annual report 2009-2010

ANNUAL ADMINISTRATION REPORT

ANNUAL ADMINISTRATION REPORT2009-2010

KUDUMBASHREE

State Poverty Eradication Mission

Trida Building, II Floor, Chalakkuzhy Road

Medical College P.O., Thiruvananthapuram-695011

Tele-0471-2554714, 2554715, 2554716

Email: [email protected] www.kudumbashree.orgCONTENTSTopicPages

1. Introduction4

1.1 Genesis5

1.2 Mission statement of Kudumbashree6

1.3 Structure of Kudumbashree6

1.3.1 Neighbourhood Group7

1.3.2 Area Development Society8

1.3.3 Community Development Society10

1.3.4 Role of CDS12

1.3.5 LSG and the Community Structure12

1.3.6 CDS Action Plan13

1.3.7 Other Interventions22

1.3.8 Award for Best CDS26

2.ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE29

2.1 Governance29

2.2GoverningBody 29

2.3 Executive Committee 30

2.4 District Mission Offices31

3. FUNCTUIONING OF THE MISSION33

3.1 Economic Development33

3.1.1 Micro Finance33

3.1.2 Micro Enterprises38

3.1.3 Samagra51

3.1.4 Collective Farming 57

3.1.5 Urban Poverty Alleviation71

3.2 Social development78

3.2.1 Asraya78

3.2.2 Buds School79

3.2.3 Balasabha, Balapanchayath79

3.2.4 Special tribal project81

3.2.5 Special SC project82

3.2.6 Gender Self Learning84

4. FINANCE90

5. DEPARTMENTAL PUBLICATIONS92

6. IMPLEMENTATION OF RIGHT TO INFORMATION ACT93

7. AWARDS AND REWARDS94

1. INTRODUCTIONWith more than 37 lakh members, Kudumbashree had created a well knit network of women in every village, town and city of Kerala. Through concerted and continuous action sustainable livelihood options for the poor are being developed. Persistent efforts to reach out to the most vulnerable and reached among the poor are also underway.The largest success story of empowering poor women in the villages of Kerala was kicked off in Alappuzha Municipality in 1992, focused on a community-based and participatory approach to planning and implementing poverty reduction programme. Kudumbashree is envisaged not only as a Mission, but also as a process, a project and a delivery mechanism for the poor.

The 12 years of Kudumbashree have been on a very sharp learning curve. Unraveling the complexities of circumstances exacerbating poverty, finding processes that work, and processes that do not, finding new livelihood options, improving upon existing options, seeking partnerships for empowerment all these have contributed to ensuring that kudumbashree continues to grow and learn. Some of the development imperatives that we had to find answers for are indicated below: How do we enable women of the network to move beyond agency? What should be the relationship between a community organisation of women and a local self government where both strive towards development and poverty alleviation? How do women leaders of the network learn to respect and appreciate the deeper vulnerabilities of the poorer in their midst?

How can women look at the social issues that lead to their marginalization in a seemingly inclusive society, and understand the gender dimensions of disenfranchisement?

These questions have given rise to certain processes that are transforming the nature of the network and the development space it occupies. Through that change, a sustainable model for community based poverty eradication is slowly gathering momentum.

1.1. GenesisThe decentralisation experiment in Kerala and the transfer of powers to local governments came in two bursts. First, in October 1995, when the decision to transfer most of the development institutions to local governments along with staff was taken, and the second, in August 1996 when the decision to transfer about a third of State Plan resources to local governments was announced and the Peoples Plan Campaign launched. Alongside this, it was decided to universalise the Anti-Poverty Programme of the State under the name of Kudumbashree. The concept of Kudumbashree sought to match the energy of the self-help group movement with the need for a community platform to interface with local self governments. This anti-poverty programme had evolved through a long phase of experimentation. The Urban Basic Services for the Poor (UBSP) implemented in Alappuzha Municipality in 1992 focused on a community-based and participatory approach to planning and implementing poverty reduction programme. This was when the nine point index for identifying families at risk of poverty was first evolved. The promise of the initiative prompted Government to launch the pilot programme in Malappuram district of Kerala, in November 1994, under the Community Based Nutrition Programme (CBNP implemented with UNICEF support). Almost simultaneously, the Government decided to give universal coverage of the programme for urban areas in December 1994. The formal launch of Kudumbashree was on May 18, 1998. The crux of the strategy was to

a) Create a strong network of neighbourhood groups across all wards of the state

b) Federate the network at the level of the panchayat

c) Increase the presence of the poor in the grama sabhas

d) Bring voice to women in the decentralized planning process

e) Create spaces for poor women to interface with local governments through the anti poverty sub plan, womens component plan etc

f) Use micro finance as the means of accessing affordable credit through formal financial institutions NHGs would link up with banks directly, and the federated structure would become the facilitator and liaison with the bank.

The Kudumbashree network developed across the state in three phases. By March 2002, the entire state was brought under the Kudumbashree network Today the community network of kudumbashree covers every grama panchayat and over 90% (17486) of the panchayat wards of the state. There are 2.04 lakh NHGs, in which women from 37.43 lakh families participate. Nearly one in every two households of Kerala has a representative in Kudumbashree. The coverage of the poor is nearly universal. The only families remaining to be covered are outliers in remote tribal hamlets, migrant women and sections of the coastal population. Built around three critical components micro credit, entrepreneurship and empowerment the Kudumbashree initiative has today succeeded in addressing the basic needs of the less privileged women thus providing them with a more dignified life and a better future. Kudumbashree differs from conventional programmes in that it perceives poverty not just as the deprivation of money, but also as the deprivation of basic rights. The poor need to find a collective voice to help claim these rights.

1.2. Mission Statement of KudumbashreeTo eradicate absolute poverty through concerted community action under the leadership of local governments, by facilitating organization of the poor for combining self-help with demand-led convergence of available services and resources to tackle the multiple dimensions and manifestations of poverty, holistically.

Kudumbashree is not only envisaged as a Mission, but also as a process, a project and a delivery mechanism for the poor. Kudumbashree, through concerted and continuous action, had created sustainable livelihood options to the poorest of the poor in the society. Kudumbashree has been continuously evolving, and today has moved on from micro finance to local economic development. From seeking to provide welfare to the poor, we are enabling the poor to claim entitlements. The search has also been one of transforming participation to citizenship.

1.3. Structure of KudumbashreeThe Community Based Organisation, Kudumbashree, conceived of poverty as a basket of relative deprivations and vulnerabilities and has developed an innovative methodology to identify the poor using non-economic parameters. The poor thus identified were organised under a well-networked Community Based Organisation (CBO). This methodology has since been incorporated into the policy framework of the State for the identification of the underprivileged.

The Kudumbashree community organisation is a three-tiered structure with its apex tier anchored in the local self governments. The three tiers are:

Neighbourhood groups (NHGs) Groups of 10-20 women from the same neighbourhood form the foundation of the structure

Area Development Society (ADS) Federation of NHGs within a ward of the LSG

Community Development Society (CDS) Registered Society as the Federation of ADS within the LSG

1.3.1 Neighbourhood Group (NHG)

The lowest tier constitutes the Neighbourhood Group with 10 to 20 women members selected from economically backward families. Meetings are convened on a weekly basis in the houses of NHG members. In the weekly meeting all members bring their thrift, which will be collected and recycled, to the system by way of sanctioning loans.

In each Neighbourhood Group from among the poor women five office-bearers are selected for undertaking various functional activities.

1. Community Health-Education Volunteer

2. Income generation activities volunteer (IGA)

3. Infrastructure Volunteer

4. Secretary

5. PresidentSalient Features of the NHG

MembershipWomen 18 years of age and above from economically weaker families from the area covered by the group;

Membership limited to one from a family, but other women family members can take part in discussions and activities

All members of the NHG form the General Body

Special NHG for ST Communities

Executive Committee 5 membersPresident, Secretary, Income Generation Volunteer, Health & Education Volunteer, Basic Infrastructure Volunteer

Affiliation with CDSTo be renewed every year

Election of Executive CommitteeOnce in three years; At the special meeting of the NHG convened for the purpose, as part of the general election process in the CDS; Either the President or Secretary should be from a BPL family; Same person can be President or Secretary only for two consecutive terms

FundFund of the NHG made up of membership fees, interest and penal interest earned from lending to members, donations, receipts from activities etc.

Thrift and creditCollection of thrift on a regular basis and its accounting; Managing thrift account with local bank; Lending to members from thrift funds based on terms developed by the group

Bank linkageObtain grading as per NABARD grading norms

Bank linkage for graded groups

Activity GroupsMembers from the NHG alone or along with members of other NHGs form activity groups for micro enterprises, joint liability groups etc.

Records maintained by NHGMinutes book, Membership Register, Thrift Register, Loan Register, Monthly Report of Thrift and Credit, Membership fees and penalty register, Assets register, Revolving Fund Grants-Aid register, Affiliation file, Micro Enterprise Register, Bank Pass book, Annual Receipts and Payment Statement and Audited accounts

AuditAccounts of the NHG are audited by the Kudumbashree Accounting and Auditing Service Society (KAASS); Internal audit is taken up by the NHG

1.3.2 Area Development Society (ADS)

The second tier is the Area Development Society, which is formed at ward- level by federating all the NHGs in the ward. The activities and the decision in the ADS are decided by the representatives of the women elected from various NHGs. The Area Development Society consists of:

1) General Body Consists of all Presidents, Secretaries & three sectoral volunteers of the federated NHGs.

