DECLARATION

We, ANJITHA JOSEPH, ARCHANA MOHANAN,

HISANA P.H, LAKSHMI BABU do here by declare that the project
report entitled ROLE OF KUDUMBASREE IN WOMEN
EMPOWERMENT : A CASE STUDY OF THALAPPALAM GRAMA
PANCHAYAT is exclusively a bona fide work carried out by us
under the supervision and guidance of MISS. LIDIYA GEORGE ,
B.A Department of Economics , St. George’s College Aruvithura.

ANJITHA JOSEPH - 180021013027

ARCHANA MOHANAN - 180021013030

HISANA P.H - 180021013042

LAKSHMI BABU - 180021013046

 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
This project report contains input and experience of
students, people from the areas though we are unable to
mention all of them individually our sincere gratitude towards
them will be of no loss preciously saying this report is the result
of co-operation guidance, assistance and patience from a
number of persons and by god’s grace.

First of all expressing our sincere gratitude towards

the principal Dr. Reji Mekkadan , St. George’s College
Aruvithura for his support and co-operation expressing our
profound gratitude to our faculty guide smt. Lidiya george
(Economics Department) who was taken a special interest in
this project and guided us with a grant deal of patience. Her
advice support and involvement were a major source of
encouragement and inspiration.

We, the members here by extend our sincere

thanks to prof. Josiah John and prof. Dawn Joseph , the
teachers in the department for the supervision guidance ,
encouragement and co-operation.

We are also grateful to NHG members for all their

support and participation. We are also thankful to our beloved
parents and classmates for their help and co-operation to
conduct this study. We the almighty god for all the blessing
bestowed up us and for his guidance throughout the project.

Anjitha Joseph

Archana Mohanan

Hisana P.H

Lakshmi Babu
 INTRODUCTION

In India, the welfare has become one of the primary goals the
nation right from the day of independence. Women are inevitable part of
the economy and they participate in development everywhere. Women is
the inspiring force and genius of the home. KUDUMBASREE is a female
–oriented, community –based, poverty reduction project of the Govt. of
KERALA. KERALA is an Indian state lying in the south-west part of
Indian subcontinent, where many development experiments are being
texted refined and implemented.
KUDUMBASREE , a unique Program of poverty alleviation with
full participation of women especially poor women , was launched
formally by Govt. of KERALA on 17th May 1998. The formal function was
chaired by the then local administration minister PALOLI MOHAMMAD
KUTTY at KOTTAKKUNNU in MALAPPURAM where prime minister
ATAL BIHARI VAJPAYEE performed the formal launching of the
program KUDUMBASREE means prosperity of the family in
Malayalam the language spoken in KERALA. The Govt. of KERALA has
introduced a novel scheme of poverty eradication based on micro
–finance named KUDUMBASREE . Women empowerment is one of
the important objectives of KUDUMBASREE along with poverty
eradication . The aim of the KUDUMBASREE scheme is to improve the
standard living of living of poor women in rural areas by setting up
micro-credit and productive enterprises. It aims at the prosperity of the
economically backward families in the state of KERALA with various
programs. These programs are mainly relate to creation of opportunity
for their social security and empowerment physical , social ,
economical , and political information discrimination ,awareness
creation , capacity and confidence building are also included in
these programs.

The history of India shows various ups and downs in the

status of women in post independent India , the education and
employment of women have played a significant role in changing the
traditional attitude towards women with in the family and society .The
Government , through its industrial policy resolutions , five year plans
annual plans have affirmed the role of women in economic
development several schemes for the empowerment of women in rural
and urban areas how been implemented through government agencies
and financial institutions . The experiments in decentralization and
participatory planning has no doubt achieved remarkable results in
social sectors like health , housing and education and contributed
immensely to capacity building of weaker sections .
 The aim of the KUDUMBASREE scheme is to improve the
standard of living of poor women in rural areas by setting up micro-
credit and productive enterprises . It is a community based self help
initiative involving poor women . KUDUMBASREE was conceived as a
joint program of the government of KERALA and NABARD implemented
through community development societies (CDSs) of poor women ,
serving as the community with of local Government the aim of the
KUDUMBASREE scheme is to empower women as a strategy for poverty
eradication , empowerment of women and poor women driving their
development is a powerful strategy to alleviated poverty . The
KUDUMBASREE community based organizations are acting as social
safety nets , increasing access to entitlements and providing avenues
for political participation.
 Structure of Kudumbasree

