1

Dr.Mini Nair (KSSM) K.Mohan Kumar (C-Dit) Sree Renjini.S (KSSM) Parvathy Jayaprakash (C-Dit) Dhanya.S (C-Dit)

Social Welfare Interventions in Kerala

Social Welfare Department

Kerala Social Security Mission

Directorate of Social Welfare (Annexe)
Government of Kerala
Poojappura, Thiruvananthapuram, 3 Phone: 0471 2348135

VISION
To help achieve the goal of building a balanced society by providing rights-based services to disadvantaged sections such as the aged, disabled and destitute so as to enable them to lead a normal and useful life in society.

Minister for Health & Social Welfare

Government of Kerala

Message
The Government of Kerala has attached utmost importance to carry out social welfare measures covering the needy sections of the population. Kerala has taken the lead to show that the state can provide social security to all those in need by harnessing its resources and mobilizing public participation. The Social Welfare Department of the Government has been coordinating these activities in a commendable way over the years. Recognizing the need for expansion of its ambit of activities the Department is now poised for reorganization and a separate department is envisaged for Womens Development. The State Government has recently declared the State Policy for Women updating the Womens Policy of 1996. Earlier State Policy for the Elderly was also declared. It is also a matter of pride that almost all the new Central Governmental legislations such as the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act etc have been adopted and implemented in the State within a few months of their enactment by the Parliament. The State has recently taken a very important step to ensure that all the disabled persons of the State are provided with ID cards within a specific time frame so as to enable them to claim the benefits under the Persons with Disabilities (Equal Opportunities, Protection of Rights and Full Participation) Act from different organizations using a single ID card. The various organizations under the Social Welfare Department, though working independently, have integrated their activities to ensure that there is no overlap of functions or programs. One of the major initiatives of the present Government was the setting up of the Kerala Social Security Mission, the first organization of its kind in the country to cater to social security needs of the destitute, chronically ill, aged and other disadvantaged sections of the society. This volume has documented the diverse programs and activities of the various organizations working under the aegis of the State Social Welfare Department. I hope this will certainly help to disseminate the information regarding all the novel initiatives of the State Government in the Social Welfare sector. With Regards, 26 th December 2009 P.K.SREEMATHI TEACHER

Our Vital Organs

Directorate of Social Welfare National Institute of Speech and Hearing Kerala Social Security Mission Kerala State Womens Development Corporation Kerala State Handicapped Persons Welfare Corporation Kerala State Womens Commission Kerala State Social Welfare Board State Commissionerate for Persons with Disabilities Kerala State Council for Child Welfare

Secretary, Health and Social Welfare Department

Government of Kerala

Foreword
The Department of Social Welfare has launched various initiatives over the years to ensure the welfare of women, the aged and infirm, children, the chronically ill, destitute, mentally and physically challenged persons and other marginalised sections of the society These have taken a fresh momentum in the last few years. The State Policy for Women has been launched recently which clearly delineates a roadmap for taking care of the women of the State. In keeping with the tradition and culture of its people to take care of the elderly generation, the State Government has also launched a clear cut policy for the aged which defines the role of the State in looking after its senior citizens. The Government of Kerala is the first in the country to set up a State level Social Security Mission with the objective of providing social security to all those in dire need of the same. This has helped the State to expand its sphere of activities and to provide more facilities and welfare measures to the hitherto un-attended categories. This book is an effort to document the diverse activities of the various organisations under the Social Welfare Department, especially of the last four years, by the Kerala Social Security Mission. I hope the book serves to disseminate information on the State Governments welfare initiatives and also to highlight the need for public-private participation to mobilise funds for extending the welfare programmes to more needy and deserving persons. With Regards, 26 th December 2009 Dr. Usha Titus lAS

THE OBJECTIVE
The objective of the Department is the overall care, protection, welfare, development and rehabilitation of children; women; disabled persons; aged and infirm; children in difficult circumstances; adolescent girls; ex-convicts; persons released on probation of good conduct; and mentally cured persons unacceptable by their families.

CONTENTS

Social Welfare Department Arms of Social Welfare Department

Directorate of Social Welfare National Institute of Speech & Hearing Kerala Social Secrity Mission Kerala State Womens Development Corporation Kerala State Handicapped Persons Welfare Corporation Kerala State Womens Commission Kerala Social Welfare Board State Commissionerate for Persons With Disabilities Kerala State Council for Child Welfare

10 13
15 16 17 19 23 24 26 26 27

On-going Schemes New Initiatives Calendar of Programmes

29 41 55

10

i n t r o d u c t i o n

Social Welfare Department

T
he Social Welfare Department was formed on 9 September1975 for the implementation of social welfare programmes and services in Kerala. With the concept of a Welfare State underpinning its socioeconomic development plans, the State is dutybound to provide welfare services to the weaker sections of its population.The Department initiates and implements welfare programmes and services for women in need and distress, differently abled and mentally challenged persons, women and children, destitutes, orphans and neglected street children, and provides social security for the aged and destitute through a network of organisations, residential institutions and non-institutional schemes. The Social Welfare Directorate under the Department is the nodal agency for implementing the schemes of the State Government and various schemes of the Government of Indias Ministry of Women and Child Development. Apart from this, social justice and empowerment schemes run by nongovernmental organisations (NGOs) for the welfare of disabled and destitute women, aged and children are supported by the Directorate. The Social Welfare Department also ensures proper implementation of important welfare legislations such as the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act 2000; the Dowry Prohibition Act 1958 ; the Probation of Offenders Act; the Domestic Violence Act 2005; and the Immoral Traffic (Prevention) Act, 1986; and Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior C i t i z e n A c t 2 0 0 7 t h r o u g h t h e S o c i a l We l f a r e Directorate. The Directorate also provides financial assistance to the differently abled for aids and appliances, and scholarships and pensions to the needy in the State. In addition, it promotes flagship programmes for women and creates general awareness among the public about its welfare measures. Vision: The vision of the Social Welfare Department is to help achieve the goal of building a balanced society by providing rights-based services to disadvantaged sections such as the aged, disabled and destitute so as to enable them to lead a normal and useful life in society. Transfer of functions: With the implementation of the Panchayati Raj system and decentralization of functions and powers, the following functions of the Social Welfare Department have been transferred to local bodies such as Panchayats, Municipalities and Corporations. Block Panchayats Running of social welfare institutions other than in Municipalities and Corporations. Grama panchayats Supplementary Nutrition Programme (SNP).l Monitoring and supervision of Anganwadi Centers at the panchayat level.l Construction of Anganwadi buildings.

Municipalities and Corporations. Construction of Anganwadi buildings. Supplementary Nutrition Programme.

Monitoring of functioning of Anganwadi Centre. Running of social welfare institutions in Municipalities and corporations. Arms of the Social Welfare Department Directorate of Social Welfare Kerala Social Security Mission National Institute of Speech and Hearing Kerala State Womens Development Corporation Kerala State Handicapped Persons Welfare Corporationl Kerala State Womens Commission Kerala State Social Welfare Board Commissionerate of Persons with Disabilities Kerala state council for child welfare. On this book This book aims to provide a not-too-lengthy overview of the Social Welfare Departments activities and their impact, particularly between 2006 and 2009. The Department is involved in a very large and diverse range of programmes to cater for the needs of all sections of the population that deserve a helping hand and its ambit is very wide and inclusive. To begin with, the book takes a look at the major organisations under the Social Welfare Department and their noteworthy achievements.

Moving on to long-term ongoing schemes such as the ICDS and childrens and womens services and the infrastructure that exists for providing care and protection to the vulnerable. It goes on to highlight the new initiatives undertaken by the present State Government, their relevance to the disadvantaged in Kerala and the features that distinguish them from programmes elsewhere in the country. It concludes with a brief summary of events recently organised in the State by the Social Welfare Department, its various wings and organisations that work in concert with it. It is hoped that this book will provide a fuller understanding of the role that the Social Welfare Department plays to improve the quality of life of those whose lives are deprived of all luxuries bought with remittance from abroad or air-conditioned supermarkets. The general public are not usually bothered about the misfortunes of the unfortunate unless it is consciously and glaringly brought to their notice. Even then most turn a blind eye as long as it does not impinge on their lives or affect them in any way. The book aims at bringing out the various needs of the lesser fortunate mortals of the State by providing information on the social welfare programmes of the State and opening the eyes of those who can and are willing to contribute to the social security needs of the lesser fortunate. While the Govt. has initiated various programmes for the same, support of public is also essential to reach out to all the needy in the State. If appreciation and financial support for its programmes follow, it would be a welcome bonus.

THE GOAL

To usher in innovative social security programmes and activities, and facilitate convergent action to cover everyone in the state who is in dire need of social security.
12

Arms of the Social Welfare Department

13

14

I Arms of the Social Welfare Department

DIRECTORATE OF SOCIAL WELFARE

he Directorate of Social Welfare is the main arm of the Social Welfare Department. The Directorate is the State government machinery which acts as the nodal implementing organisation for all the programmes of the State Government as well as programmes of Central government. It is also the main body for enforcing legislations related to social welfare. A spate of welfare programmes and services are also offered by the Directorate to the various marginalised sections of the community. In addition to these schemes and programmes the Directorate has the onus of running various institutions for the distressed women and children, for the aged, differently abled, mentally cured and the destitute. The Directorate presently runs 77 such institutions within the State with utmost care and diligence. The major schemes implemented by the Social Welfare Directorate are Central Government Schemes Ujjawala Family Counseling Centers National Awards for child welfare Rajiv Gandhi Manav Seva Award Swadhar Scheme for prevention of alcoholism and drug abuse

Grant-in-aid under the Deendayal disabled scheme Grant-in-aid programmes for older persons Assistance to disabled persons for purchase or/ fitting aids and appliances Scheme for substance ( drug ) abuse and prevention Integrated programme for older persons Vayoshreshta Samman Award for the Aged National Award for the best-disabled employees and institutions employing them. Awards to individuals and organizations in the service of women. Udisha Training Programme Nutrition Programme For Adolescent Girls ( NPAG) An Integrated Scheme for street children Scheme for welfare of children in need of care and protection Child line services National Child Award for Exceptional Achievement Kishori Sakthi Yojana Integrated Child Development Services Anganwadi Karyakartri Bima Yojana Sisu Greh Scheme State Government Schemes Assistance to local self-governments to start old-age homes and day care centers. Grant-in-aid to orphanages

Grant-in-aid for the payment of boarding fees of children from Childrens Homes. Flagship Programme on finishing school for women Flagship Programme for gender awareness Anganwadi workers and helpers awards Institutions for the welfare of the disabled State award to best employees, employers and institutions for differently abled Registration of special schools World disabled day celebrations Marriage Assistance to differently abled women and to daughters of differently abled parents Community-based rehabilitation programme for the differently abled Distress relief fund for the disabled Grant-in-aid to voluntary organizations running homes for the differently abled Financial assistance to blind and orthopaedically handicapped advocates Vocational Training Centers for the Disabled Scholarships for disabled students Scholarships for mentally challenged students Implementation of the Domestic Violence Act Programme Development and Monitoring cell for Juvenile Justice Administration Implementation of Dowry Prohibition Act Implementation of Probation of offenders Act Implementation of Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children)Act 2000 amended Act 2006 Implementation of Prohibition of Child Marriage Act Benefits to Anganwadi workers and Helpers through welfare fund. Adoption Assistance to widow remarriage Assistance to women prisoners Nutrition Supplement to HIV affected women and children Grant-in-aid to Ex-convicts and Ex-pupils, probationers and ex-inmates Victim Rehabilitation Scheme

by the Government of Kerala and registered under Travancore-Cochin Literary and Scientific Charitable Societies Act, 1955 on 23rd March 1997. The mission of NISH is to serve as a comprehensive, multipurpose institution for the total rehabilitation and education of persons with speech and hearing impairment. NISH is a nationally unique agency offering a broad array of services tailored to help people with a variety of communication problems related to hearing loss and speech-language impairments. It is committed to enrich the lives of these individuals by providing professional services and technology, by promoting community awareness and accessibility, by conducting research aimed at enhancing their lives and to serve them, their families, and the professionals who work with them. Ears are the ultimate bonds to the world of sound. A defective auditory system results not only in sensory deprivation but also immense physical and psychological stress. It is for such people that the NISH works, with a dedication to make life less complicated and enjoyable for them. It is committed to enriching the lives of these individuals by providing professional and technological services, by ensuring access to remedial measures, promoting community awareness, and by conducting research aimed at enhancing the quality of their lives. NISH has three main divisions which work in unison to provide a total speech and hearing therapy for the impaired.

Medical Division
The Medical Division at present has the services of an E.N.T specialist. Every case referred to NISH initially undergoes clinical examination by the ENT doctor. The ENT unit also identifies cases for Cochlear Implants and provides appropriate guidance.

Psychology Unit
Hearing impairment may have an adverse effect on cognitive, emotional and social development, hence identification of the problem as well as the management is important. Scientific assessment involves the application of adapted tools and the interventional programs are tailored to the needs of the child and the family. The Psychology unit at NISH pursues an eclectic approach with sport psychology, clinical pathology etc.

Technology Division
The Technology Division is mainly involved in developing computer aided teaching learning materials primarily for language development in children with hearing impairment. The division has developed thirteen CDs so far under various categories.

NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF SPEECH AND HEARING

To serve as a comprehensive, multipurpose institution for the total rehabilitation and education of persons with speech and hearing impairments. The National Courses Offered at NISH BOX
Institute of Speech & Hearing (NISH) is a society set up 16

Diploma in Teaching Young Hearing Impaired Children

Bachelor Degree Course in Audiology and Speech Language Pathology Master in Audiology and Speech Language Pathology All the services of NISH are free for those who are below the poverty line. Others have to pay half rate or full rate fee depending on their income. The Accreditation and Assessment Committee of the Rehabilitation Council of India has accredited NISH as an excellent institution in 2002 for its remarkable performances.

caregivers with information and emotional support so that they may create an environment that promotes the development of the whole child.