2) Governing Body Consists of seven member governing body elected from the general body. The seven member governing body consists of ADS chairperson, ADS vice-chairperson and ADS secretary.

The following are the ex-officio members of ADS general body and governing body.

1. ICDS/Anganvadi worker

2. Saksharatha prerak

3. Two experienced ex-ADS office bearers

4. Local Junior public health nurse

There is also provision for proportionate representation of SC/ST members in the Committee.

Salient Features of the ADS

General BodyOne ADS per ward of the LSG (if at least two NHG in the ward); Five members from each NHG within the ADS area form the General Body; Ward Member / Municipal Councillor of the Ward to be Patron of the ADS

Special ADS for wards with at least one Special NHG of ST communities

Executive CommitteeSeven Members Committee elected by the General Body, including three office-bearers elected by the General Body - Chairperson, Vice-Chairperson, Secretary; Ex-officio members of the Executive Committee ICDS Worker, Literacy worker and JPHN nominated by the LSG Council, Two ex-ADS members co-opted by the Executive Committee; SC&ST proportionate membership through election or nomination

The ADS Executive Committee will have Income Generation Volunteer, Health & Education Volunteer and Basic Infrastructure Volunteer

ElectionOnce in three years; As part of the General Election process

Responsibility for NREGSThe ADS shall be responsible for the implementation of NREGS works in its area; ADS members to be Mates by rotation

Records maintained by ADSMinutes book, Notice Book, General Body- Executive Committee membership register, Affiliation Register, Cash Book, General Ledger, Stock register, Micro Enterprise Register, Bank Pass book, Annual Receipts and Payment Statement and Audited accounts, Monthly report of thrift and credit activities of NHGs; NREGS records

AuditAccounts of the ADS are audited by the Kudumbashree Accounting and Auditing Service Society (KAASS); Internal audit is taken up by the ADS

1.3.3 Community Development Society (CDS)At the Panchayat / Municipal level a Community Development Society (CDS), a registered body under the Travancore-Cochin Literacy Scientific and Charitable Societies Act, is formed by federating all ADSs in the local bodies. The CDS consists of 1. General Body -It consists of all ADS members and ADS Governing Body members. 2. Governing Body -The Governing Body consists of Chairperson, Vice-chairperson, Vice-President, Member Secretary (Ex-officio member).

The CDS general body and governing body also consists of five women elected representatives and two experienced ex-CDS representatives as ex officio members.

Salient Features of the CDS

General BodyExecutive Committee members of all ADS in the LSG area (seven each)

Executive CommitteeElected members from the General Body one per ADS, Not more than five women LSG members, two ex-CDS members co-opted by the Committee

Office-bearersChairperson, Vice-Chairperson, five Sub-committee conveners Micro Finance (Vice-Chairperson to be Micro Finance sub-committee convener), Micro Enterprise, Social Development, Basic Infrastructure, NREGS & Farming

Member-Secretary Officer appointed by the LSG

RegistrationOne time registration as a Society; Annual renewal of registration as per Act

AuditAccounts of the CDS are audited by a Chartered Accountant (with support of KAASS); Internal audit is taken up by the CDS

AccountantAppointed by CDS; Salary for first two years paid by Kudumbashree Mission; 50% of salary supported in third and fourth years

Participation of vulnerable group

The modified byelaw provides for ensuring proportionate representation of the SC and ST communities as well as for special ADS to cater to the requirement of specific vulnerable groups.

CoverageThe Kudumbashree Community Organisation network is present in all the 999 Gram Panchayats, 53 Municipalities and five Corporations in Kerala.

Number of NHGs2.03 lakh

Total families covered37.37 lakh

Number of ADS17486

Number of CDS1061

1.3.4 Role of CDS1.LSG liaison

2.Linkage Banking co-ordination

3.Information Dissemination

4.Community network Strengthening Activity

5.Facilitating Income Generating Activity

6.Facilitating Identification of Poor for the purpose of LSG led Development Programmes.

7.Articulation of Community demand for Development

8.Leadership of NHGs

9.LSG Plan Intervention

-Anti Poverty Sub Plan

-Women Component Plan

-Local Economic Development

10.Legal Literacy

11.Facilitation of Centrally Sponsored Schemes

1.3.5 LSG and the Community Structure

The Community Structure is embedded in the local self-government, but has an autonomous functional character of its own. The Social Welfare Standing Committee of the LSG is responsible for monitoring and guidance of the community structure as part of its constitutionally-mandated role. The CDS Evaluation Committee is the formal mechanism that brings together the LSG and the Community Structure.

Evaluation Committee

The Evaluation Committee of the CDS is chaired by the President of the Gram Panchayat. Vice-President of the GP, Chairpersons of Standing Committees of the GP and LSG Secretary are members of the Committee. The CDS Chairperson, Sub-committee conveners and Member-Secretary represent the CDS. Officers of Line Departments attached to the LSG (Agriculture, Animal Husbandry, ICDS etc.) and managers of banks/financial institutions in the GP are also members of the Evaluation Committee. The Evaluation Committee serves as the platform for bringing about convergence in the implementation of development activities in the LSG. It approves the CDS Action plan, and ensures that the activities proposed in the Action Plan find place in the allocation plans of the LSG and line departments and credit plans of financial institutions.

1.3.6 CDS Action Plan

The CDS Action Plan is an annual demand plan, consolidating development requirements from the NHG to the CDS level. Objectives of the CDS Action Plan are the following: Enable participatory, bottom-up consolidation of development demands in the community

Provide a tool for the local self government to converge resources for community development and poverty alleviation from various sources

Act as the basis for monitoring performance and achievements of the community network and supporting structures

Process of CDS Action Plan

NHG level information collection

Consolidation at ADS level

Consolidation at CDS level

Preparation of Action Plan

Discussion and approval by CDS Executive Committee

Discussion and approval by Social Welfare Standing Committee of LSG

Discussion, approval and fund allocation by Evaluation Committee

Final approval by LSG CouncilComponents of CDS Action Plan

General Information of the CDS

Micro Finance activities

Bank linkage, matching grant and Interest subsidy scheme

Micro Enterprises

New demand

Strengthening existing enterprises

Placement oriented training demands

Collective farming

Marketing support activities

Balasabha

Ashraya

CDS Annual BudgetFormulation of Annual CDS Action Plan 2009-10In 2009-10, Kudumbashree Mission developed a procedure and direction mechanism to formulate annual action plan for all CDSs. The main objective of the annual CDS action plan was to integrate plans and schemes of local bodies, government agencies, without duplication. This would help the community organisation gain maximum benefits. In short, the CDS action plan shall be called a demand plan.

The CDS action plan envisages convergence of local bodies and different departments into the activities of Kudumbashree. The structure of the action plan is set so as to deliver maximum benefits for the NHGs.Method of ConvergenceThe action plan provides an array of details on anti poverty sub-plan, SCP/TSP, local economic development sub-plan, National rural employment guarantee scheme, women component plan, special programmes and schemes for children, aged and differently abled people. The details would form as a base for building concepts through which specific programmes could be established. Also it serves as a foundation for planning projects pertaining to special supplementary nutrition programme and palliative care support for the aged, pension for differently abled people, assistance for buds special schools including learning material procurement and distribution, distribution of supplementary food, honorarium for buds school teachers and health security packages. It also enables the local bodies to integrate parts of Ashraya projects in the implementation level.

Participation of Evaluation Committee

The evaluation committee constituted by Kudumbashree is accountable and responsible for the stages of CDS action plan, subjects referred in CDS action plan, successfully deciding on convergence and integration of schemes and programmes of different departments and developmental agencies of the government. In order to bring action plan in tune of the needs and demands, special evaluation committee meetings are held from time to time. In accordance with the CDS action plans, an activity calendar is formulated for implementation procedure.

Formulation process of action plan

The formulation process of the action plan was done by mass participation from the NHGs. The process of approval of action plan is listed below:

Planning at NHG level

Consolidation at ADS/ward level

Standardisation at CDS level

Scrutiny of the draft action plan by the respective Panchayat welfare standing committee

Scrutiny by evaluation committee of Kudumbashree (opportunities for converging the programmes and schemes pertaining to local economic development, government departments)

Recommendations from evaluation committee to be incorporated by CDS

Submission for approval of action plan by governing council of the local body

Implementation of annual action plan approved by governing council of the local body

Simple formats were developed for collection and consolidation of the details pertaining to CDS action plan.

As part of the preparation of the annual CDS action plan, special NHG meetings, ADS/CDS workshops and block level trainings were organised.

Sl.NoActivityParticipation

1Participation in the special NHG meetings1500000

2Trainings for the CDS executive committee21000

3Block level workshops7000

Strategies for institutionalizing the activities of evaluation committeeSpecial trainings were conducted by Kudumbashree Mission to observe the CDS level activities, to set and give guidelines in order to institutionalise the evaluation committee. These trainings enabled the committees to properly intervene in different stages of planning and implementation. A resource pool of panchayat presidents were deputed to take leadership and give guidelines during trainings. Trainings were given to 1,228 evaluation committee members.