1. NHG - Neighborhood Group

This is the lowest tier consisting of 15 to 40 women members

from poor families . Meeting are convened on a weekly basis in the
house of NHG members . In the weekly meetings all members bring
their thrift , which will be collected and recycled to the system by
way of sanctioning loans . The NHG has five office bearers , Who
are internally selected . They are,

1. President

2. secretary

3. IGA volunteer

4. Health and Education volunteer

5. Infra structure volunteer

(b) ADS- Area Development Society

The ADS is the second tier ADS are formed at ward level
panchayat, Municipalities or a corporation by joining 10-15 NHGS.
The activities of the ADS are decided by the representatives of the
women elected from various NHGS. The ADS consists of

1. General Body-consisting of all presidents , secretaries and 3

sectoral volunteers of the federated NHGS

2. Executive committee - The Executive Committee of the ADS

consists of 7 members elected by the ADS general body which
include a chairperson , Vice Chairperson and Secretary.

(c) CDS - Communicative Development Society

The CDS is the highest tier formed by union of all the ADS’S in
the respective panchayat, in ‘Rural’ or Muncipality and in ‘Town’ or
Corporation in city areas. It minitors the thrift and credit activities
of NHGS at these levels ie, panchayat or muncipality or corporation
level .The CDS constituted by;

1. General Body : It consists of all ADS governing body

members .

2. Executive Committee : CDS executive committee includes

representatives of each ADS general body corresponding to
total number of ADS and also include a chairperson and vice
chairperson elected by the CDS executive committee , CDS
member secretary nominated by LSGIS as ex-official
members , 5 women elected representatives of LSGIS two
experienced ex-cds chair persons as co-operated ex-officio
members proportion are representation of SC, ST,
communication is also ensured. CDS act as a form for
facilitating poverty eradication.
STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM

The problem for the present study is stated as “ROLE OF

KUDUMBASREE IN WOMEN EMPOWERMENT : A CASE STUDY OF
THALAPPALAM GRAMA PANCHAYAT.

OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY

The following are the objectives of the study

 To study the ROLE OF KUDUMBASREE in women empowerment.

 To evaluate functions and performance of KUDUMBASREE in

THALAPPALAM GRAMA PANCHAYAT.

 To study the ROLE OF KUDUMBASREE in economic , social and

political status of members of KUDUMBASREE.

 To examine how much women can contribute towards the uplift and
progress of the society through KUDUMBASREE units .

 To discover whether empowerment among women can be achieved

through GRAMA PANCHAYT.

 TO discover whether empowerment among women can be

achieved through AYALKOOTTAMS (NHGS).
 To discover whether unemployment among women can be solved
through self employment training .

 To know income level of women per year after joining a

KUDUMBASREE units.

SCOPE OF THE STUDY

The study is confined to KUDUMBASREE units of KERALA study is

conducted on the basis of sample units taken from THALAPPALAM
GRAMA PANCHAYAT of KOTTAYAM District. The study was DISCRIPTIVE
research intended to analysis the impact of KUDUMBASREE in women
empowerment . The analysis is done on the women perspective the
present study is limited to the development of women in rural area and
how KUDUMBASREE helped to it, decision making capacity of women ,
empowerment level etc. The study covers the empowerment level of
women economically , socially and politically in detail and also finds
the stratification level towards the services provided we have selected
KUDUMBASREE units in 3 wards (8,9,10) of THALAPPALAM GRAMA
PANCHAYAT for the study.There are 50 respondents in the study.
METHODOLOGY AND DATA SOURCE

For the study of ROLE OF KUDUMBASREE IN WOMEN

EMPOWERMENT : A case study of THALAPPALAM GRAMA PANCHAYT.

