KERALA ECONOMY

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Discuss the main features of Kerala Economy
Kerala economy is primarily based on agriculture, the strong historical significance and natural attributes of the state have resulted in the presence of several industries in Kerala. Kerala has the following to its credit. The highest literacy rate in India. Tourism has grown to be a front line industry government backing and private management. An efficient public transport system. Information Technology is becoming a key area of economic excellence. Kerala is a major producer of cash crops like coconuts, rubber, tea, coffee, pepper, cardamom etc. Industries of Kerala economy are hugely based on agriculture and marine products. More than one third of the marine product exports of India is from Kerala. Around 30 lakh Keralites are working abroad mainly Persian Gulf; so economy is largely dependent on remittances. The economy of Kerala, though small and agro-based, has a lot to look forward in future with the upcoming of IT and allied industries that are willing to exploit the yet - to - be tapped resources.

cost at constant (2004-05) prices is 181289.12 crore during 2009-10 as against the provisional estimate of 165221.10 crore during 2008-09, registering a growth rate of 9.73 percent in 2009-10 compared to 7.22 percent in 2008-09. The growth rate at current prices is 14.57 percent in 2009-10 compared to 14.78 percent in 2008-09. The quick estimate of Net State Domestic Product (State income) at factor cost at constant prices (2004-05) is 159143.62 crore during 2009-10 compared to the provisional estimate of 144818.05 crore during 2008-09 recording a growth rate of 9.89 percent in 2009-10. The growth rate of state income at current prices is 14.64 percent in 2009-10 compared to 14.70 percent in 2008-09. As per the quick estimates in 2009-10, the

State the extent of income growth rate in Kerala.

Keralas GSDP (Gross State Domestic Product) growth rate during every single year of the first four years of the eleventh plan has been higher than the GDP growth rate of the country as a whole. As per the statistics published by Department of Economics and statistics, the quick estimate of GSDP at factor

percapita Gross State Domestic Product at constant (2004-05) prices was 52984 as against provisional estimate of 48655 in 2008-09 recording a growth rate of 8.90 percent in 2009-10. At current prices, per capita GSDP in 2009-10 was 67312 registering a growth rate of 13.71 percent over the estimate of 59197 in 2008-09.

Explain the sectoral distribution of GSDP

During 2009-10 the contribution from primary, secondary and tertiary sectors to the GSDP at constant prices (2004-05) constitutes 12.01%, 21.71% and 66.28% respectively. At current prices, the primary, secondary and tertiary sectors contribute 15.79%, 22.85% and 61.36% respectively to the GSDP during 2009-10. In Kerala, the contribution from primary sector is decreasing and the tertiary sector is increasing. But secondary sector remains almost stagnant. Economic growth is directly linked with the development of tertiary sector-respectively as 56%, 15% and 29%. As compared to 200910 figures with 1960-61, the contribution from tertiary sector increased from 29% to 61% and primary sector contribution decreased to 14% from 56%. The analysis of annual sectoral growth rate of Gross State Domestic Product shows that secondary sector recorded the highest rate of growth 16.05 percent in 2009-10 at current prices followed by Tertiary sector (14.84%) and primary sector (11.40%). At constant (2004-05) prices, the tertiary sector recorded a growth rate of 11.51 percent, secondary sector 9.43 percent and primary sector with 1.27 percent in 2009-10.

of Indias entire yield of pepper and 91% of natural rubber is produced in Kerala. Other important crops in the region are coconut, tea, coffee, cashew, and spices such as cardamom, vanilla, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Rice is the staple food of the natives and is grown in abundance in the state. Home gardening is a common activity in Kerala and the citizens contribute significantly to the economy by indulging in this pleasurable pursuit. The provisional estimate of agriculture income of the state recorded a slight increase of 2.75 percent during 2008-09. The provisional estimate for 2009-10 indicated an increase of 0.25 percent in growth over 200809. The share of agriculture and allied sectors in GSDP indicated a continuous decline in the state. The share was only 11.54 percent during 2009-10. Livestock: Livestock and animal husbandry is an equally important facet of Keralas economy. It is a major contributor to Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP), it could be as high as 40 percent of the agricultural GSDP in Kerala. It has been suggested as an apt occupation for the rural populace and as the remedy for unemployed women and the economically weaker classes such as the landless. Almost 58% of Malayalis households (38 lakhs of the 55 lakh households) are engaged in managing livestock and such activities such as Feeding, milking, cattle breeding, livestock management, health care and allied endeavours. The government of Kerala promotes livestock and cattle rearing by offering lucrative incentives to those engaged in the profession and holds educational programs. The introduction of new breeds of cattle such as Sunandini is also an encouraging factor. Fisheries: Fisheries contribute about 3% to the total economy of the state. The natural landforms of the state endow Kerala with a huge output of marine and freshwater fish haul

Explain the role of primary sector in Kerala Economy

Agriculture: The economy of Kerala is hugely dependent on its agriculture. The distinction of the agricultural sector of the economy can be noted from the fact that 96%

each year. About 10.85 lakh people earn their livelihood from fishing and allied activities such as drying, processing, packaging, exporting and transporting fisheries. The well being of these fishermen and workers depends on the proper implementation of the various schemes devised by the Department of Fisheries. The government of Kerala is enforcing every measure possible in their interest. The state alone yields 6.75 lakh tonnes of fish every year. Forestry & Wildlife: About 10,336 sq.km of Kerala is densely forested. This constitutes 26.6% of the total geographic land. A huge spectrum of flora and fauna has its home in this verdant state. Thus forestry and wildlife plays a major role in the states economy. The revenue earned from export of herbs and herbal by-products such as oils, hides of animals such as the jaguar, fox, elephant etc., tree barks, natural incense, scents, ivory, sandalwood, teak wood, rosewood etc contribute as a major foreign exchange earner. A number of indigenous industries have also mushroomed owing to this phenomenon. These include leather product manufacturing units, fragrance and incense preparing cottage industry, sandal and ivory carving business and coir product manufacturing units. The revenue from the forestry sector by way of sale of timber and other forest products comes to 272.8 crores on 2009-10 and the revenue from the forest sector in 2008-09 was 223.71 crore. The total forest revenue increase is 21.9% over the previous year.

and large scale industries. Industrial growth in Kerala during 2004-05 to 2009-10 was positive. The average growth rate for the period from 2004-05 to 2009-10 was 10.5 percent at constant prices. Energy: A high output of hydel power had held Kerala in good stead till recently. The steady increase in industries and an inability to undertake more hydel energy generating projects has forced the state to look towards diesel energy and thermal energy import. Kerala is the second largest diesel-based thermal electricity generator in India. The states national market share is over 21%. Power system in Kerala encompasses hydel, thermal and wind sources. Hydel energy is the most reliable source in Kerala.

Explain the role of service sector

Banking & Finance: Kerala has its share of banking and financial institutions. Besides the PSUs, a number of leading private banks such as HDFC Bank, ICICI Bank, ABN Amro Bank etc. have set up a network of retail branches and ATMs for the residents of the state. Besides traditional products these offer a plethora of financial services especially NRI services owing to the extent of Malayali Diaspora. Mutual funds, financial lending institutions and other such services are easily available in the state. In Kerala total number of bank branches as on March 2010 was 4227, which shows there was increase of 211 bank branches. Real Estate: The real estate sector of the states economy is really on an upswing. Increase in population and increased access to home finances has increased the demand for constructing houses. While various institutions such as The Kerala State Housing Board, Rural Development Department, Kerala State Co-operative Housing Federation, Agricultural Bank and Kerala State Development Cor-

Explain the role of secondary sector

Industry: A number of industries in Kerala are booming and flourishing. The textile and electronics industry in Kerala is on an all time high. Coffee, tea, cardamom, ginger, pepper, coconut kernels form the bulk of the exports from the state. Kerala has about 1.8 lakh small scale industries and about 511 medium sized

poration are busy implementing the various housing schemes deURISM vised by the Governand KERALA TO 7 lakh people ment of Kerala, varilihood of over million). ala is the live ous mushrooming PSU pees (Rs. 40,000 Tourism in Ker t 4000 crore ru pristine e of abou tered, secluded and other financial ingenerates revenu de back, a shel untry. d till a deca n only to the co stitutions are wooing Ker ala remaine urist destinatio n the popular as a to mid 90s whe the people of Kerala with haunt and was le t out in the ely started ded secr et was of Tourism activ funds and financial aid This well guar the Department he influx Kerala and t destination. T towards housing and Government of cherished touris and the region as a ever increasing promoting the home building. state has been n and ckers into the accommodatio of global backpa as hotels and ch Health Care: The es involved su allied business flourished. medical profession and ve also transport etc. ha the healthcare industry in Kerala is growing in leaps and bounds. Dentistry, cardiac sciences, oncology, ophthalmology, nursing and biotechnology are major growth fields. With ? What is Kerala Model ? the growth of medical education, there has been a spectacular increase in the number of Kerala model is defined as the Keralas high hospitals and diagnostic centers in the state. standard of living (comparable to US or Europe) at very low per capita income which Medical tourism to the state is a major revenue is only 1/80th of US citizens per capita income. earner. Tourists especially from the Gulf and This model refers to a set of economic Middle East where the costs of surgical practices developed in the state of Kerala, procedures, post operative care and resulted in attaining a high level of standards pharmaceutical drugs are very high. in human development, despite having a very IT Sector: With the boom in the IT sector of low industrial development. This anomaly of Kerala, the state has become one of the most high social development despite economic promising destinations in the entire continent backwardness is variously known as the for software development, e-commerce and Kerala Model. The unique demographic profile e-business solutions. The rise in the number of the state as well as historical factors of professionals employed in this sector has associated with the States intervention have steeply risen following the active promotion been considered to be responsible for this of educational institutions offering courses phenomenon. such as MCA, Bsc (Comp), Software ? Modern economic theory says that this Engineering etc. This is a direct result of the combination of under development and Government of Keralas active IT Mission high standard of living is impossible. which aims at creating about 2 lakh vacancies How has Kerala done it ? in the sector by 2010. With the rising There are several factors to explain Keralas investments of multinationals and the creation model of development. One is the states of Techno Park this sector is a major revenue natural and human resource distribution. The generator in the state. fact that its population density is among the

Kerala Model of Development

highest in the world has, worked to Keralas advantage. The proximity of people has made it easier to provide quality health care and education. It has also helped to prevent an urban - rural economic gap from developing.

in some ways,
pment r human develo ed to translate he me th: Kerala fail on which has co Lopsided grow th a phenomen economic grow th. attainments into as lopsided grow in the literature the cross to be referred ala economy at ic oss roads: Ker y at the cr of poor ec onom Kerala Econom s the q uest ion the nt to addr es hievements in roads was mea ground of its ac ga inst the back perfor mance a social sphere.

Water, an important natural resource, has not been a problem for Kerala; the state has traditionally sufficient rainfall. Kerala is dependent on its coconut groves, rice fields and garden produce for foods. Even more important than natural resources, however, is Keralas history as a place with strong activist leaders and organizations and public agitation for equality. The state has never experienced communist or socialist revolution, but has instead worked through a strong democratic system. Regardless of who is in office, peasant and worker movements have organised and won many radical reforms.

public action by creating further social cleavages. Inspite of extreme poverty, Kerala is known for free universal health care and education, and an overall standard of living that is the envy to the Third World. Its citizens enjoy life expectancies and literacy rates nearly comparable to those in highly industralised and wealthy nations such as the US. Though they have not disappeared, caste and gender divisions have faded to an impressive extent. Infant mortality and birth rates have dropped.

Briefly explain the origin of Kerala Model of Development.

The search for the origin of the Kerala Model takes us straight to the nineteenth century. Several distributive policy measures are seen to be operative as far back as the second half of the nineteenth century. The beginning of the availability of mass literacy, acknowledged as one of the most crucial factors promoting the particular development pattern in Kerala was already visible in the southern princely states which formed part of united Kerala, as early as the late nineteenth century. Therefore, the search for reasons that promoted such a public policy has to be directed to the nineteenth century. Earlier studies have identified the emergence of Socio-religious reform movements (SRRMs now onwards) from almost every caste and community which mediated demand for public services

Explain the Paradox of Kerala Model

Kerala, a small state is one of the poorest regions in the world. Its per capita GNP, at less than one eightieth that of the United States, is low even in comparison to those other lesser developed countries. Keralas society is marked by the presence of democratic political regimes that work towards the welfare of the poor. It is also marked by the presence of an alert citizenry; mass organisations, mainly from the Left that represent people of different backgrounds consistently strive to protect institutions of public welfare from degenerating. But is proposed here that the resultant development experience itself resulted in weakening the material basis of

and utilities at higher levels of decision making; as one of the favourable factors. The emergence of the SRRMs have already been linked to the extensive and intensive commercialization of the agrarian economy of the region. Once we take into account the various public measures and other historical factors which helped initiate the commercialisation process; it becomes important that we analyse public policy measures undertaken in the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries to locate the processes which shaped the Kerala model.

another model is necessary. Kerala provides such an alternative. The states focus on achieving equality through redistribution of wealth has worked to raise the standard of living for the vast majority of its people. High numbers in areas such as life expectancy and literacy prove this. Per-capita GNP can be high, but such a number will not reflect what may well be a small but very rich group balancing out a large number of poor. Percentage of literate adults, however, can only rise when literacy has spread across a large number of people. Of course, Kerala has its problems. Perhaps the worst is its chronically high rate of unemployment. This statistics has stayed at approximately one fourth of the labour force for several decades, three times the all India average. High levels of education have helped the country to export professionals, many of whom send portions of their income back to Kerala, but they also seem to be leading many youth to scorn the labour intensive work that is most readily available in the state itself. The state therefore imports unskilled labour despite high unemployment. As a consequence of this and other related factors, the states economy is floundering, and many programs are stagnating.

