CM vows to back Kudumbashree

The state government’s assistance to the Kudumbashree Mission is not a generosity conferred upon it but the right of the Kudumbashree members,” Chief Minister Oommen Chandy has said. He was inaugurating the 14th annual conference of the Kudumbashree through video conferencing at the Marine Drive on Monday.

“More funds will be sanctioned for the expansion of the Kudumbashree,” he said. Chandy said that it is the policy of the government to provide assistance to those organisations that work towards the cause of poverty alleviation. `25 crore has been allotted to write off the debts of the members of Bhavanashree Housing Scheme.

“This is the first time that such a huge amount has been earmarked for the purpose. In the coming years, the government will spend more to undertake various activities within the state,” he pointed out.

The Chief Minister said that the Kudumbashree should be able to meet the challenges of undertaking farming in the wetlands.

“Self-sufficiency in the production of vegetables can be achieved by engaging in wetland farming and the government will provide support to the Kudumbashree members who pursue the aforementioned. With the help of this, several employment opportunities can be created,” he said. On the release of 1,072 books compiled by the Kudumbashree women across the state, Chief Minister said that it symbolises the epitome of success achieved by the mission for the last 14 years.

He said that funds will be provided to expand the Ashraya scheme for providing shelter to the destitute. Minister for Social Welfare and Panchayats M K Muneer presided over the function.

Union Minister of State for Consumer Affairs and Public Distribution K V Thomas, PWD Minister V K Ebrahim Kunju, Excise Minister K Babu, Mayor Tony Chammany, K P Dhanapalan MP, P Rajeev MP, Hibi Eden MLA, Anwar Sadat MLA, district panchayat president Eldhose Kunnappally, District Collector P I Sheik Pareeth and literary critic Leelavathi also attended the programme.