M.B. Rajesh, Minister for Local Self Governments, Excise and Parliamentary Affairs, Government of Kerala performed the State Level Inauguration of the E-Cycle Distribution to Kudumbashree NHG members at U Plus Auditorium, Alathur Palakkad on 18 April 2025. K. Krishnankutty, Minister for Electricity, Government of Kerala presided over the function. 

The e-cycle distribution is as part of the 'Sustainable Transport for Rural Entrepreneurs through E- Bicycles' project (STREE),  jointly implemented by the Local Self Government Department, Government of Kerala, Power Department, Government of Kerala and the Ministry of Rural Development (MoRD) as part of the state government's Nava Kerala Action Plan. The programme envisages achieving the goal of net zero emission or carbon neutral Kerala by 2050, energy conservation, capacity building-entrepreneurship development of Kudumbashree members and for reducing travel expenses and for increasing other income. The aim is to help the NHG members to speed up their livelihood activities and thereby help them increase their income. The Minister said.

A total of 600 E-Cycles will be distributed in Kannur, Palakkad districts. 250 e-cycles will be distributed in Palakkad district and 350 e-cycles in Kannur district. Usage of petrol vehicles will result in carbon emission. The aim is to reduce the pollution to the maximum. The e-cycle can travel a distance of 40 km in single charge. For this, only 0.5 units of electricity are required. When charging at home, only Rs 3.5 is spent. Arrangements are also made for the maintenance of the e-cycles. This will be really helpful for Kudumbashree members. The Minister added in his inaugural speech. 

An e-cycle costs Rs. 33,000. The beneficiary will only have to pay Rs 3,000. The Power Department will provide Rs 6,400 and the rest will be provided by the Asian Development Bank. Through this project, the expenses of the families can be reduced. The Minister for Electricity said in his presidential address. 

The keys of the e-bicycles were jointly handed over by the Ministers to Soumya U (Alathur CDS), Suja Sanal (Alathur CDS), Jeena Kabeer (Alathur CDS), Sindhu (Erumayoor CDS), Anju (Erumayoor CDS), Sujitha K (Kavassery CDS), Preethi Kumari (Kavassery CDS), Sunitha Kumari C (Tharoor CDS), Sameena (Erumayoor CDS) and Priya K, (Vadakkancherry CDS). As per the beneficiary selection criteria, women entrepreneurs who are members of the NHGs in rural areas and are below 40 years of age and have to travel five kilometers daily as part of their work were selected by Kudumbashree for the project.

BP Apparatus was handed over by M.B. Rajesh, Minister to Sreedevi from Chittur Municipality. Alathur BUDS School which was selected as the Best BUDS School and the Puthucode Haritha Karma Sena which was selected as the Best Haritha Karma Sena was felicitated by K. Krishnankutty, Minister.

K. K Chandradas, District Mission Co-ordinator, Kudumbashree Palakkad District Mission welcomed the gathering. Subhash Babu B.V. Registrar, Energy Management Centre Kerala, Electricity Department delivered the vote of thanks.  K. Radhakrishnan, MP, Alathur Constituency was the Chief Guest of the function. K.D. Prasenan, MLA,  Alathur Constituency, P.P Sumod, MLA, Tharoor Constituency, K. Binumol, President, District Panchayat, Palakkad were the Guest of Honor. Naveen C, Chief Operating Officer, NRLM & Programme Officer, Kudumbashree presented the project.

Rajani Babu, President, Alathur Block Panchayat, T.K. Devadas, President, Kuzhalmannam Block Panchayat & President, Block Panchayat Presidents Association, Suresh K., President, Lakkidi Perur Grama Panchayat & President,  Kerala Grama Panchayat Presidents Association, Shyni A, President, Alathur Grama Panchayat, A Premakumar, President, Erimayur Grama Panchayat, C. Rameshkumar, President, Kavassery Grama Panchayat, M. Sumathi Teacher, President, Kannambra Grama Panchayat, Kavitha Madhavan, President, Kizhakkencherry Grama Panchayat, I. Hazeena Teacher, President, Puthucode Grama Panchayat, Ramani Teacher, President, Tharoor Grama Panchayat, Lissy Suresh, President, Vadakkancherry Grama Panchayat, Chandran Paruvakkal, Vice President, Alathur Grama Panchayat, Bhavanjeet Singh (Advisor), Amit Sood, (Deputy General Manager), Chetna Gogna (Manager), Deepak Sahni, Manager, officials of Convergence Energy Services Limited (CESL) and Energy Efficiency Services Limited (EESL) and officials of Energy Management Centre Kerala (EMC), Chairpersons of Kizhakkencherry CDS, Vadakkancherry CDS, Erimayur  CDS, Chairperson, Kavassery CDS, Puthucode CDS, Tharoor CDS, Kannambra CDS, representatives of various political parties and other officials were also present at the function.