CDS level special training on CDS action plan

The CDS executive members underwent special trainings on capacity building for the implementation of CDS action plan. The trainings were planned at CDS level. Context specific training modules were developed so as to incorporate the needs and demands of the respective CDSs. The main objective of these trainings was to capacitate CDS governing council to logically implement different projects cited in the action plans.

Training methodThe delegation from the State Mission visited selected CDS, explained and clarified the method for evaluating the action plan. Special meetings of the evaluation committee of these CDSs were held to scrutinize the progress of the CDS on the basis of the action plan. The meetings were effective to deliver the guidelines for speeding up the activities of CDSs. In accordance with the meetings, follow up trainings were conducted under the leadership of District Mission team and selected resource persons. The trainer resource persons were assigned responsibilities by fixing targets and results. In addition to this, mock presentations of the CDS committee/ evaluation committee were held at districts with the participation of CDS office-bearers and resource persons. This training method enabled Kudumbashree to implement the CDS action plan effectively. The trainings formed a major component in achieving the plan expenditure of Rs. 125 crore.

Participation of CDS executives and Resource Persons in the Special workshopsSl.NoDistrictSpecial training at CDS level (DMT+RP)Participation in the District level workshop

Name of the CDSParticipation

1TrivandrumKalliyoor30300

Kottukal50

2KollamSasthamkotta40225

3PathanamthittaPandalam Thekekara30175

4AlapuzhaAryaad35250

5KottayamKurichy40600

6

Idukki

Kanjiyaar

Upputhara30200

30

7ErnakulamEdathala40575

8ThissurVaravur50600

9PalakkadElapully40600

10MalapuramThazhekkadu35200

11KozhikkodeKuruvetoor30275

12WayanadMuttil30200

13KannurAnjarakandy

Thillankeri25300

25

14KasargodeUduma30300

Total5904800

Participation in the CDS level special workshops

Sl.NoDistrictNo of participants

1Trivandrum1,334

2Kollam1,226

3Pathanamthitta758

4Alapuzha1,117

5Kottayam1,152

6Idukki1,363

7Ernakulam750

8Thrissur1,481

9Palakkad1,451

10Malappuram1,845

11Kozhikkode1,326

12Wayanad434

13Kannur1,264

14Kasargode647

Total

16,148

Skill training for CDS executives

In order to capacitate leadership, administrative and implementation skills, skill trainings were conducted for CDS chairpersons, Vice-chairpersons and subcommittee conveners. The responsibility of training was vested on Kudumbashree- EKSAT units. The skill training focused on increasing the knowledge and understanding of management skills, procedure for reporting, organisational framework and programme implementation methods adhered in the 3 tier organisational system.

Details on participation

Sl.NoDistrictTotal CDS Participation

No: of CDS chairpersons Sub committee convenersTotal

1Trivandrum782683109

2Kollam7129121150

3Pathanamthitta5441167208

4Alapuzha7354214268

5Kottayam75237295

6Idukki523280112

7Ernakulam8883379462

8Thrissur9241111152

9Palakkad9148179227

10Malappuram10289295384

11Kozhikkode7834112146

12Wayanad252586111

13Kannur8174256330

14Kasargode39187795

Total99961722322849

Training of the CDS accountants

Orientation training on Kudumbashree was given to the newly recruited CDS accountants. It primarily dealt with various programmes of Kudumbashree and characteristic features of the organisational structure. It was held between 25th and 30th of August 2009 in different trainings of Trivandrum district. Members of the EKSAT units and resource persons of Kudumbashree formed the faculty team. Details of participation are listed below:

Sl.NoDistrictParticipation

1Trivandrum82

2Kollam74

3Pathanamthitta47

4Alapuzha75

5Kottayam72

6Idukki38

7Ernakulam88

8Thrissur73

9Palakkad67

10Malappuram70

11Kozhikkode57

12Wayanad21

13Kannur49

14Kasargode42

Total855

Training of Mates- National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme

Kudumbashree in co-ordination with SIRD has already developed an action plan for special skill training for Kudumbashree Mates with respect to Planning, Implementation & Monitoring of NREGS. Training for 64,557 mates has been provided in the first phase taking 4 per ADS. The training was conducted with the support of SIRD- ETC faculties & Kudumbashree Resource persons. Identity cards in approved formats with photos attached & certificates were distributed for the mates who attended the training programme. Second phase of the training has now started.

The details of participants of the training are given below.

sl.nodistrictno of mates

1Trivandrum4,600

2Kollam3,711

3Pathanamthitta2,882

4Alapuzha2,900

5Kottayam4,100

6Idukki2,247

7Ernakulam5,232

8Thrissur4,557

9Palakkad5,537

10Malappuram12,885

11Kozhikkode4,830

12Wayanad1,292

13Kannur4,407

14Kasargode2,400

Total61,580

Orientation Programme for Kudumbashree OfficialsSpecial trainings were conducted for the entire Kudumbashree officials & consultants in KILA, Thrissur on 11th & 12th August 2009 to implement project worth Rs.100 crore in the financial year 2009-10 as per the CDS action plan. The objective of the programme was to capacitate the District Mission to implement the programme in a time-bound manner with due care on the functional strategies & implementation procedures. All the officials of the State/ District mission, two Resource persons per district, KAASS members, MECs & EKSAAT members participated in the programme with the total participation of 278 persons.

Special training for CDS member secretaries

Special awareness programme for CDS Member-Secretaries were conducted in Thiruvananthapuram from January 10th to 30th to provide sufficient information regarding various programmes & implementation procedures of Kudumbashree. Handbooks were distributed to the participants as part of the workshop. The participant details are furnished below.

sl.nodistrictTotal CDSParticipation

1Trivandrum7860

2Kollam7159

3Pathanamthitta5453

4Alapuzha7359

5Kottayam7565

6Idukki52

74

7Ernakulam8844

8Thrissur9277

9Palakkad9165

10Malappuram10274

11Kozhikkode7860

12Wayanad2521

13Kannur8161

14Kasargode3937

Total999809

1.3.7 Other InterventionsMicro Enterprise Consultants Meet

To make the MECs self-reliant, the authorities organised an MEC meet that was held in Mar Gregorious Centre, Thiruvananthapuram on 2009 December 28 -30. 240 MECs attended the programme.Trainings for Clean Well Units

Kudumbashree members who are engaged in Solid waste management need awareness regarding safety measures that should be adopted and responsibility in delivering timely service. Kudumbashree proposed trainings for these groups with the help of EKSAAT faculties. The training module was designed in such a way that the faculties would travel along with the groups, observe their activities and rectify the unnecessary practices. As a first phase, the clean well units of Thiruvananthapuram were trained. Committee FormationSpecial Sub Committee Formation of District Planning Committee

A special sub committee has been formed to review the activities of Kudumbashree under various LSG departments of districts and to bring necessary control. The Government has issued orders incorporating the following members under the surveillance of District Planning Committee. The evaluation would be made based on the report prepared by the District Mission Coordinator. The report evaluates the progress in the implementation of the Kudumbashree programmes in LSGs compared to the projects envisaged in the CDS Action plan.

Structure of sub committee

1. District Planning Committee chairman

2. District Planning committee Secretary

3. Four representatives selected by the District Planning Committee (District Planning committee member - Panchayat - Municipal level)

4. Members of Kudumbashree Governing Body of Districts

5. Kudumbashree District Mission coordinator

6. Asst. Development Commissioner(General)

7. Panchayat Deputy Director

Criteria for Evaluation

1. Progress of implementation of Kudumbashree Action Plan

2. Asraya Project

3. Samagra Projects

4. SC/ST Projects

5. BUDS Special School

6. Bank Linkage activities

7. Centrally Sponsored Schemes (Urban Areas)

Modified Guidelines with regard to duties & responsibilities of Member-Secretaries

Guidelines specifying the duties and responsibilities of Kudumbashree Member-Secretaries were unavailable. Similarly, the responsibilities that the Member-Secretaries have to carry out too were vague. Member-Secretaries play a crucial role in linking Kudumbashree activities in various LSGs and the official responsibility is vested upon them. At this juncture specific guidelines became inevitable and the guidelines designed by the State Mission detailing the roles & responsibilities of Member Secretaries got Government approval and orders.

Development of Corpus Fund for members of NREG- ST sectors

Kudumbashree has developed a tailormade wage distribution mechanism and implementation procedure to ensure the participation of SC members in the NREGS programme. The mission developed this pattern on the basis of field studies of the models followed by the districts and discussion with NREGS workers, CDS members, Mates and ST Promoters. The Government also has approved to pilot the new pattern of wage distribution. The new pattern piloted is that the women ST workers would get a part of their daily wages i.e Rs.50/- in three days so that daily households needs could be met without a break, and without having to resort to informal loans.. For the purpose a Special corpus Fund has been formed at the ADS level.

Increment in CDS HonorariumAs per the Kudumbashree Governing Body decision the Grama CDS chairpersons honorarium has been revised based on specific conditions and criteria to a minimum of Rs.1500/- and a maximum of Rs.3000/- as on 01/12/2009.

Increase in CDS Administrative Grant

Financial aid for meeting the daily expenses of CDS administration activities for the smooth and active functioning of the CDSs is being given in the form of Administrative Grant. When the new CDS bylaw came into force, the areas of functioning and responsibilities of CDS became wider. To fulfill the duties properly the Kudumbashree Governing Body decided to revise the Administrative Grant. It has been revised to a minimum of Rs.2200/- and a maximum of Rs.3500/- as per 29/04/2010.