KERALA SOCIAL SECURITY MISSION

The Kerala Social Security Mission, a charitable society sponsored by the Social Welfare Department, was set up on 14 October 2008 is a novel initiative of the State Government to cater to the social security needs of the population of the State on a Mission Mode. A corpus fund of Rs.65 crores has been set apart for the Mission by the State government. The mission has been launched to provide health care & social security to the destitute, poor, aged, children, women, chronically ill, cancer patients & other sections of population which deserve and demand care and protection. The main objective of the Mission is to formulate and implement social security programmes throughout the state. It also aims at conducting research & studies on various social problems and extension of the research finding for the betterment of the society at large. The mission also aims to undertake documentation of important literature on social research in development, health, service, technology & environment. The vision of the Kerala Social Security Mission is to bring in various social security measures/activities & facilitate convergent action so as to cover the entire population of the state who are in dire need of social security. The Mission plans to mobilise funds for the implementation of social security programes through contributions/donations from public in addition to funds from State and Central Governments.

SERVICES OFFERED BY THE NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF SPEECH AND HEARING

The major services and programmes provided through, or by, this institution include audiological services; correspondence programmes; ear moulds; ENT facilities; pre-school and parent guidance; psychological assessment; and speech and language therapy. Audiological Rehabilitation The Audiology Unit provides comprehensive audiological services to cases brought on suspected hearing loss. NISH is equipped with the state-of-the-art equipment for the early detection and diagnosis of auditory disorders, testing of neonates and selection and fitting of hearing aids.

Speech-Language Rehabilitation
The major handicap due to hearing impairment is the lack of speech and language development. Owing to insufficient auditory feedback, specific training methods are required to develop language and speech and to improve speech intelligibility. Learning at NISH is not provided only in the classroom but also through many other academic and extracurricular activities.

The Missions objectives

1. To organise social security programmes all over the State to extend services and support to children, women, the destitute, the poor, the aged, cancer patients and other sections of the population which deserve and demand care and protection. To formulate and implement schemes for the protection and support of the aged. To identify, undertake and implement social security projects. To provide additional infrastructure for the modernisation of social welfare institutions in the State to ensure more effective and efficient delivery of services to the weaker sections. To provide facilities for centralised food processing and to supply food supplements to patients in government hospitals.

Week end Programs

This Program at NISH is conducted for the benefit of school going children with hearing impairment. The program provides speech language therapy to the school going children on weekends. Further they are given ample facilities to develop their extracurricular skills. Facilities are available for painting, craft, computer literacy, karate and aerobics etc.

2. 3. 4.

Pre-school and Parent Guidance Centre

This program is targeted at young children in order to equip them with communication skills before their career in common school starts. Parents participation is vital and hence they are counseled, guided and ultimately trained to be the resource person for their child. The ultimate goal is to provide parents, family members and

5.

17

INAUGURATION KERALA WOMEN WEB PORTAL

18

6.

To draw up programmes for improving nutrition standards and help and improve the status of the poor. To provide assistance, including medical expenses, to the poor and destitute who are chronically ill. To draw and implement a cancer-care scheme providing medical expenses and assistance to children afflicted with cancer. To draw and implement rehabilitation schemes for the welfare of destitute patients discharged from government hospitals. To conduct research on various social problems and the extension of research findings. To undertake documentation of important literature on social research in development, health, science, technology and the environment. To train and equip personnel engaged in voluntary social work and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) in the preparation of welfare projects and their management. To act as an information hub for social welfare programmes in the State. To do all such things and perform all such assistance as may be necessary or appropriate for the achievement of any or all the above objectives.

7.

Ashwasa Kiranam assistance to care givers of bedridden patients. Monthly assistance to unwed mothers of SC/ST communities Free treatment to children affected with cardiac, kidney, cerebral palsy, and other serious disorders.

8.

Governing body
Minister for Social Welfare (Chairperson) Secretary, Social Welfare Department (ViceChairperson) Secretary, Finance Department Principal Secretary, Local Self Government Department Secretary, Planning and Economic Affairs Department Secretary, Health Department Director of Social Welfare Director of Health Service Director of Medical Education Executive Director, Kudumbasree Executive Director, Kerala Social Security Mission (Member Secretary) four members are nominated by the State Government to represent various institutions with expertise in related fields

9.

10. 11.

12.

13. 14.

The Mission has launched a website social security mission.gov.in, which is intended to convey its objectives and activities to people in the State and outside it who may be interested in extending a helping hand to the disadvantaged. It also provides facilities for e-payments on the website so that it will be convenient for anyone from anywhere in the world to donate money to its various schemes.

KERALA STATE WOMENS DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION

The Kerala State Womens Development Corporation was incorporated in 1988 with the main objective of implementing programs for the economic development of women in the State and to formulate, promote and implement any scheme aimed at the welfare of women in Kerala to enable them to earn a better living. The Corporation has been implementing self employment loan schemes and thousands of women under the poverty line have been benefited under this scheme. In addition to this the Corporation has implemented the Flagship programme for Finishing Schools and Gender Awareness programmes with financial assistance from the State Government to enable women to take up new challenges. This being the main objectives, the main policies and priorities of this corporation are as shown below Providing women with means of economic development by extending financial, technical and managerial assistance. Imparting training in skill up gradation programmes and various vocational trades in 19

Mission map
Cancer Suraksha scheme Hunger Free City programme Disability certification camps Karunya deposit scheme Care providers for old-age homes, Asha Bhavans and other social welfare institutions Annadayini scheme - for providing cooked food to tribal Strengthening social welfare institutions Rehabilitation of destitute patients Strategy development on child suicide prevention Training for vyatadis (local midwives)

order to enable them to take up economic activities. Developing the entrepreneurial skills of women by providing technical and managerial assistance. Identifying and organizing women entrepreneurs for the formation of societies/self help groups Resource mobilization for the economic and social empowerment of single marginalized women comprising widows, separated/divorcees Providing marketing assistance to the small scale women entrepreneurs through tie ups with other government agencies, private enterprises. Promoting and developing technical skills of women by providing them with a platform to develop and showcase their skills. Develop soft skills of degree, diploma and certificate holders for the needs of employment as necessary for building the economy of the country through finishing school. To ensure overall personality development of women to help improve their self esteem and bring them in to the mainstream of community development project. Provide Gender awareness programmes such as video programmes workshops to empower women to overcome gender discrimination Providing safe & neat accommodation at reasonable rate for working women as well as students

Physical & Financial achievement made by the last three years

Year Name of Schemes NBCFDC NMDFC NSFDC General scheme To t a l 2008-09 NBCFDC NMDFC NSFDC General scheme To t a l 2009-10 Up to 30th sept. NBCFDC NMDFC NSFDC Total GRAND TOTAL No of beneficiaries 239 884 192 18 1333 294 994 97 1 1386 Loan amount in lakhs) 117.10 635.61 92.45 7.25 852.41 239 799 71.16 1.00 1110.16

2007-08

233 755 59 1047 3766

126.07 406.5 37.46 570.03 2532.6

SCHEMES AND PROGRAMMES OF KERALA STATE WOMENS DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION

Self-employment loans
Credit at nominal rates of interest is made available to women belonging to families below the poverty line for starting viable self-employment units. Loans are being extended to women belonging to the backward classes, minority communities, scheduled castes, scheduled tribes and forward communities, in addition to the physically handicapped. The funds for these are channelised from national corporations such as the National Backward Classes Finance and Development Corporation (NBCFDC), the National Minority Communities Development and Finance Corporation (NMFDC), the National Handicapped Finance and Development Corporation (NHFDC), the National Scheduled Caste Finance & Development Corporation (NSFDC) and the National Scheduled Tribe Finance & Development Corporation (NSTFDC). The Corporation has so far disbursed Rs. 52.93 crores to 9883 beneficiaries . The last three years have seen the corporation channelise and extend Rs.25.33 crores to 3766 women. 20

FLAGSHIP PROGRAMME ON FINISHING SCHOOL

This programme aims at developing the soft skills and upgrading the technical skills of both traditional and non-traditional vocations of women. The ides is to develop the personality of women to enable them to become successful in their ventures/ initiatives.
SL No. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 Name of the project No. of beneficiariesassisted 1100 170 200 100 100 1000 50 100 120 350 100 100 100

Community Bamboo mat making centers Handloom Weaving designing course Training in light & heavy vehicle Training in electronic goods repairing & mobile phone repairing Multiple skill up gradation programme Personality development programmes for school/college students Gold crafting & jewellary designing Training in Hotel Management Finishing school in women ITI Personality development programmes for nursing students Training in IT enabled education for B.Ed students Training for Sales girls Training for office assistants

KERALA STATE WOMENS DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION

The Kerala State Womens Development Corporation was incorporated in 1988 with the main objective of implementing programs for the economic development of women in the State and to formulate, promote and implement any scheme aimed at the welfare of women in Kerala to enable them to earn a better living. The Corporation has been implementing self employment loan schemes and thousands of women under the poverty line have been benefited under this scheme. In addition to this the Corporation has implemented the Flagship programme for F i n i s h i n g S c h o o l s a n d G e n d e r Aw a r e n e s s programmes with financial assistance from the State Government to enable women to take up new challenges. This being the main objectives, the main policies and priorities of this corporation are as shown below Providing women with means of economic development by extending financial, technical and managerial assistance. Imparting training in skill up gradation programmes and various vocational trades in order to enable them to take up economic activities. Developing the entrepreneurial skills of women by providing technical and managerial assistance. Identifying and organizing women entrepreneurs for the formation of societies/self help groups Resource mobilization for the economic and social empowerment of single marginalized women comprising widows, separated/divorcees Providing marketing assistance to the small scale women entrepreneurs through tie ups with other government agencies, private enterprises. Promoting and developing technical skills of women by providing them with a platform to develop and showcase their skills. Develop soft skills of degree, diploma and certificate holders for the needs of employment as necessary for building the economy of the country through finishing school. To ensure overall personality development of women to help improve their self esteem and bring them in to the mainstream of community development project. Provide Gender awareness programmes such as video programmes workshops to empower women to overcome gender discrimination Providing safe & neat accommodation at reasonable rate for working women as well as students 21

SCHEMES AND PROGRAMMES OF KERALA STATE WOMENS DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION

Self-employment loans Credit at nominal rates of interest is made available to women belonging to families below the poverty line for starting viable self-employment units. Loans are being extended to women belonging to the backward classes, minority communities, scheduled castes, scheduled tribes and forward communities, in addition to the physically handicapped. The funds for these are channelised from national corporations such as the National Backward Classes Finance and Development Corporation (NBCFDC), the National Minority Communities Development and Finance Corporation (NMFDC), the National Handicapped Finance and Development Corporation (NHFDC), the National Scheduled Caste Finance & Development Corporation (NSFDC) and the National Scheduled Tribe Finance & Development Corporation (NSTFDC).The Corporation has so far disbursed Rs. 52.93 crores to 9883 beneficiaries . The last three years have seen the corporation channelise and extend Rs.25.33 crores to 3766 women.

Physical & Financial achievement made by the last three years

Year 2007-08 Name of Schemes NBCFDC NMDFC NSFDC General scheme To t a l NBCFDC NMDFC NSFDC General scheme To t a l No of beneficiaries 239 884 192 18 1333 294 994 97 1 386 233 755 593 1047 L o .a n a m o. u n t (in la.khs) 117. 10 635.61 92.45 7.25 852.41 239 799 71.16 1.00 1110.16 126.07 406.5 7.46 570.03 37662532.6

2008-09

2009-10 NBCFDC Up to 30th Sept. NMDFC NSFDC Total GRAND TOTAL

Flagship programme on finishing school This programme aims at developing the soft skills and upgrading the technical skills of both traditional and non-traditional vocations of women. The ides is to develop the personality of women to enable them to become successful in their ventures/ initiatives.

22

SL Name of the project no. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 Community Bamboo mat making centers Handloom Weaving designing course Training in light & heavy vehicle Training in electronic goods repairing & mobile phone repairing Multiple skill up gradation programme Personality development programmes for school/college students Gold crafting & jewellary designing Training in Hotel Management Finishing school in women ITI1 Personality development programmes for nursing students Training in IT enabled education for B.Ed students Training for Sales girls Training for office assistants

No. of beneficiaries assisted 1100 170 200 100 100 1000 50 100 20 350 100 100 100

They include,l Construction and monitoring of working womens hostels; l The Support for Training and Employment Programme (STEP); andl Monitoring day-care crches. Video programmes in rural schools for adolescent girls The video programmes on gender and various ways in which gender discrimination manifests itself in society from childhood to adolescence to adulthood is being screened for high school students rural schools.

KERALA STATE HANDICAPPED PERSONS WELFARE CORPORATION:

The Kerala State Handicapped Persons Welfare Corporation was established in 1979. Its main aims and objectives are to formulate, promote and implement schemes aimed at the rehabilitation or improvement of the living conditions of the disabled. This includes the visually impaired, the speech and hearing impaired, and the physically and mentally challenged.The Kerala State Handicapped Persons Welfare Corporation is presently running two units for helping the differently abled. Manufacturing, Repairing (Servicing) and Training (MRST) centre The production centre at Pattoor in Thiruvananthapuram, manufactures tricycles, wheelchairs, calipers, artificial limbs and crutches for the differently abled. The advantage of having such a unit under the Corporation is that it enables the production of quality products and their sale at an economical price. Further, the venture enables research and development of aids and appliances that weigh less while providing more comfort to the differently abled. Sowbhagya Offset Printing Press This offset printing press operated by the differently abled in Thiruvananthapuram takes up printing works of all kinds and provides a source of income to the differently abled employees of the press.

Single women benefit scheme: To empower destitute and marginalised women such as widows, divorcees, separated or unwed mothers, and unmarried women above 35 years, a one-time grant-in-aid of Rs.10,000 is provided to selected candidates from families below the poverty line to enable them to set up small enterprises. Job-oriented training programmes: Training is imparted in skill development and upgradation in various technical, technological, and traditional trades to enable women to find suitable jobs and to enhance their employment prospects as well as to prepare them for self-employment. The areas in which job-oriented training programmes have been provided are l Garment designing and pattern making;l Repairing and maintainenance of biomedical equipment;l Geriatric nursing;l Ornamental fish rearing and breeding; andl Computerised office management. Working womens hostels: To provide working women with safe, clean and reasonable accommodation, the Corporation runs seven working womens hostels in Ernakulam (Thrikkakara and Gandhinagar), Kannur (Pallikunnu), Malappuram (Tirur and Manjeri), Wayanad (Mananthavady), and Thiruvananthapuram. Gender awareness and empowerment: Awareness generation programmes, camps, seminars and exhibitions are conducted to help develop entrepreneurship among women and also make them aware of their rights and responsibilities. Nodal agency for Central Government schemes: The KSWDC is the state nodal agency for several schemes of the Government of India being implemented by NGOs and voluntary organisations. 23

PROGRAMMES/ SCHEMES OF KERALA HANDICAPPED PERSONS WELFARE CORPORATION.