Kudumbashree NHGs, which is known as the backyard bank, have deposits of Rs. 9369 crores in various banks in the state. Savings creation at the NHG level is part of the micro finance project that Kudumbashree has been implementing since its inception in 1998 to promote the saving habits of ordinary women and meet their personal needs. One of the biggest achievements of Kudumbashree, which has completed its silver jubilee, is the huge investment made by the NHG members so far. Although the project was started with the condition that all members should invest at least Rs. 10 every week, the gradual progress in the number of NHGs and members and their investments has helped the savings to jump into the billions. In addition, through the Sustainable Thrift and Credit Campaign conducted by Kudumbashree Mission during 2024-25, the average weekly savings of the NHG members have been significantly increased. With this, Kudumbashree has also earned the reputation of being the women's fraternity that achieved the highest investment through weekly savings in Asia.

Along with savings, one can also take loans from NHGs. The fact that NHG loans are available at low interest rates without any procedures makes it attractive. By obtaining these loans, one can also avoid the debt trap of private loan lenders. A member can take a loan proportional to the investment according to their needs. If other members permit, they can get more than their own investment amount in the form of a loan. There is an opportunity to take loans in NHGs as personal loans and with mutual guarantees. Till date, Rs. 28723.89 crores have been given to the NHG members in the form of internal loans.

Today, a good section of Kudumbashree entrepreneurs across the state have successfully started their businesses by taking loans from NHGs. They also rely on Kudumbashree loans for various needs such as children's education, house construction, marriage, and medical treatments etc.

Kudumbashree's microfinance project has also played a major role in providing financial literacy to all NHG members in the state. Today, all NHG members have their own bank accounts. 3.07 lakh NHGs have been linked to banks so far. Through this, they have also gained the ability to conduct their own banking transactions and make digital payments. Today, in addition to nationalized banks, new generation banks are also coming forward to provide loans to NHGs. This is due to the accuracy of loan repayments of Kudumbashree members.

The logo of the National SARAS Mela, which will be organized in Kozhikode district from 2 to13 May 2025, was released by Adv. P. A. Mohamed Riyas, Minister for Public Works and Tourism, Government of Kerala by handing over to Beena Philip, Mayor, Kozhikode Corporation on 15 April 2025. The logo designed by Aneesh Puthenchery, a native of Ulliyeri, Kozhikode, was selected as the SARAS logo from the 16 entries received in the Logo Design Competition conducted in connection with the SARAS Mela.

The attractions of the fair include market stalls providing products produced by rural entrepreneurs in India and a food court providing delicacies from various states. The fair will be held at Kozhikode beach.

Ahmed Devarkovil, MLA presided over the logo release ceremony. P.T.A. Rahim, Thottathil Raveendran, K.M. Sachin Dev, MLAs, Sheeja Sasi, President, District Panchayat, Kozhikode, Adv. Gavas, Vice President, District Panchayat, Kozhikode, C.P. Muzaffar Ahmed, Deputy Mayor, Kozhikode Corporation, Muhammed Rafeeq. C, Additional District Magistrate, Kozhikode and Kavitha P.C., District Mission Co-ordinator, Kudumbashree Kozhikode District Mission were also present at the function.

Around 1.26 lakh children took charge as office bearers in the 31,612 Balasabha, the fraternity of children under Kudumbashree, through the elections held on 8 April 2025. The Balasabha Governing Body, which consists of the office bearers of the President, Vice President, Secretary and Joint Secretary, has a term of one year. Two out of the four members of the Balasabha Governing Body are girls. In addition, the posts of President or Secretary is given to a girl member.