Introduction of honorarium for CDSs in Urban areas

In the case of CDSs in Urban Local bodies no provision for honorarium has been made. Like rural CDSs the urban CDSs also takes care of Kudumbashree activities along with the Poverty reduction programmes of ULBs. Taking this into consideration the Kudumbashree Governing body decided to provide honorarium for Urban CDSs from SJSRY fund.

Special Development Packages for CDSs

Special Development Packages for CDSs who are backward in activities has been developed. The mission has developed an action plan for those CDSs who are weak in the implementation of programmes and activities. The situation of these CDSs would be analysed taking care of each element and based on the analyses, special action oriented packages would be designed. Kasaragode District Mission prepared a special action plan and implemented a Rs.11 lakh-project to strengthen the CDSs of Delam padi, Mogrul Puthur, Madhur and 10 CDSs in Manjeswaram blocks. The programmes are planned with the participation of Kudumbashree Resource Persons. Special Financial aid for Kudumbashree organisational systems office-bearers

The Governing Body of Kudumbashree has decided to provide special financial assistance to the families of the three tier organisational systems office-bearers and women resource persons in case of emergencies such as unexpected diseases or deaths due to accidents. The support would be provided from Kudumbashree Own fund. On account of this Rs.15,000/- has been issued from Kudumbashree Own fund for the families of former CDS chairperson of Kothamangalam- Sheela Vijayan, Edakkattuvayal CDS Chairperson(former) and Kudumbashree resource person Geetha Andrew for their childrens education.

CDS action plan for the financial year 2010-11

Modifications have been made in the methodology & implementation formats for the CDS action plan preparation. The modified formats are used in the preparation of CDS action plan for the financial year 2010-11. The action plan has ensured necessary information for the implementation of various programmes/ projects such as the Anti-Poverty Sub-plan, SC/ST sub plans, sub-plans in Local Economic Development, NREGS, Women Component Plan, special programmes for the Physically & mentally challenged ones , children and the elderly.

Trainings- Preparation of CDS Action PlanKudumbashree has conducted training programmes for the successful implementation of programmes as per the time-bound CDS action plan. As the first phase trainings for resource persons were conducted on 25-26th January 2010 in view of formation of CDS action of Grama Panchayats, 188 resource persons attended the training. Similarly, around 301 persons attended the training programme conducted for the preparation of Municipal-Corporation CDSs action plan. The trainings conducted in District/ Block/ Panchayat levels as part of project formulation is furnished below.

sl.notraning/ levelparticipantsnos

1District level trainingsResource persons332

2Block level trainingsCDS Chairpersons, Vice- Chairpersons, Sub committee conveners of CDS Executive Committee, CDS Member Secretary, CDS Accountant8,289

3Municipal level trainingsCDS Executive members, Member Secretary, CDS Accountants890

4Panchayat level trainingsCDS Executive members11,525

5ADS level trainings7 member Executive committee members12,5845

6NHG level trainings5 member Committee members8,42,587

1.3.8 Award for best CDSs

From the financial year 2009-10, Kudumbashree Governing Body has decided to introduce awards for best CDSs who show excellent performance in Kudumbashree activities. The award would be based on the Swaraj model. For the best CDS selection and award finalisation special committees at State- District levels has been formed. The Government has issued orders/ guidelines for CDS elections. According to the government guidelines and orders the following CDSs has been selected as the best rural - urban CDSs. Those CDSs who won the State level award has been provided Rs.2,50,000/- (Rupees Two lakh Fifty thousand) and those who received special awards were provided Rs.1,00,000/-(Rupees one lakh) & those who won District level selection were provided Rs.50,000/-(Rupees Fifty thousand) as cash prize.

Best CDSs at State Level

Sl.no

Best CDSs

RuralDistrictUrbanDistrict

1NenmeniWayanadKuthuparambaKannur

2PananmaramWayanadChavakkadThrissur

3NedumkandamIdukkiMattannurKannur

4Kinanoor KarinthalamKasaragodeKangangaduKaseragode

5ThillankariKannurMalappuramMalappuram

CDSs who received Special Awards

1. Bedaduka CDS( Kasragode)

2. Thiruvaniyoor CDS(Ernakulam)

CDSs that have turned up within the first five at District Levels

Sl.noDistrictCDSs

1Thiruvananthapuram1. Kottukal

2. Karumkulam

3. Tholikkodu

4. Karode

5. Kollayil

2Kollam1. Piravanthoor

2. Thekkumbhagam

3. Kulathupuzha

4. Vilakudi

5. Ittiva

3Pathanamthitta1. Vallikode

2. Kalanjoor

3. Malayalapuzha

4. Ayiroor

5. Konni

4Alappuzha1. Kanjikuzhi

2. Pulinkunnu

3. Pathiyur

4. Mannancheri

5. Pallippad

5Kottayam1. Ettumanoor

2. T.V.Puram

3. Thidanad

4. Bharananganam

5. Vazhur

6Idukki1. Karunapuram

2. Nedumkandam

3. Pampadumpara

4. kanjikuzhi

5. Upputhara

7Ernakulam1. Thiruvaniyoor

2. Edathala

3. Rayamangalam

4. Vadakkekkara

5. Pambakuda

8Thrissur1. Nadathara

2. Velookkara

3. Amada

4. Muriyadu

5. Thrikkur

9Palakkad1. Elappulli

2. Alathur

3. Kumaramputhur

4. Nagalasseri

5. Puthukode

10Malappuram1. Nilambur

2. Alamkode

3. Muthedam

4. Thiruvali

5. Niramaruthur

11Kozhikkode1. Kavilumpara

2. Kakkodi

3. Balusseri

4. Perambra

5. Payyoli

12Wayanad1. Nenmeni

2. Panamaram

3. Sulthanbatheri

4. Muttil

5. Ambalavayal

13Kannur1. Thillankari

2. Cheruthazham

3. Cherupuzha

4. Sreekantapuram

5. Peravur

14Kasaragode1. Bedaduka

2. Kinanoor Karinthalam

3. Ajanur

4. Nileswaram

5. Madikkai

2. ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE2.1 Governance

Governance of the Mission is done by the Governing Body and Executive Committee. The Governing Body takes policy level decisions and reviews performance of the Mission on a regular basis. Executive directions for scheme formulation and execution are taken in the Executive Committee.

2.2 Governing Body

The Management and Administration of the Mission is vested with a Governing Body with Minister (LSG) as Chairman and Principal Secretary LSG as the Vice-Chairman. The Executive Director is the Chief Executive of the Mission who is responsible for the overall management & administration and implementation of the project as per the byelaw of the Mission. As per G.O. (Rt) No.3320/06/LSGD dated 26-12-2006, Government have reconstituted the governing body with the following members.

Governing Body members

1. Honble Minister for Local Self Govt. -Chairman

2. Principal Secretary (LSGD) -Vice-chairman

3. Prof. R.Bindu, W. Mayor, Thrissur Corporation -Member

4. Smt. Subaida Ishaak, District Panchayat President, Palakkad-Member5. Adv. Smitha Gopi, Chairperson, Aluva Municipality-Member6. Sri.D.Sureshkumar, Ex-Chairman, Punalur Municipality-Member7. Smt.P.Baby Balakrishnan, President, Block Panchayat, Kanhangad, Kasaragod -Member8. Shri.P.AyyappanPillai, Ex-President, Block Panchayat, Vellanad, Thiruvananthapuram-Member9. Smt. Beena Sunny, President, Puzhakkattiri Grama Panchayat, Malappuram-Member10. Smt. M.Lekshmy, President, Udma GramaPanchayat, Kasaragod-Member11. Dr.T.N.Seema, TC 42/366(1), Parambil Junction, Vallakkadavu, Thiruvananthapuram (Member of Parliament, Rajya Sabha)

12. Smt. Fathima Abdulkhader, Pampinezhathu, Mathilakam, Thrissur

13. Shri. M.K.Sudheerkumar, Ex-President, Mangattidam (Sree, Ayithrambram.P.O, Koothuparamba, Kannur

14. Dr.M.Beena I.A.S, District Collector, Ernakulam

15. Secretary, Local Self Government (Urban) Department

16. Secretary, Finance Department

17. Secretary, Social Welfare Department

18. Secretary, SC/ST Department

19. Secretary, Health & Family Welfare Department

20. Secretary, General Education Department

21. Director, Panchayats

22. Director, Urban Affairs

23. Member Secretary, State Planning Board

24. Chief General Manager, NABARD Regional Office , Thiruvananthapuram

25. Chairperson, State Commission for Women

2.3 Members of the Executive Committee

As per G.O. (MS) No.70/08/LSGD dated 11-3-2008, government have constituted the Executive Committee with the following members.

1. Principal Secretary, LSGD -Chairman

2. Director of Panchayats -Member

3. Representative from Finance Dept. -Member

4. Director, Urban Affairs -Member

5. Commissioner for Rural Development -Member

6. Dr.T.N Seema -Member of Parliament, GB Member

7. Executive Director, Kudumbashree -Convenor

2.4 Kudumbashree State and District Mission

The Mission has a State Mission Office located at Thiruvananthapuram and 14 District Mission Teams located at the district headquarters. The Head Quarters of the Mission is functioning from the TRIDA Rehabilitation Building, 2nd floor, Medical College. P.O, Thiruvananthapuram.