Self employment Loans: The Corporation is the State channelising agency for NHFDC loans to disabled applicants at low rates of interest for starting selfemployment ventures. Persons from rural areas with a disability of not less than 40% and whose annual

family income does not exceed Rs. 55,000 and those from urban areas whose family income is not more than Rs. 60,000 are eligible for loans. Free distribution of aids and appliances: Disabled persons whose annual income does not exceed Rs. 60,000 are supplied free aids and appliances such as artificial limbs, tricycles, wheelchairs, calipers, crutches, hearing aids, white canes, colostomy bags, and so on. Subsidy for self-employment assistance schemeA subsidy of Rs. 2,500 is paid to disabled persons who have been issued loans through banks. Subsidy for Motorized Tricycle: This is one of the existing schemes of the Corporation. The Corporation is distributing a subsidy of Rs. 10,000/to disabled students and those self-employed having driving license for procuring motorized tricycle/ Scooters with additional side wheel. Self-help groups: Self-help groups of disabled persons are organised to take up self-employment ventures aimed at income generation. Vocational training: The Corporation helps to impart vocational training to the disabled by providing them with stipends for hostel accommodation and conveyance. Cash awards to students: To encourage differently children to study well, an award of Rs. 2,500 each is presented to three differently abled children scoring the highest marks in the Secondary School Leaving Certificate (SSLC) examination in each district. Special coaching for students: Special coaching is given to disabled candidates appearing for competitive examinations conducted by the Kerala Public Service Commission (KPSC). Financial Assistance to disabled Lottery Agents: The Corporation along with Kerala State Lotteries Department is implementing a Special Scheme for the disabled Lottery Agents. Under this scheme, disabled persons are identified through out the state for the sale of Lottery tickets. Corporation is giving a subsidy of Rs. 5,000/- to those who are having agency registration with Lottery Department for procuring lottery tickets. Subsidy for installation of Tea/coffee vending machine to handicapped: In order to help the disabled persons who are unemployed, to earn their livelihood without any severe manual strain they are being helped to install tea/coffee vending machines at prime locations including the premises of Govt. Offices, Commercial Complexes, Govt. Hospitals, busy public places etc. For identifying the location for installation and selecting the beneficiary Corporation intends to collaborate with local bodies. 24

Providing Aids and appliances to the aged: The quality of life of the senior citizens can be immensely improved by the use of various aids and appliances such as walking sticks, colostomy bags, wheel chairs etc. As the Govt. has proposed free distribution of these items, Corporation is supplying all kinds of aids and appliances for the betterment of their lifestyle free of cost, subject to eligibility criteria. Special Medical Camps for the Aged: The senior citizens usually suffer from physical ailments such as diabetes, high blood pressure, cholesterol, eye problems like glaucoma, cataract etc. Medical Camps are being conducted for the aged at Medical Colleges or District Hospitals, etc. Specialists from various faculties participate in the camps. All kinds of Clinical and Pathology tests, as prescribed by the physician, are done with the help of reliable Diagnostic Centers. Medicines prescribed are also distributed at the camp. This enables the aged to have a follow up in the concerned hospital itself. ADIP S CHEME ADIP Scheme is one of the Grant-inaid Scheme of Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment. The main objective of the Scheme is to assist the disabled persons for supplying aids and appliances. During 2007-08 aids and appliances worth Rs. 204 lakhs was sanctioned by the Govt. of India and distributed. National Programme for the Rehabilitation of Persons with Disabilities (NPRPD): This is a Central Govt. Scheme where in grant-in-aid has been sanctioned to the tune of Rs. 2.56 crores for early detection and prevention of disability, Community based Rehabilitation Work, Medical Care of the disabled, Vocational Training, income generating activity etc. This scheme is being implemented in the three districts of Kasaragode, Palakkad and Kollam with the active participation of concerned local bodies. As per the scheme disability is detected at an early stage and rectification measures taken. Disabled children who cannot be admitted into a formal school are provided education informally through Special Educators. All kinds of medical care is being imparted to the physically and mentally challenged persons. They are also being trained for rehabilitation to take up jobs so as to earn their livelihood.

KERALA STATE WOMENS COMMISSION

The Kerala State Womens Commission, a statutory organisation under the State Government was constituted under Section 5 of Kerala Womens Commission Act 1990 on 14 March 1996. With a chairperson and six members, its mandate is to improve the status of women in Kerala and to inquire into unfair practices affecting them.

PROGRAMMES AND SERVICES OF KERALA WOMENS COMMISSION.

Counselling and help lineThe Commission conducts free counseling on all Tuesdays and Thursdays at its headquarters in Trivandrum for the victims of domestic violence and paranoid spouses etc. The Commission provides the services of two counselors on an honorary basis. Petition redressal adalats Petition redressal Adalats are organised in district and taluk headquarters on a periodic basis to expedite settlement of cases pending before the Commission and also to reduce hardship to the complainants. Legal workshops: The Commission has to submit annual reports to the State Government, pointing out inadequacies in the law that affect the constitutional rights of women to equality and fair treatment. It is also entrusted with suggesting remedial legislative measures to improve the situation and to monitor the enforcement of all r u l e s a n d r e g u l a t i o n s c o n c e r n i n g w o m e n . To facilitate these processes, legal workshops are conducted by the Commission. DNA Legal workshops: The Commission has to submit annual reports to the State Government, pointing out inadequacies in the law that affect the constitutional rights of women to equality and fair treatment. It is also entrusted with suggesting remedial legislative measures to improve the situation and to monitor the enforcement of all rules and regulations concerning women. To facilitate these processes, legal workshops are conducted by the Commission. DNA tests: In a majority of cases involving disputed paternity, financial difficulties make it difficult for the petitioners to undergo DNA tests to back their claims. The Womens Commission assists such people by providing the fee for conducting DNA tests at the Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology, Thiruvananthapuram. In a majority of cases involving disputed paternity, financial difficulties make it difficult for the petitioners to undergo DNA tests to back their claims. The Womens Commission assists such people by providing the fee for conducting DNA tests at the Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology, Thiruvananthapuram. Jagratha SamitisThe State Government has constituted Jagratha Samitis (vigilance committees) in all local self-government bodies. This novel concept is aimed at encouraging women and children to seek redressal of their grievances in their own panchayats and municipalities. Members of the Jagratha Samitis are trained on constituting the committees and their functioning. To create 25

awareness among the general public about the Jagratha Samitis, street plays have been organised in all districts of the State. Research/evaluation studies As per Section 16 (XIV) of Kerala Womens Commission Act, the Commission has to undertake promotional and educational research to suggest ways of ensuring due representation to women in all spheres of social activity. A number of research and evaluation studies on various subjects have been conducted by it during the last one year and recommendations have been made to the government.The studies have been on the problems faced by women in the agricultural, construction and IT sectors; those of women nurses in private hospitals and women workers in Kudumbasree projects; of unmarried women and those whose husbands are abroad; of rape victims and their living conditions; and of women politicians. District legal awareness seminars: Research studies and evaluation programmes conducted by the Commission reveal that there is a lack of legal awareness among the public, especially among women. This is a major factor that leads to the denial of many rights women are entitled to. The Commission addresses this problem by conducting legal awareness programmes in different districts. Short-stay home: The Commission runs a short-stay home for providing shelter for a short period to women who have been ousted from their homes due to domestic violence or have been victims of rape. They are allowed to stay in the home, appear before the Commission to settle disputes or grievances, and to be rehabilitated. Legal booklets: With the financial assistance of the United Nations Fund for Population Activities (UNFPA), the Womens Commission has published legal booklets in Malayalam. They contain the provisions under 52 Acts, which directly or indirectly concern the rights of women. Report on status of women: With financial aid from the UNFPA, a report on the status of women in Kerala, based on seven sample studies, has been published and distributed to other state womens commissions, educational institutions, planners, administrators, NGOs and social activists involved in working for womens welfare. Mass awareness programmes: The Kerala Womens Commission has prepared 20 video films of about 20-25 minutes duration on gender issues and they have been telecast by Doordarshan. The Commission has also prepared video spots on subjects such as Dowry, Child Marriage, Special Marriage

Act, AIDS and Safe Sex, which are aired by Doordarshan. Media monitoring cellA media monitoring cell has been organised to check indecent representations of women in the visual and print media. This is a very effective tool in ensuring decorum among advertising agencies and media companies..

SUPPORTIVE SERVICES OF KERALA SOCIAL WELFARE BOARD CRECHE PROGRAMME

Under the Rajiv Gandhi National Creche Scheme the Voluntary organizations are given grant to run Creches for children of 0-6 years of age group of working mothers. Each unit consists of 25 children who are provided with sleeping facilities, health care, supplementary nutrition, immunization etc. Each unit is given Rs. 42,384/- as recurring grant. Non-recurring grant of Rs.10,000/- is given at the time of first sanction and after completion of every 5 years Rs. 5000/- is provided for purchase of non-recurring items. HELP LINE FOR WOMEN AND GIRLS IN DISTRESS Help line is a 24 hours phone emergency outreach programme for women and girls in distress and in moral danger needing immediate protection and shelter. There are 11 units of help line all over the state. SERVICE PROVIDING CENTRES For the smooth implementation of the Act of Protection of Women from Domestic Violence an Act enacted by the Indian Parliament in 2005 70 Service Providing Centres, NGOs and Government Organisations have been identified by the Government, all over Kerala. The main function of the Centre is to provide free legal assistance to the ailing women from domestic violence and also to provide them with primary clinical aid and assistance of clinical psychologist in needy cases. The State Government have released Rs.27,98,928/- for the purpose. 2702 beneficiaries have received free legal assistance during the current financial year.

KERALA STATE SOCIAL WELFARE BOARD

The Kerala State Social Welfare Board, which is assisted by the Central Social Welfare Board, provides support to voluntary organisations, aimed at strengthening their role in the fields of childrens w e l f a r e a n d w o m e n s e m p o w e r m e n t . T h e organisations fulfill their brief through collective mobilisation of women and awareness creation among them through education and training. Incentives for the process are provided by pointing them towards income-generating activities and supporting their efforts. Eligibility for assistance: To be eligible for grants under the Social Welfare Boards programmes, an institution should satisfy the following criteria. It should be registered under an appropriate Act or be a regularly constituted branch of a registered welfare organisation. Office bearers of the institution should not be related to each other. the organisation should have been in existence for at least two years after registration. In the case of family counseling centers, the organisation should have a track record of three years after registration. It should have a properly constituted managing committee, with powers, duties and responsibilities clearly defined and laid down in a written constitution. it should have the facilities, resources, personnel, managerial skill and experience to initiate the activity for which the grant is required. Its financial position should be sound and it should be in a position to raise any additional funds that may be required to complete the programme for which assistance is given by the Board. the activities of the institution should be open to all citizens of India without any distinction of religion, race, caste or language. The Kerala State Social Welfare Boards activities include backing of awareness generation projects among rural and poor women; creche programmes; condensed education courses for women; and the running of family counseling centers. 26

STATE COMMISSIONERATE FOR PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES

The Commissionerate for Persons with Disabilities was established in 1-7-1999. The main objective of the commissionerate was to monitor whether the rules in the Persons with Disabilities Act 1995, was implemented properly through out Kerala. The Act aims to give equal opportunities to the persons with disability. The mandate of the commissionerate is: To ensure distribution of Identity cards to persons with disability. Ensuring 3% reservation for job for the differently abled Appointment of disabled persons in Government Offices through Public Service Commission

Conducting or helping to conduct Medical Camps for the differently abled Inspection of institutions of disabled persons Research and Development Awareness camps/ seminars favours of Disabled Persons about rights and

The couple are required to submit the necessary documents along with the filled in application form (appended) within one month of registration.

CRECHE PROGRAMME
The Kerala State Council for Child Welfare took on the task of setting up crches for children of working and ailing mothers from the lower socio economic strata of society in 1975. The programme caters to children between the age group of 0-3 yerars. There are 250 creches under the control of the Council, financed by Indian council for Child Welfare These crches serve the purpose of providing a safe, secure and healthy environment to babies, allowing older children to attend school instead of dropping out, for taking care of sibling and helping mothers to work as they are assured of the safety of their children. The services provided in these crches include health care, supplementary nutrition, immunisation recreation as well as non formal education. A maximum of 25 children are taken care in each crche by a trained crche worker and a helper. LIBRARY A Women & Childrens Library is functioning in the Head Quarters under the auspices of Kerala State Council for Child Welfare. The library consists of nearly 10,000 books out of which 5,000 are Childrens books and periodicals, kept in order for use. The membership of the Library run up to 1,500 which include school children and women. The library is exclusively used by school students, women undergoing training in various field and staff. Nearly 200 children including women use the services of the library per day. The KSCCW Childrens Library contains books on different subject pertaining to child development and allied disciplines and also books on Health & Nutrition, History, Science etc. The library also receives a number of periodicals and Newsletters from foreign countries like Austria, China Germany, Isarel. In addition to this it contains reports, press clippings and pamphlets on a wide range of subjects. Besides these, the Council has brought out a bimonthly News Bulletin from February 2002 onwards. Literature & books concerning health, family welfare, pre-natal & post-natal care, child psychology adolescent problems, popular fiction and childrens books are added to the existing stock regularly.

KERALA STATE COUNCIL FOR CHILD WELFARE

T h e K e r a l a St a t e C o u n c i l f o r C h i l d We l f a r e , constituted in 1949, and affiliated to Indian Council for Child Welfare has the State Governor as Patron, the State Chief Minister as President and the State Minister for Social Welfare as First Vice President.

SUPPORTIVE SERVICES OF KERALA STATE COUNCIL FOR CHILD WELFARE

ELECTRONIC CRADLE Every Child has a right to live. Unfortunated occasions compel persons to discard their babies. Such abandonment in public unhygienic places threaten their lives. To save these kids Council have established an Electronic Cradle (Ammathottil) on 14 th November 2002. Now there are Electronic Cradles in all the districts in Kerala.