Balasabha, which was started as an association of children who attend NHG meetings with their mothers, work towards the all-round development of children. The Balasabha have many objectives, such as preventing the spread of poverty from generation to generation, instilling values such as knowledge acquisition through entertainment, leadership skills, cooperative spirit, scientific aptitude, democratic consciousness, environmental awareness, and personal development in children.

To achieve these objectives, many activities are being carried out through Kudumbashree Balasabha. As the first step in the selection process for the Mind Blowers Liora Fest Summer Camp, one such activity, a Children's Gathering, was organized in the Balasabha on 8 April 2025. The district-level summer camp will be organized in the month of May 2025.

Kudumbashree Snehitha Gender Help Desk, which has provided a safe haven for women and children who are victims of violence, has so far handled 60,889 cases. Out of these, 11,776 people, including women and children, were provided temporary shelter through Snehitha. In 49,113 cases, free legal aid, medical aid and counseling services were also provided in collaboration with the respective District Legal Service Authority. This includes cases that came to Snehitha office in person and tele-cases since it started operations on 23 August 2013.

In the Financial Year 2024-25 alone, Kudumbashree Snehitha handled 6,605 cases. Out of these, 1,692 people, including women and children, were sheltered. Out of the total cases, 1,102 were domestic violence cases and 233 were sexual violence cases against children. In addition, 136 cases related to other forms of violence against children were also handled. The activities related to this are being carried out with the support of the Police and the Child Helpline.

The Snehitha Gender Help Desk is a 24-hour system under the auspices of Kudumbashree to provide various support and assistance to women and children facing various problems in the society. The activities are carried out in collaboration with various departments, including the Department of Women and Child Development. Women and children who come to Snehitha directly with various problems will be provided temporary shelter for a maximum of three days. There are also many cases that require rehabilitation. For this, necessary support is provided in collaboration with various departments and NGOs. Counseling services are also provided to those who need psychological support.

Snehitha also functions as the District-Level Nodal Gender Resource Centre for the Gender Point Person, Vigilant Groups and Gender Resource Centres formed to ensure women's safety at the local level.

Snehitha Gender Resource Centre was started in Ernakulam district on 23 August 2013. Snehitha is currently functioning in all fourteen districts and also as part of the Attappadi Tribal Comprehensive Development Project. Each Snehitha office has 11 employees including two counselors, five service providers, an office assistant, a caretaker and 2 security guards. They work on a shift basis. 

As part of expanding activities of Snehitha Gender Help Desk, Snehitha Extension Centres have been started in police stations under the jurisdiction of 84 DySP / ACP offices in the state in collaboration with the Home Department. The aim of this is to ensure psychological support by deputing Community Counsellors to women and children who come to the police station and need psychological support and welfare. In addition, 11 Snehitha Sub-Centres are also functioning to extend services of Snehitha Gender Help Desk to remote and isolated places.

'Vanasundari Chicken Fest' is being held at Kudumbashree Premium Restaurant in Thiruvananthapuram from 16 to 18 April 2025. Kudumbashree's exclusive food product, Attappadi's 'Vanasundari Chicken', is a dish that has already become a hit at all major food festivals, including the food court organized at the National Saras Mela. The fest is being organized as part of providing an opportunity for food lovers in Thiruvananthapuram to enjoy the 'Vanasundari' Chicken dish. The Vanasundari Fest is being held at Kudumbashree's Premium Cafe Restaurant, which has started operations on the ground floor of a multi-storey building opposite the Government Press near the Secretariat, Thiruvananthapuram.

Vanasundari Chicken is cooked by coating the chicken with a green curry paste which is made by mixing special greens and spices available in Attappadi. It is made without using oil. The dish is prepared by entrepreneurs from the Scheduled Tribe area of Attappadi. They also participated in the Kudumbashree Food Court organized in connection with the 'Vruthi' Conclave.

Kudumbashree's Premium Cafe Restaurant where the Vanasundari Fest is being held is fully air-conditioned and has the capacity to accommodate 50 people at a time. This is Kudumbashree's first premium cafe in the district. Travancore Mini Sadya, Pattom Chicken Curry, King Fish Malhar, Malabar dishes, and Chinese dishes are also available at the Kudumbashree Premium Cafe Restaurant.