We have selected THALAPPALAM GRAMA PANCHAYT as our area

of study .In this GRAMA PANCHAYAT there are 13 wards and by random
method , we selected ward 8 , 9 , 10 for our study.In ward 8 there are
352 households and total population are 1265 . In ward 9 there are 310
households and total population 1061 . In ward 10 there are 300
households and total population are 1080 and because of the time limit
, we have selected 50 KUDUMBASREE members as sample .

The study is an empirical one based mainly on primary data

.The data required for the study have been collected mainly from
primary sources ,primary data have been collected by means of
discussions , questionnaire , and informer interviews with the officials
of the KUDUMBASREE program and also with the concerned local
administrative authorities secondly due to require for the study have
been collected from KUDUMBASREE journals , booklets on
KUDUMBASREE products ,articles and various books .
 TOOLS OF ANALYSIS

The data collected from various sources mentioned above we

are applying different mathematical and statistical techniques and also
presented by means of table . The primary data is analysed with help of
simple statistical tools like graphs , percentage , tables etc .

LIMITATIONS OF THE STUDY

The following are the limitations of the study

 Non-availability of secondary data .

 The study was conducted in limited area .

 Inadequacy of sufficient form time .

 It is difficult to study about all the KUDUMBASREE units and their

activities .

 Lack of sufficient data people are not willing to reveal actual facts .
 CHAPTER-2
A BRIEF PROFILE OF THALAPPALAM
GRAMA PANCHAYT
 THALAPPALAM GRAMA PANCHAYT was formed in the year
1971 .THALAPPALAM is a village in ERATTUPETTA BLOCK in KOTTAYAM
DISTRICT of KERALA state , INDIA it belongs to SOUTH KERALA DIVISION
it is located 35 km towards EAST from DISTRICT head quarters
KOTTAYAM 2km from ERATTUPETTA RUBBER PLANTATION is a major
income source for THALAPPALAM VILLAGERS .

THE total geographical area of village is 1843 hectares

THALAPPALAM has a total population of 9435 people among them
4722 are MALES and 4713 are FEMALES . THALAPPALAM is divided
into 13 wards .

IN THALAPPALAM GRAMA PANCHAYT there are 103

KUDUMBASREE units and each units includes a minimum of 10 and a
maximum of 20 members .
GENERAL INFORMATION ABOUT

THALAPPALAM GRAMA PANCHAYT

Table : 2.3

DETAILS

LOCATION THALAPPALAM

TOTAL AREA 1843 HECTARES

TOTAL WARDS 13

TOTAL POPULATION 9435

MALES 4722

FEMALES 4713

KUDUMBASREE UNITS 103

POSTOFFICE PLASSANAL

BLOCK ERATTUPETTA

DISTRICT KOTTAYAM

TALUK MEENACHIL

BANK SBI, THALAPPALAM CO-OPERATIVE

BANK,KERALA GRAMIN BANK
PARTICIPATING NUMBER OF 1465
HOUSEHOLDS IN KUDUMBASREE
UNITS
SELECTED WARD DETAILS

we have selected 8,9,10 ward as our area of study . The following are

the details of these wards.

WARD -8

NAME OF THE WARD - PANAKKAPPALAM

TOTAL POPULATION - 1265

NO. OF HOUSEHOLDS - 352

TOTAL NO. OF KUDUMBASREE

UNITS - 9

WARD -9

NAME OF THE WARD - PLASSANAL

TOTAL POPULATION - 1061

NO. OF HOUEHOLDS - 310

TOTAL NO. OF KUDUMBASREE

UNITS -6
WARD - 10

NAME OF THE WARD - MELAMPARA

TOTAL POPULATION - 1080

NO. OF HOUSEHOLDS - 300

TOTAL NO. KUDUMBASREE

UNITS - 12
 KUDUMBASREE IN THALAPPALAM

GRAMA PANCHAYT

KUDUMBASREE project was started in KERALA in 1998

WOMAN EMPOWERMENT is one of the important objectives of

KUDUMBASREE along with POVERTY ERADICATION . In the
THALAPPALAM GRAMA PANCHAYT there are 103 KUDUMBASREE units.
The participating number of families in KUDUMBASREE are 1465.