DISTRICT MISSION OFFICES

1District Mission Co-Ordinator

Kudumbashree, Dist.Panchayat Building

Pattom, Thiruvananthapuram

Ph-0471-2447552


Kudumbashree

Civil Station, Collectorate, Kollam

Ph-0474-02794692


Kudumbashree, Civil Station, Collectorate

Pathanamthitta, Ph-0468-2221807


Kudumbashree, Valiyakulam Jn., Thiruvambadi P.O.

Alappuzha, Ph-0477-2254104


Kudumbashree, District Panchayath Office

Kottayam, Ph-0481-2302049



Idukki, Ph-0486-2232223


Kudumbashree, Royal Plaza Building, Kalpetta Main road

Wayanad

Ph- 04936-206589


Kudumbashree, Civil Station, Collectorate, Ernakulam

Ph-0484-3210521



Thrissur, Ph-0487-2362517



Palakkad, Ph-0491-2505627


Kudumbashree, District CBNP Office

Collectorate Campus, Malappuram, Ph-0483-2733470



Kozhikode, Ph-0495-2373678


Kudumbashree, Near Yathri Nivas,

Kannur, Ph-0497-2702080



Kasargode,Ph-04994-2561119

3. FUNCTIONING OF THE MISSIONSchemes under Kudumbashree3.1 Economic Development

3.1.1 Micro finance

1. Thrift and Credit

Kudumbashree promotes Neighbourhood Groups (NHGs) of 10-20 poor women members as an interface between poor women, banks and government agencies. NHGs are instrumental in thrift mobilization, encouraging the poor to save and to avail low cost formal credit. They facilitate easy and timely credit to the un-reached. The amount of loan to members and the purpose for which the loan should be utilized are decided by the NHG. The repayment is collected weekly during the NHG meetings. It is estimated that the thrift mobilized is on an average Rs 40 per month per member.

It is assessed based on CDS reports to Kudumbashree mission that number of NHGs promoted is 202879 out of which 9779 NHGs were created during the financial year 2009-10.The cumulative thrift mobilized by all NHGs from the beginning to March 2010 is to Rs.1375 crore and the internal loans disbursed to members are to the tune of Rs.3914 crore (As on March 2010). It is also estimated that during the year 2009-10, the total thrift collected by all NHGs is Rs 198.56 crores and the internal loan disbursed is Rs 892.76 crores.

2. Linkage banking

NHG-Bank linkage scheme is one of the flagship programmes of Kudumbashree. NABARD SHG-Bank linkage grading procedures are applied while selecting eligible NHGs for availing loan. CDS assists NHG in getting graded by the bank. Bank will provide loans to those NHGs who pass 80 % of marks in the grading. Loan amount to a NHG is linked to thrift amount mobilized and retained within the group as internal loans. Maximum loan amount possible for a NHG is four times of its thrift.

In some cases, CDS borrow from the bank as bulk loan for on lending to eligible NHGs. In Bulk linkage, CDS charges 1 or 2 percentage points more than the banks interest rate. A certain date is fixed by the bank within which NHGs are required to repay the amount to CDS. CDS in turn pay the collected amount to bank.

The Bank Linkage programme has helped the NHGs to augment their existing resources mobilized through thrift. The total loan amount disbursed under linkage banking in the state from the beginning and upto March 2010 is Rs.993.65 crores. Cumulative number of NHGs availed bank linkage is 118711 NHGs.For the year 2009-10, the total amount of loan disbursed through linkage banking is Rs.284.11 crores to 17,605 NHGs.

Kerala State Backward Classes Development Corporation Limited (KSBCDC) has provided loans for backward communities through Kudumbashree Community Development Societies. Kudumbashree in association with KSBCDC has implemented this scheme in five CDSs in Trissur and three CDSs in Palakkad districts. KSBCDC provides loan at 3 % to CDSs and eligible NHGs avail loan at 5 % from CDSs. Loan amount of 2.2 crores were provided to above mentioned CDSs.Matching grant to thrift &credit societies

Matching grant is an incentive provided to NHGs. This grant linked to amount of thrift mobilized, performance of NHG in the Grading and loan availed from banks. An amount of 10% of the savings of the NHG subject to a maximum of Rs 5000/- is provided as matching grant to each NHG. The grant is released based on their assessment rated using a 15-point grading criteria developed by NABARD. In order to avail Matching a NHG must have passed the grading and availed loan from bank. In case of SC/ST NHGs, matching grant will be provided if the NHG has passed grading. Availing bank loan for a SC/ST NHG is not compulsory in order to be eligible for matching grant. YearNo of NHGs (Approx)Cumulative no NHGsMatching Grant for the year

(Rs in Lakhs.)Cumulative Matching Grant (Rs in Lakhs).

2005 - 200641341316.5016.50

2006 - 2007 1,800221372.0088.50

2007 - 2008 10,00012213400.00488.50

2008 - 20097,90021113316.00804.50

2009 - 2010 43,693648061559.002363.50

For the year 2009-10, Rs.1559 lakhs has been disbursed to 43693 NHGs as matching grant. Achievement in 2009-10 under matching grant is about five times compared to the previous year. It was possible because of the enormous effort put in by Kudumbashree mission. District Mission Teams devised different strategies which have obviously resulted in manifold increase in matching grant. Some of the strategies adopted for disbursing the matching grant is highlighted as under.

A. Identification of CDSs/wards: Information on the basis of CDS Action Plans regarding how many NHGs availed Matching grant is analyzed by the District mission. This information has helped the team to focus on most potential CDSs/wards.

B. Identified CDSs/wards were targeted with special campaigns/melas/ clinics for disbursing Matching Grant to NHGs particularly, in the districts of Kannur, Thiruvananthapuram, Wayanad, Kozhikode, Malappuram, and Pallakad.

C. Training and Orientation /campaigns

a. Special trainings for CDS Chairpersons, Micro Finance Sub committee, Accountants, NHG Secretaries and resource persons were organisedb. CDS executive committee was trained to assess ward level status of Grading, Linkage and Matching grant.

c. Training on grading was given to NHGs by MF Subcommittees and CDS Accountants.

d. Orientation to NHGs for Familiarisation on Matching Grant applications was donee. Special campaigns in Grama Panchayats which had not availed of matching grant were conducted.D. Assistance to NHGs

a. Block level micro finance resource person were positioned to give assistance to NHGs to prepare matching grant applications.

E. KAASS Audit - Insisted on providing matching grant forms at the time of NHG Audit.

F. Notices and Advertisement were given in print media particularly in Wayanad.

G. Created a cell under DMC for distributing Matching Grant

H. Special Matching Grant reviews held in District Plan Review Meetings

3. Financial literacy Campaign

Kudumbashree programs cover about 37 Lakhs families organized under 2.02 Lakhs NHGs through 1061 CDSs. All NHGs have bank accounts through which members of NHGs have access to savings and credit services of banks. The NHG is acting as intermediary between banks and ultimate beneficiary. Kudumbashree has promoted 202,879 NHGs but number of NHGs graded and linked are 141,434 and 118,711 respectively upto March 2010. As such about 70% of NHGs only have been graded and 84% of graded NHGs provided Bank linkage. About 84168 NHGs remain unlinked, of which 61445 NHGs are yet to be graded. At NHG level, it is observed that there is lack of knowledge about banks procedures, misconceptions regarding interest rates and lack of awareness about banking ombudsmen etc.

Kudumbashree has chalked out a comprehensive Financial Literacy Plan in order to provide a platform for NHGs to be aware of and benefit from formal banking services. The financial literacy campaign conceptualization, training to RPs and orientation were completed before March 2010. A detailed literacy plan was prepared to extensively cover all NHGs in the first half of the next financial year 2010-11.

4. Interest Subsidy Scheme

Government have sanctioned the interest subsidy scheme for Kudumbashree NHGs vide GO (Rt) No 2725/09/LSGD dated 22.10.2009. As per the scheme, all commercial and cooperative banks that are prepared to lend to Kudumbashree NHGs under the linkage banking programme at 9% or below, will be participants in the scheme. The CDS would be raising the claim with the banks and the amount would be dispersed to a designated nodal branch by Kudumbashree State Mission in the case of commercial banks and to the concerned cooperative banks/societies by the district missions in the case of cooperative institutions. The interest subsidy would be provided as annual installments to the banks. Following activities were undertaken within March 2010.

Kudumbashree facilitated bankers meeting for finalizing draft interest subsidy guidelines.

A final Interest Subsidy Operational guideline was proposed to SLBC which was approved on 14th January 2010.

A sub committee with members from district mission teams was constituted to finalize cooperative bank-interest subsidy guidelines.

5. Capacitation for CDS Audit and Accounting support:

6.1 Accountant positioning

Government granted permission to hire services of accountants in each CDS vide GO (MS) No.93/09/LSGD Dated, Thiruvananthapuram, 30/05/2009. Accountant are to be paid honorarium of Rs 5000 per month.

Phase I:

Government shall provide financial support to 1061 CDSs for meeting operational expenses on accountant for a period of two years.

Phase II:

Government shall extend financial support up to 50% of the operational expenses for a period of next two years. Remaining 50 % must be paid from CDS own funds.

At the end of Phase II, it is assumed that banking operations of CDSs shall have stabilized. CDS shall be generating adequate income from its bank linkage to meet accountant salary.