ADOPTION
Adoption is a socio-legal process by which abandoned and destitute children are rehabilitated, which can be best done only through institutional support. The Kerala State Council for Child Welfare has brought hope and love into the lives of several hundred children and families over many years through adoption. Our institution has received nationwide attention and acclaim in the field of adoption. The Kerala State Council for Child Welfare started the adoption programme in 1979 in its head office at Thycaud, Thiruvananthapuram. In 1999 the Council started an adoption centre at Malappuram also. Process and procedure of Adoption Adoption is a life long process. It begins right when the idea of adoption moots in the minds of a couple. The Prospective adoptive parents or their friends and relatives can get from the centre the procedures and general information about adoption. The Social Worker in the centre will clear and clarify any doubts or apprehensions they may have and she will enquire into the basic requirements of the adoptive family. If interested, the adoptive parents can register during their first visit. The council charges a nominal registration fee of Rs. 100/27

CHACHA NEHRU CHILDRENS MUSEUM

The Museum is an offshoot of the Kerala State C o u n c i l f o r C h i l d We l f a r e e s t a b l i s h e d i n commemoration of its Silver Jubilee year. Now, it is the only Museum of its kind in South Inidia. The Major aim of this Museum is to impart education to children through entertainment. The Chacha Nehru Childrens Museum has various galleries of Dolls and Toys, Paintings, Photos, Philately, Masks, Health and Nutrition, Science and Technology, Mini Aquarium etc. Educational and cultural activities such as securing of childerns Films, Various Competitions, Temporary Extribitions, Workshops, Vacation Classes, Festivals etc are regularly conducted for children on school holidys and special occasions. Museum childrens club, Museum Friends Club, Childrens Library, Mini Auditorium and play park etc are other facilities available for children and adults. The art objects displayed in the Museum aim at the emotional growth of children and ultimately give them better perception of the world around them. The expansion of the Museum has been receiving great attention of the Council and steps are being taken to organise it on the lines of new concepts of a Childrens Museum.

the Council as a self financing course with the permission of the Central Government who issues the course certificates for these trainees. At present there are 3 Child Care Workers Training Centres functioning under KSCCW at Thiruvananthapuram, Kozhikode and Thrissur each batch contains 50 trainees. The 11 month training course compasses components such as pre-school education, health, nutrition, community participation, organisation and management.

ANGANWADI WORKERS TRAINING CENTRE

Kerala State Council for Child Welfare in 1978 took up the major responsibility of providing training to Anganwadi Workers. For conducting the training, the financial aid was given from Ministry of Human Resource and Development through Indian Council for Child Welfare. ICCW issues the grant to the state Councils. The Anganwadi Workers and Helpers for the training programme are selected by the Social Welfare department and sent to various Anganwadi Training Centres. There are 10 such Anganwadi Training Centres functioning under Kerala State Council for Child Welfare.

RAKSHA
RAKSHA-the Gender Support Implementation project for Adolescents boys and girls is taken up by the Kerala State Council for Child Welfare in 20012002 with financial assistance from the UNFPA (United Nations Population Fund Association) and MOHFW (Ministry of Health and Family Welfare). The main objectives of the programme are to generate awareness among adolescent boys and girls on gender related issues, to develop consciousness of gender equality among them by developing enabling attitudes to this objective through training and to reduce misconceptions about gender roles, which are created through social communication and media influences among adolescent boys and girls.

CHILD CARE WORKERS TRAINING PROGRAMME

Initiated by the Indian Council for Child Welfare and with the assistance of the department of Social Welfare and Central Social Welfare board, the Kerala St a t e C o u n c i l f o r C h i l d We l f a r e s t a r t e d t h e Balasevika training programme in 1962 in Thiruvanathapuram and later in Thrissur & Kozhikode during 1974. The programme is renamed as Child Care Workers Training Programme since 2001. Till 1999 this Programme was run with the financial assistance obtained from Central Government. Since 1999 the Central Government stopped funding and the programme is now run by

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On-going Schemes
29

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II

On-going Schemes
V
arious schemes are being implemented by the different arms of the Social Welfare department to provide services to children, women, aged, disabled etc and also to ensure welfare of the marginalized sections of the community such as destitute, abandoned, chronically ill, widows, mental patients, social deviants etc. different circumstances and involves all agencies and departments. Kerala has been a role model in many respects and there is a huge difference when its figures on developmental indicators such as infant mortality, m a t e r n a l m o r t a l i t y, p o p u l a t i o n g r o w t h , b i r t h registration, literacy and malnourished children are compared with the all-India average. But there are still areas that require attention. Malnutrition in the form of low birth weight, underweight, wasting, stunting, anemia and micronutrient deficiencies are widespread among women and children. In the case of older children, the issues are dropping out of schools, child abuse, adolescent problems, HIV infection, child labour, child trafficking, street children and children with disabilities. Drawing up a strategy to cover all these issues involves all agencies, line departments and stakeholders working for the cause of children in the State. The main sectors covered under the SPAC are child health, mental health, health care services, nutrition, pre-school education and high school 31

SCHEMES / PROGRAMMES OF DIRECTORATE OF SOCIAL WELFARE STATE PLAN OF ACTION FOR THE CHILD
The overall physical and mental status of a person depends a good deal on his or her upbringing. Apart from parental care and protection, every government is bound to provide appropriate supportive services to mothers, starting from the time of pregnancy. Apart from a sectoral approach, there have to be social and community-based intervention programmes of an integrated nature, and the ICDS is one such. The State Plan of Action for the Child (SPAC) covers all children and adolescents in

education, physical environment, disabilities, adolescents, children in need of special care, juvenile justice and prevention of HIV infection.

INTEGRATED CHILD DEVELOPMENT SERVICES ( ICDS)

The Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS), a centrally sponsored scheme initiated in 1975, is the first countrywide programme for providing an integrated package of services for children under the age of six years,pregnant women and nursing mothers and adolescent girls. It envisages to provide a package of integrated services such as supplementary Nutrition ( SNP), Growth Monitoring and Promotion for children, Nutrition and Health Education, Immunization, Health check up, referral services and pre-school education to cater for the psychological, physical and social needs of vulnerable sections of the child population, pregnant women, Nursing mothers and adolescent girls in the country. The ICDS takes a holistic approach to the child by providing health check-ups and referrals and medical services, while monitoring growth, immunisation, supplementary feeding, and non-formal pre-school education. The nutritional needs of mothers and their education on primary health care are also addressed. The services are provided through a vast network of ICDS centers known as Anganwadi centers. The Anganwadi center is operated by an Anganwadi worker ( AWW) assisted by an Anganwadi Helper selected from eligible women from the local community. The ICDS scheme is a major childhood and educational programme in Kerala that reaches out to millions of children in vulnerable and remote areas. The first ICDS project in the State was set up in 1975 at Vengara block in Malappuram district. There is now one Anganwadi centre for every 1,000 people in the rural and urban areas of Kerala and one for every 800 in tribal areas. Kerala has 163 ICDS projects covering all Community Development Blocks and Municipal and Corporation areas. At present 32230 Anganwadi centers are operational in the state. The beneficiaries of ICDS services are children below the age of 6 years, pregnant and lactating women, adolescent girls and women in the age groups of 2545.

Food supplements on Take Home Ration Basis Immunisation Periodic health check-ups Treatment of minor and common ailments Referral services Vitamin A supplements Diarrhoeal management and acute respiratory infection management

Children three to six years

Early childhood education Early childhood stimulation Early detection of disabilities and referrals Supplementary nutrition Growth monitoring Iron folic acid (IFA) supplementation Biannual de-worming

Adolescent girls
Health and nutrition education Family life education Food supplements Targeted education on specific aspects of reproductive health Distribution of iron folic acid tablets

Pregnant women
Antenatal care Monitoring monthly weight gain Tetanus toxoid (TT) immunisation Food supplements Nutrition and health education Joyful pregnancy-enabling meetings

Nursing women
Post-natal care Nutrition and health education Birth spacing Food supplements Referral services for post-natal complications

Community
Health and nutrition education ICDS functionaries in Kerala Category sanctioned Child Development Project Officers (CDPOs) ACDPOs Supervisors Anganwadi workers Anganwadi helpers Operational status Total number of projects Classification of projects Rural Tribal Urban Anganwadi centers in operation 32 Posts 163 25 1,177 32,230 32,230 163 151 1 11 32,230

Services provided to beneficiaries Children three to six months

Early detection of childhood disabilities Early childhood stimulation Growth monitoring and promotion

The State Government has decided to upgrade Anganwadis at the village level to community resource centers, which will provide information on social security schemes for the destitute, the disabled and the aged. This objective can be achieved only if the Anganwadi centers are provided with many of the basic facilities that they now lack. The State government provides an additional honorarium of Rs. 550 to Anganwadi workers and helpers in addition to that provided by Government of India. Central Government Anganwadi worker Matriculate Matriculate with five years experience Matriculate with 10 years experience Non-matriculate Non-matriculate with five years experience Non-matriculate with 10 years experience Anganwadi helper Rs. 1,500 Rs. 750 Rs. 550 Rs. 550 Rs. 2,050 Rs. 1,300 Rs. 1,469 Rs. 550 Rs. 2,019 Rs. 1,563 Rs. 1438 Rs. 550 Rs. 550 Rs. 2,113 Rs. 1,988 Rs. 1,531 Rs. 550 Rs. 2,081 Rs. 1,500 Rs. 550 Rs. 2,050 State Government Total

Loss of one eye or one limb in accident, Rs. 37,500 Scholarship of Rs. 300 every quarter for two children in the 9th to 12th standards Critical illness, Rs. 20,000, on the occurrence of breast cancer, ovarian cancer/fallopian tube cancer, cervical cancer, uterine cancer, and vaginal / valval cancer.

SUPPLEMENTARY NUTRITION PROGRAMME

The Supplementary Nutrition Programme (SNP) is intended to benefit children below the age of six years, nursing mothers and expectant mothers from low-income groups. It provides nutritious food to them for 300 days in a year. During the Ninth Plan period, when a Peoples Plan was introduced in the State as part of the panchayat raj system, the responsibility for implementation of supplementary nutrition through ICDS Anganwadi Centre is transferred to local self Government Institutions and expenditure met by Block Panchayath and Grama Panchayath in 1:2 ratio. The Local Self Government Institutions provide mid-day meals of rice and green gram to pre-school children and general feeding to beneficiaries. They are also empowered to plan and use food materials based on local needs for the SNP, in accordance with the Nutritional norms stipulated by Government of India. For the child beneficiaries of 6 months to 3 years food supplementation on Take Home Ration Basis is provided. The Kudumbasree Mission Units prepare and distribute the food packets.

Anganwadi Karyakatri Bima Yojana

Insurance cover to Anganwadi workers and helpers is provided through this programme under the Life Insurance Corporations social group scheme. The programme, which began in April 2004, is optional for the target group. The total annual premium per member is Rs. 280. Of this, Rs. 200 is for the Janashree Bima Yojana and Rs. 80 for critical illness benefit. The share of premium from various sources is Rs. 100 from the Central Government, Rs. 100 from the LICs social security fund and Rs. 80 from the individual insured. The Rs. 80 payable by individuals was waived for two years from 2007 to 2009. Salient features Applicable to persons aged 18 to 60 years Death other than by accident, Rs. 30,000 Death due to accident, Rs. 75,000 Permanent disability due to accident, Rs. 75,000 Loss of both eyes and two limbs or an eye and one limb in an accident- 75,000 33

KISHORI SAKTHI YOJANA

During adolescence, girls need proper nutrition, care and guidance. They also need exposure to more opportunities and ways of improving their selfesteem and decision-making capabilities. The aim of the Kishori Sakthi Yojana (KSY) is creating general awareness among adolescent girls about health, nutrition, family life, personal identity and skill development. Adolescent girls are future mothers and investing in their welfare is crucial in promoting maternal and child health. Adolescent girls clubs have been formed in every Anganwadi in the ICDS network and an effort is made to ensure all adolescent girls become its members. These clubs meet at least once a month and have elected leaders. The KSY is a Central Government-sponsored scheme and Rs. 1.10 lakh is sanctioned for each if its projects. Health and family life education Various topics related to reproductive health, personal hygiene, nutrition, and child care are dealt

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with each month during adolescent girls club meetings. Health staff, ICDS functionaries and experts in the field of nutrition handle these classes. Yoga and self-defense techniques are also taught. Charter meetings Topics like reproductive health, pregnancy, child birth, contraceptive, sexually transmitted diseases, HIV and AIDs are handled by experts at these meetings held at the panchayat level once every three months. Education module A compact module has been prepared for the health, nutrition, life skills and family life education of adolescent girls. This is done with the help of experts in each of the fields. Teenage clinics A half-day clinic for adolescent girls is to be arranged at the nearest primary health centre in association with the charter meetings where the services of a female gynecologist and a counselor will be available. Leadership training Leadership training is being given to the presidents and secretaries of each adolescent girls club. Career guidance Studies show that very few girls from the lower socioeconomic strata pursue higher education. More often they prefer, or are made to prefer, getting married. Proper career guidance at an early stage, which makes girls more aware of their career options and choices, can help change this situation. Providing sports kits Adolescent girls have very few opportunities to get involved in sports activities because sports equipment in schools is usually only used by boys. Providing sports kits to adolescent girls clubs will not only improve the physical health of members but also cultivate a team spirit among them and improve their social skills. Each sports kit will have, for instance, a bicycle, badminton net, carom board, and the like.

Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act. They are meant to temporarily accommodate juveniles below 18 years who are in conflict with the law. There is one Observation Homes for girls Vellimadakunnu in Kozhikodu district . In all other districts, Mahila Mandirs function as Observation Homes for girls, when required. The Central Government provides grant for the construction of buildings, compound walls, and for water supply, electrification and improvement activities such as installation of cooking gas facilities, the purchase of furniture and utensils. To meet the expenditure incurred for the working of the J u v e n i l e J u s t i c e B o a r d a n d C h i l d We l f a r e Committees, the State Government releases a matching amount. Childrens Homes These institutions are meant for children who are in need of care and protection under the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act. Shelter, food, education, medical care, rehabilitation, developmental opportunities and exposure for socialization are the services provided in childrens homes. There are six Childrens Homes for boys and two for girls in the State. The childrens home in Nooranad, Alapuzha district, accommodates 50 children of both sexes whose parents are leprosy patients. Special Homes Special Homes are meant for juvenile in conflict with law after their cases are disposed of by the Juvenile Justice Board if there is no other facility to take care of them. The State has two such homes, one each in Thriuvananthapuram for boys and Kozhikode for girls. Juvenile Justice Fund A fund has been created for the rehabilitation of child in need of care and protection.

