THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: One of the most successful outdoor-indoor catering units run by a group named Pratyasa shows that food ventures by women in Kudumbashree units have the potential to go beyond a college-office canteen. The unit of around 30 women, led by Bindhu K.S., serves marriages, private and public functions of up to 2,000, making it the biggest of its kind in the district. What makes it all the more special is that it helps women from economically weaker backgrounds to earn up to Rs 30,000 per month. It has even won a contest in Dubai held as a part of a food festival.
Delicacies like chicken perattu, chicken nurukki varuthathu and tapioca and crab roast are much sought after in cultural festivals in the capital, including the ‘Vishukkani’ fair organised by the Corporation at Putharikandam grounds. “I first started a small catering unit a decade ago when my husband, a civil engineer faced a job crisis. We served at small functions such as those in churches. Five years ago, we decided to unify members of the Kudumbashree unit to make it a full-fledged catering unit that can support needy women of Mukkolakkal, Vembayam, Kudappanakunnu areas,” said Mrs Bindu.
A former panchayat member from Vettinad was among five women who were initially part of the group. Today, it has around 10 women who cook and 20 who serve the food. The group also flaunts zero attrition. Apart from marriages, birthdays and receptions, they serve at functions of departments such as the Public Relations Department. The women have regular grocery shops and chicken stalls to support them. Also they procure fish of up to 300kg and more from the neighbouring district of Kollam.
However, business is not without challenges. The season gets dull during June-July month and the monthly income of members can dip to Rs 3,000. However, the hardships pass during the peak season between August and February. “Since, green protocol came into force we now rent plates for serving instead of plastic plates. It costs Rs 500 to hire 100 plates and an extra labourer to clean these plates. We are planning to buy a small vehicle for delivery and some plates on loan,” she said. The well-equipped members even take orders at a very short notice and bring to the table their etiquette and uniform that they received after training from Kudumbashree.