The KUDUMBASREE units in THALAPPALAM GRAMA PANCHAYT are

members of the HARITHA KARMA SENA and the employment
GUARANTEE SCHEME KUDUMBASREE units also conduct WOMAN
EMPOWERMENT program in collaboration with JANAMAITHRI POLICE
and awareness classes in collaboration with HEALTH ORGANIZATIONS
members of KUDUMBASREE units in THALAPPALAM GRAMA PANCHAYT
CO-OPERATIVE in making CARIBAGS , RICE POWDER AND PICKLES .

There is a tailoring shop called “ VASTRA “ which was started by the

KUDUMBASREE members of THALAPPALAM GRAMA PANCHAYT and is
very close to the GRAMA PANCHAYT .
 The KUDUMBASREE unit in THALAPPALAM GRAMA PANCHAY
has been adjudged the best agrivalue added unit in KOTTAYAM
DISTRICT . Received two best enterprises and best NECTAR NUTRIMIX
unit price .
 ANALYSIS AND INTERPRETATION OF DATA

Here , we present relevant tables in different kinds of charges and

diagrams to illustrate data such presentation helps us to draw a

Conclusion about the role of KUDUMBASREE in WOMAN

EMPOWERMENT .

1. Age wise classification

Study of the age group of the members of KUDUMBASREE is

essential from the above table , it is clear that the important age group
among the respondents is 40-50 years which constitute 34 percent .
Here is highlights the need for motivating young woman towards
participation in KUDUMBASREE units .
 Age wise classification

Table : 2.4

SL.NO Age category Members Percentage

1 20-30 2 4

2 30-40 12 24

3 40-50 17 34

4 50-60 10 20

5 60-70 9 18

Total 50 100

Chart Title
100%
90%
80%
70%
60%
50%
40%
30%
20%
10%
0%
SL NO 1 2 3 4 5

Series 1 Series 2 Series 3

Figure No : 2.1 Age wise classification

 1) Occupation wise classification

The following table shows the distribution of members on the

basis of occupation

Main source of the income of the family

Table :2.5
Occupation No. Of Respondents Percentage
Employment 9 18
Self employed 15 30
Housewife 26 52
Total 50 100

NO OF RESPONDENTS

EMPLOYMENT SELF EMPLOYMENT HOUSE WIFE TOTAL

Figure : 2.2 Number of Respondent based on

Occupation
From the above table it is clear that the majority of the members
are housewife this is 52%, 30%, of respondents are self employed
and only 18% of members are in employment.
 (3) INCOME LEVEL OF THE RESPONDENT

Income decides the background of a person it is the yardstick to

perceive the standard of living poverty line and standard of living
person are measured by using the income as the prime indicator. It is
difficult to get accurate information about the income of the family in
INDIAN villages because the people in the village do not reveal real
worth of the goods sold in the market which they produce for self
consumption. KUDUMBASREE helps the poor household to increase
income. The income level of the respondents is confined to below
30000, 30000-40000, 40000-50000 and above 50000.
 Income wise classification of respondent

Level of income No. Of Respondents Percentage

Below 30000 33 66
30000-40000 9 18
40000-50000 6 12
50000-60000 2 4
Total 50 100

Chart Title

100
90
80
70
60
50
40
30
20
10
0
below 30000 30000-40000 40000-50000 50000-60000 total

no of responts persentage Column1

Figure :2.3 Income base classification of Respondent

The above table shows that 66% of respondents family income is below
30000 . 18% of respondents family income in between 40000-50000
only 4% people have income above 50000.

