Note4Students

From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :

Prelims level: Kudumbashree Scheme

Mains level: Women empowerment initiatives

kudumbashree

Central Idea: President Droupadi Murmu inaugurated the silver jubilee celebrations of Kudumbashree.

What is Kudumbashree?

Kudumbashree is a poverty eradication and women empowerment program implemented by the State Poverty Eradication Mission (SPEM) in Kerala, India.
The program was established in 1997 based on recommendations from a task force appointed by the state government.
It was created in the context of devolving powers to the Panchayat Raj Institutions (PRIs) and the People’s Plan Campaign in Kerala.
Membership in Kudumbashree is open to all adult women, with one membership allowed per family.
In 2011, the Centre recognized Kudumbashree as the State Rural Livelihoods Mission (SRLM) under the National Rural Livelihoods Mission (NRLM).

Working mechanism

The community network was gradually expanded to cover the entire state between 2000 and 2002.

Kudumbashree has transformed significantly over the past 25 years.
During the Kerala flood, Kudumbashree donated a substantial amount to the Chief Minister’s relief fund, surpassing contributions from tech giants and foundations.
The organization was initially conceptualized as an all-women poverty alleviation program.
Despite being flood victims themselves, Kudumbashree members showed resilience and contributed generously to help others.

Kudumbashree played a crucial role in responding to the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic.
They manufactured and distributed masks and sanitisers.
The organization set up COVID treatment centres and worked as the nodal agency for COVID management in several local bodies.
‘Janakeeya Hotels’ provided affordable meals to those in need, including those in home quarantine.

Kudumbashree has empowered women and facilitated grassroots planning for employment generation, poverty alleviation, and women’s empowerment.
It mobilized women for community activities and increased their participation in local bodies.
Kudumbashree’s initiatives include micro-enterprises, agricultural projects, rural development, and compassion programs.
The organization has made significant strides in empowering Dalit and tribal women.

Critics highlight the need for Kudumbashree to evolve gender perspectives and alternative development models.
Despite criticism, Kudumbashree’s contribution to poverty reduction is unparalleled.
The organization aims to address gender-based crimes and eliminate social evils.
Mental and cultural empowerment are deemed crucial for overcoming the ‘gender paradox’ in Kerala.

Kudumbashree success in reducing poverty is widely recognized.
Continued efforts are needed to combat gender-based crimes and challenges.
Kudumbashree aims to be a force for positive societal change and women’s empowerment.