Discuss Government initiatives for Kerala model of development

Kerala has instituted a number of striking reforms with widespread benefits in other areas as well. The state has had a number of pension, unemployment, and welfare programs since the early 1980s. High spending on health services - from proper sanitation to hospital maintenance to construction of housing for the poor - has dramatically decreased levels of infant mortality, malaria, tuberculosis, and other diseases still prevalent in much of India. The state subsidizes rice and other necessities for the poor and provides free lunches for all children in schools and nurseries. None of these reforms were easy to win; all of them took years of struggle on the part of Keralas citizens. Many scholars attribute the high degree of political mobilization in Kerala to the high levels of education and literacy. The many libraries and remarkably wide circulation of newspapers keep people informed and promote political involvement. There has also been a history of strong grassroots organisations and labour unions in Kerala, which continues to the present day.

As land reforms are considered the one outstanding achievement of the Kerala Model, the question to ask is why this has not solved the food problem once and for all ?
For one, land reforms are not the one outstanding achievement of the Kerala Model although it is an important plank of its egalitarian capabilities. Two, land reforms of Kerala is the outcome of a long drawn out struggle for land rights and freedom from the days of the Travancore Royal Proclamation of 1867 through the Land Reform (Amendment) Act, 1970. The emphasis never

Kerala Model as an alternative

There are still many proponents of the neoliberal development ideal, but it seems that

most vulnerable and disadvantaged groups. The average monthly per capita consumer IN ssib TW eir wider acce e social safety expenditure (MPCE) of housed health and th Education an ng with that, th ala Model. Alo ci et y ha ve holds by economic categories llars of the Ker sect ions of so the twin pi ost vulner able pment. It and by social groups in two ng the m Keralas develo net pr ovis ioni n capabilities of ation to periods 1999-2000 and 2004e egalitaria ending on educ strengthened th ge of public sp t in 05 shows very clearly that the at the percenta as 29.28 percen is significant th ch was as high hi 05- consumer expenditure situat expenditure w 7 percent in 20 total governmen -93 and to 17.9 92 h sharper tion of Kerala of all categoed to 23.17 in 19 in 2006-07. Muc 1982-83 declin eased to 18.59 e post- ries by household types or ginally incr health during th 06 and only mar expenditure on en the by social groups or by rural ll in the public alth care has be has been the fa ucation and he urban differentiation is way r quality of ed reform era. Poo ahead of their all -India this. net outcome of counterparts. The adverse changes in the conditions of the really poor among had been to augment food grains output the economic and social categories is disturbbut to secure freedom and valued functioning. ing. Kerala has the highest per capita conA truly land to the tiller project of sumption among the Indian States since 1993redistributing land to the former slaves 94 and has been increasing over the years. probably would have contributed to food Although the average MPCE of agricultural production. Then the quality and texture of labour in nominal terms increased by 21 per the Kerala Model also would have emerged as cent in 2004-05 compared to 1999-2000, in a food secure state. Third, the real outstanding real terms the growth was only by 6.3 percent. achievement of Kerala Model is in the field of The worst affected are the scheduled tribes education and health that acted as the among the agricultural labour households. foundational capabilities of Keralas human Their average MPCE even in nominal terms development achievements. declined over 13 percent and their real value as deflated by agricultural labour consumer State the extent of poverty and price index by 23.86 percent. inequality

L A M OD E L F T HE KE R A PILLARS O ility have been

State-wise trend in the estimates of income poverty (Head Count Ratio) shows that in rural Kerala HCR in 1987-88, a clear pre-reform period is 10.3 percentage points lower than in 1983. But for the 11 years spanning the post reform period from 1993-94 to 200405 the reduction is only 12.2 percentage points. There is no special reason for a sharp fall in rural poverty while the fall in urban poverty ratio was only just 3.7 percentage points from 24.3 in 1993-94 to 20.6 in 200405. Thus the post -reform poverty reduction even by official poverty line estimates is not spectacular despite Keralas triumphant entry into the virtuous growth regime. Agricultural labour and SC / ST categories belong to the

Analyse the remarkable achievements in the sphere of human development.

Kerala has received world wide acclaim on account of its remarkable achievements in the sphere of human development which were celebrated as the Kerala Model of development. a) Health: Keralas much acclaimed outcomes in health care were to a large extent based on its vast network of public health institutions with the sub-centre and PHC, CHC, Taluk / District Hospitals and Medical College Hospitals at the primary, secondary and tertiary levels, the hallmark of which was universal accessibility

and availability of medical care to the poor sections of society. Census 2011 put Keralas population at 3,33,87,677 persons, with a sex-ratio (females per 1000 males) of 1084, is the only state in India with a positive figure. In the human development and related indices Kerala occupies prime position among Indian states in lower level of birth rate, death rate and infant mortality rate and highest life expectancy. It is a note worthy feature of Kerala that the percentage of aged population (above 60 years) is increasing fast. b) Education: Kerala stands miles ahead among the other states in social indicators like literacy rate, higher enrolment of students, higher percentage of girl, SC and ST students in schools, Schools and Colleges even in remotest regions - low dropout rate among students etc. Keralas literacy rate is comparable to the most advanced regions of the world. Keralas literacy rate which was only 47.18% in 1951 has almost doubled to 93.91% in 2011. The male, female literacy gap which was 21.92% in 1951 has narrowed down to 6.34% in 2001.

challenged the foundations of the Kerala Model of low cost health care. Not only that, when public medical expenses are declining with very little allocations available for buying equipments and drugs, the cost of medicines has increased following the WTO agreement and the amendment to the Indian Patent Act, 1970. There is a tremendous growth in the availability of private hospitals, nursing homes, scanning centres, diagnostic centres and the like. Nearly 65 per cent beds are in the private sector with those in the public sector providing indifferent patient care and services due to lack of equipments or adequate supply of drugs and medicines. In brief, the new dispensation underway in Kerala has adverse impact on the Kerala model which has been built on social justice. With nearly 70 per cent of the poor taking to the private sector for health care and the cost of medical expenses mounting the poor borrow heavily for survival and run fast into indebtedness. Thus, the Kerala model has lost its historical architecture.

Kerala model has lost its historical architecture. Why ?

It is not only the reduced budgetary allocations for education and health, but the accelerated commercialization of these sectors under the Reform regime that materially weakened the Kerala model. The unaided private schools and colleges which were not a strong presence in the state mushroomed under liberalisation. During the last ten years, self-financing professional colleges have mushroomed in Kerala. About 82 per cent of engineering seats and 45 per cent of medical college seats are now in the self-financing sector. Affordability and accessibility which were the hall-mark of the Kerala model seem to be jettisoned under the new dispensation. All evidences suggest that liberalization has

Explain Participatory Democracy and the Concept of New Kerala Model

Participatory democracy gives local people greater freedom to determine their development priorities and improve the quality of public services. Indeed, participating in social choice is a valued capability and freedom. Richard Franke and Barbara Chasin found in this planning initiative good potential and great hope and characterized it as a New Kerala Model. To quote them: At least on paper, it is an integrated programme to foster a high degree of interaction between government and ordinary people with a focus on the particular issues that make up the crisis of the Kerala Model. As such, it also becomes a conscious, organized attempt both to keep the Kerala Model alive and to throw up local shields of resistance against the most harmful elements of the New World order.

Rene Veron also has projected a New Kerala Model based on comprehensive communitybased, environmentally sensitive programmes that offer important lessons for sustainable development in India and elsewhere. Elaborating certain differences between the old Kerala Model and the new Kerala Model, Veron asserts that the old model preoccupied with redistributive strategies failed to induce economic development.

Discuss Emerging Unfreedoms in Kerala Model of Development

The emerging unfreedom issues in Kerala are under three broad heads: economic and moral hazards, political deficits and social anomie. a) Economic and moral Hazards A highly consumerist state with a MPCE much higher than that of all other states in India, Kerala encounters several adverse consequences. The growing vehicle population, the production of mounting solid, liquor and medical wastes, a pathological increase in liquour consumption, and above all the creation of a parallel economy are some of the major consequences of high consumerism. These are alarming numbers and are serious threats to the freedom to lead long and healthy lives. b) Social anomie The low infant mortality rate and the great demographic transition that Kerala achieved shows womens agency at its best in any developing country. Even so the growing atrocities against women such as rapes, cruelty by hus ba nds ,

dowry deaths and so on persist as a paradox. During the 1997-2007 decade the incidence of suicides per lakh crossed 30 and for the rest of the years stayed around that number. The frequent Harthals (88 in 2007) limit the freedom of transport, transactions, economic facilities and the like and result in much waste of time and resources. These are mentioned because of their continued and growing presence in the state and limit the substantive freedoms of the people.

Evaluate the post reform development experience of Kerala.

The Kerala Model of the earlier vintage sought to improve the functioning and enhance freedom is under threat. The poor expansion of capabilities during the Reform period in terms of poverty and inequality is disquieting. That the inequality in consumption levels between the rich and poor has sharply increased during the short span of five years (2000-05) both in the rural and urban Kerala tells a dismal story. Education, health and social security entitlements, the bed-rock of freedom and capabilities have also suffered. The tremendous potential of participatory democracy to enlarge capabilities continues to remain poorly explored. The growing mediflation has driven the poor into great indebtedness and poverty. Meaningful democracy needs substantial public resources. The federal government that extols the virtue of economic growth as an end in itself offers inadequate support. Presumably the most disturbing story that is being unfolded pertains to the threat of the P R O B LEM S ATION OND GENER oviding literacy and health care parallel economy tending to SE C refer Kerala in pr exercise its octopus hold on what we now The success of bing elements, health n distur the capabilities and freedom of ly in the area of t with it certai al has brough oblems, especi e birth genuine citizens of this state. d generation pr t intervention. Not only did th to as secon crease men There is a serious political r urgent govern me down, there was also an in which call fo co lation nt mortality rate tion of the popu oups deficit. It is important to rate and infa age composi age gr sequently, the recapture the autonomous ur of the older longevity. Con in ificantly in favo alth sector. space of argument and anging sign has been ch ands on the he reasoned choice for a real additional dem which places Kerala model.

FOOD SECURITY
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Explain the origin of Public Distribution System (P D S) in Kerala
Kerala is a food deficit State. Only 15% of the food grains required is produced here. Rest of the requirement is met from other States like Tamil Nadu, Andhra, MP, Bihar, Gujarat etc. Therefore, Public Distribution System is very relevant for the State, where there is more than 75 % deficit in food grain production. The Public Distribution System in the State, came into existence from 1-7-1966 with the implementation of Kerala Rationing Order, 1966. The coverage of ration population is nearly hundred percent.

Briefly explain the features of the Targeted Public Distribution System

The Targeted Public Distribution system (TPDS) in the State has been implemented with effect from 01.06.1997 as decided by the Govt. of India. Accordingly families under APL and BPL categories have been identified and distinctive ration cards under each category have been issued and food grains distributed to the families under each category at different prices. Though the Government of India had approved 15.54 lakh families (25.43% of BPL population as on 01.03.2000) under the BPL category, the State Government have identified 20.61 lakhs families as under BPL category including AAY (Anthyodaya Anna Yojana). Out of the 7055531 cardholders in the State, 5004778 families are under APL, 1460807 families are under BPL and 589946 families are under AAY scheme. Food grains are allotted by the Government of India for distribution to AAY cardholders at the rate of 35 Kilograms and for BPL cardholders @30 KG per month for each family. During 2010 upto November, 49.39 lakhs tonnes of rice and 8.36 lakh tonnes of wheat has been distributed through Public Distribution System in Kerala.

State the role of Civil Supplies Department

The prime objective of the Civil Supplies Department is to run the Public Distribution System in an effective manner and to ensure that rationed articles are made available to consumers at subsidized price fixed by the Government. The department is also responsible for ensuring availability of essential commodities in the market at reasonable prices as well as to prevent unfair trade practices like hoarding undue profiteering and black-marketing. Today the Civil Supplies Department has to administer a PDS that caters to the needs of RITY FOOD SECU 7055531 ration l people at exists when al to a situation th ient, cardholders (as on fers access to suffic Food Security re al and economic ci June 2010) by making eds and food ve physical, so their dietary ne at all times, ha available rationed od that meets ate of Food itious fo life - (FAO St safe and nutr articles at subsidized can be e and healthy an activ food security preferences for 01). Essentially price through a network itional e World 20 duals. The nutr Insecurity in th lating to indivi s. of 336 Authorized phenomenon re e ul timat e focu described as a members is th d Wholesale Dealers, 295 t of food dual househol n of the concep status of indivi Kerosene Wholesale is the applicatio eholds as security als within hous Household food l with individu Distributors and 14246 family leve security to the Authorized Retail ncer n. the focus of co Dealers.

Explain the Scheme for Issue of food grains at Rs. 2/-per Kg.
Food grains at the rate of two rupees is being distributed to BPL/A.A.Y sections of card holders, as well as families of SC, ST, Fishermen, and Asraya in the State in Thiruvananthapuram District from 22-5-2009 and in other districts from 23-5-09 onwards. The amount spent for the implementation of this scheme during financial year 2009-10 is Rs. 195.95 crores. Labourers belonging to the category of coir, cashew, beedi, bamboo, reeds, plantation, khadi, mat making, clay pot making and those labourers who have worked at least for 50 days under National Employment Guarantee Scheme are the beneficiaries of this scheme. Endosulfan victims have also been included in this scheme. Out of the amount of Rs. 245 crore earmarked for this purpose during 2010-11, Rs. 182.74 crores has been spent upto December 2010. Now it has been decided to include 22 more new categories in the scheme. Identification of the beneficiaries under the scheme is going on and presently 27.2 lakh families are availing this benefit.