(4) PARTICIPATION OF FAMILY ON THE BASIS OF APL AND BPL

KUDUMBASREE units target is not is not only the

eradicate poverty , but also the progress of the backward
sections of the society. Most of the KUDUMBASREE members are
from bpl families.
 Participation of family on the basis of BPL and APL

Table :2.6

Category No. Of respondents Percentage

BPL 40 80
APL 10 20
Total 50 100

Chart Title

80

60
Column1
40
persentage
20
no of respondents
0
BPL APL Total

no of respondents persentage Column1

Figure : 2.4 Participation of Family Basis of APL and BPL

Type of ration card is another important variable for analysing the

demographic profile of the respondents the information in the table

reveals that the number of 40 respondents were owner of BPL card

with 80 percent , where as only 10 respondents were owner of APL card

with 20 percent .

(5) Educational qualification of respondents

The literacy rate of KUDUMBASREE members in the follows

Table : 2.7

Level of education No. Of respondents Percentage

Below SSLC 26 52
Above SSLC 24 48
Total 50 100

EDUCATIONAL QUALIFICATION OF RESPONDANTS

BELOW SSLC ABOVE SSLC

Figure:2.5 Educational Qualification of Respondents

(6) Source motivated two join KUDUMBASREE

in order to identity the source motivated to join KUDUMBASREE

it was distributed as self decision family and neighbours.

Table :2.8

Sources No. Of respondents percentage

Self decision 47 94
Family 0 0
Neighbours 3 6
Total 50 100

sources motivated to join kudumbasree

100
90
80
70
60
50
40
30
20
10
0
self desion family neighours
no of respondants persentage Column1
 Figure :2.6 Sources motivated to join kudumbasree

(7) Reasons for taking membership

There are many reasons for taking a membership in the

KUDUMBASREE units for the purpose it was confined to POVERTY
ERADICATION , to increase income , to take loan and , to
WOMAN EMPOWERMENT and to improve their living conditions

(8) Self employment through participation in KUDUMBASREE

Through the training programs the members of each unit have to

get an employment opportunity and achieve self sufficiency .
There are also self employment ventures started in collaboration
with members of KUDUMBASREE units our surveys the following
result are obtained.
 Self employment through participation in KUDUMBASREE

Table : 2.9

Respondents No. Of In percentage Degree

replay respondents
Yes 34 68 2450
No 16 32 1160
Total 50 100 3600

self mployment through participation in

kudumbasree

no

yes

yes no

Figure :2.7 Self employment through participation in kudumbasree

(9) The ADS act as a source of initial fund for investment and other uses
it can provide funds to the members . Thus ADS acts as a fund providing
unit with lower rate of interests .

The respondents who take the fruits of the ADS in as follows

Table: 3.1

SI. NO Respondents No. of percentage

replay Respondents
1 Yes 48 96
2 No 2 4
Total 50 100

1
100
80
60
40
20
0 2

respontants reply no of respondentants persentage

Figure :2.9 Solve the financial problem through ADS

(10) LOANS FROM UNIT

KUDUMBASREE provides various types of loans to all their

members without any security . The following are the loans given
through KUDUMBASREE units NHG’S personal loans and linkage
loans as well as COVID loans are available in the context of COVID
. Its helpful to BPL families.

Table :3.

SI. NO Respondents No. Of In

Respondents percentage
1 YES 43 86
2 NO 7 14
Total 50 100

100
80
60
40
20
0
1
2

respondents reply no of respondents percentage

Figure :3.1 Loans from unit

(10) Attitude of the respondents about the awareness programs
conducted in KUDUMBASREE unit

KUDUMBASREE units conduct WOMAN EMPOWERMENT

program in collaboration with JANAMAITHRI police and
awareness classes in collaboration with health organizations.