Kudumbashree mission conducted exams and interview over two phases for the purpose of positioning accountants. In phase I about 841 accountants were positioned. In phase II an exam was conducted in March 2010 and interviews were scheduled in the first quarter of next financial year, following which accountants were in place in all but 40 odd CDSs.6.2 Computerised financial accounting system-pilotOut of 991 CDSs, Kudumbashree selected 7 accountants for implementing 'financial accounting system pilot project for strengthening the Community Development Societies (CDS) to computerize financial transactions. As part of the pilot project the 7 accountants were provided training on tally accounting software. Tally ERP 9 software was provided to each of the seven CDS. Periodical reviews were conducted to monitor the tally accounting system. It is observed that CDS receipts and vouchers details are up-to-date. At any time, it is possible to ascertain balance sheet, income and expenditure account and receipts and payments account.

7. Management Information System Pilot of Microfinance Modules

Kudumbashree has entered into an agreement with C-DAC to develop a digitized MIS which would be uploaded from each CDS. The software development is funded by the Ministry of IT, Government of India. The first 2 modules to be developed and tested in the field were the general information and micro finance modules.

In phase I, an attempt was made for developing comprehensive formats for thrift, internal loan, bank linkage and Bhavanashree operations. MIS pilot project for finalizing the formats was implemented in all CDSs of Kasaragod district and one CDS (Pampakuda) in Ernakulam District. MIS development process has two components; one is database development and second is updating the database. Expected output in Phase I could not be achieved. Out of two outputs, MIS Format and Database, only MIS format could be developed and data base creation could be possible in only one CDS in Ernakulam.

In Phase II pilot on data collection, and data entry was carried out. MF formats developed in phase 1 was used for data collection in Panavur Gram Panchayath and Attingal Municipality of Thiruvananthapuram district. Data collection was completed by first week of January 2010. Data entry into C-DAC software was planned to be completed in April-may 2010. After the data entry , necessary changes in formats would be incorporated.

In Phase III, final formats would be used for data collection in all CDSs comprising all NHGs. Data base creation would be completed after data collection and data entry of all NHGs in C-DAC software.

Under the head of capacitation for CDS audit and accounting support, about Rs 313.80 lakhs was spent during the financial year 2009-10.3.1.2 Micro Enterprises

Supporting and sustaining micro enterprises has always been a challenge for development administration. Problems of scale, capability, market and vulnerability etc. do not offer easy solutions. In the recent past Kudumbashree had been attempting to analyse and resolve these problems specifically and jointly, both by increasing the interface with the LSG and the entrepreneur regarding existing programmes, and by bringing new strategies and new programmes that help converge resources and address arising issues proactively and creatively.

Coordinating responsibility at different levels

State MissionMicro Enterprise Team headed by Programme Officer

District MissionME team led by Assistant District Mission Coordinator

CDSME sub-committee, Micro Enterprise Consultants (MEC)

ADSIncome Generation Volunteer

NHGIncome Generation Volunteer

Activities at different levels

NHGFormation of activity groups; support to enterprises

ADSFormation of activity groups spanning more than one NHG; support to enterprises

CDSFormation of activity groups spanning more than one ADS; Financial assistance to ME; liaison with banks and Kudumbashree Mission; liaison with LSG for financial and infrastructure support; monitoring of enterprises; organising daily/weekly/monthly markets

District MissionForwarding applications for subsidy; training and capacity building of enterprises; monitoring of enterprises; formation and support of special enterprises; support for marketing

State MissionSanction of subsidy; design of schemes and capacity building programmes; support for marketing initiatives; feasibility assessment and troubleshooting for Samagra projects

Schemes under Micro Enterprises

1. RME Scheme

The success of centrally sponsored enterprise programme in the urban areas prompted the Mission to come up with similar enterprise programme in rural areas. The Rural Micro Enterprises (RME) Programme was initiated to help women to set-up Individual and Group enterprises. The minimum number of people required for a group enterprise being five. Various activities like catering groups, tailoring, traditional delicacies, paper products, super markets, direct marketing, various food products, goat rearing, dairy units, rabbit rearing, etc have been formed under the RME programme. Even traditional activities like Goat rearing and Dairy have been set-up under RME.

Details of scheme:

Group enterprise

Project cost INR 250000 or above

Subsidy per group INR 100000 (or 50% of the project cost whichever is less)

Subsidy per individual INR 10000

Individual enterprise

Project cost INR 50000 or above

Subsidy INR 7500 (or 30% of the project cost whichever is less)

Physical achievement: 1123 individual enterprises & 4492 group enterprises in the financial year 2009-10RME (Individual) year 2009-10

DistrictSubsidy ( Rs.)

Thiruvananthapuram225000

Kollam255000

PathanamthittaNil

Alappuzha322500

Kottayam292500

Idukki765000

Ernakulam45000

Thrissur480000

Palakkad2032500

Malappuram1426500

Kozhikode1101000

Wayanad22500

Kannur225000

Kasargode1094000

Total8286500

No. of Enterprises for Year 2009-10 as on 31.3.10 RME (Group)

DistrictSubsidy (Rs)No of groups


Kollam7920000149

Pathanamthitta438250086

Alappuzha39125000767

Kottayam8561625159

Idukki17860000298

Ernakulam574876501095

Thrissur9075000174

Palakkad20010000144

Malappuram19305000352

Kozhikode8093500372

Wayanad3730000233

Kannur12357250162

Kasargode869000069

Total2418900254492

2. Yuvashree

In order to meet the increasing demands of setting up Micro enterprises, the Yuvashree (programme for generating jobs for 50000 youth) was launched in the year 2005. It provides an opportunity to the unemployed youth, both men and women in the age group 18-35 from Kudumbashree families to start enterprises.

Nutrimix, IT units, KAASS and EKSAT are some of the innovative enterprises begun under the banner of Yuvashree. However the Yuvashree programme does not have as many takers as RME and SJSRY, as potential entrepreneurs see the conditionalities of the programme as too restrictive. Hence the Mission proposed for revision of Yuvasree guidelines and the Government issued orders/circular with the major change of the entrepreneurs age from 18-45.

Details of the schemeGroup enterprise

Group may be men/women/mixed groups

Age range age between 18 and 45

Qualification SSLC or above

Project cost Rs.250000 or above

Subsidy per group Rs.100000 (or 50% of the project cost whichever is less)

Subsidy per individual Rs.10000 (maximum)

Individual enterprise

Age range age between 18 and 45

Qualification SSLC or above

Project cost Rs. 50000

Subsidy Rs.7500 (or 30% of the project cost whichever is less)

Physical achievement: 40 individual units & 182 group units.

Financial achievement: 25.30 lakhs

3. Revolving fund

Revolving fund is meant for meeting urgent requirement of working capital. Enterprises are eligible for revolving fund @ 15% of the total project cost subject to a maximum of INR 35000 per group.

Financial achievement Details of Revolving fund disbursed - district wise

NoDistrictRevolving fund disbursed

1Thiruvananthapuram6966385

2Kollam416700

3Pathanamthitta1880252

4Alappuzha1714580

5Kottayam1165000

6Idukki1916200

7Ernakulam8140419

8Thrissur576035

9Palakkad990646

10Malappuram4877385

11Kozhikode 2839972

12Wayanad664625

13Kannur820831

14Kasargode1477716

Total34446746

One of the major issues faced by Micro Enterprise is the shortage of working capital due to delay in payments by wholesalers and departments. Kudumbashree succeeded in providing Rs. 3.44 crores. Revolving fund to units, which helped them in harnessing working capital for continuous production-supply.

4. Crisis management fund

Crisis management fund is meant for responding to an unpredictable negative event to prevent it from escalating into an even bigger problem related to Micro enterprise activities of Kudumbashree. Kudumbashree adopts a four pronged approach towards crisis management:

1. Anticipate potential crisis situations and prepare for them

2. Provide accurate information during a crisis

3. React as quickly as possible to the situation

4. Long-term solutions

The proposal from the District Mission Team will be scrutinized by a screening committee constituted for the purpose at State level. The screening committee consists of:-

1. Executive Director

2. Director (A&F)

3. Programme Officer (ME)

4. Accounts Officer

Assistance from Crisis Management Fund was provided to about 360 units amounting to a total of Rs.2. 03 Crs.

During Onam season with an objective of increasing production, Crisis Management Fund is provided to ME Units as detailed below.

DistrictAmount DisbursedAmount Refunded


Kollam13930001241900


Alappuzha812000812000

Kottayam5000050000

Idukki120000120000

Ernakulam51275004969658

Thrissur27760002776000

Palakkad10890171089017

Malappuram20771002077100

Kozhikkode259203259203

Wayanad234000234000

Kannur650000650000

Kasargode873860873860

Total2030470519820763

5. Cluster and networking

The said fund is intended for networking enterprises of similar nature for utilizing economies of scale and for ensuring effective marketing linkage. Nutrimix is an area in which activities were initiated for clustering units at district level.

6. ME MeetsME meets were conducted at block level throughout the State to identify enterprises needing Kudumbashree support and market facilitation. These meets helped in networking those enterprises who had not availed of subsidy support from Kudumbashree. Kudumbashree succeeded in conducting 340 ME meets supporting 11560 enterprises in the last fiscal year. Kudumbashree provided support in the following areas also.