What is the significance of National Food Security Act

National Food Security Act is supposed to ensure food security for all citizens APL category is excluded from the purview of the Act. Further the BPL List is proposed to be pruned, based on the suggestions of planning commission and census data. At present the number of BPL cards, in Kerala is 5 lakh more than the number approved by the Planning Commission. Therefore the benefits of PDS will be denied to 70% - 75% of the common man. This in turn will result in food insecurity. The quantity of food grains now allotted to BPL Families will be reduced and the primary responsibility of ensuring food security in the country will be thrust upon the State

Government. It is also proposed to merge all the existing schemes into one which is meant for BPL families alone. The Act also suggest for introduction of 'Food Security Allowance'. But for a consumer state like Kerala, where only 15% of the total requirement is produced this is not recommendable. State will be forced to distribute rationed articles at the rates fixed by Govt. which takes away the freedom from States to distribute them at additional subsidized rates fixed by States. This results in a situation where the poorest of the poor loose food security. i) Anthyodaya Anna Yojana Scheme (AAY) This scheme for distributing 35 Kgs of rice is distributed to the poorest of the poor families under BPL Scheme per month, is being implemented since 25.02.2001. On completion of the 2nd and 3rd phase expansion the Government of India is allotting 20855 MTs of rice per month at the rate of Rs. 3/- per Kg. The State Govt. is meeting the expenses towards transportation and handling charges. ii) Annapoorna Scheme This scheme for distributing 10 Kg of rice per month free of cost implemented since February 2001 is meant for destitutes who are of and above the age of 65 years. The Government of India has fixed the target as 44980 individuals, being 20% of persons who are eligible for national old age pension but not getting the pension. From 2002-03 onwards the scheme has been transferred to the State. iii) Issue of ration cards to families without house number With the objective of bringing all the families under TPDS and to ensure food security, it has been decided to issue ration cards to all families residing without house number on the strength of residential certificates issued by the concerned member of local bodies. Facility for submission of online application

for ration card also started with effect from 2.9.2010.

Explain the role of Kerala State Civil supplies Corporation

The Kerala State Civil Supplies Corporation (Supplyco) was set up in the state in 1974 with a mission of "food security for Kerala" and acts as a second line of PDS in the State by distributing essential commodities like rice, pulses and spices at reduced prices through a network of 3045 outlets spread all over the State. Prices of essential items distributed by Supplyco is on an average 30% to 60% less than open market prices. The intervention of Supplyco in the, market in respect of essential commodities is of immense relief to the people of the state. The market share of Supplyco, which was around 16% two years back has now increased to 33%. The number of customers visiting the Supplyco outlets, which was 52 lakh in 2006 has gone up to above one crore per month during 2009-10.

What are the Activities of the Corporation (Supplyco)?

Conducting special fairs for arresting the undue rise in prices in the open market during festival seasons like Onam, Bakrid, Ramzan, vishu, Christmas etc. Issue of essential items at subsidized rates, sabari branded products and other FMCG items to the ARD sabari stores and Theera maithry super markets opened by the TEAP. Act as a nodal agency for the paddy procurement scheme of the Government and distribution of custom milled rice to the ration retail dealers for issuing it to the cardholders. Arranging process of wheat and distribution of Fortified Atta through the ration shops for the Government. Supplyco is also a dealer of petroleum products like kerosene, petrol, diesel and LPG with 13 petrol bunks, 3 LPG outlets and one kerosene whole sale depot. Retailing of own branded products named "Sabari", Curry powders, coconut oil, tea, coffee,

Intervention in the Ration Cards market on behalf of - Services for iated the conversion of all the e the Government for rds ies has init d laminated ca t of Civil Suppl puter genera te Departmen stabilizing the price com eted it on in the State to 2009 and compl of essential items in- Ration Car ds of the card, in n Card of the owner using the Ratio cluding rice in the with the photo 68 lakh cards facil10, by issuing t launched the market. 31st Mar ch 20 The Departmen ftware. Card transent System So rms for Ration Retailing of FMCG Managem of application fo D eletion of line submission ar d, Addition/ items at price less ity for on N ew Ration C ate etc. ch as Issue of rrender certific certificate , su than the open market actions su anye of reduction om his home or Members, issu Ration Cards fr price. The customers r ent apply online fo of the Departm The citizen can in the website will get a price benefit directly stem has by registering kshaya. The sy of 3% -7% less than where else Centers like A ing docummon Service the accompany the open market price. or through co sing time. If all e the ng the proces equipped to issu helped in reduci e department is also Retailing of medicines tly provided, th r mobile alert is ments are correc urs. Facility fo by opening medical ith in 48 ho e-clock all applied cards w rvices round-th stores. Average 15% online n access the se d checkic ca ated. The publ e applications an discount is allowed to incorpor cluding filing th re in ys from anywhe ations. the customers for seven da status of applic ng ing the processi medicine.

spices are OGRAMME AY MEAL PR ed at providing nutritional marketed under MID-D aim ost to this brand name. eal Programme, and to give bo The Mid-day M going children ent, Bulk sale of items ar y school ea sing enrolm suppor t to pr im ucation by incr to the institutions. the Ministry of pr imar y ed ed in 1995 by univer salisa tion ce, was introduc Act as nodal d scheme tendan ntrally sponsore retention and at opment. The ce V in agency to rce Devel y cl asse s I to of Human Resou dr en of pr imar heme implement the re d the chil schools. The sc or iginally cove ernment aided duca tion programme of the al bodies/gov studying the E Government/Loc to the childr en GOI to start on centres tended va tive Educati w as furt he r ex Alternative Inno dia has microbiology lab eme and over nment of In Gua rantee Sch ing 2008-09 G and food processing 2002. Dur 1). (Std VI to VI1 also in October unit. e to UP section hem extended the sc Supply of essential item to the Fair Price The supply of commodities to schools for hotels selected by the District Collectors Noon-Meal scheme in Kerala is entrusted to in each Districts. supplyco. The required quantity of rice has Implementation of Tribal Scheme, BPL been taken from FCI and the pulses from their family welfare scheme etc. Act as a nodal agency for the distribution own stock. The cost of food grains is met by of the MDMS, Levy Sugar and Fortified Education Department. During 2009-10 the Atta. corporation supplied 278532 Qtls. of rice and Arranging distribution of school items at 185422 Qtls of pulses to 12198 schools and moderate prices to the school children about 29.02 lakh children got the benefit of through School fairs. the scheme.

Briefly explain the Mid-Day Meal Programme in Kerala

The Mid Day Meal Scheme is being implemented in the state under central assistance as well as under State Scheme. The Government of India provides 100 grams of rice to primary children and 150 grams of rice to upper primary students per day. Government of India provided cooking cost also @ Rs. 1.58 for primary and Rs. 2.10 for upper primary students per day.

What is meant by Consumer Welfare Fund

As per dated 07/03/2007 the State Government constituted a State Consumer Welfare Fund similar to the Central Consumer Welfare Fund created as per the Consumer Fund Rule 1992. The State Consumer Welfare Fund has taken voluntary efforts for promoting consumer movement and strengthening the awareness activities through financial support, particularly in rural areas. An amount of Rs. tee Commit ood Advisory ittees ar e 15 lakhs has been utilized in F visory comm t level food ad ves which 2010 for All India Livestock te and Distr ic les representati In Kerala Sta ipations of peop estion Exhibition and Food Festival h the partic ves suitable sugg functioning wit en market and gi e rice in the op towards the contribution of monitor the pric y. the Civil Supplies Department. price effectivel to control

GROUP INITIATIVES
?
Explain the concept of self-help group
The concept of self-help groups gained significance, especially after 1976 when Prof. Mohammed Yunus of Bangladesh began experimenting with micro-credit and women SHGs. The strategy made a quite revolution in Bangladesh in poverty eradication by empowering the poor women SHGs are small informal associations created for the purpose of enabling members to reap economic benefit out of mutual help, solidarity and joint responsibility. The benefits include mobilization of savings and credit facilities and pursuit of group enterprise activities. The group based approach not only enables the poor to accumulate capital by -way of small savings but also help them to have access to formal credit facilities. These groups by way of joint liability enable the poor to overcome the problem of collateral security and thus free them from the clutches of moneylenders. Besides some of the basic characteristics of SHGs like small size of membership and homogeneity of composition will bring about cohesiveness and effective participation of members in the functioning of the group. In general, the SHGs created on the above line of functioning have been able to effectively reach the poor, especially the women, help them obtain easy access to facilities like savings and credit and in the long run in alleviating poverty by empowering them.

The poverty reduction strategies in Kerala have been moving in tandem with the national policy of direct attack on poverty till the early 90s. However, a break through in participatory poverty reduction was made through the introduction of SELF-HELP GROUPS and the Community Development Societies (CDS) in Alappuzha district in 1993 as part of the implementation of the centrally sponsored Urban Based Service for Poor and UNICEF assisted Community Based Nutrition Programme. Women from poor families were identified through a transparent process using the nine point non-economic criteria and organised into Neighbourhood Groups (NHG) of 15 to 40 families. The NHG thus organised at the grassroot level are federated democratically into Area Development Society (ADS) at ward/panchayat level and these are further federated into CDS, which would be a registered body at the Municipality/District level. The entire 3-tier structure is envisaged as an extension of the Panchayati Raj System providing a support system as well as delivery mechanism for the converged implementation of all poverty eradication programmes. The success of Alappuzha CDS inspired the Kerala Government for CDS expansion throughout Kerala. The urban Poverty Eradication Mission- Kudumbasree is the outcome of this and it envisages eradicating poverty from Kerala over a period of ten years. This is

Explain the role of self - help groups in poverty eradication

The 1999-2000 data shows that Keralas poverty is only 12.72% against the all-India figure of 26.30%.

is a group of on or ROSCA redit Associati me in or der gs and C ned period of ti Rotating Savin meet for a defi ans ba nk, agree to are the poor m individuals who er. ROSCAs pidl y, rrow togeth anges hands ra to save and bo for long but ch ating is not idle eds. Accumul where money d production ne ely consumption an mented extensiv satisfying both (ASCAs) docu , informal t Associations or also time-limited Savings & Credi ord, ASCAs are Rutherf in South Asia by oups. microfina nce gr

ROSCAs & A

S CAs

done by organising women of the poor community into groups.

Explain the functions of Self-help group

A self-help group (SHG) is a village-based financial intermediary usually composed of 10-20 local women.Members make small regular savings contributions over a few months until there is enough capital in the group to begin lending. Funds may then be lent back to the members or to others in the village for any purpose. In India, many SHGs are linked to banks for the delivery of microcredit. SHGs are member-based microfinance intermediaries inspired by external technical support that lie between informal financial market actors like moneylenders, collectors, and ROSCAs on the one hand, and formal actors like microfinance institutions and banks on the other. Other organizations in this transitional zone in financial market development include CVECAs and ASCAs.

transaction costs and generate an attractive volume of deposits. Through self-help groups the bank can serve small rural depositors while paying them a market rate of interest.
The SHG Banking Linkage Programme since its beginning has been predominant in certain states, showing spatial preferences especially for the southern region Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Karnataka. These states accounted for 57 % of the SHG credits linked during the financial year 20052006. What are the advantages of financing through SHGs ? An economically poor individual gains strength as part of a group. Besides, financing through SHGs reduces transaction costs for both lenders and borrowers. While lenders have to handle only a single SHG account instead of a large number of small-sized individual accounts, borrowers as part of an SHG cut down expenses on travel for completing paper work and on the loss of workdays in canvassing for loans.

What is NABARDs SHG Bank Linkage program ?

Many self-help groups, especially in India, under NABARDs SHG-bank-linkage program, borrow from banks once they have accumulated a base of their own capital and have established a track record of regular repayments.

Explain Kudumbashree Mission in Kerala

Kudumbashree, which means prosperity of the family, is the

This model has atCVECA tracted attention as a bank (from ngs and credit possible way of delivnt village savi e C re d it a self-relia p a rg n e et d A CVECA is la g eo is e d E ery microfinance serthe late a is se Vil on of Mali in th e F re n ch C the D ogon regi s are vices to poor populaeginning in Afr ica. CVECA A ut ogeree ). B spread around ar ily tions that have been s have begun to s who are prim 1980s, CVECA ea s with client ar ost difficult to reach directerate in rura l come. While m designed to op al non-farm in y ly through banks or others, with minim they achieve service flexibilit subsistence farm regional 0 members, than 25 er institutions. By agtogether into banks have less ugh networking staff and a gregating their individus of scale thro pa rt-time local and economie managed by 2 ation. ach bank is al savings into a single ve minimal educ federations. E , all of whom ha d of members deposit, self-help groups board compose minimize the banks

name of the women oriented, community based, State Poverty Eradication Mission of Government of Kerala. The mission aims at the empowerment of women, through forming self help groups and encouraging their entrepreneurial or other wide range of activities. The purpose of the mission is to ensure that the women should no longer remain as passive recipients of public assistance, but active leaders in women involved development initiatives. Kudumbashree project for poverty reduction was launched on 17 May 1998.

CDS, as it is a subsystem of the local government, under which it works.

State the origin of Kudumbashree

Kudumbashree was born by the collective experience gained from the many anti-poverty programs of the past. Most of the well conceived, centrally planned, rigid, individualoriented anti-poverty programs of the Central and State Governments failed to bring about the desired results, mainly because they didnt allow for the involvement and commitment of the poor and viewed the poor as resourceless receivers of benefits. But in 1992 an innovative program introduced by the Local Administration Department of the Government of Kerala in Alappuzha Municipality was a fresh ray of hope. The program created hierarchical community groups of urban poor women identified through objective parameters and empowered the groups to take up community based action in various sectors. This was an instant success and was extended to the other urban areas in the State. In 1994, the Government implemented a very ambitious replication of the program in the whole of Malappuram District including the rural areas.

What are the Specific objectives of Kudumbashree ?

The specific objectives are:

Identification of the poor families through risk indices based surveys, with the active participation of the poor and the communities to which they belong. Empowering the poor women to improve the productivity and managerial capabilities of the community by organizing them insto CBOs. Encouraging thrift and investment through credit by developing CDSs to work as informal bank of the poor. Improving incomes of the poor through improved skills and investment for self -employment. Ensuring better health and nutrition for all. Ensuring basic amenities like safe drinking water, sanitary latr ines impr oved shelter and healthy environment. Ensuring a minimum of 5 years of primary education for all children, belonging to risk families. Enabling the poor to participate in the decentralization process through the

Explain the community structure of Kudumbashree.

