India Food Court set up by Kudumbashree NRO at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Kaloor, Ernakulam as part of Mathrubhumi Festival attracts the food lovers of Kochi. The twelve day long festival being held at an area of 60,000 sqft was inaugurated by Shri. K. Mohammed Y Safirulla, District Collector, Ernakulam on 21 December 2017. He emphasized the importance of such food festivals in sharing and exchanging the cultural heritage. He also added that, it is the right platform for the entrepreneurs to sell their products as well as culinary skills.

Shri. Vinay Fort, Popular Malayalam cine actor who was present at the event, felicitated the women entrepreneurs from different states participating in the event. The India Food Court offers various ethnic specialties from around 13 states across the country. More than 55 women from states like Bihar, Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Chattisgarh, Sikkim, Karnataka, Jharkhand and Tripura have participated in the food festival offering local delicacies like litti chokha, raab, momos, pani puri, dal bati churma, goan fish curry etc. Lakshadweep, the tiny island located in the southern most part of the country, is set to offer rich seafood cuisine, whereas Goa expects to treat the locals with a blend of seafood and vegetarian dishes. Apart from this, variety of dishes from different districts of Kerala, including Attappady is also in the offering for providing people with unique gastronomic experience. The dining and shopping bonanza is adding more color to the festive days. The event will come to an end on 2 January 2018.

The state level programme of 'Ganitha Vismayam', the maths olympiad organised by Kudumbashree Mission for Balasabha members to develop mathematics education more easier and to make it more closer to nature and daily life was conducted at Government Girls High School, Pattom, Thiruvananthapuram on 29 & 30 December 2017. Shri. Kadakampally Surendran, Minister of Devaswom, Government of Kerala inaugurated the valedictory function and gave away the awards to the winners. Shri. K. Muraleedharan, MLA presided over the function. Shri V.K Madhu, District Panchayath President delivered the keynote address. The state level programme was officially inaugurated by Shri. V.K Prasanth, Mayor, Thiruvananthapuram Corporation. Smt. Sobha Koshi, Chairperson, Kerala State Commission for Protection of Child Rights was the chief guest of the inaugural function.

'Ganitha Vismayam' envisaged to strengthen Balasabha and to make mathematics education easier for Balasabha members. Prior to the state level competition, activity based mathematics competitions were organised for LP, UP school children in Panchayath, Block and District levels. 10 students each were selected from Balasabhas in Panchayath, Block and District levels. A training regarding that was given by the 10 member team including Resource person from each district and mathematical experts. Activity based workshops on 'Mathematics in daily life', ' Mathematics in Nature' etc were also conducted in ward level at Balasabhas.

For the effective co-ordination of the competition, a State level training programme was organised for the selected Resource Persons and mathematical experts during last October and the study modules and activities for the competition were also formulated during the training programme. 420 Balasabha members took part in the state level competition.

Kumari Remya Ramesh, Ward Counsellor, Pattom, Smt.S. Nisha, Director, Kudumbashree Mission, Smt.G.S Amrida, Programme Officer, Social Development and Dr.K.R Shaiju, District Mission Co-Ordinator, Thiruvananthapuram also attended the valedictory function. Maths Olympiad was undoubtedly a wonderful opportunity for the Balasabha students to get in tune with the magic of Mathematics.

Financial Literacy Campaign (FLC), the comprehensive programme chalked out by Kudumbashree Mission to provide a platform to NHGs to be aware of and to get benefited from formal banking services becomes a huge success. Through this campaign, 11000 NHGs from across the state also availed bank loan services. Interest subsidy is also given to those NHGs who take advantage of bank loans.

Even though, such favorable situations like interest subsidy were in existence, many NHGs weren't ready to avail bank loans. The Financial Literacy Campaign was conducted after identifying such NHGs. Out of the 2.7 lakh NHGs in the state, 84281 NHGs hadn't availed any bank loans. The Financial Literacy Campaign focused mainly on them and through which 11,000 NHGs availed bank loans.

So far, 1603 Financial Literacy Campaigns were conducted through CDS under the leadership of 14 district missions. It is planned to avail bank linkage to 20000 NHGs by this financial year itself. It was noted that the lack of knowledge about banking procedures, misconceptions regarding interest rates and lack of awareness about banking ombudsmen etc had pulled back the NHGs from availing loans. Resource persons identify the NHGs who haven't availed bank loans so far and gave classes on bank loans, interest concessions, rules and ways to avail bank loans.

Financial literacy programs was also conducted to address Balsabha Children as well for making them fully aware of the importance of saving habits, banking operation and other financial transactions with bank at their tender age itself.