Table : 3.3

SI. NO Attitude of NO. Of percentage

respondents respondents
1 YES 47 94
2 NO 3 6
Total 50 100

Chart Title

100
percentge
50 no of respondents
attitude of the respondents
0
1 2

attitude of the respondents no of respondents percentge

Figure: 3.4 awaareness Programmes

(1) (11) Attitude of the respondents about the CEF and
REVOLVING fund service

Revolving fund is meant for meeting urgent requirement of

working capital enterprises are eligible for REVOLVING FUND
@15% of the project cost subject to a maximum of INR 35000 per
group one of the major issues faced by micro enterprise is the
shortage of working capital due to delay in payments by
wholesales and departments KUDUMBASREE succeeded in
providing REVOLVING FUND to units which helped them in
harnessing working capital for continuous production -supply
COMMUNITY ENTERPRISES FUND is a DEDICATED FUND given as
grant on the lines of COMMUNITY INVESTMENT FUND (CIF)
provided under NRLM. The sole purpose of the CEF is to purchase
capital goods,inputs,working capital etc. To start new enterprise
or diversity the existing business CEF will be given as a loan
amount at lower than a rate of interest of 12% . The following
CEF and REVOLVING FUND services.
 CEF and REVOLVING FUND

Table:

SI.NO Attitude of No.of percentage

respondents respondents
1 YES 44 88
2 NO 5 10
No answer No answer 1 2
Total 50 100

Chart Title
50 100
45 90
40 80
35 70
30 60
25 50
20 40
15 30
10 20
5 10
0 0
1 2 no answer total

attitude of the respondents no of respondents persentage

Figure: 3.5 CEF and REVOLVING FUND

 (12) Small scale business in KUDUMBASREE units

Small scale business in KUDUMBASREE units is a factor

which influences empowerment of woman. The below table
shows small scale business in KUDUMBASREE units.

SI.NO Small scale NO. Of percentage

business respondents
1 Yes 26 52
2 No 24 48
Total 50 100

1, 52
2, 0
1, 26 ,0
100 2, 24 , 0 percentage
1, 0 ,0
0 2, 0 , 0 no of respondents
1 ,0
2 , 0 small scale business

small scale business no of respondents percentage

Figure : 3. Small scale business in ADS

 PART -2 DATA ANALYSIS ECONOMIC
EMPOWERMENT

(1) Status of economic empowerment

The aim of the KUDUMBASREE project is WOMAN

EMPOWERMENT, POVERTY ERADICATION AND IMPROVING THE SOCIAL
AND ECONOMIC STATUS OF WOMAN.Economic empowerment is the
capacity of woman to participate in contribute to and benefit from
growth process . Economic empowerment increases women’s access to
economic resources and opportunities including job,financial
services,property and productive assets ,skills and development etc. It
allows poor people to think beyond immediate daily survival and to
exercise greater control over both their resources and life choices
women’s economic empowerment is a prerequisite for sustainable
development and for achieving the goals and economic empowerment
is also a right .Table shows status of economic empowerment of
members in KUDUMBASREE units.
 Statement Yes No Total

Improvement in 50 0 50
saving habit
Financially
independent 33 17 50
Aware about
banking 27 23 50
procedures
Poverty
eradication 35 15 50

From the above table shows the economic empowerment of

members in KUDUMBASREE units all the respondents are strongly
agreed that KUDUMBASREE units helps to improve their saving habit.
33 RESPONDENTS are agreed that financially independent 27
respondents are aware about banking procedures 35 respondents are
strongly agree with the eradication of poverty provided by
KUDUMBASREE units.
 (1) (14) SOCIAL EMPOWERMENT

Social empowerment is understood as the process of developing

a sense of autonomy and self confidence ,and acting individually
and collectively to change social relationships and the institutions
and disclosures that exclude poor people and keep them in
poverty.Table shows social status of members in KUDUMBASREE
units.

STATEMENT OF SOCIAL EMPOWERMENT

Table:

Statement Yes No Total

Equal treatment 50 0 50
to all
Involved in 30 20 50
social activities
Strong decision 45 5 50
making power
Gender Equality 50 0 50
Increase social 30 20 50
awareness
 From the above table shows the assessment of social
empowerment of members from KUDUMBASREE units. All the
members strongly agree with the statement KUDUMBASREE unit
provide equal treatment to all.The 30 members are agreeing with
involvement in social activities and they are also aware about
social activities and they are also aware about social activities
due to strong decision making powers are strongly agree with 45
members. There should be 50 members are agree with gender
equality provided by KUDUMBASREE units.