UDISHA TRAINING PROGRAMME

Udisha, a national initiative to improve the quality of training of child-care workers, is fundamental to providing infants with proper care and development opportunities. The project envisages transforming approaches to the training of ICDS functionaries. It also focuses on quality and recognises merit with rewards and incentives. The training aims to make ICDS functionaries agents of social change instead of officials simply reacting to situations. Under Udisha, the training also extends to community leaders, mothers and personnel in the line departments. There are now13 Anganwadi training centers and one Middle Level Training centre (MLTC) for ICDS supervisors in Kerala. 35

TAKE HOME RATION SCHEME

In July 2004, the Government of Kerala approved the Take Home Ration Scheme (THRS) for giving supplementary nutrition to children below three years in families below the poverty line. Initially implemented on a pilot basis in six ICDS projects, the programme has now been extended to all 163 blocks.

JUVENILE JUSTICE SERVICES

Observation Homes Observation Homes for boys have been set up in all the districts in Kerala except Idukki under the

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PROGRAMME FOR GENDER AWARENESS

Despite near total literacy, there is a need in the State to direct this towards building up a gendersensitive social environment, challenging attitudes and institutions which perpetuate violence against women. A sustained campaign to sensitise households and the public at large, and create awareness of the ways in which young girls and women can use the provisions of the law to defend themselves, is being provided given the rise in cases of domestic violence, sexual harassment and dowry demands. This programme aims at overcoming gender-based discrimination through several measures whose collective impact is significant.

RDPOs are obliged under the Act to create awareness about the ill effects of dowries among the public through camps organised by the Information and Broadcasting Department, local self-governments and other media. to conduct supervision checks and inquiries to ascertain whether there has been any violation of the provision of the Act or rules. to accept complaints for any offence under the Act from the party or person aggrieved or any other person or organisation. to maintain registers to record all complaints, inquiries and their results along with other relevant information. to act as Member Secretary of the Advisory Board. Mode of implementation The RDPO being the Member Secretary of the Advisory Board, convenes meetings of the board and maintains regular contact with its other members for necessary advice and assistance from them. The duties are discussed by RDPO with due care, decorum and privacy, and in a manner that upholds the dignity and harmony of family relationships. RDPOs have been appointed in Thiruvananthapuram, Ernakulam and Kozhikode.

IMMEDIATE AIMS
Media campaign for gender sensitization. Additional facilities for shelters and counseling centers. Training judicial officers, public prosecutors and police officers. Training protection officers, counselors, shelter managers, medical officers, and clinical psychologists. Training womens organisations and political leaders.

FINISHING SCHOOL FOR WOMEN

The State Government has introduced a new scheme to equip women job seekers to upgrade their skills and secure jobs. The unemployment rate among the youth in Kerala is exceedingly high and this is particularly true of young women. Kerala appears to be caught in a high literacy-low skill trap. The flagship programme on finishing schools proposes to upgrade womens skills through additional training using the services of a number of institutions like ITIs, engineering colleges, IITs, and public and private industries. The Social Welfare D e p a r t m e n t a n d t h e K e r a l a St a t e Wo m e n s Development Corporation implement the programme.

IMPLEMENTATION OF CHILD MARRIAGE PROHIBITION ACT 2006

The state Government has appointed CDPOs as child marriage Prohibition Officers. The Director of Social Welfare, Thiruvananthapuram is the Child Marriage Prohibition Officer. The number of cases registered has been 2223 during the period November 2007 to November 2009.

NUTRITION PROGRAMME FOR ADOLESCENT GIRLS

The programme was launched with the objective of reducing malnutrition among adolescents from families below the poverty line by providing them with subsidised food. Under the pilot project, additional Central assistance is provided for the implementation in Palakkad and Malappuram . Food grains are supplied to girls who weigh less than 35 kg. Micronutrient deficiency among them is monitored by officials at regular intervals. Government of India provides 5.84 crores annually.

IMPLEMENTATION OF DOWRY PROHIBITION ACT

In July 2004, the State Government amended The Kerala Dowry Prohibition Act of 1961 by superceding the Kerala Dowry Prohibition Rules 1992. A new set of dowry prohibition rules was framed, incorporating some of the longstanding demands of the National Womens Commission. Under the amended rules, three Regional Dowry Prohibition Officers (RDPOs) were posted with independent charge. The Director of Social Welfare is the Chief Dowry Prohibition Officer, to whom the RDPOs report. 37

SWADHAR SCHEME
This was launched in 2001-2002 by Government of India for the benefit of women in difficult

circumstances such as destitute widows, women prisoners released from jail, women survivors of natural disasters, trafficked women or victims of sexual abuse and crimes. The support of their immediate or extended family is often not available to these women due to reasons ranging from lack of money to the breakdown of the joint family system and the social bias against them. Many vulnerable women in distress end up as beggars or prostitutes for their own survival and at times for the sake of their children. State intervention available through old-age home, short-stay homes and the like only touch the fringe of the problem. Swadhar has been designed with a more flexible and innovative approach to cater for the requirements of various types of women in distress in diverse situations. It purports to address the specific vulnerability of each of group of women through a home-based holistic and integrated approach. S ERVICES FOR THE AGED AND INFIRM The number of aged persons as a proportion of the total population in Kerala has increased at double the rate of the overall population. The ageing process is a complex phenomenon and it is worthwhile looking at the historical, social and economic background of it in the State. The State Policy on Older Persons recognises the well being of the elderly as a responsibility of the State and envisages a positive and interventionist role for empowering them in economic, health, social and emotional terms. While it is recognized that it is mainly be the familys duty to take care of the elderly, the State extend all support to it. The State also recognises the critical role of NGOs in supplementing Government efforts to empower the elderly. The policy envisages bringing all those eligible within the framework of the old-age pension scheme, and bringing all welfare schemes for them under one umbrella. Institutions for the aged Homes for the aged and disabled Physically handicapped aged persons who are more than 55 years old can seek admission to these institutions, which house 20 to 25 inmates each. There are four such institutions in Alappuzha, Wynad, Idukki and Palghat. Old-age homes There are nine old-age homes , one care home for old age and ex-convicts working in the State under Social Welfare Department. These institutions are maintained for the care and protection of the aged who have nobody to look after them. 38

Day-care centers for the aged In nuclear families, the aged tend to be neglected. There are three day care centers for the aged at Kozhikode, Ernakulam and Kollam. They provide s h e l t e r, p r o t e c t i o n , m e d i c a l c a r e a n d l i g h t refreshment to the inmates during the day. On an average Rs. 750/- is spent on each inmate. Transportation facilities are provided for the elderly to reach the centre.

SERVICES FOR DIFFERENTLY ABLED

In Kerala, the number of differently abled persons is 8.61 lakh, which comes to 3.92% of the total disabled persons in India. Of them, 4.58 lakh (53.2%) are males and 4.03 lakh (46.7%) are females. Institutions for the disabled Home for mentally deficient children One home is maintained at Kozhikode, to give care and special training to mentally deficient children. There are facilities for accommodating 50 children in the age group of four and 16 years in this institution. Care home for differently abled children Two homes exist for affording protection to the d i ff e r e n t l y a b l e d c h i l d r e n , i n A l a p p u z h a a n d Thalasseri, each having a capacity of 25. Of them, three are for children up to the age of 16 and three for those above 16. Pratheeksha Bhavan A home to protect and care destitute mentally retarded adults between the ages of 16 and 50 functions at Malappuram. Vocational training centers There are two vocational training centers, one at Thiruvananthapuram and another at Kozhikode, for handicapped children between the ages of 14 and 30. It conducts two-year training courses and the selected students get a stipend of Rs. 200 a month. Welfare programmes for the differently abled Scholarships for differently abled students Differently abled students in schools, colleges and those who attend professional courses and technical training are eligible for scholarships if their familys annual income is under Rs. 36,000 and they obtain 40% marks the previous year. The responsibility for distributing scholarship has now been transferred to local bodies. Scholarships for the mentally retarded The Social Welfare Department gives financial assistance to mentally retarded persons studying in private institutions. It is Rs. 75 a month for a period of 10 months and Rs. 50 as a school requisite allowance and Rs. 100 as a dress allowance per

annum. The total financial assistance to a beneficiary in a year comes to Rs. 900. Assistance for buying/fitting aids and appliances Vo l u n t a r y o rg a n i s a t i o n s w i t h t h e n e c e s s a r y infrastructure registered under the Charitable Societies Registration Act are granted financial assistance for the supply of special aids and appliances to handicapped persons. Assistance to blind and orthopaedically handicapped advocates Blind advocates practicing in any court in the State are eligible for an ex-gratia grant of Rs. 2,500 for their initial expenses and a monthly allowance of Rs. 1,000 for engaging a reader for a period of five years. Advocates suffering from cerebral palsy are eligible for Rs. 2,500 for their initial expenses. The annual income ceiling is Rs. 18,000. Community-based rehabilitation programme This programme is intended to rehabilitate all categories of physically handicapped persons. Assistance is provided to social welfare institution for buying artificial aids and appliances and trade e q u i p m e n t a s w e l l a s f o r c o r r e c t i v e s u rg e r y, education, job training and self employment. Marriage assistance to differently abled women and daughters of differently abled parents This scheme was launched by the State Government in 2006 . A one-time assistance of Rs-10,000/- is provided to differently-abled women for their marriage and also to differently-abled parents for the marriage of their daughter. Distress relief fund for the differently abled This fund has been constituted for providing relief to handicapped persons in the following cases. l For medical treatment, including surgery. l To persons who become handicapped due to accidents. l For any other purpose not covered by the existing schemes for the handicapped. The maximum amount of relief per person a year has been fixed at Rs. 5,000. The eligibility criterion is that the income of applicants should not exceed Rs. 12,000 a year. Awards for employers and employees Under this scheme, three awards for employers of the physically handicapped and 18 awards for the most efficient physically handicapped employees have been instituted by the State Government. For employers an amount of Rs. 5000/- and for employees an amount of Rs. 10,000/- is given. It covers employers and employees in all Central and State Government departments, autonomous bodies, and public and private sector undertakings. 39

Awards for best institutions Four awards have been instituted by the State Government for the best institutions in Kerala for the handicapped . An amount of Rs 5,000/- is given. Mahila Mandirams Widows, deserted, divorced and destitute women above 18 years shall be admitted to Mahila Mandirams. Children with their mothers are allowed to stay with them up to the age of six, when they will be moved to a welfare institution for children and be provided protection and education. There is one such institution with a capacity of 25 inmates in every district of the State except Idukki and Wayanad. Those seeking admission should apply in writing, stating their reason for seeking shelter, to the superintendent of the institution. Women will also be admitted on the direction of the district probation officer,police officials, court etc. Asha Bhavans These institutions are meant for the care and protection of mentally cured patients having nobody to look after them. Those seeking admission should produce a certificate from a medical officer showing that they are mentally well. If released from an institution, they should produce a certificate or recommendation letter from the head of the institution. There are six Asha Bhavans in the state. For women, there are 3 Asha Bhavans at Thirvuananthapuram, Thrissur and Kozhikodu and for men there are 3 Ashabhavans at Ernakulam, Thiruvananthapuram and Kozhikodu. Women above the age of 13 and men above the age of 15 are accommodated in such institutions. Rescue homes Rescue homes are maintained to provide care and protection to women who are guilty of immoral traffic and women prone to moral danger. They provide rehabilitation facilities to bring them back to the mainstream. Two such houses are functioning at Alappuzha and Thavanoor in Malappuram. Persons eligible for admission are Women arrested under the Immoral Traffic Prevention Act. Women rescued from moral danger by the police or a person coming with a recommendation letter of an agency registered under the Societies Registration Act. Women who are in fear of moral danger and come for admission voluntarily.

After-care homes These institutions are for women released from correctional institutions under the Social Welfare Department such as childrens home, poor homes, rescue homes and orphanages. Women between the ages of 14 and 21 are eligible for admission. There are two such institutions, one at Kozhikode and another at Kollam, both with a capacity of 100 inmates. All expenses for continuing their education or acquire training in a vocation, with the aim of early rehabilitation in mind. 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 continue their education or engage in vocational training. They shall be released to their relatives or removed to some other institution if a longer stay is needed. There is one short-stay home in Kozhikode. One-day homes These institutions are for women above the age of 13. Women who come from other places to cities such as Thiruvananthapuram ,Kochi and Kozhikode for various purposes such as writing tests, appearing for interviews or attending meetings can stay at the one-day home for a short period. The rent for a day is Rs 50, inclusive of food.

40

New Initiatives

41

42

III New Initiatives

T
hough the various arms of the Social Welfare Department are mostly statutory agencies and similar to those in all the other States, the State Government has launched myriad programmes/ initiatives to provide social security and social services to those in dire need of the same. The constitution of the Social Security Mission to cater to the social security needs is one such major initiative and has helped launch many new programmes in the State. to assess whether applicants are really eligible for the free treatment and to provide other counselling services to patients. The scheme is implemented by the Social Security Mission.

