“Minority Shree” is coming; Kudumbashree in trouble

KATTAPPANA: Adding more trouble to the women oriented organization Kudumbashree, the state government is learnt to have decided to divide the units of the organization on the basis of different communities and lend special monetary aid.

The new project aims at giving huge financial help to those units where members from the minority communities form the majority. So there is nothing official about it to call Kudumbashree a Minority Shree in the near future. Discussions are also being held to “create” majority.

As per the project, financial aid up to Rs. 2.5 lakh would be disbursed to Kudumbashree units, Ayalkoottams, NGOs. About 70 percent of the members in Kudumbashree are from minority communities. Those communities eligible for the benefits are Christian, Muslim, Sikh, Buddha and Parsi. Those groups which registered in 2012-2013 are eligible.

A group consists of 20 women. Monetary benefits will be given for any sectors such as agriculture, service, production, etc. The groups will either get a maximum amount of Rs. 2.5 lakh or half of the total amount of money required for the projects. The amount should not be paid back.

The motto of the government project is to ensure a permanent income for the women members. Moreover, training for those projects which are intended to be implemented via Kudumbashree would be given by the Minority Welfare Department.

The project is supervised by Minority Welfare Department, Minority Cell at District Collectorate and Minority Promoters. An order regarding this has been sent to Kudumbashree by Directorate of Minority Welfare Department.