1. Skill trainings

2. Accounting support through KAASS

3. Release of revolving fund / subsidy

4. Productivity improvement programmes

5. Marketing support

6. Inter district product transfer

8. Innovative Enterprises

Some innovative micro enterprises are listed below:

a) Solid Waste ManagementKudumbashree initiated an innovative enterprise namely, 'Clean Kerala Business'. Under this enterprise, women from the poor families who are the members of the Community Based Organisations (CBOs) of Kudumbashree are engaged in door to door household waste collection and transport to the transit points fixed by the Urban Local Bodies.

Discussions were held with all ULBs with Solid waste management units and issues of income, hygiene, management support, social security were addressed. Govt have constituted a working group to examine the proposals submitted by Kudumbashree on the basis of these consultations. Based on the report and the committee Government has issued order for ensuring supporting managers for the solid waste unit.

b) Nature FreshUtilizing the enterprise opportunity of producing and marketing fresh milk to urban consumers, Kudumbashree implemented the pilot micro enterprise project named Nature Fresh at Edavetti Grama Panchayat of Idukki district and then Kannady Grama panchayath of Palakkad district.

As part of the project, cows were distributed to women entrepreneurs. The milk produced is delivered to the houses within one hour in bottles by a four member women marketing group. Traceability is ensured by numbering the cows and the same number is affixed to the bottles containing its milk. Low cost cattle sheds to ensure maximum hygiene, designed by experts have been constructed in all the homesteads. There was also hands on facilitation by the veterinary surgeon and the dairy development officer on matters of feed, disease management, hygiene control etc. Two wheeler vehicles have been provided to the marketing group through loans. The beauty of the project is that hygienic management and fresh supply have enabled the project to charge a premium price for the milk for its freshness, and demand continues to outstrip supply. In order to extend the Nature Fresh Project to other district a workshop had been conducted at Yuvakshethra, Palakkad. Grama Panchayath Presidents, Vet. Surgeon and District Mission team members were participated in the workshop. Field visit at Kannadi Nature Fresh was also organised as part of the workshop. As a results several panchayaths are coming forward to implement this scheme. Alagappa Nagar in Trissur has already launched the project. Sasthamkotta in Kollam and Thidanadu in Kottayam Districts are also ready to launch the project.c) Amrutham Food Supplement

The AMRUTHAM unit produces a baby food supplement developed by Central Plantation Crops Research Institute (CPCRI) Kasaragod. Kudumbashree has 400 operational units. Food for The Take Home Ration Scheme is provided to the anganwadi network by the Amrutham units.

Action had been taken to procure and supply Wheat required for the production of Amrutham Food Supplement in subsidised rate (Rs.4.15 per kg) under Wheat Based Nutrition Programme. A co-ordination Committee of Nutrimix Units in each and every district is formed and under the strict supervision of DMT,.This committee is engaged in procuring and distribution of wheat from the FCI godowns to the Nutrimix Units. A total quantity of 34, 33,000. kgms of wheat procured during the year 2009-10.

e) IT & ITESMuch of the data entry work taken up by Government departments is being out sourced to these units which give employment to over 2500 poor women. In 2009-10, the IT units were taken up mostly with digitizing the BPL data and ration cards for the State Govt. RSBY, AABY related works. Hospital kiosks for birth registration were also taken up by various IT units. Capacitation of these units to take on servicing web management and free software based work is underway. A proposal to form an IT consortium for these units is under active consideration.

For finding out suitable entrepreneurs, GOT conducted as detailed below:

DistrictGOT ConductedTotal No. of Participants


Kollam716942

Pathanamthitta00

Alappuzha7210800

Kottayam10910048

Idukki6210599

Ernakulam43925400

Thrissur9017396

Palakkad14617296

Malappuram12780

Kozhikkode9012138

Wayanad303854

Kannur14915360

Kasargode626983

Total1419159381

In order to develop entrepreneurial Skill, EDP & Skill training were conducted as below.

DistrictNo.of EDPsNo.of participantsNo.of Skill TrainingNo.of participants


Kollam52341214588


Alappuzha493675665

Kottayam553420181019

Idukki208001224768

Ernakulam28416016767195

Thrissur5738545613074

Palakkad472894883341

Malappuram168135

Kozhikkode6073662786

Wayanad2072418601

Kannur162550872406

Kasargode46172511

Total7614382561538700

For enhancing the skill of existing entrepreneurs PIP & Accounting training were conducted as below.

DistrictNo.of PIP Training No.of participantsNo.of Accounting TrainingsNo.of participants


Kollam008330


Alappuzha0000

Kottayam31003116

Idukki0000

Ernakulam0000

Thrissur230000

Palakkad63756375

Malappuram0000

Kozhikkode15000

Wayanad006220

Kannur002172

Kasargode1161127

Total141021271282

Strengthening Of Micro Enterprises Consultant (MEC) Systems

The existence of enterprises is heavily dependent on the quantum and quality of hand holding support provided. In order to ensure frequent and quality hand holding support MECs were selected and positioned after training. 130 numbers of MECs were newly inducted in to service in the year 2009-10, enhancing the total number of MECs to 250. A Business Plan for MECs has been prepared and circulated to District Missions.

In order to equip them with adequate knowledge in Business Management Practices, CREAM (Certificate in Rural Entrepreneurship Administration and Management) training is started with the support of Timbaktu Foundation. 33 persons are selected and training for 42 days (7 months x 6 days each) is being given. Using them as RPs TEAM training are conducted in district level for the entire 250 MECs for 18 days (6 months x 3 days) Each MECis given charge of 6 existing ME units and they are entrusted to visit these ME units at least once every month and to take efforts to improve functioning of the ME units.

Tourism Souvenir

As part of the Souvenir project, an agreement was made with renowned artist Shri. K.B.Jinan of Kumbhalam Aruvacode for developing 150 new souvenir designs in terracotta A training for 20 women entrepreneur in the new designs was organised.

Developing souvenir products in sectors like screw pine and other natural fibres with the active support of institutions like Kerala State Institute of Designs is also under consideration. 3.1.3 SamagraSamagra is an attempt to address the entire production supply value chain holistically, by scaling up productive activity both qualitatively and quantitatively and seeking viable supply and marketing opportunities. This makes it imperative to think beyond the local market, as well design appropriate wholesale/ institutional tie-ups. It also necessitates other interventions in terms of ensuring legal compliance, market research, branding, trade promotions, distribution network etc. Samagra is implemented in the State in collaboration with the three -tier local self-governments and other agencies. The activities delineated in the Samagra projects vary according to the nature of the project. The Samagra Project is implemented on the basis of Samagra Guidelines issued by the Mission.

The activities of Samagra are as follows:

Scale up of enterprise activities to bring economies of scale.

Convergence of different activities/departments

Ensuring product diversification and quality enhancement.

Employing the marketing strategies and techniques.

Projects under Samagra

1. Nendran Banana Project

The Nendran Project implemented in Trivandrum District aims at bringing 2,400 ha of land under Nendran cultivation by generating employment opportunities to 30,000 women beneficiaries. The Project was implemented under the active participation District Panchayath, Kudumbashree Mission, National Horticultural Mission and Private Partner, Prowins Agri System. The project cost was Rs 42.66 crores.

In Trivandrum, as part of the Samagra Project 13,000 women beneficiaries are directly involved in the production of Nendran Banana. The Project is being revised and phased out. The revised project cost is Rs 40.60crores

Phase I of the Samagra is nearing completion with Nendran cultivation in 1,780 ha in 34 Panchayaths, A tissue culture lab, soil testing lab and bio control lab is being set up as part of the Nendran Project. The non feasible components such as Leaf Analyis lab, Banana Paper unit, Banana Fiber unit, Reefer Trucks etc were revoked. The products are absorbed in VFPCK and other local markets.

Phase II of the Project which comprises of Expansion of the Nendran Cultivation into remaining 21 Panchayaths has been started under the leadership and active participation of CDS. In this phase, 800 ha of land will be brought under Nendran cultivation. In the second phase, cultivators have been grouped into JLGs with interest subsidy benefits. The technical facilitation is being provided by the Private Partner, Prowins Agri System. In order to bring sustainability in the Nendran Project, Master Farmers are selected and given capacity building training to shoulder the technical facilitation responsibilities even after the private partner exits. For ensuring that the responsibilities are carried out efficiently an MOU is signed with District Panchayat, Kudumbashree and Prowins Agri System. In order to bring more coordination for the project, block level coordinators are being positioned. The block level coordinators will coordinate with the Master Farmers. The CDS Mechanism is involved in facilitating bank linkage. .

Review mechanism is inbuilt in the project so that trouble-shooting takes place immediately and corrective measures can be adopted without delay. The HO reviews the progress of the project once in two weeks with all the Staff of the District Mission..

The Third Phase of the Project is value addition. Owing to unavailability of NHM funds this component was shifted to third Phase. Value-addition will be taken up in small scale on a pilot basis.2. Harithasree Harithashree aims at cultivating vegetables in the nearby panchayats of Thiruvananthapuram corporation to satisfy the demand of the corporation. The project cost is Rs10.21 crores. Activity groups consists of five women take up cultivation throughout the year. In 2009, 1,085 activity groups were engaged in the cultivation of 130 ha of land. Expenditure of Rs. 7,56,501 was incurred.