Kudumbashree entrepreneurs from Pathanamthitta district prepared and provided around 18,000 cloth bags for the Vruthi Conclave, which was held at Kanakakunnu, Thiruvananthapuram from 9 to 13 April 2025. The bags were prepared by the Nature Bag Unit functioning in Pandalam of Pathanamthitta. 

Kudumbashree received the order for cloth bags from Suchitwa Mission on 4 April 2025. More than 30 members of the unit prepared the bags. Around 10,000 cloth bags were delivered to Kanakakunnu ahead of the conclave inauguration on 9 April 2025. Apart from the Vruthi Conclave, the Nature Bag Unit has also sewn and supplied cloth and jute bags in large quantities for various programmes of Suchitwa Mission, Mission Green Sabarimala and Horti Corp, as well as Onam and Christmas Marketing Fairs.

Nature Bag Unit was started in 2014. They manufacture school bags, ladies bags, purses, laptop bags, file folders, jute bags, hats and all kinds of clothes. Nature Bags is also an Incubation Centre of Kudumbashree. Through this unit, all the necessary training and support is provided to the entrepreneurs working in this sector.

Kudumbashree Kerala Chicken has taken a new step by commercially launching Kerala Chicken Meat Processing Plant at Kadinamkulam of Thiruvananthapuram and inaugurating the Mini Processing Unit at Anayara of Thiruvananthapuram. M.B. Rajesh, Minister for Local Self Governments, Rural Development, Town Planning, Regional Development Authorities, Excise, KILA and Parliamentary Affairs, Government of Kerala performed the commercial launch of the Kerala Chicken Meat Processing unit and the inauguration of the Mini Processing unit on 11 April 2025

Frozen chicken value-added products will be launched through the Meat Processing Plant at Kadinamkulam. Currently, Kudumbashree is launching frozen products in the market through the Kerala Chicken project in collaboration with Meat Products of India. This activity began in January 2025. With the commencement of operations at the Kadinamkulam plant, Kudumbashree will be able to launch Kerala Chicken Frozen Products on its own. Chilled Chicken is being launched in the market through the Mini Processing Unit at Anayara. Various types of chilled chicken products like Al faham cut, Curry cut, Biryani cut, Full chicken and so on will be marketed through this unit.

Chicken is processed and value-added products are prepared in a scientific manner in a semi-automated poultry processing line at the Kadinamkulam plant. Therefore, this chicken will also be at the forefront in terms of quality. These products will be sold through supermarkets under the brand name Kudumbashree Kerala Chicken in the initial phase. Through this, Kudumbashree aims to increase the market for Kerala chicken products, thereby enabling more women to start businesses in this sector and doubling the income of entrepreneurs.

The Government of Kerala launched the Kudumbashree Kerala Chicken Scheme in 2019 to control prices in the broiler marketing sector, provide a steady income to the Kudumbashree NHG members, and produce and market fifty percent of the domestic market of Kerala's broiler chicken within the state itself. Under the Kerala Chicken Scheme, a company called Kudumbashree Broiler Farmers Producer Company Limited (KBFPCL) was also formed to consolidate all the systems for the production, marketing and sale of chicken meat.

Currently, about 450 farms and 140 marketing outlets are operating across Kerala. Through this, about 700 families are able to earn a steady income. Till date, the integration has enabled poultry farmers to get Rs. 33.19 crores and outlet beneficiaries to get Rs. 45.40 crores. In addition, a turnover of Rs. 105 crores was achieved in the last financial year alone. Kudumbashree Kerala Chicken has achieved a turnover of Rs. 354 crores till date.

H. Dineshan IAS, Executive Director, Kudumbashree, Dr. Ranaraj V.R, Programme Officer, Naveen C, Chief Operating Officer, NRLM, Ananthu Mathew George, Administrative Manager, Kerala Chicken, Dr. Reshnu V.C, Production Manager, Kerala Chicken and others participated in the inauguration ceremony.

Kudumbashree is offering opportunity for young women to become executives of Kudumbashree's K for Care (Kudumbashree for Care), a Kudumbashree project to provide professional services to those who need help from someone else in their daily lives, including bedridden patients, the elderly, and the differently-abled. Kudumbashree members, Auxiliary Group members, and Kudumbashree family members between the ages of 25 and 40 can avail this training. They should have passed class 10.

