 19,704 entrepreneurs and vegetables of 16,434 farming groups (Joint Liability Group-JLG) were made available to the public as part of the onam trade fairs. Food kits comprising of Kudumbashree products were packed and delivered to the needy as per the order in 9 CDSs of Malappuram and Kollam districts. 2429 food kits were distributed. Kudumbashree was able to make a sales of Rs 9,64,29,930 through kits and trade fairs. 

In addition, the products of the JLGs were also given importance. Onam Markets were organized in the CDS level from 16-20 August 2021 and sales of Rs 2,80,61,461.4 were also recorded. 7.53 lakh kg vegetables of 27,442 JLGs were made available to the general public through these markets. Kudumbashree micro entrepreneurs and JLG members were make maximum out of this opportunity, during this crisis period.

Kudumbashree is to implement Pravasi Bhadratha Programme- PEARL (Pravasi Entrepreneurship Augmentation and Reformation of Livelihoods), joining hands with NORKA Roots. Shri. Pinarayi Vijayan, Chief Minister, Government of Kerala inaugurated the Pravasi Bhadratha Programmes at Symphony Hall, Mascot Hotel, Thiruvananthapuram on 26 August 2021. The MoU regarding the same was exchanged by Smt. P.I Sreevidya, Executive Director, Kudumbashree and Shri. K. Harikrishnan Namboothiri, Chief Executive Officer, NORKA Roots.

Shri. P. Rajeev, Minister for Law, Industries and Coir, Government of Kerala presided over the function. Shri. M.V Govindan Master, Minister, Local Self Government Department, Rural Development and Excise, Government of Kerala attended the programme online and delivered the keynote address. Dr. K. Ellangovan IAS, Principal Secretary, Industries & Norka,Government of Kerala welcomed the gathering.

Pravasi Bhadratha Programme is a financial security programme being launched for the welfare of the emigrants who had returned to Kerala losing their livelihoods. PEARL is the emigrant survival programme being implemented by Kudumbashree as part of the 'Pravasi Bhadratha' Nano Programme implemented by the Norka Department. The interest free loan for starting new enterprises through Kudumbashree is provided to the jobless emigrants from the amount allocated by the Norka Roots for the welfare of the emigrants.

Interest Free loan and other support would be provided via Kudumbashree for starting enterprises through this programme. Financial support would be provided to the members of the newly formed women auxiliary groups as part of Kudumbashree, if they or their family members are jobless emigrants, to form enterprises through this programme. The objectives of the programme include minimizing the insecurity of the jobless emigrants, providing Interest Free loan to the emigrants who had returned to the homelands after losing their livelihood, for income generating opportunities, providing skill training for starting enterprises and ensuring financial independence by securing steady income for jobless emigrants.

Pravaasi Bhadratha Programme-Mega would be implemented associating with KSIDC Kerala State Industrial Development Corporation (KSIDC).The MoU regarding the same was exchanged by Shri. Rajamanikyam IAS, Managing Director, KSIDC and Shri. K. Harikrishnan Namboothiri, Chief Executive Officer, NORKA Roots. Pravasi Bhadratha Programme-Micro would also be implemented. Shri. K Varadarajan, Resident Vice Chairman, NORKA-Roots gave away felicitations and Shri. K Harikrishnan Namboothiri, Chief Executive Officer, NORKA Roots delivered the vote of thanks.

Click here to know more about Pravasi Bhadratha Programme- PEARL.

'Mahila- Shreyas' Pickle Unit of the women of Mahila mandiram was launched under the National Urban Livelihood Mission (NULM) Scheme in Alappuzha Municipality. Previously, 'Mahila Shakthi' Neighborhood Group was formed joining the women of the Mahila Mandiram in Alappuzha Municipality under the NULM Scheme. The inmates of Mahila Mandiram comprises of POCSO victims, those who were left alone after interfering in different cases, victims who had to face atrocities from different sectors, those who ended up there as no other opportunity was left for them to survive. One of the main agendas of the Alappuzha Municipality-NULM team was to identify such people who were sidelined and ensure them financial freedom and thereby survival.

As a continuation to this, they were extended training in food processing and the pickle unit was started. The enterprise was inaugurated by Smt. Sowmya Raj, Chairperson, Alappuzha Municipality, Shri. A. Shanavas, Chairman, Welfare Standing Committee, Smt. Neethu Lal, Secretary, Alappuzha Municipality, Shri. Nizar, Ward Counselor, Smt. Sujatha, CDS Chairperson, Shri. Varghese K.P, City Project Officer, Shri. Sreejith, Manager, NULM, Smt. Asha, Community Organizer and Smt. Surya, Multi Task Personnel also attended the function.