Kudumbashree empowers over three lakh women through micro enterprises in Kerala

Thiruvananthapuram: Kudumbashree has provided employment to more than 3 lakh women in the micro-enterprise sector through more than 1.63 lakh enterprises. This includes over 1 lakh individual ventures and more than 50,000 group ventures. These enterprises were formed as part of various projects implemented in the micro-enterprise sector, a statement released by Kudumbashree authorities stated.

Additionally, 34,422 enterprises were created through the special livelihood campaign Kudumbashree Livelihood Initiative for Transformation (K-LIFT), providing jobs to 61,158 people.

Micro-enterprises are a crucial initiative implemented by Kudumbashree with the aim of empowering women economically. As part of various projects, women are provided with self-employment opportunities in production and service sectors. The production sector has the highest number of women, with 69,484 enterprises. The preparation and distribution of Amrutham Nutrimix, a supplementary nutrition product for anganwadis, is carried out through 241 units under Kudumbashree.

In the service sector, 49,381 enterprises have been established and 35,646 in the trade sector. Kudumbashree has made significant strides in areas such as food production, value-added product manufacturing, and food processing, with 2,685 enterprises dedicated to the food processing sector alone. For inorganic waste collection in the state, 4,438 Haritha Karma Sena units under Kudumbashree provide substantial income to 35,214 women. Additionally, Kudumbashree entrepreneurs are involved in areas like building construction units, cement block manufacturing, computer hardware, driving schools, marriage bureaus and housekeeping, the statement said.

The PM-YUVA scheme is also implemented for the youth. There are 1,784 'Prathyasha' units for marginalised individuals, including the disabled and widows, across the state. Through the operation of 1,028 community kitchens providing quality lunch for 20 rupees, nearly 5,000 women are employed.