Cancer Suraksha designated hospitals

Regional Cancer Centre, Thiruvananthapuram Thiruvananthapuram Medical College Alapuzha Medical College Kottayam Medical College Thrissur Medical College Kozhikode Medical College Pariyaram Medical College Malabar Cancer Centre, Thalassery Ernakulam General Hospital

CHILDREN -ORIENTED SERVICES / SCHEMES CANCER SURAKSHA SCHEME

Cancer, the killer disease, was once considered incurable. However, advances in medical science have helped conquer the disease to a very large extent. It is scientifically proven that paediatric cases of cancer are largely curable, if treated early. Recognising the urgent need to extend financial support to cancer victims from families who are too poor to afford treatment, the Government of Kerala launched the Cancer Suraksha Scheme on 1 November 2008 for children below the age of 18 who suffer from cancer and belong to such families. According to an estimate of the Regional Cancer Centre, Thiruvananthapuram, there are 800 to 850 new patients in this age group every year. Those eligible are treated free under the scheme, implemented by the Kerala Social Security Mission, in government hospitals designated for the purpose. Counsellors have been posted at these nine hospitals 43

NUTRITION SUPPLEMENTS FOR HIV-AFFECTED WOMEN AND CHILDREN

HIV-control strategies in Kerala got a fillip with the Social Welfare Directorates scheme in December 2008 to provide nutrition supplements to women and children living with HIV. Good nutrition is a vital component of HIV control and care strategies because malnourishment can worsen the effect of HIV and speed up the rapid progression of the infection to AIDS. A majority of people living with HIV/AIDS are from economically backward families and their nutrition status is poor. Those infected with HIV have a low immune status, which makes them extremely vulnerable to other infections. Loss of appetite also often results in a severe loss of weight, contributing to their danger

of contracting diseases. This programme drawn up by the Social Welfare Department provides nutrition support to such women and children. Initially 2,800 women and children, who are registered in AntiRetroviral Therapy (ART) clinics and Link ART clinics run by the Kerala State AIDS Control Society (KSACS) are being provided nutritional supplements. An estimated Rs. 49.6 lakh is being spent on the programme, which supplies a food mix in keeping with World Health Organisation (WHO) guidelines. The nutritional mix is supplied by Kudumbasree units, thereby providing a source of income to the women in them. This pilot programme now focuses on women and children and the plan is to later scale it up to include all HIV-positive persons in the State.

The funds collected are deposited in the state treasury for one year and will be renewable on an annual basis. An incentive of 15% provided by the State Government, is used by the Mission for meeting the special requirements of these children such as medical care, including surgery and equipment; tuition fees, including special tuition; nutritional supplements; computers; books; and clothes. The depositor will have the option of selecting the child, orphanage, special school, or area, or can leave the choice of the child to the head of the orphanage, special school or the Mission. Only mentally or physically challenged children in the age group five to 18 who are school-going residents of an orphanage or students of special schools, aided or unaided, but recognized by the State or Central Governments are eligible for sponsorship.

PSYCHOSOCIAL COUNSELLING FOR ADOLESCENT GIRLS IN SCHOOLS

From 2008-09 onwards in the State the Kishori Shakti Yojana has been redesigned for addressing the various issues such as physical and psycho-social needs of adolescent school girls.School Health clinic/counseling programme was launched by the D i r e c t o r a t e o f S o c i a l We l f a r e a n d i s b e i n g implemented in 163 selected schools where more girls are studying under 163 ICDS project area through ICDS network. The service of a full time expert and qualified lady counselor is engaged for providing counseling/guidance support to Adolescent school girls. Health check up and related activities were also implemented in co-ordination with other departments such as Health, Education and Local self Government Institutions. Four days basic training on Adolescent counseling was imparted to the school counselors and one day orientation programme was imparted to the Head masters and Higher Secondary School principals of the selected 163 schools where school counseling programme is going on. The programme will be extended to 200 other schools during the year 2009-10.

MISSING CHILD SEARCH AND CHILD PROTECTION HOME LINK NETWORK

A number of cases of missing children are reported in the State but many of them remain untraced because there are no effective strategies to tackle the problem at the state or national levels. Though some independent efforts have been made by law enforcing agencies and social welfare institutions, there is still a lacunae in linking their efforts to track down missing children. Even ascertaining the exact number of missing children is difficult due to the lack of accurate data and effective strategies. A concerted, multi-pronged effort is required to trace all missing children as many of them are reportedly subjected to different kinds of exploitation. The Don Bosco National Forum for Young at Risk initiated a national website and home link network supported by the United Nations Childrens Fund (UNICEF) in January 2007 as a pilot project. It is an online service exclusively meant to locate missing children. Anyone who loses his or her child can lodge a complaint with the website. The Thiruvananthapuram Don Bosco Veedu Society, which is a collaborating institution under the Childline programme, has initiated the Missing Child Search (MCS) and Child Protection Home Link Network as a pilot project has been implemented in Kerala at Thiruvananthapuram and Ernakulam in cooperation with the Department of Social Welfare. This programme launched by the Social Welfare Directorate centres on a website that is specially meant for finding missing children and reuniting them with their parents and relatives. Anybody can register the details of a missing child at the site <www.missingchildsearch.net/www.homelink.in> 44

KARUNYA DEPOSIT SCHEME FOR MENTALLY AND PHYSICALLY CHALLENGED CHILDREN

This scheme implemented through the Kerala Social Security Mission is intended to raise resources for the medical and educational expenses of physically and mentally challenged children attending special schools or living in orphanages and other such institutions. The aim is to attract deposits from individuals, corporate houses, Non-Residential Indians (NRIs), and other organisations.

and the data on the site will be analysed in an effort to locate the missing child.

ASSISTANCE TO CHILDREN OF WOMEN PRISONERS

There are many women, who are directly or indirectly involved in crimes, and face the consequence of imprisonment. The families of these unfortunate women, especially their children, often become almost destitute with nobody to take care of them or call them their own and provide them with basic necessities. An assistance of Rs. 500 a month is provided for meeting the educational needs of the children of women prisoners.

SANADHA BALYAM
The Social Welfare Department initiated Sanadha Balyam in April 2007 to facilitate the adoption of children from around 1,400 recognised orphanages in the State. The scheme aims at providing fostercare placement for orphaned or abandoned children and its major achievement has been that child-care centres in the State now know what to do with the adoptable children they shelter. A good number of such children have been adopted by eligible families since the start of the programme. Databases of adoptable children in every district have also been compiled. The programmes vision is ensuring a healthy and joyful family life to every orphan, destitute and abandoned child. Its mission is getting all such children out of institutions and controlling the social factors that lead to destitution. It aims to do this through strict enforcement of the provisions laid down under the Juvenile Justice Act and Orphanages and Other Charitable Home (Supervision and Control) Act.

Online registration and matching of children with prospective adoptive parents and familiarization procedures. Placement of children and follow-up action. Enlisting all adoptable children in institutions with adoption co-ordination agencies (ACAs) and disseminating the data among all placement agencies. Identification of all illegal child care centres and prosecution under the Orphanage and Other Charitable Home (Supervision and Control) Act and Juvenile Justice Act. Identification of sponsors at the panchayat level and strengthening at-risk families by providing a support system for the child in need of care and protection.

SUICIDE PREVENTION AMONG ADOLESCENTS AND CHILDREN

An increasing suicide rate among young persons is often considered an indicator of some deeper social malaise. Though most of the suicides in Kerala are family suicides, suicides among adolescent children, especially girls, is on the rise, mainly due to the stress of school and college education. The Kerala Social Security Mission has taken the initiative to develop a strategy for prevention of suicide among adolescents and children (SPACE 09). A national workshop of stakeholders from various walks of life was organised and an action plan prepared. The immediate aim of the plan is to conduct awareness and dissemination camps at the district level, targeting parents, teachers and students.

Action plan
Preparing a database of adoptable children in all government and non-governmental institutions. Preparing the institutionalized children for adoption or foster care placement. Organizing adoption awareness programmes in each district and sensitizing all key functionaries and departments. Identification of care givers (temporary foster mothers, sponsors) at the panchayat level and declaring them as fit under the Juvenile Justice Act. Capacity building for care givers with the help of social work institutions. Identification of adoptive parents and preparing them for adoption. 45

FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE FOR PHYSICALLY CHALLENGED WOMEN, FEMALE CHILDREN OF PHYSICALLY CHALLENGED COUPLES, VICTIMS OF SOCIAL INJUSTICE
The objective of this project is to give financial assistance to disabled women and the female children of physically challenged couples who are not financially well off. This is a one-time assistance for meeting the expenses connected with marriage. The financial assistance is Rs. 10,000 per beneficiary and the applicants annual family income should not exceed Rs. 36,000. Assistance is also provided to inmates of welfare institutions for aids and appliances and also for educational needs. Job-oriented rtaining and rehabilitation programmes are also being carried out

for differently abled women through Vocational Tr a i n i n g C e n t r e s u n d e r t h e S o c i a l We l f a r e Department.

WOMEN-ORIENTED PROGRAMMES/ SCHEMES

STATE WOMENS POLICY The state Government has approved a women policy as per G.O.(M.S.)13/09 SWD dated 17-2-09. The Kerala Council of Ministers approved an array of measures to provide the State with a more womenfriendly environment in February 2009. Its objectives include declaring at least half the panchayat and municipality areas in the State as zones where there are no crimes on women within two years. Going a step further, Minister for Social Welfare Smt. P. K. Sreemathi Teacher announced that the objective is declaring Kerala a state that is free of offences against women in the next five years. To achieve this, vigilance committees will be strengthened in every area of the State and one-day homes and short-stay homes will be established in all the cities. A committee with a majority of lawyers will be formed to examine loopholes in the laws meant to protect women and to submit its recommendations.

MAKING INTER-STATE ADOPTION EASIER

The Social Welfare Department has come out with a proposal to facilitate inter-state adoption of orphans and abandoned children housed in child-care centres. A healthy family life is the right of every child and is also instrumental in shaping a childs character. A child who spends his or her childhood in an institutional set-up is denied this right. It is to address this issue that the Adoption Cell under the department has decided to shape a new mechanism to make the process of adopting children from other states less cumbersome. The proposal calls for the intervention of state governments in the transfer of adoptable children between states. According to the proposal, child-care centres will have to transfer orphans to a government agency if the child is not adopted within a year of arriving at a centre. The government will then make arrangements to transfer the child to a state where there is a demand for adoption. A separate agency will be set up for enabling this.

WOMENS WELFARE DEPARTMENT

A new department will be set up for Womens Welfare. The Social Welfare Department will function as the Social Welfare-Womens Welfare Department until a special Womens Development Department is formed. In the new department, a cell will be formed to co-ordinate womens development. The Gender Advisory Board formed by the government will provide the advice and suggestions necessary to ensure the smooth implementation of the womens policy.

EDUCATION GRANTS FOR SPECIAL SCHOOLS

The Kerala State Social Welfare Department has distributed education grants that add up to Rs.10 crore to special schools for differently abled persons, run by various voluntary organisations across the State. The education grants are aimed at improving infrastructure facilities in special schools. The schemes planned include vocational training programmes, computer-based learning activities, language evaluation, occupational therapy, speech therapy, horticulture and agriculture therapy and physiotherapy. The State Government has also taken up the initiative to ensure opportunities for education for differently abled children who pass the Standard X examination Autism Special Schools Kerala State Council for Child Welfare started a special school for children having Autism in Thrissur district of Kerala. The school started on April 2 nd 2008. The council also conducts seminars for the awarenss of Autism among people. 46

IMPLEMENTATION OF THE DOMESTIC VIOLENCE ACT

The purposes of the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005, any act, omission or commission or conduct of a person shall constitute domestic violence in case it harms or injures or endangers the health, safety, life, limb or well-being, whether mental or physical of any women or her children in a domestic relationship or tends to do so and includes causing physical abuse, sexual abuse, verbal and emotional abuse and economic abuse. The Act, notified by the Central Government, came into effect from 26 October 2006. It is basically meant to provide protection to a wife or female live-in partner from violence at the hands of the husband

or a male live-in-partner or his relatives. 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 dowry demands are also covered under the definition of domestic violence. The State Government has taken all measures to implement the Act. The Programmes conducted by the Social Welfare directorate so far in connection with D.V.Act. are 1. Media campaign for gender sensitization in Domestic Violence Act and other social legislations. This is conducted by producing short films, video-audio spots and documentaries through Kerala State Film Development Corporation. Telecasting of short films, video spots etc, through Doordarsan. Preparation of short films, video spots etc. in collaboration with KSFDC pertaining to D.V.Act. Broadcasting of audio spots and documentaries through A.I.R. Aw a r e n e s s c r e a t i o n a b o u t D o m e s t i c violence Act through print media.A booklet containing the DV Act, rules and relevant orders and a book namely Sthreeyum Niyamavum have been printed and circulated among the stakeholders. Training has been imparted to all stakeholders including Police Officers and Judiciary. Capacity building programmes conducted for Protection Officers and computerisation of Shelter Homes and Office of the Protection Officers carried to increase their efficiency . Recognized 23 Shelter Homes and 60 Service Providing Centers and provided Legal Counselors & Service of clinical psychologists though Kerala Social Welfare Board. Provided Telephone connection to shelter homes and Office of the Protection Officers. Installed Women Web Portal. Conducted workshops to Legal Counselors, Heads of Shelter Homes and Service Providing Centers for the smooth functioning of the scheme. Provided Photocopy machine to Protection Offices. Created 14 posts of Women Protection Officers. Created Monitoring committee at State and District Level. Conducted sensitization programme for capacity building to stakeholders. 47

15. Notified all the District/Taluk Hospitals of Kerala to be the Institutions for providing Medical facility.

PRE-MARITAL COUNSELLING
Marital happiness and compatibility depend a good deal on the future couple knowing something about each other before they get married. The main causes for failed marriages are Being unaware of the character and conduct of the partner; A difference in social backgrounds; Unrealistic expectations; Dowry and related matters; Unnecessary interventions by parents or relatives; Incompatibility of temperaments; and Infertility issues. I n o r d e r t o o v e r c o m e t h e i s s u e t h e Wo m e n s Commission conducts pre-marital counseling through a team comprising of clinical psychologists, psychologist and a social worker in addition to the counselors attached to the Commission and also arranges counseling periodically.

2.

3. 4.

MANGALYA SCHEME FOR WIDOW REMARRIAGE

Widows and divorced women are very often illtreated and many atrocities take place against them in spite of Keralas tolerant tradition and positive development indicators. Social stigma, along with insecurity and financial stringency, creates serious problems for them. To help them get on with their lives, the Social Welfare Directorate has come out with a meaningful programme for providing assistance for remarriage of widow and divorced women. A financial assistance of Rs. 25,000 is provided to eligible widows and divorced women for this purpose.

5. 6.

7.

8. 9. 10.

KALALAYA JYOTI
This is an innovative programme launched by the K e r a l a Wo m e n s C o m m i s s i o n f o r g e n e r a t i n g awareness among women in schools and colleges on womens rights and laws such as the Domestic Violence Act and Dowry Prohibition Act, this involves talks by experts and interaction with them. Documentaries and short films produced by the commission are also screened on campuses to disseminate information on the relevant Acts and laws.

11. 12. 13. 14.