The following are the community structures suggested for the rural side: Kudumbashree Ayalkoottam (NHG) Kudumbashree Ward Samithy (ADS) Kudumbashree Panchayat Samithy (CDS)

Kudumbashree has a three -tiered hierarchal system of organisation. At the lowest level are the neighbourhood groups (NHG), equivalent to the SHG. These groups are then federated at the ward level into Area Development Societies (ADS). The highest level is the Community Development Society (CDS). The CDS is presided by an elected

member of the ADS, and includes the Panchayat President. The paradigm shift in the approach is that any women who is residing in the Grama Panchayat can become a member of the Kudumbashree Ayalkoottam irrespective of the fact that she belong to a below poverty line (BPL) Family. Since this aspect gives an opening for the APL families to enter into the community structures envisaged by Kudumbashree, it is further ensured that majority of the office bearers should belong to BPL families. These structures give added importance to women empowerment both social and economic. Discuss the strategies of Kudumbashree The action plan charted out for Kudumbashree is: a) Formation of women collectives. The poor women from families identified will be organised into Neighbourhood Groups (NHG) representing 15 to 40 families. A fivemember team elected from the NHGs will be the cutting edge of the programme. NHGs will be federated democratically into Area Development Societies (ADS) at the Panchayat/Municipality Ward level and then into Community Development Societies (CDS) at the Panchayat/Municipal level. Their organizational structures will provide opportunities for collective public action. b) More information/training. Weekly meetings of NHGs, sharing of experiences, discussions, organised/ unorganized trainings etc., will broaden their outlook on better health, better education, better social and economic status. c) To facilitate economic development, suitable skill upgradation trainings will be given to women. Thrift - credit operations and 24 hour banking system. Enabling women to realize their latent

potential, strengthening them through selfhelp are the main objectives of Kudumbashree. Small savings generated at the families are pooled at various levels as thrift and used to attract credit from banks, which will operate as 24-hour bank for the poor, acting as a subsystem of the formal banks. e) Better living conditions - Infrastructural facilities. The needs identified at NHG level are shaped as micro plans which are integrated into mini plans at ADS level and action plan at CDS level. This will be the anti-poverty sub plan of the local body and this will facilitate convergent delivery of Government programmes meant for the poor. Rather than the traditional system of heavily subsidized approach, Kudumbashree promote self-help approach for building houses, latrines, access to drinking water, sanitary facilities etc., availing the minimum support from Government. Common infrastructural facilities in the community strengthens them further. f) Micro-enterprises for economic development. sustainable

Providing skill upgradation trainings, selfemployment opportunities and infrastructural development through wage employment schemes are the preparing grounds for further development of successful micro enterprises. Kudumbashree is bent on giving necessary resource support and facilitate forward/ backward linkages etc., to promote microentrepreneurship among poor women.

What is meant by Informal banking system ?

The three-tier community based CDS system, envisaged for poverty alleviation in Kudumbashree approach, will take up the informal banking responsibility also.The poor women should be able to approach the informal banks whenever necessity occurs. The doors of the banks should be open for

d)

24 hours a day, 7 days a week and 365 days a year. The informal banks are formed with the active involvement of every member belonging to the Self Help Group. The strength of an informal bank is the intimate relationship between the members of the Self Help Group. The members know each others potentials weaknesses and problems. The members can deposit even trifle amount in the thrift scheme of the banks. Informal bank always tried to encourage saving habit among poor women. An informal bank can provide collateral free loans with the terms and conditions decided by the group. The Self Help Group behind the informal bank is free to fix market driven rates of interest for advances. Every operation of an informal bank takes place in the group level, including depositing of thrift amounts and sanctioning of thrift loans. The groups itself decides the eligibility of a member to get assistance from the bank after discussions and assessment of the need and repayment capacity.

increase. Above all Informal Banks provide loans to the poor women at their own doorsteps without any hassie.

Discuss the development of micro enterprises

Kudumbashree views Micro Enterprise development as an important tool for poverty reduction.The task for Kudumbashree was simple and challenging, to create a model for enterprise development. Kudumbashree went about creating a model, and the results are for everyone to see. 18969 enterprises across the state covering urban and rural areas, ranging from traditional enterprises like Goat rearing and Dairy, Catering units, Multi Purpose job clubs, Health care enterprises, Computer hardware and data entry units, innovative enterprises like Clean Kerala Business in solid waste collection are a testimony to the resolve of women to succeed in enterprises.

Define Micro enterprises

The definition of Micro Enterprise according to Kudumbashree is that, any enterprise that has: Investment ranging from Rs 5000 to Rs 2.5 lakhs Turnover ranging from over of Rs 1 lakh to Rs 10 lakhs. Potential to generate a net income of at least Rs 1,500 per member per month. Fully owned, managed and operated by members themselves. Write the significance of Kudumbashree enterprise programme The emphasis in the Kudumbashree enterprise programme was to encourage innovative business ideas rather than on the tried and tested ones. A simple and practical way for identifying enterprises was devised; any idea that could solve a problem existing in the society (Problem Solving), fill the gap that existed (Gap Filling) or cater to new opportunity (Emerging Opportunities) was

What are the advantages of Informal banking system ?

The very existence of an Informal Bank brings about the homogeneity and affinity among members of the poor. Thrift savings of the members serve as the main bondage among members. The bank promote regularity in savings and assures sufficient frequency for group meetings. The informal banks will instill collective decision-making capability among the poor women. This sublime quality will be of great assistance to them for their fight against poverty and their participation in planning process and economic development activities. Informal banks will slowly do away with the subsidy syndrome prevailing in the lowest stratum of the society. The poor women will begin to enjoy the unique pleasure of doing things with their own money. The financial empowerment of women achieved through thrift and bank accessibility will improve their status in their own families and society. Naturally, their confidence will

converted into an enterprise. The fact that most of the entrepreneurs were first generation entrepreneurs from their families was kept in mind while implementing the RME programme. The micro enterprise development was seen as an emerging process, which will start with low capital, low risk and low profit in the initial stage that will gain momentum and later scale up to greater capital, risk and profit. There are some common features in the funding of the various enterprise programmes. All Kudumbashree enterprises are bank linked and a minimum of 50 % of the project cost has to be through bank loans. The subsidy component is limited to 50% of the total project cost and the entrepreneurs share is to the tune of 5% of the total project cost.

group (with minimum 10 members) enterprises of women was developed in urban areas. 1,430 individual enterprises and 4,578 group (with minimum 10 members) enterprises of poor women were formed in rural areas. 2,55,270 families participated in lease land farming and 63,560 acres (257.2 km2 ) of land were brought under cultivation. 376 group enterprises and 319 individual enterprises were started under the Special Employment Programme (Yuvashree). Ashraya-Destitute identification and Rehabilitation Project was implemented in 745 Local Self Governments and 58,389 destitutes identified. 44,586 houses were constructed under the Bhavanashree housing loan scheme (without subsidy) for the poor in rural areas. 235 entrepreneur groups (Thelima) was formed for the municipal solid waste management in urban areas. Buds-10 special schools for physically and mentally challenged children was set up under the leadership of the Local Self Government. 45,262 Balasabhas (Childrens Neighbourhood Groups) with 7.9 lakh children was formed in urban and rural areas.

Explain milestones of Kudumbashree Mission Milestones of the Mission, at a glance, are as follows :

The largest women movement in Asia with a membership of 36 lakhs representing equal number of families. 36 lakh poor families were brought under the community based organisations (CBO)s consisting of 1.87 lakh Neighbourhood Groups (NHG), 17,000 Area Development Societies (ADSs) and 1,058 Community Development Societies (CDSs)- rural & urban. Mobilised a sum of Rs. 1,105 crores as thrift and disbursed loans amounting to Rs.2,818 crores to the members of Neighbourhood Groups. 1,14,761 NHGs were graded under Linkage Banking Programme, out of which 96,330 NHGs were linked with banks and an amount of Rs.645 crores mobilised as credit. 25,050 individual enterprises and 1,757

Mention Program Implementation Team of Kudumbashree Mission

The activities of Kudumbashree mission is controlled by a state level office, headed by an IAS officer and at district level a District Mission Team . At the panchayath level a charge officer is given the responsibility of the administration along with the CDS

governing committee. The officials are government employees working on deputation with the mission. Besides, part time consultants and experts are also engaged for specific tasks. Shri.T.K Jose IAS was the main person behind the growth of Kudumbashree. He developed a team of passionate employees to work in the mission and started innovative programs like ashraya ( destitute rehabilitation project), Bhavanashree (Microhousing), Vidyashree (IT@School units), Balasabha (Forum for children), Clean Kerala Campaign (Collection and disposal of Solid waste), Clean Destination Campaign (Maintenance of tourist destinations by Kudumbashree workers) and numerous micro enterprises -ranging from computer to coconut oil production and food items to mini bus service. One major development was the tie up with the state Social Welfare Department to supply special nutritional supplements to the children in Anganwadis - under the name -Nutrimixwhich has enabled thousands of rural women to manufacture and supply the nutritional supplement to their children all across the state.

of horticultural production, produce handling and marketing and it operates in selected geographic locations in the State of Kerala.

Marketing produce through self help groups.

All programme activities are converged into voluntary neighbourhood self help groups of about 20 participating farmers. Each self help group selects Master Farmers who will be trained and will take up a lead role and will act as facilitators. This system aims at providing sustainability to the development process and ensures greater farmer participation. The farmers are selected and inducted to the programme-based self help group system on clearly set criteria. The programmes have introduced a unique concept of promoting master farmers to take up functional leadership in production, marketing and credit related activities in each self help group. Farmers are provided with training in crop production technology, produce handling and enterprise management. Training programmes are organised based on need identification and using relevant training modules. The programmes have introduced a new methodology of appropriate technology through Participatory Technology Development. Farm experimenters conduct on-farm experiments for developing better technologies and for adapting existing technologies which will combine latest scientific knowledge in the field with the practical wisdom of the farming community. The programme promotes pest and disease surveillance in the project areas to provide timely warning and forecasting of possible out breaks of pest and diseases in the fields with the objective of reducing the indiscriminate and over-use of pesticides by farmers.

State the origin of marketing produce through self help groups.

Kerala, the southern most state of India has a wide variety of plantation and food crops. In order to develop the horticultural sector, the Kerala Horticulture Development Programme (KHDP) was set up in 1993. The programme aims at enhancing and sustaining the income of participating farmers through organic farming practices and appropriate marketing of vegetables, banana, pineapple and mango. The essence of the programme is building up self help groups. Local communities will be strengthened through the self help groups, which will facilitate the development of group organisational and management skills. The programme adopts an integrated approach involving activities encompassing all phases

Write a short note on Women Self Help Groups (SHGs)

SHGs are generally defined as homogenous groups, for the members tend to be similar in

terms of socio-economic status, and live in close approximation to each other. A group generally has ten to twenty members. The women meet weekly on a rotational basis at each others homes. Groups begin their meetings with a prayer, proceed to business affairs, and conclude by tea and socialising. During each meeting they will make their weekly contribution of ten rupees. The funds are collected and deposited in the bank by the groups president and secretary, who also carefully record all transactions and minutes from their meetings in notebooks. These positions are rotated each year, distributing power and sharing responsibilities among members. Each member will also have a passbook, where they record their personal transactions. SHGs follow a predetermined set of rules, delineated by the group, for loan distribution and repayment. After an initial savings period, SHGs are able to begin taking loans.

(LDC). Eventually RASTA would like to follow the NABARD model, which strives for SHGs to have organisational autonomy by having a third level, village development centres (VDC). Under this scenario, LDCs are federated, enabling groups to transform into an apex bank, thereby removing the involvement of the NGO. RASTAs groups are formally linked to several commercial banks through the NGO, but RASTA performs all administrative tasks. Members are not required to travel to the bank, but will have a fieldworker to collect the money directly from their homes. RASTA also ensures that the women understand all banking procedures and technical aspects. However, SHGs must pay additional costs for the administrative role of RASTA, on top of the interest rates required by the bank. RASTA also provides loans, but only at the cluster level. These loans are usually linked to a specific scheme, such as gas loans.

What is RASTA ?

? What is Micro Credit ? RASTA (Rural Agency for Social and Technological Advancement) is an Non GovernMicro Credit is defined as provision of thrift, credit and other financial services and mental Organisation, which has been in opproducts of very small amount to the poor in eration since 1984. As indicated by their rural, semi-urban and urban areas for enabling name, RASTA is dedicated to both improving them to raise their income levels and improve social conditions of rural communities, as well as promoting technological skills. This NGO is particularly dedicated to empowKAIRALI 100 contribution of erment of women and gave an initia l r which they p of 11 women ever y week fo In 1993, a grou environmental issues. hold meetings hich means gan to And Kaira li, w rupees, and be ea ch encounter. members Explain the rupees at of six months, contributed 10 g. After a period eir individual savings, structure of RASTA into bein e times th Kerala, came interest a loan up to thre 6 months. The me eligible for RASTA currently has a beca the loan within actice cted to repay the common pr and were expe two-tiered hierarchal is quite high, is wo which although th emse lv es . T rate was 24%, system. At the lowest in te re st ra te s and depositing w h o se t the eping accounts amon g S H G s level are the SHGs. s changed in charge of ke were repr es enta tive representatives SHGs are then organised nk. The se two still exists. into a ba s later, Kairali thei r savi ngs into clusters, or local . Almost 10 year g members annually amon development centres

the living standards. Micro Credit Institution are those which provide these facilities. Micro credit is a part of microfinance, which is the provision of a wider range of financial services to the very poor.

What is the Microfinance Development Fund ?