The last date for submitting the application for PMAY loan in urban areas is extended till 31 March 2019. Before it was only till 31 March 2018. As per the new amendments, Ministry of Finance will oversee the Credit  Linked Subsidy Scheme (CLSS) activities. Only those who reside in an urban local body for more than three years and those who don't  have a residential property neither in their name, nor in their family members name can only apply  for this scheme. Kudumbashree is the nodal agency of PMAY in Kerala. As PMAY is executed as part if the Livelihood Inclusion and Financial Empowerment 

(LIFE) programme in Kerala, the beneficiaries of 'LIFE' will get the CLSS benefits.

The carpet area allowed for  Middle Income Group 1 was increased from 90 sqm to 120 sqm and the carpet area allowed for Middle Income Group 2  was increased from 110 sqm to 150 sqm. Out of the 93 urban local bodies in Kerala, 68000 people had applied for Credit Linked Subsidy Scheme (CLSS) till now and loan had been given to 4179 people.

Housing and Urban Development Corporation (HUDCO) and National Housing Bank (NHB) are the central nodal agencies to channelize the subsidy to the lending institutions.

From now onwards, Kudumbashree's 81 coastal volunteers will strengthen the NHG activities at coastal areas. They are appointed in the 81 CDSs of Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Alappuzha, Ernakulam, Thrissur, Malappuram, Kozhikode, Kannur and Kasaragod districts.

Coastal Volunteers will strengthen the NHG activities in the coastal areas. They will oversee the activities, reconstruct inactive NHGs and help the women to find the better livelihood programmes.

A four day training was organised for coastal volunteers during last November.

It is also planned to conduct rallies to introduce Kudumbashree's programmes with the help of 'Rangasree', Kudumbashree's community theater group. There are 12,692 coastal NHGs in the state, with around one lakh women as members.

Agro Hyper Bazar, which will make avail all the farming machinery and value added products under one roof will sell Kudumbashree products from now onwards. Products made by Kudumbashree women from different parts of the district will be for sale at the shop.

The first of its kind was inaugurated by Shri.Pinarayi Vijayan, Chief Minister, Government of Kerala at Agriculture Complex at Chembukavu, Thrissur. Agro Hyper Bazar had allotted 6 racks for selling out Kudumbashree's products.They will sell curry powders, pickles, jam, squash, syrups, chips, coconut oil, handicrafts, brahmi products saphalam cashews, Kudumbashree organic rice, soap, body wash, hair oil, payasam mix and products from Attappady special programme also is for sale at Agro Hyper Bazar. Kudumbashree products are of high demand at the shop. Association with Agro Hyper Bazar had opened new doors for marketing Kudumbashree's products.

Kudumbashree women marked their presence in healthcare sector by providing their services to the patients of Malabar Cancer Care Centre,Thalassery, Kannur. 44 women who were trained under Healthcare Sector Skill Council joined Malabar Cancer Care Centre. They would deal with the front office management, assist nurses and would act as medical staff, who would take patients for checkup and so.

In addition, Kudumbashree will provide, different services on contract basis at Malabar Cancer Care Centre. 'Human Arm', society of women who received such skill training is also formed there. The Skill training for them was extended under the centrally sponsored programme, National Urban Livelihood Mission (NULM). Under this scheme, training is given in 73 different courses.

It is aimed to extend skill training to 15000 financially backward urban youth of 93 urban local bodies through 45 training agencies through NULM. After the training, loan up to Rs 2 lakhs would be given to individuals and loan upto Rs 10 lakhs to the group of young entrepreneurs for getting job placements or finding a job of their own. Training is being given to the beneficiaries based upon their qualifications.The courses are of 3 months to 6 months duration and are certified either by National council for Vocational Training (NCVT) or National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC). Food and accommodation is provided free of cost to the beneficiaries. If a course is not available in one's locality, he/she may avail free accommodation and training from other training centres. On contacting the NULM unit of the concerned urban local bodies, more details of the programme can be availed.

The 10 day training programme organised by Kudumbashree Mission at Grameena Padana Kendram, Karakulam, Thiruvananthapuram associating with International Labour Organisation (ILO) has changed the outlook of 16 Micro Enterprise Consultants, who came from different places across the state. The master trainers of ILO gave training to the MECs on the topic 'Start and Improve Your Business' (SIYB). International Labour Organisation's certificates were given to those who successfully completed the training. Shri. Issac Singh & Shri. Khaleel Ul Rahman, Master Trainers, ILO led the activity oriented sessions and gave training to the MECs on the topic 'Start and Improve Your Business' (SIYB). 16 selected MECs attended the training from 11-20 December 2017.

Start and Improve Your Business (SIYB) is currently the largest global business management training programme, with the focus on starting and improving businesses as a strategy for creating more and better employment for women and men. It supports the sustainable development goals by promoting the business development policies that support decent job creation, entrepreneurship and encourage the growth of micro, small and medium enterprises. It also supports productive employment and decent work for all, including the youth and persons with disabilities.

