Kudumbasree should take up farming for achieving self-sufficiency in vegetable production, said Chief Minister Oommen Chandy on Monday.
Inaugurating the 14th anniversary meeting of Kudumbasree through video conferencing, Mr. Chandy said the government would support the organisation in this mission. More employment opportunities can also be created though the farming programme. The government support for the organisation is not an act of benevolence but it’s the right of Kudumbasree. More funds would be allotted to the organisation for diversifying and strengthening its activities, he said.
Kudumbasree has succeeded in making an impression in the socio-economic sectors of the State. The State government had earmarked Rs. 84 crore for the collective in its last budget. Moreover, an additional fund of Rs. 25 crore was allotted for writing off the dues of the members of Bhavanashree. More funds would be allotted for the organisation in the coming years for taking up new tasks, Mr. Chandy said.
In his address, M.K. Muneer, Minister for Social Welfare, said that the government was considering a proposal for providing pension for those above the age of 60, who are participating in the neighbourhood development meetings.
An insurance scheme would also be implemented for its members. The government is in the process of drafting legislation for promoting group farming in barren holdings. The aim is to make available locally grown fruits and vegetables in the State from next Onam, Dr. Muneer said.
The economically backward Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe members, fish workers and plantation workers could not be brought under the social security net. The government plans to make all the marginalised sections of the State members of the Community Development Societies by 2013. The survival of the organisation is the responsibility of the State government. The organisation needs the support of the government and not that of any political party, he said.
Union Minister K.V. Thomas; State Ministers K. Babu and V.K. Ebrahim Kunju; Mayor Tony Chammany; District Panchayat President Eldhose Kunnappillil; and Kozhikode Mayor M.K. Premajam; were among those who attended.
