The Hindu 08.04.2010
Kudumbasree takes a giant leap in Malappuram
Staff Reporter
NEW EXPERIENCE: Kudumbasree women being trained in coconut tree climbing in Malappuram.
MALAPPURAM:The Kudumbasree programme in Malappuram district has registering record growth in 2009-10. The district spent Rs.7.29 crore on the programme last year, propelling itself to the fourth position in the State's Kudumbasree activities after Ernakulam, Thiruvananthapuram and Kannur.
“The leap was solid and quick,” said M.K. Sreedharan, District Mission coordinator of Kudumbasree. Between 1998 and 2006, the total amount spent for Kudumbasree in the district was Rs.2.55 crore. In 2008, Rs.2.12 crore was spent on the project aimed at poverty alleviation and women's empowerment.
Micro entrepreneurial units of Kudumbasree were in focus last year as Rs. 2.38 crore was given in subsidy to 1,476 projects. Till March 2009, the district had only 326 micro entrepreneurial projects. Within a year, the number of projects jumped to 1,802 – a record for any district in the State.
Revolving fund
The district has given a revolving fund of Rs.48.77 lakh to boost the 267 Kudumbasree entrepreneurs whose performance was rated good. “We have given thrust on variety. From broom making to running of Internet cafés, the entrepreneurs have brought in rich variety to the project,” said Mr. Sreedharan.
The Yuvasree project of Kudumbasree targeting the youth also witnessed a spurt in the district. Mr. Sreedharan said that by focusing on micro enterprises, employment could be ensured for a large number of women in the district.
Praising the role played by the Community Development Society (CDS) and panchayat councils in achieving record growth for Kudumbasree in the district, Mr. Sreedharan said that training in skill development helped thousands of women.
Banks' support
The CDS action plan introduced last year and increased support by banks helped immensely, he said. The Kudumbasree festival fairs held last year registered a sale of Rs.1.13 crore.
Onam fairs alone fetched Rs.57 lakh. Group farming under Kudumbasree banner also got wide attention in Malappuram. Paddy was cultivated in 805.34 hectares, vegetables in 50.41 hectares, and other crops in 337.24 shectare.The Kudumbasree Mission gave an incentive of Rs.1.45 crore to 5,084 groups in the district last year. In the previous year, the incentive was only Rs.89 lakh. The District Mission of Kudumbasree has chalked out a vigorous action plan for 2010-11, aiming at beating the other districts. “We are hopeful that we can achieve the top slot,” Mr. Sreedharan said.