There is an urgent need for micro credit providers to shift from a minimalist approach that is offering only financial intermediation to an integrated approach to poverty alleviation taking a more holistic view of the client including provision of enterprise development services like marketing infrastructure, introduction of technology and design development. In this context, the setting up of the Micro Finance Development Fund marks an important step.

What are the terms and conditions for accessing Micro credit ?
Banks have been given freedom to formulate their own lending norms keeping in view the ground realities. They have been asked to devise appropriate loan and savings products and the related terms and conditions including size of the loan, unit cost, unit size, maturity period, grace period, margins, etc. Such credit covers not only consumption and production loans for various farm and nonfarm activities of the poor but also include their other credit needs such as housing and shelter improvements.

Mention the Principles of Micro Credit

Microcredit is based on a separate set of principles, which are distinguished from general financing or credit. The application of value rules which govern barter and commerce can transform microcredit organizations into Credit unions or banks, but may also cause difficulties of the sort experienced byMuhammad Yunus who appears to be accused of employing the practices of a loan shark for his own personal enrichment. Microcredit emphasizes trust building, which can enable micro-entrepreneurship, so generating employment and helping people to help themselves during enterprise initiation and during difficult times.Microcredit is a tool for socioeconomic development.

What role does a NGO play in provision of Micro Credit ?

A Non - Governmental Organisation (NGO) is a voluntary organization established to undertake social intermediation like organizing SHGs of micro - entrepreneurs and entrusting them to banks for credit linkage of financial intermediation like borrowing bulk funds from banks for on - lending to SHGs.

Is Foreign Investment allowed in Micro Credit Projects ?

Government of India vide their notification dated August 29, 2000 have included Micro Credit/ Rurual Credit in the list permitted non banking financial company (NBFC) activities for being considered for Foreign Direct Investment (FDI/Overseas Corporate Bodies (OCB)/ Non - Resident Indians (NRI) investment to encourage foreign participation in micro credit projects. This covers credit facility at micro- level for providing finance to small producers and small micro enterprises in rural and urban areas.

Explain the strengths of Micro Credit

In the past few years, savings-led microfinance has gained recognition as an effective way to bring very poor families lowcost financial services. In India, the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) finances more than 500 banks that on-lend funds to self-help groups (SHGs). SHGs comprise twenty or fewer members, of whom the majority are women from the poorest castes and tribes. Members save small amounts of money, as little as a few rupees a month in a group fund. Members may borrow

from the group fund for a variety of purposes ranging from household emergencies to school NCE BILL MICRO FINA regulate MFOs (microfinance fees. As SHGs prove trusts to pr omote and des societies, capable of managing The Bill seeks of MFOs inclu r The definition as the regula to their funds well, they organizations) . ates NABARD sign ude credit, es. The Bill de may borrow from a local e defined to incl and cooperativ nce services ar micro icro fina services. While bank to invest in small for the sector. M nce and pension (Rs genera l insura ing Rs 50,000 business or farm life insurance, ans not exceed defined as lo have not been activities. Banks typically other services credit ha s been housing) , the se of lend up to four rupees for 1,50,000 in ca r. every rupee in the group defined furthe fund. Groups generally ? What is the importance of pay interest rates that range from 30% to 70% APR, or 12% to 24% a Microfinance ? year, based on the flat calculation method. The importance of micro-finance lies in the Nearly 1.4 million SHGs comprising fact that the formal/institutional banking approximately 20 million women now borrow sector has not lived up to its social from banks, which makes the Indian SHGresponsibility of meeting the financial needs Bank Linkage model the largest microfinance of the poor due to various reasons such as program in the world. Microfinancing also (a) lack of adequate branch network in the helps in the development of an economy by rural areas, (b) the inability of the poor to giving everyday people the chance to establish offer satisfactory collaterals for the loans and a sustainable means of income. Eventual (c) lack of education and awareness among increase in disposable income will lead to the poor. This is in spite of the fact that India economic development and growth. today has an extensive banking infrastructure. Define Micro Finance The credit requirement of the poor in India The term Micro Finance refers to the provihas been estimated to be around Rs 50,000 sion of financial services to lower income crore per annum. Against this requirement, groups, which also include self-employed the credit outstanding of the poor with the people. Grameen Bank in Bangladesh introformal banking sector is stated to be Rs 5000 duced the concept of microfinance and now crore or ten per cent of the total demand. it is a world wide movement as it was repli? Write a short note on Micro Finance cated in different countries. This is the apInstitutions proach, which focuses on reducing poverty The last 15 years saw the entry of various by providing services and other services types of Microfinance Institutions in the rural through institutions that are funded by varicredit sector. Most of these MFIs are based ous donors and Government subsidies. Oron the Grameen Bank Model of Bangladesh. ganizations like Myrada & NABARD have This model has the solidarity groups at the made microfinance an undividable part of Inbase, each of which comprising five dian rural development. Also many funding borrowers. Eight Solidarity Groups constitute agencies and NGOs are involved in this work a Centre. Ten Centres form a Cluster and of microfinance. seven clusters form a branch. Several such

branches constitute an MFI. MFIs in India E register themselves GRICULTUR either as Societies, BANK FOR A OPMENT NATIONAL RAL DEVEL Trusts, Non Banking ev elo p m ent AND RU and R ura l D Financial Companies A g ri cult ure as ed in k fo r ank in Indi a b N a ti onal B a n (NBFCs) or as Local de velopment b at ters an apex edit ed w ith m (N A B AR D ) is it ha s be en ac cr Area Banks (LABs), and ar as htra .It the field of cred M umb ai, M ah d operations in are governed by their eas in India. cy, planning an vities in rural ar concerning poli respective rules and r economic acti and othe Shivaraman for agriculture mmendations of regulations. ished on the reco implement establ 12 July 1982 to NABARD was Parliament on ent Act Explain the role of an act of ural D evelopm Committee, by iculture and R ) and ank for Agr NABARD ar tment (ACD the National B tural Credit Dep Bank of India, ed the Agricul NABARD serves as an C) of Reserve 1981. It replac redit Cell (RPC n (ARDC). and C apex financing agency for ment Corporatio Rur al Pla nning ce and Develop l areas. l Refinan e cr edit in rura the institutions providing and Agricultura encies to provid premiere ag investment and production It is one of the credit for promoting the policy formulation undertakes monitoring various developmental and evaluation of projects refinanced by it. activities in rural areas, takes measures NABARDs refinance is available to State towards institution building for improving Co-operative Agriculture and Rural absorptive capacity of the credit delivery Development Banks (SCARDBs), State Cosystem, including monitoring, formulation of operative Banks (SCBs), Regional Rural Banks rehabilitation schemes, restructuring of credit (RRBs), Commercial Banks (CBs) and other institutions, training of personnel, etc. cofinancial institutions approved by RBI. While ordinates the rural financing activities of all the ultimate beneficiaries of investment credit institutions engaged in developmental work can be individuals, partnership concerns, at the field level and maintains liaison with companies, State-owned corporations or coGovernment of India, State Governments, operative societies, production credit is Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and other generally given to individuals. national level institutions concerned with

ROLE OF NON - RESIDENT INDIANS

?
Write a short note on Non Resident Indians
An Indian Citizen who stays abroad for employment/carrying on business or vocation outside India or stays abroad under circumstances indicating an intention for an uncertain duration of stay abroad is a non-resident. (Persons posted in U.N. Organisations and Officials deputed abroad by Central/State Governments and Public Sector undertakings on temporary assignments are also treated as non-residents). Non Resident foreign citizens of Indian Origin are treated on par with nonresident Indian Citizens (NRIs) for the purpose of certain facilities. Main categories of NRIs The following are the main three categories of NRIs:(i) Indian citizens who stay abroad for employment or for carrying on a business or Vocation or any other purpose in circumstances indicating an indefinite period of stay abroad. (ii) Indian citizens working abroad on assignment with foreign government agencies like United Nations Organisation (UNO), including its affiliates, International Monetary Fund (IMF), World Bank etc. (iii) Officials of Central and State Government and Public Sector undertaking deputed abroad on temporary assignments or posted to their offices, including Indian diplomat missions, abroad.

three million Non-Resident Indians (NRI) in the Gulf comprising middle and lower income groups. To an estimate, the tiny state though received money amounting to Rs. 95, 000 crore in the last 25 years has unfortunately not been able to utilize it for the gross development of the State. The main reason being the investment fastened chiefly in fixed deposit and land, hardly providing any opportunity for the sum to roll to the growth of the aspiring share market of the vibrant national economy. But with the initiation of the new Industrial Policy, a lot of changes relating to the escalation of a number of initiatives are witnessed. The aims have been to implement a number of beneficial amendments towards increasing the efficiency of the thrust sectors, small scale industrial units, medium and large scale industries along with traditional industries ensuring a steady increase in the industrial growth rate. The introduction of the Kerala Infrastructure Development Bill, 2001, in addition, has provided a framework for participation of agencies other than the Government or its agencies in financing, construction, maintenance and operation of infrastructure projects in the state of Kerala. The rising trend and zeal in business is evident from the statistics apparent from the governmental publications. An all time high is perceived now in respect of investment in all the key sectors and in companies along with investment. To grow further, the state is still in a huge paucity of funds, can be relaxed if the NRI remittances concentrate on the key factors of the aspirant economy of Kerala.

Explain the role of Non-Resident Indians in Kerala Economy.

The State of Kerala possesses nearly 40 percent of the entire strength of the

e peop more pora refers to th f. They number Kerala Gulf dias The the Persian Gul Arab states of Middle eastern as of 2008. than 2.5 million

IASPORA ALA GULF D le of Kerala living in the KE R

What is the role of NRI remittances in Keralas growth and development?

Keralites had been going abroad in large numbers long before the country opened up its economy. This section of the diaspora is different from that in the rest of the world; the people were semi-skilled or unskilled, hailed from the lower and middle classes, and went mainly to the Gulf countries where they suffered serious hardship and deprivation. In spite of that, they sent home small amounts of money like clockwork. The amount of funds the Gulf workers send in each year is estimated to be almost equal to the states budget! This money actually pays for a quarter of the states development. The rest is saved in individual recipient and NRI accounts. There is a shift of culture from agrarian (mainly cash crops) to consumerism, sustained by money from remittances. Many people have given up scratching for a livelihood to enjoy the benefits of their children slaving abroad. This means, if the remittances dry up many will be left with nothing to fall back on. 25% of the state budget will vanish and the money that is being spent on development and infrastructure will dry up if NRI remittances to Kerala stopped! Labour unrest has crippled industrial development in the state for several decades and new money removed some of the discontent. If this was to dry up, industries will go elsewhere again. The services sector has boomed, like the rest of the country. The hospitality, tourism, and alternative healing industries have greater exposure now, with more tourists from India and abroad. The inevitable IT and Information Technology Enabled Services (ITES) presence has helped too.

nonident s the welfare of s of a Non-Res The Act ensure und on the basi F her benefits tion of a Welfare , pension, and ot for the constitu e to grant relief eties or re Schem -opera tive soci Keralites Welfa eir mpa nies or co pr omote co Ker alites for th to them and to of non-resident her institutions societies or ot welfare.

D LFARE FUN PRAVASI WE resident Keralites by providing

? Kerala is a prime destination for NRI

investors, Justify the statement.
One of the most important factors that have taken Kerala economy forward is the huge inflow remittance from the large number of non-resident Keralites working in different parts of the world. As per the studies conducted by Centre for Developmental Studies (CDS) in 2008, the number of emigrants from Kerala is 21.9 lakhs and their remittances sums up to 43288 crores. The total remittances of Keralites are 1.74 times more than the revenue receipts of the State Government. Despite contributing in such a major way to the states economy by Non Resident Keralites, an organized attempt to attract their investments in the state was taken only with the formation of NORKA (Non Resident Keralites Affairs Department) in the year 1996. Norka Roots, the field agency of Norka Department was set up in the year 2002 with the main objective to give a thrust to the industrial development of the state by channelizing NRKs resources and expertise and helping them to set up projects, ventures and enterprises in Kerala. Kerala, blessed with scenic beauty and abundant natural resources, provides immense opportunities for the investors the world over. The State has the most literate workforce and the highest human development index. Kerala has also emerged as the most acclaimed tourist hotspot in the country and the most popular tourist destination for both domestic and

foreign travellers. Beaches, warm weather, back waters, hill stations, waterfalls, wild life, Ayurveda, yearround festivals and diverse flora and fauna make Kerala a unique destination for tourists. In addition, the information technology and the tourism gives necessary support for attracting significant investments into the various sectors of the economy such as agriculture, industry etc. Since Kerala is becoming the preferred destination ground for the NRIs to make new investments, Government of Kerala invites prospective NRI investors to invest in the State. Government of Kerala has set up several industry specific parks and Industrial Estates across the State.

What is meant by the Gulf Boom ?

It refers to the mass migration of a large number of people from the Indian state of Kerala to the Gulf Countries from 1972 to 1983. Though migration of Malayalis, the people of Kerala to the Gulf Countries continue to the present day, this initial wave of migration is usually referred to as the Kerala Gulf Boom. As of 2008, the Gulf countries altogether have a Keralite population of more than 2.5 million, who send home annually a sum of USD 6.81 billion, which is more than 15.13% of Remittance to India in 2008.

What are the factors related to deceleration in the migration trend ?

Demographic contraction (reduction in the proportion of persons in the younger age groups as a result of decrease in the birth rate) could have been an underlying factor in the stability of the volume of migration from the state. Demographic trends seem to have started exerting their inexorable pressure more effectively on migration from the state in recent years than in earlier years. The district that has advanced most in demographic transition, Pathanamthitta, is also the district that has evinced the largest decline in emigration. The effect of demographic contraction is probably accentuated by Keralas retrogression in terms of the employability of its graduates in general arts and sciences. An equally important factor accounting for the stagnation in migration from Kerala could be the increase in employment opportunities within the state. It seems that in recent years, remittances to the state are being invested more productively, generating increased demand for youngsters and thus reducing the urge for their migration.