FINISHING SCHOOL FOR WOMEN

The Kerala Governments flagship programme of a Finishing School for Women was launched in August

2 0 0 8 a t L B S Wo m e n s E n g i n e e r i n g C o l l e g e , Poojappura, Thiruvananthapuram, with the support of the Social Welfare Directorate. As a part of this programme, women who possess a degree in the arts, commerce or science, or a diploma in engineering but lack the soft skills to secure a job are given training in the use of computers. This will help them obtain jobs in IT and IT-related sectors and also encourage them to venture out into the sphere of self-employment. Courses offered The following courses are offered in this programme. Computer training programmes for arts/science/ commerce graduates. Advanced training in software engineering. Training programme in local area networks and trouble-shooting. A large number of the students who attended these courses have been able to secure good jobs.

will be run by groups of women entrepreneurs. The idea is to provide basic facilities for women in public places as well as an income-generating avenue to women entrepreneurs. JOB TRAINING TO INMATES OF WOMEN WELFARE INSTITUTIONS THROUGH STED The training is being imparted to inmates of welfare institutions who are qualified and who have traditional skills. The training is given to develop skills in saree designing embroidery, making of carry/ Rexene/paper bags, office stationary etc. This job oriented training programme is implemented through STED. This has enabled the women inmates to make productive use of their time as well as to generate an income for their own personal needs.

PROGRAMMES / SERVICES FOR THE DIFFERENTLY -ABLED

FIXED DEPOSIT SCHEME FOR SEVERELY DISABLED GIRL CHILD. The Handicapped Persons Welfare Corporation extends help to the severely disabled girl child by depositing a small amount in her name. Disabled girl child below the age of 5 years are eligible to be benefited by this scheme. An amount of Rs.10,000/ - is deposited as Fixed deposit. The Corporation will be the trustee. The amount in Foxed deposit will be released to the child at the age of 18 or at the tme of marriage or at the time of any inevitable fatal casualty. Eligibility : i. Disability 60% and above by birth. ii. Family Income below Rs. 22,000/iii. Age limit up to the age of 5 years.

FINISHING SCHOOL OF KSWDC -(REACH)

Using the plan fund of the financial year 2008-09, KSWDC has set up a Finishing school for women named REACH at Kaimanam Thiruvananthapuram. Through this 100% job assured training programmes such as personality development programmes for nursing students, IT enabled education for B ED students, Training for office assistant & Training for sales girls could be provided through this resource centre. Other 100% job oriented training programmes are also proposed to be imparted through this Women Resource Centre. Placement Cell: A placement cell is also planned to be set up in the finishing school. Women Resource C e n t r e R E A C H a K e r a l a St a t e Wo m e n Development Corporation initiates is expected to have a class and standard of its own which will make it different from the other resource centers. A state of art facility, Renowned faculty members, dedicated staff &devoted students. Web portal: A portal to bridge the unemployed women and private employers is also planned. Employee and employer can register online and the portal will categorize and match both the groups. Required additional skills for the employee will be provided by the Women Resource Centre of KSWDC. COMFORT STATIONS-CUM-RETIRING ROOMS Comfort stations-cum-retiring rooms are being set up for women in public places. These retiring rooms 48

DEGREE COURSES FOR STUDENTS WITH HEARING IMPAIRMENT

The students with hearing impairment who undergo special school curriculum have no facilities at present for higher education. As they study reduced syllabus and undergo separate examinations, it is practically impossible for them to study the regular degree courses after their higher secondary education. The very poor language and comprehension capability of these students require special scheme and syllabus. NISH has commenced two degree courses viz. B.Sc.(Computer Science) and Bachelor of Fine Arts (B.F.A) exclusively for students with hearing impairment from the academic year 2008-09. The Courses are affiliated to the University of Kerala. It is for the first time in the country that such degree programs are started with the affiliation of a University.

DISABILITY CERTIFICATION CAMPS

The Kerala Social Security Mission has successfully launched a pilot programme to distribute laminated identity cards and disability certificates on the spot to disabled persons attending disability certification camps organised at the panchayat level. In the pilot programme, 11 camps were conducted in the five grama panchayats and one municipality of Nedumangad block of Thiruvananthapuram district. The last camp included house-to-house visits by a team of doctors and a technical team to assess the disability of persons who were totally bed-ridden. The camps had the following teams. A medical board comprising a minimum of five doctors and chaired by a doctor not below the rank of a civil surgeon; A technical board with audiologists for testing hearing and speech impairment, optometricians for testing visual impairment, and laboratory technicians for blood group typing; and A technical team from C-Dit to prepare the laminated ID cards, pass books and disability certificates on the spot. Of the 2,057 persons who attended the camps, 1,589 with disabilities above 40% were issued laminated ID cards, pass books and disability certificates on the spot at the camp site. The idea of the programme is to ensure that the entire disabled population of the State receives disability certificates and ID cards at their doorsteps within one year without having to go from office to office for this purpose. The Mission will conduct disability certification camps in the 999 grama panchayats, 53 municipalities and five corporations in the State in collaboration with the local self-governing bodies and officials of the Social Welfare Department. During the first phase seven districts are proposed to be covered. This venture is the first of its kind in the country and will ensure that all the disabled of the state will have the rights as per the UN Convention for Persons with Disabilities and will ensure that they receive all the benefits reserved for them.

achieves higher language levels than children with delayed diagnosis. Further, children who are diagnosed and treated early develop speech and language skills equivalent to their hearing peers.Advancements in technology have made it possible to conduct screening as a routine check up. Non invasive technology exists nowadays for hearing screening of babies who are only minutes old. Oto Acoustic Emission Analyser is a handy tool which is widely used. NISH has undertaken the task of conducting hearing screening of substantial portion of newborns in the State. As a first step it has been decided to set up early detection facilities in all the district hospitals. The facilities are already available in the districts of Kasargode, Manjeri, Kannur, Ernakulam and Kollam. This will be extended to all the districts during 200910

VOCATIONAL TRAINING TO SC/ST DISABLED PERSONS

K e r a l a St a t e H a n d i c a p p e d P e r s o n s We l f a r e Corporation is facilitating vocational training to SC/ ST disabled people in different trades like candle making, Saree painting, printing, Designing, Artificial ornament making and making articles with Bamboos. The Corporation will bear the course fees and other expenses and the training is being imparted through various reputed institutions in different parts of the state. Trained people can be assisted in starting self-employment ventures utilizing financial assistance of NHFDC for which KSHPWC is the channelising agency in the State.

PROGRAMMES FOR THE TRIBALS

ANNADAYINI PROGRAMME
This scheme aims to provide cooked food to tribal settlements in remote areas. As tribals are in remote areas which very often get cut off from other habitations especially during adverse climatic conditions, these tribals usually subsist on roots or fruits on trees from the forest areas. This has resulted in severe malnutrition among the tribal. The Annadayini programme has been launched by the Kerala Social Security Mission to provide cooked food to tribal hamlets based on a report from the Mahila Samakya Society. As a pilot programme, the tribal settlements of Vettilakolli in Chaliyar panchayat and Mannala in Karulai panchayat of Nilambur block in Malappuram district are now being provided cooked food. The programme is being extended to the Alakal area in Vazhikadavu panchayat of Nilambur block.

STATE WIDE PROJECT FOR THE REHABILITATION OF PERSONS WITH HEARING IMPAIRMENT
Researchers have established that early detection of hearing loss is one of the most important steps in the rehabilitation of a hearing impaired child. If a new born with a hearing loss is diagnosed prior to three of age and treated appropriately, the child 49

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The Mission, in co-ordination with the Child Development Project Officer (CDPO), Nilambur, provides cooked food to children, mothers, adolescent girls, and old people through Mahila Samakya volunteers, who stay in these remote areas to cook the food and serve the tribals daily. The pilot programme has helped in attracting tribal children of these areas to the learning resource centres of the Mahila Samakya and introducing them to the world of letters.

Thiruvananthapuram Corporation. The idea is to set up an old-age home, a park for senior citizens and a day-care centre for children. The aims are To provide an atmosphere of camaraderie, love and support for the aged so that they do not feel lonely during the final stages of their lives; To provide a facility to the aged for physical exercise; and To enable the elderly and tiny tots to mingle, providing mutual psychological benefit.

TRAINING FOR VYATADIS ( LOCAL MIDWIVES)IN SAFE DELIVERY PRACTICES

Maternal health care and reproductive health have been identified as major areas of concern in the tribal areas of Adimali and Devikulam in Idukki district and certain areas of Wayanad district by the Mahila Samakya. Unsafe delivery practices lead to both maternal and infant mortality. The major constraint in providing hospitalisation facilities for safe delivery and neonatal and postnatal care for the tribal women is the remoteness of many areas, some of them almost inaccessible. So the only way out is to train vyatadis (local midwives) to conduct deliveries, and provide neonatal and post-natal care, using safe and hygienic methods. The Kerala Social Security Mission has, with the help of the Mahila Samakya Society, trained 10 vyatadis of Idukki district in using safe methods to conduct deliveries. The training was provided by the Obstetrics and Gynaecology Department of the Institute of Maternal and Child Health (IMCH), Kozhikode. Further such programmes are planned for the tribals of Wayanad district. Camps for Tribal children Kerala State Council for Child Welfare conducts 6 day training camp for the children of tribals at Thycaud Thiruvananthapuram.

OLD AGE HOME AT PARASSALA

The Thiruvananthapuram District Panchayat had decided to introduce a social security program to rehabilitate destitute disabled persons who are aged by starting a care home for the disabled. One such Home has been set up in Kollayil Panchayat. District Panchayat Council has deiced to handover the building with all infrastructure facilities to the Kerala State Handicapped Persons Welfare Corporation for running the old age home.

PROGRAMMES FOR DESTITUTE

CARE PROVIDERS FOR INMATES OF SOCIAL WELFARE INSTITUTIONS
A programme for providing care givers in institutions such as Asha Bhavans and old-age homes run by the Social Welfare Department and local selfgovernments has been launched by the Kerala Social Security Mission. As most Government-run institutions operate with the minimum necessary administrative staff, there are no care providers or nursing personnel to look after the needs of the aged or differently abled. The Mission provides fund to meet the wages of care providers so that the inmates of all institutions are properly cared for.

SERVICES/ PROGRAMMES FOR THE AGED

P ARIPALANAM SCHEME FOR ELDERS This is a new programme launched by the Kerala Social Security Mission, which envisages setting up Elders Parks so that senior citizens of the State have a space of their own to spend time with their peers. The idea is to provide the elderly with opportunities to cultivate their interests and for entertainment. The programme will be implemented in collaboration with the local self-governing bodies which are willing to provide land for the purpose. A pilot programme has been taken up by the Mission, in collaboration with 51

REHABILITATING DEPENDENTS OF INDIGENT CONVICTS

A scheme for the rehabilitation of the dependents of the indigent convicts assists and encourages resource less wives, and unemployed and unmarried sons and daughters to start self-employment units. All major children who are students and women having children are included in the scheme. Ablebodied single women do not come under its ambit. The maximum amount of financial assistance to a family will be 30% of a loan, subject to a maximum of Rs. 10,000. The subsidy will be paid by the Government for loans granted by banks, the Kerala State Womens Development Corporation, the Kerala

State Backward Classes Development Corporation, and the Kerala State Development Corporation for Scheduled Castes and Tribes. The amount will be adjusted by the financial institutions in the loan. The conditions for assistance are: only families of convicts who have been imprisoned for seven years and more are eligible. the families shall be eligible for the assistance only during the period of imprisonment. the application for assistance to start a selfemployment project must be accompanied with the details of the project and a recommendation letter from the ward members or councilor concerned. financial assistance will be sanctioned only for viable projects and the beneficiary has to locate a bank from where he or she can get a loan and the subsidy as per the scheme. Financial assistance shall be given only once to the dependents of a prisoner. The total family income of the convict should not exceed Rs. 24,000 a year. The dependents of the convict who have criminal records are not eligible.

MODERNISATION OF SOCIAL WELFARE INSTITUTIONS

There are 77 social welfare institutions in Kerala, 32 of which have been transferred to local selfgovernments. The State Government provides Plan funds for their maintenance and new construction but this is often inadequate. The Kerala Social Security Mission is providing funding and technical support for the modernisation of such institutions.

GENERAL BENEFIT PROGRAMMES

HUNGER-FREE CITY PROGRAMME
The Hunger-Free City programme announced by the State Government aims to provide subsidised meals once a day to the public at designated centres in a city so that no person in the area goes without one square meal a day. Kozhikode is the first city in the State chosen for implementing this programme. The existing kitchen of the Medical College, Kozhikode, has been renovated by the Kerala Social Security Mission to include modern facilities and can seat 350 people at a time. It is proposed to provide a rice-based meal with vegetable curry during lunch time. Patients will get the meal free. Meals at a subsidised rate of Rs. 2 each will be provided to the public but packed food will not be distributed. The funds required for subsidising the meals are expected to be mobilised through contributions from well wishers. AWARD SCHEME An award scheme for Anganwadi workers was implemented by Government of India. A similar scheme for Anganwadi helpers was introduced by the State Government during 2006-07. Every year, 37 workers and 37 helpers are selected for the award. The workers chosen get Rs. 5,000 and a certificate while the helpers receive Rs. 3,000 and certificate. A N G A N WA D I W O R K E R S A N D H E L P E R S PENSION SCHEME Now the Government of Kerala had introduced a Pension scheme with the money accumulated in the welfare fund. According to the pension scheme an Anganwadi worker or helper who had attained the age of 60 years as on 30-4-2009, have 10 years service in Anganwadi/Balwadi, and membership in Anganwadi workers and helpers welfare fund are eligible for pension. The amount of pension is Rs.500/- for Anganwady workers and Rs.300/- for Anganwadi helpers. The monthly pension amount will be disbursed to their Savings Bank Account in State Bank of Travancore.

REHABILITATION OF DESTITUTE PATIENTS

Many government hospitals are crowded by the destitute, who are brought in from the streets by good Samaritans or relatives for treatment. Very often these people have nowhere to go when they are discharged from the hospitals. This has led to many patients continuing to live in hospitals, causing overcrowding and adding to the pressure on basic facilities. To make way for genuine patients who require treatment in these hospitals, the Kerala Social Security Mission rehabilitates those who are ready to be discharged and have nowhere to go in Government Social Welfare institutions or in establishments run by reputed NGOs.

