Kudumbashree Kerala — SHG Microenterprise & Poverty Relief

What is Kudumbashree?

Kudumbashree — meaning "prosperity of the family" — is Kerala government's poverty eradication and women empowerment mission operating through a massive network of women's Self Help Groups (SHGs). With over 4.5 lakh Neighbourhood Groups (NHGs) and 50 lakh women members across Kerala, it's the world's largest women's self-help network.

Kudumbashree provides:

• SHG savings and credit linkage
• Microenterprise support (loans, training, marketing)
• Collective farming (lease farming on others' land)
• Urban farming (vegetable cultivation on rooftops/plots)
• Social development (child-friendly local governance, etc.)

Benefits for Kudumbashree Members

1. Internal Lending (SHG Savings + Loans)

• Members save regularly (as low as ₹50–₹100/month)
• Accumulated savings are lent to members at low interest (typically 2–3% per month flat, much lower than moneylenders)
• No collateral needed — peer guarantee

2. Bank-Linked Microenterprise Loans

• SHG groups linked to banks (SBI, Kerala Gramin Bank, co-operative banks)
• Credit limit: ₹5 lakh to ₹50 lakh for mature SHGs (after 3+ years)
• Interest rate: 7–8% per annum (with government subsidy making it lower)
• Loans for: petty shops, vegetable vending, tailoring, catering, cleaning services, agro-processing

3. Collective Farming

• Groups lease 5–50 acres of unused/fallow land
• Grow paddy, vegetables, and banana collectively
• Government provides seeds, fertilizer subsidy, technical support

4. Urban Farming (Subhiksha Keralam)

• Free seeds, grow bags, technical support for kitchen garden and rooftop farming
• Part of the state's food security programme

5. Enterprise Support

• Training in business skills, financial literacy
• Marketing support through Kudumbashree markets (outlets) across Kerala
• Connections with e-commerce (for Kudumbashree products)

Who Can Join Kudumbashree?

• Women from Below Poverty Line (BPL) families — given priority
• Widows, single women, and disabled women especially encouraged
• Even Above Poverty Line (APL) women can join in some cases — but BPL women get priority for loans and benefits
• Age: 18 years and above
• Kerala resident in the ward/area covered by the NHG (Neighbourhood Group)

How to Join Kudumbashree

1. Find your local NHG — every ward in Kerala has Kudumbashree Neighbourhood Groups
   • Ask your Gram Panchayat or Ward Member
   • Or call Kudumbashree district mission office
2. Attend a NHG meeting — meetings are typically monthly
3. Become a member — pay the nominal membership fee and start monthly savings
4. After 3–6 months as a member, you become eligible for loans

For New Microenterprise Loans

After being an active member for at least 6 months:

1. Submit loan proposal to the SHG
2. SHG recommends to the bank
3. Bank processes and sanctions the loan
4. Kudumbashree mission facilitates the process

Income Criterion for Identification

Kerala uses a "9 criteria" framework to identify BPL families:

1. No land ownership (landless)
2. No house or living in thatched hut
3. No access to clean drinking water
4. No sanitation facility
5. Illiteracy (adult members)
6. Child labour in the family
7. Women-headed household with no regular male support
8. Disabled persons with no support
9. Families without any earning member

Families satisfying 4 or more criteria are considered BPL for Kudumbashree purposes.

Kudumbashree Enterprises & Products

Kudumbashree members run over 3 lakh micro-enterprises including:

• Canteens and catering units (KUDOS brand)
• Tailoring units
• Agarbatti and candle making
• Soap and detergent production
• Vegetable and grocery retail
• Childcare centres (ICDS-linked)
• Carpet weaving, coir products

Products are sold via Kudumbashree outlets, government events, and online marketplaces.

Frequently Asked Questions

I am APL (above poverty line). Can I join Kudumbashree?

APL women can join Kudumbashree NHGs in some areas, especially where there's room for new members. However, loan priority and government subsidies go to BPL members first. Ask your local NHG or Ward Member.

What is the minimum monthly savings to stay an active member?

Each NHG sets its own savings amount — typically ₹50 to ₹200/month. There's no universal minimum, but irregular savings may reduce your loan eligibility.

My SHG has been active for 2 years but hasn't received a bank loan. How do I escalate?

Contact your Kudumbashree Community Development Society (CDS) at the Gram Panchayat level. The CDS facilitates bank linkage. If still not resolved, contact the Kudumbashree District Mission.

Can men join Kudumbashree?

Kudumbashree is a women's mission — primary membership is for women. Some enterprise components may include family members, but the core structure is women-led.

Official Links

• Kudumbashree portal: kudumbashree.org
• Join: Contact your local Ward Member or Gram Panchayat office
• Kudumbashree district mission offices: Listed at kudumbashree.org/contact
• Helpline: 0471-2300-128 (Kudumbashree State Mission)