Latest news with #Kudumbashree
The Hindu
2 days ago
- The Hindu
Pocket-friendly Kerala food in New Delhi's first Kudumbashree cafe
In the vicinity of India Gate, Cafe Kudumbashree gives the city's Malayalis a feel of being at home with its Kerala cuisine. Thankfully, the weather has been pleasant the past few days but even in the unsettling blaze you cannot miss people sipping hot chai with pazhampori (banana fritters). Kudumbashree, a project launched by the Government of Kerala in 1998 for poverty eradication and women empowerment, translates to prosperity of the family. Amidst food stalls of different states on Amar Jawan Jyoti Road, Cafe Kudumbashree tells its own story of women's empowerment, financial independence and authentic Kerala cuisine. The menu is a simple mix of Kerala's popular snacks and meals, all prepared fresh daily. For breakfast, there is a variety of dosas to choose from; puttu (steamed rice cake) and porotta paired with chicken, fish or kadala (chickpea) curry are staple breakfast items served here from 10 am. Oonu or Kerala meals include matta rice, sambar or moru curry, a yoghurt-based curry tempered with spices, and either thoran, a popular vegetable dish, or spicy fish curry. All served on a hot bed of rice and priced ₹80 is the lunch and dinner favourite. The outlet, which many people still do not know about, is gradually gaining popularity with the city's Malayali community comprising mostly working professionals, students and daily wagers who work in the nearby India Gate complex. Even the non-Malayali population is frequenting the place. 'The menu is limited but the food is tasty and budget-friendly; I have started coming regularly,' says Sameer, who works inside the India Gate Complex. Despite restrictions on usage of gas on the premises, the staff manages to whip up flavourful meals on induction and electric stoves. The cafe has also faced water shortage on certain days and was forced to shut down on those days. 'It is a loss for us, but we are helpless. We feel happy that people like the food we prepare for them,' says Lissy Paulose, who runs the cafe with Asheeba VT, both from Wayanad, and Abdullah MTF from Kasargod. Entrepreneurs are identified from Kudumbashree units to run the cafes. Lissy and Asheeba have been part of Kudumbashree for eight years 'Back home, we took orders from bakeries and food enterprises, and sold snacks, cakes and other savouries from our home. Now being part of the cafe initiative in a different state is a good experience; we get to learn about a new culture and gain a new perspective on business,' says Asheeba, mother of a three-year-old whom she has left behind in Wayanad. 'This exposure will prepare me for future,' she says. Cafe Kudumbashree, near Gate No 2, India Gate, inside the amenity block in the subway, is open on all days from 10am to 9pm. Meal for two costs ₹200 for vegetarian and ₹250 for non-vegetarian.
The Hindu
2 days ago
- The Hindu
Block panchayats to form ‘de-addiction anonymous' groups to fight drug menace
In an attempt that appears to be aimed at addressing the increasing cases of drug addiction even in the rural areas of Kerala, the Local Self-Government department has now directed block panchayats to form 'de-addiction anonymous' groups following the model of alcoholics anonymous groups. The formation of such groups is part of several measures being taken as part of the State government's ongoing anti-drug campaign. The Alcoholics Anonymous groups bring together alcoholics to share their issues and help each other achieve total abstinence from alcohol through a 12-step programme. Though there have been criticisms of its effectiveness, a considerable number of people are known to have achieved sobriety through the process. The government has directed block panchayats to form a sufficient number of 'de-addiction anonymous' groups by the end of December this year. Training programmes are also proposed for residents' association representatives to involve them in anti-drug campaigns. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan will on June 2, on the occasion of the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, will inaugurate the government's anti-drug campaign for the year. The government has chalked out short, mid and longer-term plans to fight the drug menace. As part of this, panchayats have been asked to activate its 'Jagratha committees' to organise focussed anti-drug programmes for each area. The local bodies have also been asked to keep an eye on the attendance levels of students in the schools in their respective areas, considering the prolonged absenteeism associated with drug use in students. By October 31, all local bodies have to form community vigilance groups to monitor drug trade within their region and report to the authorities. Clandestine sale of drugs through shops near schools and colleges also will be monitored as part of this. Members of the Kudumbashree, Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS) Mission and Kerala Institute of Local Administration (KILA) will be part of the activities.
Time of India
3 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
Kudumbashree launches action plans for upliftment of scheduled tribes
Thiruvananthapuram: Kudumbashree launched action plans for the upliftment of scheduled tribes in the state. The activities are included in Kudumbashree's annual action plan using a fund of Rs 25 crore, which includes both indigenous and National Rural Livelihood Mission funds. One of the main activities in the action plan is the formation of new neighbourhood groups. Newly formed groups will receive Rs 1,500 each for initial activities. The project outline places special emphasis on economic and social empowerment. Income-generating projects will be started in sectors such as agriculture, animal husbandry and traditional occupations. As part of this, 100 poultry units will be started for neighbourhood group members. Kudumbashree will provide financial assistance of Rs 20,000 per unit. Additionally, new women's farmer groups will be formed, with each group receiving a corpus fund of Rs 40,000 for initial activities. To ensure employment and income for women in Attappadi, a premium bag manufacturing unit is planned. Along with this, markets will be secured for traditional products, minor millets and forest resources. Comprehensive programmes to improve children's educational standards, including the reorganisation of bridge courses and the establishment of child creativity centres, will be implemented this year. Special funds have been allocated for the Communicore project to improve English language proficiency and the short film production project 'Kanas Jaag 2.0' involving children from scheduled tribes.