What is NORKA ?
The social security of the Non-Resident Keralites and their families is of major concern. Realizing this Government of Kerala has launched on 6th December 1996 the department of Non-resident Keralites Affairs (NORKA) to redress the grievances of Non-resident Keralites. NORKA is the first of its kind formed in an Indian state. It is an agency to fulfill an assurance given by the Government of Kerala to its expatriate community. It aims at the strengthening of relation between the NRKs and the Government of Kerala and it is the culmination of efforts for finding out solution to problems faced by NRK community. It is also an attempt at institutionalizing the administrative framework. NORKA makes efforts to solve the grievances raised in petitions for remedial action on threats to the lives and property of those who are left at home, tracing of missing persons abroad, compensation from sponsors, harassment from sponsors, cheating by recruiting agents, educational facilities for children of NRKs, introduction of more flights, etc. It provides assistance to stranded Keralites through follow up action initiated on all the petitions. The authorities of State Government/Government of India are being directed to take immediate suitable action on them.

State the extent of remittances to Kerala

International migrants have sent about Rs 24.525 thousand crores as remittances to

Kerala in 2006-07. This amount represents a modest but consistent acceleration compared to the corresponding figures in 1998 and 2003. Remittances in 2006-07 were about 20 percent of the states NSDP. Thus, remittances have not kept pace with the growth of NSDP; in 2003 remittances had formed 22 percent of NSDP. The Muslim community that forms nearly 25 percent of the states population received 50 percent of the total remittances during 2006-07. In the matter of regional development, developments based on the cultivation of rice and coconut gave way to rubber-based development since a long time ago. Soon, rubber -based developments could be giving away to developments based on external remittances. This will have considerable long-term impact on the type of regional development within Kerala.

productive utilization of the acquired wealth for developmental activities. Remittance-based investments are taking over from remittances-based consumption as the states new growth driver.

Describe the size of the Non-Resident Keralites (NRK)

The size of the Non-resident Keralites, defined as the sum of emigrants and return emigrants, is a better measure to assess the impact of migration on the Kerala society. In 2007, NRKs number 27.3 lakh showing no increase during 2003-2007. The corresponding figure had been 21.0 lakh in 1998. Malappuram with 480,000 persons as NRKs (or 17.5 percent of the state total) leads all other districts with respect to the number of non-resident Keralites. Malappuram district had about 71 NRKs per every 100 households. This is the highest among all the districts. Over years, the number of NRKs has increased in most districts, significant exceptions being Pathanamthitta and Palakkad districts. However, the number of NRKs per 100 households decreased from 39.7 to 36.2 percent in the state as whole.

Explain the impact of emigration on Keralas development

After about two decades of continuous increase, migration from the state seems to be losing some of its steam and edging towards a more stable stage. In the early period of construction workers emigration, much of the financial dividends from emigration were used up for household consumption subsistence, education of children, house renovation and house construction, and dowry and debt repayments. Not much was left for investments in development-oriented activities. Moreover, the business climate in the state was not as investment-friendly as it is today either. The returned emigrants of earlier days did not possess the required educational background nor the know-how for starting new business ventures. That stage seems to be getting over now. More than a million former emigrants have returned with their accumulated savings, acquired expertise and external contacts with individuals and establishments that matter very much in business. The stage is now set for more

Explain the changes of Employment and Unemployment situation in Kerala

While the migration situation in Kerala has remained relatively stable during 2003-07, the situation with respect to remittances was moderately accelerating, and the employment situation remaining not quite stable, especially in respect of the level of unemployment in Kerala. Changes with respect to the unemployment situation were indeed dramatic. According to SMS (South Asia Migration Study), the number of gainfully employed persons decreased from 9.94 million in 1998 to 9.68 million in 2003. But by 2007, however, employment increased to 10.03 million persons. Thus, while there was a decline of 264,000 persons in employment during 1998-

03 and an increase of 350,000 persons during OB PORTAL NORKA - A JMPLOYMENT JOB 2003-07; indeed a EAS E A) significant turn around in FOR OVERS - Resident Keralities Affairs (NORKjob t of Non the various view of the demographic The Departmen al to cater to tate ob Norka port e J contraction at work d thereby facili ha s la unched th ment market an tion cost. The overseas employ during the period. s reduce migra openings in the lp job aspirant and he Changes in unemploysafe migration the portal are : r youngsters ment rate were indeed objectives of and guidance fo proper training dramatic compared to ad. To provide portunities abro changes in employment ing jobs in to exploit job op ntial for pr ovid ar eas with pote rate. The small increase ra mmes. fy t training prog To identi ies and conduc (3.6 percent) in employforeign countr s to hire quality rm for employer ment has had a dramatic an online platfo is a forum r dream job. It The job portal is impact on the unemployers, to land thei enabling job seek and job seekers, talents and for ment rate. een employers nsively. the gap betw ively and inexpe built to bridge n quickly, effect atabase The number of unemployed ge informatio like Resume D them to exchan y of pr oducts ar eer persons was 1.37 million in ures a variet t Tools and C Job N orka feat nse Managemen 2007, 2.29 million in 2003 ostings, Respo Access, Job P and 1.24 million in 1998. Planning. There was thus a significant decrease of 921000 persons whose annual income is below Rs. (315,000 persons among males and 606,000 25000, for cases like marriage of children, persons among females) in the number of medicial assistance, death etc. persons unemployed during 2003-07.The un Awareness campaign on illegal employment rate (as percent of the labour recruitment and visa cheating. force) was 12.2 in 2007, 19.1 in 2003, and Mass publicity campaign 11.1 in 1998. News letter Explain the activities of NORKA ROOTS Disaster management and emergency repartriation NORKA - ROOTS, a government promoted KARUNYAM- NORKA fund for dead company under the Department of NORKA body repatriation. has been providing service and assistance to the various needs of NRKs. NORKA has NORKA - Roots is engaged in creating established NORKA ROOTS that acts as a awareness among workers on overseas counsel for the non - resident Keralites. Main employment opportunities, recruitment activites of NORKA - ROOTS are given below: processes and also in training and equipping job seekers to understand trends in the Attestation of educational certificates international labour market and to develop Skill upgradation training programmes skills as per global requirements. The benign Special registration system for the return motive is to create an enviornment conducive emigrants. to safe oveseas employment and to ensure the Santhwana scheme for providing welfare of Non Resident Keralities and their financial assistance to NRKs (returnees) families.

ROLE OF CO-OPERATIVES
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Briefly explain the role of co-operative sector

The Co-operative sector has been playing a distinct and significant role in the process of socio-economic development of the state with special focus on rural population and livelihood. Through sustained efforts, co-operatives have made impressive progress in various -OPERATIVE segments of Indian TIONAL CO PORATION (NCDC) NA economy particularly OR LOPMENT C pmental and promotional financing in agriculture credit D EV E lo tegy erged as a deve untry. The stra disbursement, fertilizer NCDC has em sector in the co e -ope ra tive the Co-operativ distribution, procureand de ve lop co institution for to stre ngthen maintain a ti on is ment and distribution of embers and to of the Cor pora to serve their m able them agricultural commodiinstitutions to en me. Rs. ties, promotion of conth in their inco to Kerala was sustained grow nd from NCDC fu sumer activities, health, 08-09. N CD C 0 the flow of cr or e during 20 During 2009-1 8.70 e previous dairy, fisheries, against Rs. 30 compared to th 519.54 cr or e e tune of 68.30% terms of handloom, coir etc. Ateased to th d (14.19%) in assistance incr Kerala stood 2n fund tempts were made to dea standings, % ) in terms of year. In all Indi also 2nd (13.72 velop the movement as a sanctions and NCDC's total self reliant one by augdisbur sement. menting the resources cooper a ti ve through mobilization of societies. The number of Credit Co-operatives savings in urban arid rural areas. increased from 3230 to 3257 during 2009Discuss the significance of co10. Similarly an increase was also noticed in operative movement in Kerala the number of Women Co-operatives from 972 The co-operative movement in Kerala has a to 975. The number of miscellaneous cosolid foundation and impressive track record operatives is also increased from 2444 to 2459 in terms of financial stability and sound during 2009-10. infrastructure to generate adequate funds. The ? Explain the role of Primary Agricultural spread and growth of co-operatives in Credit Societies (PACS) different sectors were nurtured under The Cooperative Credit structure in Kerala development plans with government initiative comprise of 1603 Primary Agricultural Credit and government finance. Kerala has a wide Societies (PACS) and 49 affiliated Primary Conetwork of cooperatives engaged in various operative Agricultural and Rural Development promotional activities particularly in Banks supported by the Central and Apex Coagricultural credit, public distribution system, operative banks. As on 31.3.2010, there were distribution of agricultural commodities, 1603 PACS out of which 696 were running marketing, agro processing, consumer on profit and 893 in loss and the remaining

activities, public health, education, housing, insurance and infrastructure development, SC/ ST sector, Women development etc. and have made an impressive progress and serve the people in various economic activities. There are 13351 co-operatives under the control of Registrar of Co-operative Societies; of which 10230 are functional in the various promotional activities in the sector. During 2008-09 there were only 10204 functional

societies were dormant. The PACS are functioning with a paid up share capital of Rs. 816.44 crores and reserves of Rs. 6127.89 crores. The performance of the co-operatives during the year under report was encouraging. Compared to the previous year, there was increase in the disbursement of short term and medium term loans. Credit for non-agricultural purposes in all types has comparatively increased. Though the co-operatives are disbursing loan for non agricultural purposes for making good margin for their business, 778 societies were working on loss during 2009-10. The Selected indicators of the credit operations of the Primary Agricultural Credit Societies show that, during 2009-10, deposits of the societies increased to Rs. 27312.04 crores as against Rs. 20432.31 crores during 200809. The average deposit per member has increased to Rs. 5936.11 from last year's level of Rs.5255.85. In Kerala under Co-operative sector the self help groups scheme was implemented through PACs.

tribution, grant, loan and subsidy. A programme for the overall development of the co-operative movement in the state namely "Sahakarana Navarathnam Keraleeyam" was launched during 2007.

What is meant by Integrated Cooperative Development Project ?

Integrated Co-operative Development Project (ICDP) focuses on over all development of selected districts through co-operative efforts in the area of agriculture and allied sectors with the financial assistance of NCDC. Moreover, Human Resource Development (HRD) initiative to restore the principles of co-operative movement is another objective of the scheme. ICDP covers all the districts in the state by providing financial assistance to PACS, PAMS, SC/ST co-operatives for infrastructural facilities such as godown, retail outlet, cash counters, iron safe, strong room, furniture etc. The Project was successfully implemented in Wayanad, Palakkad, Kottayam, Idukki, Thrissur, Pathanamthitta, Malappuram, Kasargod and Kannur districts. Scheme is under implementation in Kollam, Kozhikode and Thiruvananthapuram districts. Sanction was accorded for launching of the second phase of ICDP in Wayanad district. During 2009-10, an amount of Rs.3.14 crore was expended for various activities under ICDP scheme in Kerala.

Miscellaneous types of Co-operatives

Miscellaneous types of co-operatives has been organised in the state mainly for the purpose of generating employment opportunities to the unemployed youth and the weaker sections. Co-operative Hospital and Dispensaries, Education Co-operatives, Vanitha Cooperative Societies, Motor Transport, Autorikshaw and Taxi Drivers Co-operative Societies, Tailors Co-operative Societies, Washermen Co-operative Societies, Chethuthozhilali Cooperative Societies etc. are some of the co-operative societies which are organised for the purpose of employment generation. There are also Social Welfare Co-operative Societies, Cultural Co-operative Societies, Farming Co-operative Societies, Leprosy Patient Co-operative Societies, Matsya Thozhilali Co-operative Societies, Photographers Co-operative Societies etc. Government extend financial assistance to these societies by way of share capital con-

Write a short note on State Cooperative Bank

State Co-operative Bank as the apex bank of short term credit structure in Kerala, it provides strong and sound guidance, supervises, cordinates, monitors and controls all the 14 District Co-operative Banks and Primary Agricultural Credit Societies. It also provides short term, medium term and long term loans to various activities as per their requirements and also acts as a central

balancing centre to absorb surplus funds from DCBs and PACs and other Co-operative institutions. State Co-operative Banks and District Cooperative Banks channelise their own fund and fund of NABARD for disbursal. The total deposit of State Co-operative Bank 2009 -10 was Rs. 6649.20 crore against Rs. 4593.25 crore in 2008 -09. The working results of SCB shows a steep decline in borrowings. The credit disbursement was mainly for agriculture, marketing, cottage and small scale industries, consumer business, consumption purposes, housing etc. Disbursal on agriculture, consumption purpose, housing etc. had increased by the bank considerably.

vananthapuram district, which accounts 53% of the total and the lowest in Wayanad and Pathanamthitta districts. b) Handicrafts Kerala State Handicrafts Apex Co-operative Society (SURABHI) is the apex organisation of primary handicrafts co-operatives established with a view to uplift the artisans by marketing the product produced by the primary co-operatives and implementing welfare schemes with the assistance from state and central Governments. The overall performance of the society during the review period shows a declining trend by registering a decrease of 10.65 percent and 11 percent respectively compared to the previous year. c) Coir Industry In Kerala, coir industry is mainly dominated by the co-operative sector. Kerala State Coir Co-operative Marketing Federation (COIRFED) is an apex federation of 833 primary coir co-operative societies. It is a non profit organization in the coir co-operative sector. The main objective of the federation is procurement of the entire products of the member societies and marketing the same through out the country and thereby providing

State the extent of Industrial Cooperative Societies

The total number of Industrial Co-operative Societies registred as on March 2010 is 2578. Of these, 7 new societies were registered during 2009 - 10 and 7 are registered in 2010 -11. The total number of working industrial co-operative societies as on 31-03-2010 was 768. Out of these, 149 societies are promoted by scheduled caste entrepreneurs, 39 by scheduled tribe entrepreneurs and 252 by women and 328 by others.

Explain the role of Industries in the Cooperative sector.