(15) POLITICAL EMPOWERMENT

There are minimal correlation between woman participating in

government and the wealth of the country.In 1983, NEW ZELAND was
the first country to grant woman the right to vote .The political
empowerment of women is a societal process crucial to development
and progress.It is a process of increasing capacity for woman leading to
greater choice ,that of agency ,and that of participation. Table shows
political status of members of KUDUMBASREE units.
POLITICAL STATUS OF EMPOWERMENT

Statement Yes No Total

Strong aware
about women’s 16 34 50
commission
Involvement in
political 4 46 50
activities
Engaged in
election 3 47 50
campaign
Actively
participate in 44 6 50
elections
Reduce poverty 35 15 50

From the above table shows the political empowerment of members in

KUDUMBASREE units. The 16 members are agree with aware about the
women’s commission and the members are disagreed in 34. The agreed
members with the statement that there is an active participation in
political activities with the 4 and the members are disagreed in 46. Only
a few people are participating in election campaigns. The members of
KUDUMBASREE units are strongly agreed with the active participation
in election (50) and reduction in poverty with 35 members.
CHAPTER - 3
FINDING , SUGGESTION ,

AND CONCLUSION
KUDUMBASREE units plays an important role in the socio-economic and
political life of rural people in KERALA. It is seen that KUDUMBASREE in
the study area has greatly helped for the empowerment of rural
women in KUDUMBADREE units with these in view the summary of
findings , problems faced by the respondents and suggestions to
overcome the challenges are described. This chapter discusses the
major findings and implications of the study ,suitable suggestions are
also made in this chapter for making performance counselling more
effective.
 FINDINGS OF THE STUDY

This study was conducted primarily to investigate the role of

KUDUMBASREE in WOMAN EMPOWERMENT with special reference to
THALAPPALAM GRAMA PANCHAYT. The finding of the study were
based on go respondents our study reveals the following facts:

1. The profile of the respondents

 People in the age group of 40-50 years are the majority of

members in KUDUMBASREE unit.

 Where The dominant level of education among the respondents

is below SSLC which constitute 50 percent.

 Around 66 percent respondent household get an annual income

of R.S 30000

 Out of 50 respondents majority of the respondents of

KUDUMBASREE units BPL card holders with 80 percent.

 Majority of the members are housewife this is 52%.

 Majority of the respondents are join KUDUMBASREE units on

their own decision with 94%.
2. Status of economic empowerment

 Through participation in KUDUMBASREE 34 out of about 50

respondents are self employed.

 Of the 50 respondents 48 said their financial problems were being

addressed through ADS.

 Most of the members get loans through KUDUMBASREE.

 The 26 members of the KUDUMBASREE units are involved in the

small business ventures started by the KUDUMBASREE units a there
by make a profit.

 The 50 respondents strongly agree that KUDUMBASREE units helps

to improve their saving habit.

 The 44 members of the KUDUMBASREE units are knowledgeable

about the REVOLVING FUND and the CEF.

 Only a few people in the KUDUMBASREE units are aware of the

bank’s procedures.

 The 29 members agree with the statement they get financial

assistance from the government.
3. Status of social empowerment

 The 50 members are strongly agreed with the statement

KUDUMBASREE provide equal treatment to all.

 The 30 members agreeing with involvement in social activities.

 The 45 members agreeing with KUDUMBASREE provide them strong

decision making power.

 Majority of the members participating in the self employment

training programs in government institutions.

 In THALAPPALAM GRAMA PANCHAYT the KUDUMBASREE units are

conducted various health awareness programs.

 In THALAPPALAM GRAMA PANCHAYT ,KUDUMBASREE units also

conduct WOMEN EMPOWERMENT program in collaboration with
janamaithri police.