Time of India
12-06-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Kochi corporation kicks off drive to relocate street vendors
Kochi: In a bid to regulate street vending and ease traffic and pedestrian congestion, Kochi Corporation has initiated steps to relocate street vendors to designated vending zones. The process will begin next week, starting with vendors operating along Shanmugham Road. Corporation officials said that notices will be issued to these vendors, asking them to shift to the identified vending zone on Abraham Madamakkal Road. Those who fail to comply will be evicted with the support of the police. "The corporation will provide kiosks to all the vendors. We have identified vending zones across the city to relocate them. This initiative aims to improve urban aesthetics while ensuring that vendors' livelihoods are protected," said a senior corporation official. After the new council assumed office in 2020, an initial survey was carried out to identify street vendors across the city. Based on this, temporary licences were granted. Later, re-surveys were conducted under the leadership of Kudumbashree and the Centre for Socio-Economic-Environmental Studies (CSES) to identify more eligible vendors. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Buy Brass Idols - Handmade Brass Statues for Home & Gifting Luxeartisanship Buy Now Undo As a result, 2,351 vendors were approved through the town vending committee (TVC) following several verification processes. The corporation entrusted CSES with preparing the vending plan, which proposed 69 vending zones. These zones were approved by the TVC and the corporation council before being submitted to the state govt. In 2024, the Kerala govt officially approved the street vending zones and the supporting bylaw. However, concerns remain about the implementation. "While relocating vendors, the corporation must ensure that vacated spaces are not reoccupied by new vendors. Without strict enforcement, this move will fail to achieve its objective," said MG Aristotle, secretary of the UDF parliamentary party in the corporation. Lack of adequate space is another major challenge. Aristotle pointed out that the corporation had previously promised to relocate around 40 vendors from outside Ernakulam Market to within the market premises. "That promise remains unfulfilled. These vendors are still outside the market," he said. In Fort Kochi and adjacent divisions, the number of vendors identified officially is around 300, but more than 300 vendors are operating along the Fort Kochi Beach alone. Addressing such inconsistencies will be critical as the corporation rolls out its vendor rehabilitation programme. Follow more information on Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad here . Get real-time live updates on rescue operations and check full list of passengers onboard AI 171 .
Time of India
10-06-2025
- General
- Time of India
Corp seeks Kudumbashree aid for public toilet upkeep
T'puram: In a major step towards improving urban sanitation, the city corporation approached the Kudumbashree Mission to take over the operation and maintenance of all public toilets in the city, excluding those run by Sulabh. The move comes in response to growing concerns over hygiene standards and public dissatisfaction, especially after the city scored zero in public toilet cleanliness in the Swachh Survekshan Survey 2023 conducted by the Union ministry of housing and urban affairs. The civic body officially requested Kudumbashree to submit a detailed proposal for year-round maintenance of the city's 46 public toilets. The decision follows the successful operation of seven toilet kiosks at Manaveeyam Veedhi by Kudumbashree workers. These facilities remained closed for over a year before being reopened recently and managed efficiently by Kudumbashree. "The cleanliness and discipline shown by Kudumbashree team at Manaveeyam Veedhi convinced us of their ability to handle the city's toilet infrastructure. We want to replicate this model city-wide," corporation secretary Jahamgeer S said. In a recent meeting between the corporation secretary and the Kudumbashree executive director, the two sides began discussions on a comprehensive strategy to ensure maintenance, hygiene, and long-term viability of public toilets. A detailed proposal is expected to be submitted shortly. Kudumbashree Mission officials welcomed the move and expressed their readiness to take up the challenge. "We see this as a crucial step toward inclusive urban development and improving the quality of life for all residents, especially women and the elderly. Our teams are trained, committed, and ready to work with the corporation to bring sustainable change," a senior Kudumbashree official said. Most public toilets in the city remained shut after private contractors abandoned their operation, citing a lack of revenue and poor usage. Although there are also public restrooms available in petrol stations and other outlets, the overall availability and upkeep have remained grossly inadequate. Under the Smart City initiative, six public toilets were upgraded recently. These include facilities at the corporation campus, Putharikandam Maidanam, Thampanoor KSRTC outgate and ingate, and Vanchiyoor. These upgraded toilets are being viewed as benchmarks for cleanliness and accessibility. Despite these improvements, the corporation acknowledged significant gaps in toilet infrastructure. The state govt also initiated a statewide hygiene survey of public toilets, signalling a broader and more coordinated approach to sanitation across Kerala.