The Handloom industry in Kerala is dominated by cooperative sector with 94% looms and remaining 6% of handloom units owned by industrial entrepreneurs. The cooperative sector consists both factory and cottage type societies. The largest number of cooperative societies is in Thiru-

a) Handloom Industry

ive Society vers Co-oper at blished Handloom Wea K er ala State -operatives esta of handloom co cieties, apex body co-operative so (Hantex) is the puts to primary the of required in s produced by for distribution keting of good ar aterials for pr ocessing, m yarn and raw m pr ocur ement, ess high quality promoting s, proc portunities for member societie w business op imar y plore ne number of pr societies and ex h exports. The ring ucts throug eady at 469 du ha ndloom pr od tex remained st er marked a ered under Han tal sales turn ov societies regist us year. The to previo 2009 -10. 2009-10 as in rcent in the year crease by 11 pe remarkable in

HANTEX

fair wages and subsistence to the coir workers. During 2009 -10, 463 coir co-operative societies are in operation, 1555 co-operative societies are under liquidation, 188 societies are dormant and 27 societies have not yet started working. d) Sericulture Kerala State Sericulture Co-operative Federation Ltd (SERIFED) is an apex body of sericulture Co-operative Societies formed with the objective of developing sericulture and silk industry in the state through the members of Co-operative societies. Government of Kerala liquidated serifed and ordered transfer of its assets and redeployment of employees as a measure of strengthening the sericulture activities in Kerala. During 2009 -10 SERIFED with the support of the Central Silk Board had implemented SERISREE project - under the scheme, a total of 236 units were established by 944 beneficiaries. e) Cashew Industry Kerala State Cashew Workers Apex Cooperative Society (CAPEX) with headquarters in Kollam, is the apex body of cashew workers primary societies engaged in the procurement of raw cashew nuts and marketing the processed Kernels. The society owns 10 factories. There are about 5934 workers. The society could provide employment for 214 days in 2009-10 as against 210 days in 2008 -09. The total sales turnover of the CAPEX increased, recording 31 percent of growth.

affiliated to the Federation. The main sources of funds to the Federation are share capital contribution from member societies and the state government and borrowing from LIC, National Housing Bank and Housing and Urban Development Corporation. The main objective of the federation is to provide financing facilities for the affiliated Primary Co-operative Housing Societies for the construction of houses.

Explain the Role of Co-operatives in Globalisation

Globalisation provides both opportunities and challenges. Expanding markets and access to knowledge and technology produced throughout the world provides an opportunity for substantial increase in standards of living. But competition from abroad can provide significant challenges. The competition from abroad has become particularly keen in recent years, as those in developing countries have learned how to produce and market the kinds of goods that are demanded in the advanced industrial countries. Unless countries respond to that competition, jobs will be lost and living standards reduced. Education and technology are the keys to a successful response to the challenges of globalisation. The only way to compete against the low wages in the developing countries is to improve skills and productive efficiency, and to respond more quickly and effectively to what consumers want. The co-operative movement has also long played an important role in the development of agriculture and agro-business. Cooperatives have been at the centre of many of the most successful developments. In many developing countries, NGOs (nongovernmental organisations) which are effectively cooperatives are playing an increasingly important role by providing small loans for the development of new enterprises.

Write a short note on Kerala State Cooperative Housing Federation

Kerala State Co-operative Housing Federation Ltd., registered on 23-9-1970 is the apex body for financing the Primary Co-operative Housing Societies in the State. At present 206 primary Housing Co-operative Societies are

WOMEN EMPOWERMENT
?
What is meant by Women empowerment ?

Empowerment is a continous process for realizing the ideals of equality, human liberation and freedom for all. Y Womens EmpowerENS POLIC licy dated TATE WOM S ment, thus, implies a women po t ha s appr oved y of measequality of opportunity te Governmen approved an arra The Sta ncil of Ministers environment and equity between the erala Cou omen friendly 17-2-09. The K with a more w ast half the genders, ethnic groups, the State declaring at le ures to provide ctives include re there social classes and age 09. Its obje e as zones whe in February 20 areas in the stat oing a step further, groups, strengthening unicipality years. G nchayat and m announced en within two of life chances, collec- pa mathi Teacher crimes on wom ar e no Smt. P. K. Sree offences tive participation in difial Welfare that is free of Minister for Soc nce Kerala a state ferent spheres of life e is declaring eve this, vigila that the objectiv the next five years. To achi onecultural, social, political, e state and in every area of th against women ties. strengthened in economic, development l be hed in all the ci committees wil will be establis ine es process, decision making short-stay hom formed to exam day homes and lawyers will be its etc. and to submit ith a majority of A committee w pr otect women nt to Womens well- being de- loopholes in the laws mea pends on their empower- recommenda tions. against women. The ment social, cultural, poInternational Labour Organization states that litical and economical. The Government of Kerala has adopted various women represent 50% of the population, 30% strategies to enhance the status of women and of the labour force, perform 60% of all workempower them to address the negative social ing hours, receive 10% of the world's income and economic impacts. and own less than 1% of the work's propBecause women empowerment will lead to erty. an improvement of the socio- economic conThe problem is that women have always been ditions of the society in a number of ways. at work, only the definition of work has been The women empowerment programmes of gender insensitive, that is it has never been the Department of Social Welfare cover welwide enough to recognize their contributions fare and support services, training for emto the economy and society from within the ployment and income generation, awareness household, even in economic activities. Very generation and gender sensitization. All these often even when they are 'working' outside efforts are directed to ensure that women are the home, they may be unpaid or not given empowered both economically, socially and the status of a 'worker'. thus became equal partners in the development of the state along with men.

economic positions within the household, workforce and community, which are structured in such a way as to leave women with little power economically, socially and politically, the flip side of which is men's sociobiological drive for mastery, manifested increasingly as violence

Explain the position of women in Kerala

Women and men occupy different social and economic positions. Why ?
Women and men occupy different social and

Historically, Kerala has been quite different from the rest of the country in terms of the indicators of women's development. Kerala

has a favourable sex ratio of 1084 in 2011, which should be compared to the all-India figures of 940. In terms of literacy, life expectancy, and mean age of marriage women in Kerala score higher than the rest of the country. The infant mortality rate for girl child in Kerala during 2009 is only 13, while the corresponding all- India figure is 52. The real achievement of decentralised planning for women has been the creation of an enabling environment that has given meaning to reservation. Women for the first time have been given the political space to develop. Kerala introduced 50 percent reservation for women in elected local bodies.

Discuss the role of Women in Employment

As per the reports from the Director General of Employment and Training, 18.97% of the total employees in the public and private sector in India were women during 2005, while the corresponding percentage of women employees in the organized sector in Kerala (39.05) was more than double the all India figure. The higher literacy rate of women is reflected here since it gives women in Kerala an edge in terms of employment in the organized sector. However, as is well-known, overall participation rates of women are lower in Kerala vis-a-vis the national average, 24 percent in 2004-05 as compared to 28 percent for India (NSSO 2004-05).

seats for women in the Panchayath Election is 51.70. From the total elected representatives, 50 percent of the positions of President in local bodies are reserved for women. If in a grama / block panchayat, the position of President is not held by a woman representative, status of Vice-president is reserved for women in that panchayath. In such a panchayath, the chairmanship of any one of the Standing Committee, other than finance will also go for women. Similar reservations are given in the case of District Panchayaths also. In addition to these, the government has given necessary directions to the panchayath/ municipal authorities to provide separate rest room facilities to all the elected women representatives of the state, if the local body does not have such facility for women. The presence of such a large number of women in governance is a refreshing change and carries immense potential of a transformatory outcome for women. Women in Kerala have developed adequate capabilities in the last 15 years to discharge their functions in the local bodies.

Define Domestic Violence ?

The Domestice Violence Act notified by the Central Government came into effect from 26th October 2006. Domestic Violence under the Act includes actual abuse or the threat of abuse, whether physical, sexual, verbal, emotional or economic. Harassment by way of unlawful demands is also covered under the definition of domestic violence.

Explain the role of Women in Governance

In the case of the changed political scenario at the local level of governance. 50 per cent of seats in the LSGIs of Kerala have been allocated to women through legislation. Sufficient orders have been issued by the Government for allocating 50 per cent seats for women in the Panchayaths and local bodies to which elections were held in 2010 throughout Kerala. The percentage of actual number of reserved

Explain the the Implementation of Domestic Violence Act ?

Social Welfare Department is the nodal agency for implementing the provisions of Domestic Violence Act, 2005. State Government has notified 31 protection officers across the State and sanctioned 79 service providing centres during 2009-10. Through these service providing centres legal counsellors are providing free legal counseling to women in need

of legal assistance under Domestic Violence Act. 69 servAGAINST OF WOMEN ORKPLACE N ice providing centres proPROTECTIO SSMENT AT W vided legal aid/services to A R SEXUAL HA 1536 beneficiaries during BILL, 2010 roapproved the "P ovember 2010, 2009-10 up to September ce Bill, 2010 inet, early in N ent at Workpla The Union Cab 2009. There are 24 Shelter Sexual Harassm The Bill is en against ament shor tly. tection of Wom Homes where women vicin the d by the Parli will be enacte en at workplace and the sa me tims of violence can take nment for wom ctors. re a safe enviro unorganised se organized and intended to ensu shelter; those with children the ate sectors and public and priv can keep them in the Shelter Homes upto the age of 6 years. All of the District / Taluk Hospitals are notified as institutions to provide medical facility to D. V. victims. nical Commission (IEC) materials, pamphlets, posters, booklets etc.

Write a short note on BhoomikaGender Based Violence Management centre (GBVMC)

The Government of Kerala in association with NRHM has launched a new programme on "Medical Care for Victims of Gender Based Violence/Social Abuses" in selected institutions of 14 districts. The centre started functioning from December, 2009 onwards. The main objective of the Centre is to provide counseling services and medical and legal assistance to the victims of gender based violence. For coordinating the activities of local bodies, legal experts, police and social welfare organizations provide legal assistance for victims, one female coordinator/ counselor has been appointed in each GBV Centre. Doctors, nurses and other health care providers have been provided with training in preventing gender-based violence and handling such cases. Major activities of the project are: Train the Trainer (TOT) for doctors and staff nurses Institutional level orientation and training to doctors and other health staff. General awareness training/sensitization workshop to health staff in the Districts Preparation of International Electrotech-

Write a short note on Seethalayam Women Health Care Centre

Seethalayam is a new project by the Department of Homeopathy, Government of Kerala for handling gender based issues. It is envisaged to provide medical, psychological, legal and social support to women suffering from domestic and social violence. In the first phase, selected hospitals in three districts, viz. Thiruvananthapuram, Kottayam and Kozhikode are included. Each Centre is equipped with two female homeopathic doctors, psychologist, female nurse, homeopathic software, IP facility etc. Seethalayam provides counseling services and medical and legal assistance for victims of gender-based violence. The Centre has a homeopathic medical officer, woman counselor, legal experts, police and social welfare organizations to provide legal assistance for the victims. For sensitizing the homeopathic doctors to handle such cases and prepare them for handling these diverse issues, the department envisages training programme to the doctors.

Briefly explain the provisions of the Protection of Women against Sexual Harassment at Workplace bill 2010 a) Preamble
It is a Bill conferring upon women the right to protection against sexual harassment and

towards that end for the prevention and redressal of sexual harassment of women. Sexual Harassment infringes the fundamental right of a woman to gender equality under Articles 14 and 15 of the Constitution of India and her right to life and to live with dignity under Article 21 of the Constitution which includes a right to a safe environment, free from sexual harassment. The right to protection from sexual harassment and the right to work with dignity are recognized as universal human rights by international conventions and instruments such as Convention on the Elimination of all Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW), which has been ratified by the Government of India. The Supreme Court in Vishakha vs State of Rajasthan [1997 (7) SCC 323] has formulated guidelines to address sexual harassment until a suitable legislation is enacted in this respect. b) Prevention of sexual harassment at workplace At any workplace, no woman, shall be subjected to sexual harassment including unwelcome sexually determined behaviour, physical contact, advances, sexually coloured remarks, showing pornography, sexual demand, request for sexual favours or any other unwelcome conduct of sexual nature whether verbal, textual, physical, graphic or electronic or by any other actions, which may include, but is not limited to (i) implied or overt promise of preferential treatment in employment; or (ii) implied or overt threat of detrimental treatment in employment; or (iii) implied or overt threat about the present or future employment status; (iv) conduct which interferes with work or

c)

creates an intimidating or offensive or hostile work environment; or (v) humiliating conduct constituting health and safety problems. Punishment for false or malicious complaint and false evidence Where the Committee or the Local Committee, as the case may be, arrives at a conclusion that the allegation against the respondent is false or malicious or the aggrieved woman or any other person making the complaint has produced any forged or misleading document, it may recommend to the employer or the District Officer to take action against the woman or the person who has made the complaint in accordance with the provisions of the service rules applicable to her or him or where no such service rules have been made in such manner as may be prescribed. Where the Committee or the Local Committee, as the case may be, arrives at a conclusion that during the enquiry any witness has given false evidence or produced any forged or misleading document, it may recommend to the employer of the witness or the District Officer to take action in accordance with the provisions of the service rules applicable to the said witness or where no such service rules have been made, in such manner as may be prescribed.

Critically evaluate the provisions in the Bill

While the Bill is indeed a welcome step and one which formally imposes penalties on employers who do not take cognizance of complaints of sexual harassment at workplace, certain provisions in the Bill are not in the interest of women. One of the prominent lacunae in the Bill is the non-inclusion of domestic

workers within its ambit. A majority of the women working in the unorganised sector are domestic workers. The Central Government excluded this section of women who are vulnerable to harassment at workplaces like other working women. Some of the clauses in the Bill are against the spirit of the Visakha Judgment and could be used to victimize any woman who comes forward to file a complaint of sexual harassment against her employer or a colleague. These clauses of the Bill seek to penalize women if the internal committee at the workplace, inquiring into the complaint of sexual harassment feels that the complaint is 'false and malicious'. These clauses would encourage the inquiry committee to approach a women's complaint with prejudice. This would also indirectly help the respondent to threaten or dissuade a woman from filing a complaint or encourage the respondent to go all out to establish that the women's complaint is false.