3. Nedumpana Apparel Park

The Nedumpana Apparel Park is established in Nedumpanna Grama Panchayath in Kollam District where a high end, semi automated tailoring facility is set up. The unit is employing state-of-the-art machinery for producing high quality apparels. The unit is providing employment opportunities for 46 women. The unit started working from March 2010. Shirts, Nighty, Uniform, and Frocks are stitched based on orders. A total of 440 shirts were stitched and given to Zoom Focus Shirts; 1,140 Nightys were also stitched for an entrepreneur. The project cost is 71.44 lakhs and funds have been provided by the Industries Department, Govt. of Kerala for this project apart from LSG and kudumbasree funds.The Future Plans are developing the NAP star brand and marketing shirt and ladies wear in this brand name. Also, plans are afoot to design products by using the CAD Software and other Fashion Designing Software. There are plans for getting Fair Trade Certification and linking this Project with export in the fair trade market.

4. Madhuram Project

The Samagra Project of Pathnamthitta District carries the objective of providing employment to 10,000 women beneficiaries by engaging them in Bee Farming. The Rubber Plantations in Pathnamthitta provides an encouraging environment for Apiculture. The project cost was originally 31.35 crores for activities like establishment of bee hives, procurement and processing centers, Agmark labs and also value addition of honey. The honey production which started from Feb 2009 by 216 groups yielded 45.7tonne honey.

The Project was revised in 2009. The revised Project cost is Rs.7 crore. During this year ( Feb- April 2010 ) 210 groups have produced 20.3 tonnes of honey. It is also planned to set up a honey processing centre in Parakkode Block Panchyath. Tender for buying the machineries for the processing centre has been finalized. The project aims to establish marketing tie up with institutional buyers such as Kottackal and Oushadi. Also, there are plans for branding the honey as well as formulating strategies for capturing the retail market.

6. Marari Mushroom

This project aims at mushroom and spawn production. Area of operation is Aryad and Kanjikuzhi block of Alappuzha district, which covers eight panchayats. A total of 300 women from 50 units form the direct beneficiaries of this project. 50 mushroom production units and one spawn production unit will be set up. The project intends to produce 1,000kg of mushroom per day. The varieties of mushrooms produced will be milky (Calocybe indica) and oyster (Pluerotus sp). This will be marketed to the local market, supermarket chains, hotels of Alappuzha and Ernakulam districts through Marari Marketing Company Limited. Beneficiaries for 20 units were selected. Construction of spawn unit is underway. A model cultivation unit was set up for skill training in mushroom. This Model cultivation unit is fully activated. Skill training to 66 beneficiaries has been completed and training was given by Tropical Botanical Garden and Research Institute.

7. Ornamental Fish ProjectOrnamental fish culture is a novel micro enterprise activity taken up in Vaikkom Block Panchayat of Kottayam district, where majority of the people are depending on the traditional sectors such as fisheries and coir for their livelihood. The project aims to develop income generating activities for Kudumbasree NHG members, with the maximum utilisation of the natural resources and human resources available. The enterprises were started under the joint initiative of Matsyafed, Block Panchayat and Kudumbashree Mission. The project worth Rs.1.5 crore supports 200 units comprising 1,000 women in one Block Panchayat and six Grama Panchayats. Implementing agencies of this project are District Mission Office Kottayam and Matsyafed, Kottayam. All the activities for the project are directly supervised by Primary Fishermen Welfare and Development Cooperative Societies functioning in Udayanapuram Grama Panchayat.

So far 42 units have taken up the project. Major items of fishes cultured are Gold fish, Guppy, Platy, Molly, Angel fish, Gaurami.. Ornamental fish cultured are marketed through Kavil agency. A monitoring committee consisting of DMC Kottayam, District Manager Matsyafed, Kottayam, concerned Grama Panchayat Presidents and CDS committee for the performance appraisal, follow up and expansion guidelines and assistance is also established.8. Ksheerasagaram

Ksheerasagaram is one among the innovative projects of Kudumbashree, conceived for Idukki district in collaboration with Idukki District Panchayat, Nedumkandom Block Panchayat and seven Grama Panchayats of Nedumkandam block, Agriculture Department, Animal Husbandry Department, KLD Board and banks. Total outlay of the project is Rs. 2.462 crores.

The three-year project was started in March 2009 and during the year 2009-2010, the project has succeeded in giving employment to 245 NHG members through cow rearing, milk marketing and value addition. Newly designed hygienic cattle sheds were constructed in all units. 490 high yielding animals were brought from outside states which have resulted in raising the average milk production of Nedumkandum block by 5,000 litres/ day. More than 55 acres of land were brought under fodder cultivation by this project, which assisted farmers in reducing unit cost of production. In addition, 245 biogas plants were constructed so as to augment family income of these units. A unit for value addition has also been started as part of this project. Production of hygienic milk is one of the major features of the project. Plans are formulated to introduce marketing units so that milk produced by these units are captured as a whole and sold to households in a fresh state. Preparation and marketing of home-made chocolates are also envisaged.

The second phase of the project is aimed at providing employment to 440 beneficiaries by establishing one cow diary units. Construction of hygienic cattle sheds; biogas plants and fodder cultivation to at least 1 acre by a group are also made mandatory in the project so as to increase income per unit.

9. Poomala Nature Fresh Project

The project is implemented in Velliyamattom grama panchayat of Idukki District, which has 1,500 ST families in NHGs, with the assistance of Grama Panchayat and Animal Husbandry Department. With an aim to increase general health status of children and provide a small earning for Kudumbashree women of Velliyamattam panchayat, 1,350 backyard poultry units, have been started in Velliyamattom panchayat. Two egger nursery units have also been established in which one day old chicks from Kerala Agricultural University are raised up to 45 days and sold to backyard poultry units. The project has resulted in an additional production of 500 eggs/day. Marketing groups are being identified.

10. Thirumadhuram

The Samagra project formulated in the Ernakulam district is implemented jointly by Ernakulam District Panchayat, Kudumbashree Mission and grama panchayats.

The project envisages cultivation of pine apple in a total of 500 ha. The project cost is Rs.33.33crores. During 2009-2010, 200 ha of land was cultivated by 175 groups and 10,848 tonnes of pineapple was produced. As a part of value addition, Pine apple RTS is marketed in the brand name of pineshree. 11. Nivedyam

The Nivedyam project, which aims at production of Kadali ( a variety of banana) for for holy rituals in temples, is implemented in Thrissur district. The project is implemented jointly by Kodakara Block Panchayat, Grama panchayats within the block and Kudumbashree mission. The bunches of Kadali banana are supplied to Guruvayur temple for daily rituals through a cooperative society for marketing. Eighty activity groups together cultivated in 40 acres of land and 8,67,292 bunches were supplied to Devaswom.

12. Kondattom Project

The Kondattoms are crispy fries of Palakkad. The project aims to start 24 Common Facility Centres employing 480 women thereby producing 21 varieties of Kondattom. The project will be helping in rejuvenating the agricultural sector at a cost of Rs. 2.85 crores. Eleven experienced women from the Brahmin community engaged in Kondattom production were identified, given training and positioned as leaders for the group. Out of the 21 varieties of Kondattoms, eight varieties which have good market potential were standardised and Production Protocol has been prepared. The project has been slow to take off, due to unavailability of land. Only one cluster has commenced with 10 women beneficiaries at Kottai. Five more places have been identified for starting the CFC, and building modification works are going on in the identified areas. The future plan for this Project include, expansion of the production to 23 CFCs marketing the produce in the brand name Sun Fresh as well as forming a Producer Society.

13. Manufacturing of Footwear Uppers

This Samagra Project is implemented in CheruvannurNallalam Grama Panchayath in Kozhikode District is under the joint collaboration of Grama Panchayath, Kudumbashree and VKC Foot wear Manufacturing Company. The local foot wear industry has been beset by problems of shortage of skilled labour to work on the leather uppers. The industry set up a high tech training centre with the support of CLRI. The project aims to correct this labour shortage by having a homegrown skill base, that would be provided handholding support and apprenticeship till they become self-dependent. As part of the programme, technical skill training will be provided to 1,000 women in the area of cutting, clipping, Computer Aided Design (CAD) etc. The uppers manufactured by the Kudumbashree units will bought back by VKC according to MOU signed by the parties. 10 units have been set up generating employment to 100 women beneficiaries.

14. Goat Village Project

A Samagra project of Kannur district, Goat Village is aimed at providing regular source of income to 5,000 Kudumbashree members in 40 panchayats of the district, through goat rearing enterprise. The project is being implemented by Kudumbashree mission with the help of Kannur District Panchayat. The project also intends to create an organized market for goat meat. A modern slaughter house is being set up as part of this project by the District Panchayat, which procure animals from the units. The project envisages to achieve a boost in mutton production by about 335 tonnes, milk production by 18 lakh litres annually.

The project succeeded in forming 375 units. An amount of Rs. 25 lakhs has been spent by District Panchayat for constructing slaughter house. A 40 group Veterinary Extension team has been appointed for constant monitoring and reporting of the project.

All the beneficiaries who have already started units are being given performance improvement training using revised module prepared by experts and including practical classes, demonstrations, and field visits. Special training classes are being carried out so as to create awareness about the project among CDS chairpersons of the panchayats where the project is being carried out. As a part of monitoring an extensive survey has been carried out in existing units the details and problems of each unit have been identified and catalogued. Measures are being carried out to ensure organized purchase of animals from agencies after thorough study about the agency. Future

annual report 2009-2010

Documents