Rs 1.62 crore boost for Kudumbashree

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Centre has sanctioned Rs 1.62 crores under the national urban livelihood mission (NUML) for strengthening Kudumbashree neighborhoods in the state capital. There are four Community Development Societies (CDS) which cover over 10,000 Kudumbashree neighbourhoods.

A seminar was held on Friday to create awareness among the Kudumbashree workers and councilors on the new Central scheme, which aims at addressing livelihood concerns of people under BPL.

The authorities have decided to formulate an action plan at the earliest to make use of Central funds ahead of the local polls.

“Self-help groups can come up with new project proposals and the civic body has decided to approve these projects ahead of the election,” said a source.

Sources said that the election code of conduct would come into effect in September and the prime agenda of the civic body would be to form more Kudumbashree units, self-help groups and to empower inactive self-help groups under Kudumbashree.

Welfare standing committee chairman Palayam Rajan said that the new scheme would provide transparent subsidy loans to the beneficiaries.

“The new scheme would replace the existing one and more awareness workshops would be held for municipal chairpersons,” said Mr Rajan.

As many as hundred participants including councilors and CDS representatives took part in the seminar held at Kovalam. Mayor K. Chan-drika inaugurated the seminar at a function.