The second phase of the one-month certified course in collaboration with the National Institute of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (NIPMR) will begin on 21 April 2025. 40 people have the opportunity to receive the training. 23 people were trained in the first phase of training conducted in collaboration with NIPMR on 15 March 2025. The K4 Care Programme was started in January 2024.

So far, Kudumbashree has trained 765 people as part of the K4care project. To avail K4care services, one may contact 9188925597.

Kudumbashree's Premium Cafe Restaurant chain, which has captivated the hearts of Keralites with its variety of flavors and the warmth of hospitality, has launched Premium Cafe Restaurants in Thiruvananthapuram and Kottayam districts as part of its second phase of operations on 8 April 2025.

It is after understanding that the greatest excellence of Kudumbashree entrepreneurs is their craftsmanship, the Government started Janakeeya Hotels during the covid period and now Premium Cafe Restaurants, said M.B Rajesh, Minister for Local Self Governments, Rural Development, Town Planning, Regional Development Authorities, Excise, KILA and Parliamentary Affairs, Government of Kerala. The Minister was speaking at the State-Level Inauguration of the Second Phase of the Premium Cafe at Kuravilangad in Kottayam district. The Minister said that like other initiatives of Kudumbashree, the Premium Cafe Restaurant will also be a great success.

Adv. Mons Joseph MLA presided over the function. Jose K Mani MP, Raju John Chitteth, President, Uzhavoor Block Panchayat, Hemalatha Premsagar, President, Kottayam District Panchayat,  Nirmala Jimmy, Former District Panchayat President  and representatives of the three-tier Panchayat were present at the function.

The Premium Cafe is set up on 4,000 square feet near the Kuravilangad Science City. The fully air conditioned restaurant has a capacity to accommodate 75 people at a time and ample parking as well. The restaurant, which is equipped with a disability-friendly layout, serves Indian, Chinese and Arabic cuisine. The restaurant also has a take-a-break facility and a 24-hour bakery. A meeting hall and dormitory facilities have been set up on the second floor. She Lodge will soon be opened on the third floor. All the activities of the Premium Cafe will be led by forty women from various canteen catering units in Kottayam district.

The Premium Cafe, which was opened on the ground floor of a multi-storey building opposite to the Government Press near the Secretariat in Thiruvananthapuram, was inaugurated by Adv. D. Suresh Kumar, President, Thiruvananthapuram District Panchayath.

Travancore mini-sadya, fish malhar, a king fish dish prepared in a clay pot with local spices, Malabar dishes, Pattom chicken curry, and Chinese dishes are available here. In addition, a take away counter and a coffee shop serving local delicacies and drinks have been set up here. Food can also be ordered through Swiggy and Zomato. Lunch can also be purchased from here as part of the Lunch Bell Project. The operating hours of all Premium Cafes are from 7 AM to 11 PM. The food preparation, distribution, and billing, including the work, will be done by Kudumbashree members themselves.

H. Dineshan, Executive Director, Kudumbashree, Geetha Nazeer, Member, Kudumbashree Governing Body, Sreekanth A.S, Dr. Shanavas, Programme Officers, Ramesh G, District Mission Co-ordinator, Kudumbashree Thiruvananthapuram District Mission and Sreelatha B.V. Assistant District Mission Co-ordinator, Kudumbashree Thiruvananthapuram District Mission participated in the programme.

The Premium Cafe Restaurant chain was launched in January 2024 with the aim of modernizing and sustaining enterprises. The first restaurant was opened in Angamaly in Ernakulam district. Later, Premium Cafes were also opened in Wayanad (Meppadi), Kannur, Thrissur (Guruvayur), and Pathanamthitta (Panthalam). After receiving a good response, the project was extended to other districts. Premium Cafe was launched near the Kasaragod District Panchayat Office on 26 March 2025 and in Kottakkal of Malappuram on 6 April 2025. Currently, Premium Cafe has been launched in nine districts. The project has enabled more than 100 women to secure good employment and income.

Premium Restaurants will soon start operating in the districts of Alappuzha (Chengannur Kallissery), Kollam (Karunagappally Vettumukku Junction), Palakkad (Kannambra), and Kozhikode (Koyilandy), which are included in the second phase of the project.