 There should be so members are agree with gender equality provided

by KUDUMBASREE units.

 KUDUMBASREE members are developed relationship with people.

4.Status of political empowerment

 Only a few people (16) agree with aware about the women’s
commission.

 The agreed members with the statement that there is an active

participation in political activities with 4 and the members are
disagreed in 46.

 Only a few people are participating in election campaigns.

 The members of KUDUMBASREE units are strongly agreed with the

active participation in election (44)

 The 35 members upheld the statement that KUDUMBASREE units

help in POVERTY ALLEVIATION.

 Through this become bold and can speak freely in front of a big
crowd.

 KUDUMBASREE plays a better role towards development of women.

Majority of respondents are actively participating in KUDUMBASREE.
Suggestions and recommendations

Major suggestions are listed below

1) The govt. Should taken various steps to boost women to the main
stream of social life

2) Continuous and rigorous leadership training required for individual

and group members.

3) Woman empowerment and awareness programme should be

conducted at regular intervals.

4) Govt.should start various poverty eradication programs.

5) Seminars and study classes must be conducted to provide valuable

information to KUDUMBASREE units.

6) The Govt.should give additional financial assistance to

KUDUMBASREE units to make their activities more effective and
precise.

7) Audio visual aids and programs like radio, television etc, will boost
the woman employment and development strategies.

8) Loan arrangements for construction through area development

society (ADS)
9) Ensure the presents of all KUDUMBASREE members in the awareness
classes organized by the KUDUMBASREE units.

10) More classes on COMMUNITY ENTERPRISE FUND (CEF) AND

REVOLVING FUND FOR KUDUMBASREE members receiving financial
assistance.

11) Ensure active participation of KUDUMBASREE members in GRAMA

SABHAS.

12) Develop plans to enhance technical knowledge.

13) Implement necessary steps to increase the profitability of the goods

produced by the KUDUMBASREE members through self employment
scheme.

14) Practice self defence measures to protect women.

15) The motive of WOMEN EMPOWERMENT should be more

popularized and KUDUMBASREE units must be given the change to look
after the progress of the women in their respective area.

16) Some of the respondents were not getting adequate loan facilities
from NHGS . ADS have to give loan facilities at lower interest.
 CONCLUSION
Women empowerment refers to the ability of women to
transform economic and social development when empowered there
will be able to participate in the decision that affect their lives through
leadership training , coaching , consulting , and the provision of
enabling tools for women to lead within their communities , region and
countries.

KUDUMBASREE as a comprehensive programme aims at the

alleviation of poverty. It is a participatory poverty reduction
programme focusing on women empowerment through convergence of
resources and community action.It encompasses thrift and credit
activities, micro enterprises , several income generating activities and a
wide range of welfare activities. KUDUMBASREE in the present form
evolved through various phases of experience starting from 1987-1988.

KUDUMBASREE is the source of power for the new generation

women of KERALA. More than 90% of women in kerala have gained
their self confidence after being associated with KUDUMBASREE. Area
development society in THALAPPALAM GRAMA PANCHAYT is working
well.Members of KUDUMBASREE units in THALAPPALAM GRAMA
PANCHAYT co-operate in making caribags , rice powder and pickles
.There is a tailoring shop called “vastra” which was started by the
KUDUMBASREE members of THALAPPALAM GRAMA
PANCHAYT.KUDUMBASREE will enable to make revolutionary changes
in the development scenario of KERALA.
 BIBLIOGRAPHY
1. Woman in Indian society : NEERA DESAI,USHA THAKKAR National
Bookstall 2005

2. Women in kerala : P.A.Nair, kerala book ,1978

3. Kerala Kudumbasree : D.D.U. - G.K.V. Special edition

4. Kudumbasree school padapusthakam : State Poverty Alleviation

Mission

5. www.wikipedia.com

6. www.Google.com

7. Influence of kudumbasree on women empowerment a study:Dr.K

Venugopalan

8. A Research study on overall performance of kudumbasree unit

:Santosh prabhu m.