Question

Which of the following is a notable women empowerment programme mentioned in the context of Kerala?

• A. Janani Shishu Suraksha Karyakram (JSSK)
• B. Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA)
• C. National Health Mission (NHM)
• D. Kudumbashree

Answer 1

Answer:

D. Kudumbashree

• Kudumbashree: It is the flagship poverty eradication and women empowerment programme of the Government of Kerala, launched in 1998.

• Objectives: To empower women through self-help groups (SHGs), provide livelihood opportunities, and improve living standards.

• Structure: It operates at the State, District, and Local levels, with Community Development Societies (CDS) as the grass-roots level organisations.

• Key Features:

  • Forming Neighbourhood Groups (NHGs) comprising women from the same locality.

  • Promoting savings and internal lending among NHG members.

  • Providing access to micro-credit, skill development, and entrepreneurship training.

  • Focus on social development through awareness campaigns on health, education, and gender equality.

• Impact: Kudumbashree has been instrumental in improving the socio-economic status of women in Kerala, contributing significantly to the state's reputation as a model for inclusive development.