The association with International Labour Organization (ILO), the United Nations agency dealing with labour problems, particularly international labour standards, social protection, and work opportunities will enable Kudumbashree Mission to create revolutionary changes in micro enterprise development in Kerala. So far, 31,261 Kudumbashree Micro Enterprise units are working in Kerala altogether. By giving assistance in identifying the most suitable micro enterprises, MECs are extending their full support for the women entrepreneurs. Micro Enterprise Consultants also facilitate training, marketing services and Business counselling as well.

Smt S. Nisha, Director, Kudumbashree Mission, Shri. Ramesh Chandran, General Manager, District Industries Centre, Smt. N.S Niranjana, Programme Officer, Kudumbashree, and Smt Akhila Devi, State Assistant Programme Manager also attended the valedictory function.

In addition to the 64 BUDS schools and 87 BUDS Rehabilitation Centres operating in the state, Government of Kerala gave sanction for starting 200 more BUDS institutions. The Local Self Government Institutions are supposed to locate the place and facilitate the basic amenities for the same. It is the responsibility of Kudumbashree Mission to give the necessary guidelines and training for the teachers. Panchayaths may approach the concerned Kudumbashree District Mission offices for starting BUDS Institutions in their place.The activities of BUDS Institutions will be under the control of the Governing body presided by the concerned Panchayath Presidents.

The children who face mental challenges need regular care and help. Raising a child who is mentally challenged requires emotional strength and flexibility.Whether the special needs of the child are minimal or complex, the parents are inevitably affected. Parents of such children commonly experience extended emotions and would be undergoing severe stress over the years. It was in the light of this reality that, Kudumbashree launched BUDS Institutions. The first of its kind was started at Venganoor Panchayath of Thiruvananthapuram District. in 2004. Later, when this programme came under the 'The Persons with Disabilities Act (1995), BUDS institutions was started in other Panchayaths also.

Using specially designed syllabus, classes are given to the children under 18 years of age in BUDS schools and those above 18 years are trained in BUDS Rehabilitation centres. The programme will enable them to be self reliant and it mainly focuses on their overall development. i.e., social, emotional and personality development . Training is also given to manage their daily routines of their own.

In addition to the primary education, speech therapy and physiotherapy are also facilitated for them. They are offered skill training on handicrafts making, tailoring, LED bulb production, candle making etc. Around 5000 students are undergoing training through 151 BUDS institutions.

Tajikistan Delegation visiting Kerala to study more about Kudumbashree Mission came to see Dr. K.T Jaleel, Minister, Local Self Government Department, Government of Kerala. The Delegation invited Kudumbashree to Tajikistan for replicating the Kudumbashree model in Tajikistan context.The delegation visited Minister at his chamber at Secretariat, Thiruvananthapuram .

The 10 membered delegation include Ms.Jamilya Saidova, Deputy Minister of Agriculture Tajakistan, Mr.Abubakr Inomov, Minister of Justice,Tajikistan and other senior officials from various departments.

The delegation is studying Kudumbashree programme with a view to explore replication of best practices in context of Tajikistan. Based on the interaction with the Kudumbashree officials, they are understanding the approach of Kudumbashree Mission towards women empowerment and poverty alleviation in Kerala. Daily field trips are also arranged as part of their visit. By interacting and visiting the beneficiaries of Kudumbashree, the delegation is understanding the key elements that has contributed to the scale and sustainability of the programme, the policy environment and the role of support institutions that had contributed to the growth of Kudumbashree. The delegation is closely analyzing the intervention that Kudumbashree had made in Kerala for the last 20 years.

The delegation include other officials Ms Azimova Mahbuba, Deputy Chairperson for Committee of Women and Family Affairs, Tajikistan, Ms Zulfiya Kurbonova, Head of Department on Women rights and empowerment, Presidential Apparatus, Tajikistan, Ms Zebo Sharifova, Executive Director of League of Women Lawyers of Tajikistan, Ms Mohru Makhmudova, Advisor, GIZ TRIGGER (Towards Rural Inclusive Growth and Economic Resilience ). The team also include the officials from Tajikistan chapter of Oxfam, the international confederation of charitable organizations focused on the alleviation of global poverty, Mr. Seyed Faiz Hayat, Economic Justice Programme Manager, Economic Justice Programme, Tajikistan, Mr Farhod Khalikov, Economic Justice Deputy programme Manager, Tajikistan, Ms. Masuda Saidova, Co-ordinator, GEM programme, Tajikistan and Ms. Safamo Gulomova, GEM Program Officer.

Shri. K. P Anil, Private Secretary, LSGD, Shri. M Raghavan, Assistant Private Secretary, LSGD, Shri. Santhosh Kumar.S, Assistant Private Secretary, LSGD, Smt.S. Nisha, Director, Kudumbashree Mission, Shri. Binu Francis, Programme Officer, Shri. Ajith Chacko, Chief Operating Officer, Smt. Jayanthi narendranath, Public Relations Officer and Dr. Rahul. K, Thematic Anchor were also present at the occassion.