(iv) Torture - both mental and physical (Sec. 498-A IPC) (v) Molestation (Sec. 354 IPC) (vi) Sexual Harassment (Sec. 509 IPC) (vii) Importation of girls (upto 21years of age) (Sec. 366-B IPC) (2) The Crimes under the Special & Local Laws (SLL) Although all laws are not gender specific, the provisions of law affecting women significantly have been reviewed periodically and amendments carried out to keep pace with the emerging requirements. The gender specific laws for which crime statistics are recorded throughout the country are (i) Immoral Traffic (Prevention) Act, 1956 (ii) Dowry Prohibition Act, 1961 (iii) Indecent: Representation of Women (Prohibition) Act, 1986 (iv Commission of Sati (Prevention) Act, 1987

State the extent of Crime against women

A total of 2,03,804 incidents of crime against women (both under IPC and SLL) were reported in the country during 2009 as compared to 1,95,856 during 2008 recording an increase of 4.1% during 2009. It needs to be noted that while a total of 8049 incidents of crime were reported against women in Kerala during 2009, this shows a decrease of 1657 cases (17%) from the number of crimes during 2008 (9706). Kerala with 2.96% share of population has accounted for 3.9% of the total crime against women in India. Among the states, Kerala stood at the 7th rank as per the rate of total cognizable crimes (23.2%) and at the 10th rank as per the percentage share in total offences against women. In the total incidents in Kerala, 7% of the total cases were those in which the offenders were known to the victims, like parents/close family friends, relatives,

Explain the various types of Crime against Women

Although women may be victims of any of the general crimes such as 'Murder', 'Robbery', 'Cheating', etc, only the crimes which are directed specifically against women are characterized as 'Crimes against Women'. Various new legislations have been brought and amendments have been made in existing laws with a view to handle these crimes effectively. These are broadly classified under two categories. (1) The Crimes under the Indian Penal Code (IPC) (i) Rape (Sec. 376 IPC) (ii) Kidnapping & Abduction for specified purposes (Sec. 363 - 373 IPC) (iii) Homicide for Dowry, Dowry Deaths or their attempts (Sec. 302/304-B IPC)

neighbours and other known persons. Nearly half of the total offences are reported as cruelty by husband & relatives.

Write a short note on Indira Gandhi Matritva Sahyog Yojana (IGMSY) Conditional Maternity Benefit (CMB)

Indira Gandhi Matritva Sahyog Yojana (IGMSY) Conditional Maternity Benefit (CMB), a new scheme for pregnant and lactating (P&L) women has been approved by the Government of India initially on a pilot basis in 52 selected districts across the country. The scheme contributes to better enabling environment by providing cash incentives for improved health and nutrition to pregnant and lactating mothers. The Scheme will be implemented using the platform of ICDS. IGMSY is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme which envisages providing cash directly to P&L women during pregnancy and lactation. It would address short term income support objectives with long term objective of behaviour and attitudinal change. The scheme attempts to partly compensate for wage loss to pregnant & lactating women both prior to and after delivery of the child. The focal point of implementation would be the Anganwadi Centre (AWC) at the village. The scheme would be implemented as a pilot project. In order to ensure national coverage and diversity of implementation experiences, IGMSY would be piloted in 52 identified districts amongst all the States/UTs across the country. From Kerala, Palakkad has been selected as a district covered under IGMSY.

r b re ak do w n o h ic h se t is one w et according G en de r B u d ge ainstream budg ent's usual or m of tools e governm rough a variety disaggregate th women/men th ating girls/boys, g and incorpor to its impact on ea ns identifyin ing e purpose. It m ors and provid designed for th e different sect in th pr ojec ts/ eds of women sl ate them into the different ne ca tion to tr an na mes etar y allo own by other adequa te budg (G B) is also kn t (GSB) r Budget ensitive Budge schemes. G ende RB), Gender S ive Budget (G Gender Respons n to schemes etc. ce has been give t, due importan of women. ge r the upliftment In Kerala's Bud ific measures fo hemes in lved spec omen specific sc which have invo y allocated to w to 8.6 0 the outla d substantia lly During 2009-1 which increa se 5.6 percent 10-11. the Budget was ed outlay in 20 the total budget per cent of

DG E T GENDER BU eks to

Explain the activities of Kerala Womens Commission

The Kerala Women's Commission started functioning in the year 1996. The objective of the Women's Commission is to take steps for improving the status of women and to enquire into unfair practices affecting women. All the activities and programmes of the Commission are intended to uplift their status and for empowering them. Following are the activities taken up by the Commission during 2009-10. 1. The Commission had conducted 107 adalaths all over the State to settle disputes, largely relating to family matters besides the routine adalath at headquarters. During the year, 7592 petitions were disposed of. 2. Conducted 80 awareness programmes/ seminars during 2009-10. 3. The Commission conducted DNA tests for those cases where paternity was disputed. During 2009-10 the Commission arranged three DNA tests. 4. KWC is running a Short Stay Home for providing temporary shelter to such persons like those ousted from their own hous-

es on account of domestic violence, victims of rape etc. During the year the commission proHE M E F OR GANDHI SC ADOLESCENT RAJIV vided temporary accomEN T O F modation to 250 women. EMP OWERM GSEAG) - SABLA dhi Scheme 5. Jagratha Samithy aims at GIRLS (R me, "Rajiv Gan approved a sche the redressal of the grievBLA" for India has GSEAG) - SA Government of dia. scent Girls (R ances of women and chilent of Adole 0 districts in In for Empowerm s, initially in 20 to dren in their own local on a pilot basi from childhood implementation e of transition body. The Commission ant phas panied by ce is a signific changes accom conducted 40 training pro- Adolescen ked by physical nts aware which is mar make adolesce grammes for the Jagratha adulthood, s is the time to ote a l changes. Thi in order to prom Samithy members of Grama psychologica s facets of life lated ed about variou ion, lifestyle re Panchayath/Corporation/ of and inform of health, nutrit s RSH) needs living. Awarenes sexual health (A District Panchayaths. healthy way of reproductive & e health of olescent r to improve th 6. The Commission conducts behaviour and ad e of life in orde anhood. this phas ansition to wom free counseling on all Tues- to be positioned in te an easier tr fe as d facilita ing earlier in li days and Thursdays at the adolescent girls an oblems originat tritional pr lf ca n b e head quarters for the victims During this period, nu e pe ri od itse in g d u ri n g th stricts have of domestic violence and for w el l as th os e oc cu rr m, and Idukki di alakkad, Kolla the scheme. paranoid spouses (Samshay- addressed.Malappuram, P ementation of Kerala for impl om arogam) etc. been selected fr 7. As part of enlightening womb) Brochure, Booklets and Posters: The Comen on issues concerning them mission had printed brochures and bookand the legal remedies available and also lets on domestic violence act, dowry profor familiarizing the activities of the comhibition act, marriage laws etc. mission, Women's Commission publishes c) Jagratha Samithi Awareness Programmes: a News letter named "Sthree Shakti". In order to create awareness on the nature 8. Another important function of the Comand functioning of the Jagratha Samithies, mission is to conduct research studies on the Commission had conducted a street play issues pertaining to women and to recomby engaging a troupe from the Police Demend remedial measures to the Governpartment. ment. d) Kalalaya Jyothi: - In order to propagate genComment on Flagship Programme der equality and with a view to create awareThe Commission had undertaken the followness on various women laws, the commising projects/programmes under Flagship prosion had launched a novel scheme in the gramme on Gender Awareness initiated in the selected colleges and schools in the state, first year of the 11th Plan. by name "Kalalaya Jyothi". Classes on vara) Awareness programme through broadcast/ ious women laws, domestic violence act, telecast: The commission had produced and dowry prohibition act etc were arranged broadcasted/telecasted six documentaries through experts. The Commission had arand 10 audio-video spots on issues conranged 83 classes in various colleges and cerning women, viz. dowry related issues, schools during the year 2009-10. marriage extravaganza, interstate marriage) Media Monitoring Cell: - Even though Ines, Jagratha Samithis, working of Womdecent Representation of Women Act is in en's Commission etc. force, the visual-print media is tarnishing

the image of womHR E E en community. KUDUM BAS tive programmes for the Hence in order to l innova organizing oduced severa poor women by umba shree intr evolve a women polK ud al upliftment of groups. ic and soci neighbourhood icy for all forms of financial, econom structures like ation. munity ba sed r poverty eradic Media, the commisthem into com a major tool fo e to is being used as of micro fina nc sion has constituted a Micro finance simple model sa poor people. Mission follow tion of loans for media monitoring cell Kudumbashree and better utilisa it activities availability in thrift and cred and has prepared a facilitate easier Gs are involved cieties, 1.97 lakh NH t and cr edit so draft policy. Currently about covered. Thrif are s 4 lakh familie enterprises etc. f) A year long campaign and about 37.1 g, rural micro rmin improve the g, lease land fa on 'Dowry & Marriage udumbashree to linkage bankin Gender troduced by K itiatives in rhood groups. A Extravaganza' in colsome of the in in the neighbou gramme e poor women elf-learning Pro laboration with Youth livelihood of th s of a Gender S gramme in term Welfare Board has been Awareness Pro iated. s also been init launched. r all members ha fo

State the progress of Kerala State Women's Development Corporation (KSWDC)

The Kerala State Women's Development Corporation was established in 1988 with the main objective of implementing schemes for the empowerment of women who are economically marginalized. Under the self employment loan scheme of the Corporation, credit facility is extended to women belonging to families below the poverty line to take up any income generating and self-sustaining activity. Loans are presently extended to women belonging to backward classes, minority communities, scheduled castes, handicapped women and economically marginalized women of forward communities. KSWDC is one of the state channelizing agencies for channelizing finance from the NMDFC, NBCFDC, NHFDC, and NSCFDC. The Corporation is extending support to women entrepreneurs to exhibit and sell their products by organizing exhibitions, trade fairs etc. Space is taken on rent by KSWDC and provided free of cost to the women entrepreneurs. The Corporation is conducting various awareness generation programmes for economically marginalized women in various parts of the state. KSWDC has set up its own finishing school,

"REACH" (Resource Enhancement Academy for Career Heights) on 29th December 2009 under the Flagship Programme on Finishing School initiated by the State Government. Considering the international standards maintained in REACH, ISO 9001-2000 certification has been awarded. KSWDC is constructing comfort stations cum retiring rooms for women in public places in collaboration with 12 local bodies in Kerala.

What are the programmes conducted by Social Welfare Department ?

Besides being the nodal agency for implementing the provisions of Domestic Violence Act, 2005, including widespread gender awareness programmes, there are several programmes for women being conducted by Social Welfare Department, among which are: 1. Media Campaign for gender sensitization in Domestic Violence Act and other social legislations through print, audio and visual media. 2. Training imparted to all stockholders including Police Officers and Judicial Officers and capacity building programme to Protection Officers. 3. Launched a web portal-Kerala Women-exclusively for women and about women of Kerala, through C-Dit.

4. Vocational training for inmates of Mahila Mandirams with the help of STED (Science & Technology Entrepreneurship Development) and LBS Centre for Science & Technology. 5. Innovative schemes giving more emphasis to vulnerable groups of women: awareness creation regarding HIV/AIDS and rehabilitation of HIV positive women, women prisoners, women-headed families including families of widows and other single women (deserted, separated, divorced, unmarried) who face discrimination, are being implemented. 6. The State Government introduced a new scheme "Nutrition Supplement for HIV affected Women & Children". Initially, 2800 women and children who are registered in Anti-Retro Viral Therapy (ART) clinics are being provided nutritional supplement. 7. "Mangalya" is a scheme implemented by the Department for the widows below 50 years of age by providing a financial assistance of Rs. 25,000 to those who propose to remarry. The beneficiaries are selected with the help of local bodies and 340 widows have been selected for assistance under the scheme during 2009-10.

for women released from institutions such as Children's Home, Poor Homes, Rescue Homes and Orphanages. Women between the ages 18 to 21 are admitted. 4. Short Stay Home: This home is for the temporary shelter and rehabilitation of women who have no social support system due to broken families, mental strains, social ostracism, exploitation or moral danger. The women can be admitted voluntarily and can continue their education or engage in vocational training. They shall be given back to their relatives or transferred to other institution if a longer stay is needed. 5. One day Home: This institution is for women above the age of 13. Women who come from other places to cities like Thiruvananthapuram, Kochi and Kozhikkode for various purposes such as writing tests, interviews or attending meetings can stay at a one day home for a short period. The rent for a day is Rs. 50/- inclusive of food.

Explain the activities of Police Department under the flagship programme on Gender Awareness
Under the Flagship Programme on Gender Awareness with the objective of reducing violence against women, a large scheme is being implemented by the Police Department via a number of activities during the period under review as follows: Setting up of State level Vanitha Help lines District Vanitha Helplines Training for Police personnel on gender awareness Setting up of Jagratha Samithis for girl students in schools Setting up of victim support cells by making the existing Janamaithri Police stations into women friendly police stations Improvement of women reception desk in several police stations Establishment of Vanitha Vigyana Vyapana Kendrams

Briefly explain the Institutional Services for Women

1. Mahila Mandirams: There are 12 Mahila Mandirams functioning in the State. Widows, deserted, divorced and destitute women above 13 years are admitted in these institutions. Children with their mothers are allowed to stay in the institution up to the age of six years. There are no Mahila Mandirams in Idukki and Wayanad Districts. 2. Rescue Homes: Rescue Homes are maintained to provide care and protection to women who are victims of immoral trafficking and women prone to danger. They provide rehabilitation facilities to bring them back to the mainstream. 3. After Care Homes: These institutions are