VICTIM REHABILITATION SCHEME

A scheme for victim rehabilitation has been launched by the Social Welfare Department. Under this, compensation shall be given to victims of serious crimes and their dependents (sons, daughters, parents, minor sisters, brothers) if the annual income of the does not exceed Rs. 24,000. The maximum amount of assistance is Rs. 10,000 and it is provided for: Treatment; Housing; Destruction of crops; Education; Income-generating activities; and To rape victims. 52

ANGANWADI WELFARE FUND As per GO (p) No.12/1992/SWD dated 10-4-1992 the Government of Kerala introduced a welfare fund with the contribution of Rs 30/- from Anganwadi workers and Rs.15/- from Anganwadi helpers. The Government of Kerala contributes and equal amount. The welfare fund is functioning under a Chief Executive Officer attached to the Directorate of Social Welfare, and an accountant attached to all District Social Welfare Officers.

The benefits provided include employment to dependents of employees dying in harness, regularisation of temporary hands if they put in more than two years of service, maternity and abortion leave, causal leave for 20 days, leave without pay up to three years, loans for education and treatment of children, their marriage, house construction, and festival allowances.

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Calendar of Programmes
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IV Calendar of Programmes
T
he Kerala Social Welfare Departments mandate is to provide overall care, protection, treatment, training, development and rehabilitation to women and children, disabled persons and the aged. It attempts to take care of citizens who are in distress, particularly mothers and children in difficult circumstances. Its very diverse range of activities includes a calendar of events connected to its major goals.

SPACE 2009
T h e t w o - d a y N a t i o n a l Wo r k s h o p t o d e v e l o p Strategies for Suicide Prevention among Adolescents and Children ( SPACE 2009) organized by the Kerala Social Security Mission (KSSM) jointly with the National Rural Health Mission (NRHM) and the National Institute for Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS), Bangalore with financial assistance from UNICEF was inaugurated by the Honble Chief Minister of Kerala, Shri. V.S.Achuthanandan on September 17th 2009. The inaugural function was presided over by the Honble Minister of Health and Social Welfare Smt. P.K. Sreemathy Teacher. The eminent social activist and poet Smt.Sugathakumari Teacher and the Chief of Field Office, UNICEF for Tamil Nadu and Kerala, Dr. S a t h i s h K u m a r o ff e r e d f e l i c i t a t i o n s a t t h e programme. 240 participants registered for the 57

Workshop, which was conducted in four technical sessions. Presentations by team of students from Loyola School and Cotton Hill School on the problems faced by the adolescents and the preventive measures suggested, widely appreciated by the participants. All the major stake holders such as Educational Institutions, Health authorities, social activists, NGOs, Resident Associations, ParentTe a c h e r a s s o c i a t i o n s , s t u d e n t s , o ff i c i a l s o f education, health, social welfare, local self government departments participated in the programe. The objective of KSSM was to create a platform for the various stakeholders to come together and plan a strategy for suicide prevention among children and adolescents converging resources and services. The workshop was hugely successful in that all the major stakeholders participated and some major recommendations were drafted.

CYBER CRIMES AGAINST WOMEN

Chief Justice of India Honble Mr. Justice K. G. Balakrishan inaugurated a public awareness meeting held in connection with a one-day workshop on Cyber Crimes against Women at the Maharajas College centenary auditorium on 1 st August 2009 which was presided over by the Chief Minister of kerala, Shri. V.S.Achuthanandan. The keynote

address was delivered by Honble Mr. Justice S. R. Bannurmath, Chief Justice, High Court of Kerala, The workshop and awareness programme was organised jointly by the Social Welfare Department, Kerala State Legal Services Authority (KELSA), Kerala Social Security Mission (KSSM) and the Centre for Development of Imaging Technology (CDit). In his inaugural address, the Chief Justice of India said that a cyber appellate tribunal has been set up in New Delhi to counter the increasing number of cyber crimes. The tribunal will be extended to other courts in the country soon. A blanket ban on all online activities is not practical and end users should therefore be more cautious about their online activities.

DREAMS 2009
The Kerala Social Welfare Directorate and United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) jointly conducted a programme called Dreams 2009 on 20 May 2009 at VJT Hall in Thiruvananthapuram. Forty-five children from the Government Childrens Home in Kozhikode participated in the programme. These childrencomprising orphans, the abandoned and exploited, and those who had fled from their homes had been admitted to the childrens home by the child welfare committee. Most of them had been denied protection and emotional care before that and experienced isolation, exploitation and starvation. The two-hour programme was enlivened with music, dance and drama. Minister for Social Welfare Smt. P. K. Sreemathi Teacher, Minister for Education Shri. M.A. Baby, Shri. Kavalam Narayana Panikkar, Dr. Usha Titus, IAS, Secretary, Social Welfare Department, Shri. K.Ajayakumar, IAS, Director, Social Welfare, and Christina Albertine, the UNODC representative, attended the function.

DISTRIBUTION OF BICYCLES TO STUDENTS OF SOCIAL WELFARE INSTITUTIONS WHO PASSED SSLC

Students who had passed SSLC or Plus Two in the year 2008-09 from the Institutions under Social Welfare Directorate were rewarded with bicycles. The bicycles for boys was distributed utilising the funds of the Social welfare Directorate 20 boys received bicycles under this programme. State Bank of India sponsored the fund for the distribution of cycles for girls. 46 girls were given bicycles sponsored by SBI. The programme was conduducted at Childrens Home Poojappura on Trivandrum on July 8 th 2009.

WORKSHOP AT NISH FOR SPEECH AND HEARING IMPAIRED CHILDREN OF JUVENILE HOME, TRIVANDRUM
Under the initiative of Kerala Social Security Mission, the children who are speech and hearing impaired from the Childrens Home Poojappura also got a chance to attend the 15 days workshop at NISH. The workshop was beneficial to the children.

INTERNATIONAL WOMENS DAY CELEBRATED

The Kerala State Social Welfare Department and the Kerala Mahila Samakya jointly celebrated International Womens Day at Womens College, Thiruvananthapuram, on 8 March 2009. The programme began with a kummiyadi pattu b y Adivasi women from Ilamakkudy, Idukki district. Dr. Usha Titus, IAS, Secretary, Social Welfare Department, delivered the introductory address. She outlined the major problems faced by women in Kerala and explained that several programmes had been initiated by the Social Welfare Department to solve them. Following this, the Executive Director of Kudumbasree and Government Gender Advisor, Smt. Sarada Muraleedharan, IAS felicitated the gathering of more than 1,000 women. She spoke about Kudumbasree and the increase in the number of its members. Dr. T. N. Seema, State president of the All-India Democratic Womens Association, spoke about the problems faced by women that led to the framing of the Kerala State Womens Policy. Additional Director of the Social Welfare Department, Mr. K.K.Mony 58

MOHANLAL VISITS SPECIAL HOME FOR BOYS

Cine actor, Bharat Mohanlal, dropped in at the Special Home for Boys (earlier known as the Juvenile Home for Boys), Poojappura, Thiruvananthapuram, on 29 May 2009. The visit was to encourage the residents of the home, who were taking part in a 15day theatre workshop conducted by Angkoor, an NGO, and the Social Welfare Directorate from 15 to 30 May. Mr. Bliss Nair and a team of two actors from Trivi Arts Concerns were the resource persons. The participants put up a street play near the Keltron Junction, Thiruvananthapuram, on 31 May to showcase the skills they had picked up during the workshop. When the actor stopped by for a brief chat with the children, the excitement was palpable. Recalling his childhood days, Mohanlal urged the children to make the best out of the workshop and utilise the opportunity to develop their latent skills. It was a best actor award which I won as a child that inspired me to chose acting as a career, he told them.

pointed out the importance of celebrating Womens Day, the ill effects of domestic violence and how the Womens Policy helps in tackling the problem. Dr. Seema Bhaskar, Director, Mahila Samakya, briefly presented the activities of the Mahila Samakya and the relevance of the State Womens Policy. KSWDC also celebrated International Womens Day at Thycaud Government Guest House, Thiruvananthapuram; on 8 th March 2009.

Executive Director, Centre for Budgeting and Governance Accountability. Gender Responsive Budgeting (GRB) has emerged as a crucial tool for womens empowerment. Even after years of monitoring the progress of women and several declarations and conventions guaranteeing the equality of gendersfor instance, the Constitution of India and the UNs Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW)extensive discrimination against women continues and gender equality remains elusive. Incorporating a gender perspective in government budgets can ensure that resources are allocated towards womens priorities to eliminate gender gaps. This can be achieved through womens participation in budget policy-making and gender budget analysis.

CONSULTATION MEET UNDER THE DOMESTIC VIOLENCE ACT

Under the aegis of Kerala State Social Welfare Department one-day consultation meet of the Kerala State Legal Services Authority (KELSA), the Kerala State Social Welfare Board (KSSWB) and service providers under the Domestic Violence Act was held in Thiruvananthapuram on 18 February 2009. The meeting discussed topics such as starting a T.S.B. account in shelter homes under the Social Welfare Department, the problems faced in appointing legal counsellors, and the need of the services of clinical psychologists in these homes. Social Welfare Minister Smt. P. K. Sreemathi Teacher addressed the gathering. Smt. Girija Surendran, Chairperson, KSSWB, presided over the meeting. Dr. U s h a Ti t u s , I A S , S e c r e t a r y, S o c i a l We l f a r e Department, welcomed the participants while Smt. Mridul Eapen delivered the inaugural address. Mr. Mathew K. Nelluveli, Section Officer, KELSA, High Court, Ernakulam, also spoke. Mr. Jose Issac, IAS, Director Social We l f a r e Department, Thiruvananthapuram, thanked everyone for their participation.

WORLD HUMAN RIGHTS DAY CELEBRATIONS

The State Social Welfare Department celebrated the World Human Rights Day on 10 December 2008 at St. Marys Higher Secondary School, Pattom, Thiruvananthapuram. Mr. Jose Issac, IAS, Director, Social Welfare Department, Thiruvananthapuram, inaugurated the celebration. A class was conducted on the problems and rights of adolescents for students of the school by Dr.R. Jayaprakash, Assistant Professor and Child Psychiatrist, Sree Avittam Tirunal (SAT) Hospital, Thiruvananthapuram. An essay competition was also held on the subject and the prizes were distributed by Mr. K. K. Mony, Additional Director, Social Welfare Department.

REGIONAL TRAINING WORKSHOP ON GENDER BUDGETING

A regional training workshop on gender budgeting was jointly organised by the Ministry of Women and Child Development (MWCD), Government of India, the Kerala State Planning Board and the Kerala State Social Welfare Board on 5 and 6 December 2008 at the Government Guest House, Thiruvananthapuram. Its aim was to familiarise participants with the gender priorities of the Kerala budget and identify issues of gender concern in each sector and across sectors. The workshop was inaugurated by State Finance Minister, Dr. Thomas Issac. Its various sessions were handled by Ms. Vinita Agarwal, MWCD; Ms. Lida Jacob, Gender Adviser to the State Government; Dr. Mridul Eapen, Member, State Planning Board; Ms. T. N. Seema, Member, Gender Advisory Board; Ms. Sheela Unnithan, Chief, State Planning Board; Ms. Paramijitha Majumdar; and Ms. Yamini Mishra, 59

WORLD DISABLED DAY

The State Social Welfare Department observed World Disabled Day on 3 December 2008 at Government Central High School, Attakkulangara , Thiruvananthapuram. However, the celebrations were low-key as a mark of respect to former prime minister V. P. Singh, who passed away on 27 November 2008. More than 33 schools and 895 students took part in various arts and sports programmes. Mr. K. K. Mony, Additional Director, Social Welfare Department, distributed 17 awards to handicapped persons from different walks of life. Programmes in connection with World Disabled Day were also held in all district headquarters.

VATSALYA MELA
Vatsalya Mela, an exhibition was conducted with the object of providing marketing avenues for rural and urban women to find out the marketing outlets for their products prepared by self help groups,

individual entrepreneurs, and production units of socio-economic programme, the inmates of welfare institutions etc. The exhibition was conducted before the commencement of Onam festival which is the biggest festival of Kerala. During this period most of the business organizations, commercial establishments have a lucrative business. More than fifty institutions participated in the programme. The participant institutions had a good sale for 4 days with a laudable business of more than Rs. 1 lakh on each day. The participants also got ample exposure to the general public and learnt the latest techniques of business, upgraded their skills in marketing, and were able to identify the need based products on demand. During the exhibition Legal Awareness on counseling services through service providing centers was also conducted.

its Training Centres located at Trivandrum, Parasala, Trichur and Palghat and 1170 Creche Workers undergone training during the year 2008-09.

MEETINGS OF REPRESENTATIVES OF NGOS

With an intention to extend the Social Welfare Boards programmes to the tribal and hilly areas, Kerala State Social Welfare Board conducted an one day meet of the representatives of the Voluntary Organisations of all districts at respective Collectors Conference Halls.

SEMINAR ON DOMESTIC VIOLENCE ACT

In recognition of a Womans inability to approach courts to initiate proceedings due to her status of dependency, the Domestic Violence Act puts in place mechanisms that allow her access to court procedure and support services. In order to give wide publicity of the programme Workshops were conducted in all districts for the Legal Counsellors & Counsellors of Service Providing Centres during the year 2008-09 by Kerala State Social Welfare Board.

KERALAWOMEN WEB PORTAL

A collaborative web portal on Kerala Women initiated by the Social Welfare Department and catalysed by C-DIT had go online on 21st October 2008. This web portal is a window for bringing together all services for women offered by different departments. Inauguration of web portal was done by the Hon.Minister for Health and Social Welfare, Smt.P.K.Sreemathi Teacher

BIRTH CENTENARY CELEBRATION OF DURGABAI DESHMUKH

In connection with the birth Centenary Celebration of Durgabai Deshmukh, a painting competition for the School children of Thiruvananthapuram District was held at Museum compound, Thiruvananthapuram on 14.11.2008 by the Kerala Social Welfare Board. Cash Prizes & Certificates were awarded to the winners.

MARKETING SUPPORT / CENTERS/ ONAM TRADE FAIRS

The Kerala State Womens Development 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. Beneficiaries of KSWD loan schemes and other women belonging to BPL families are extended this support. KSWDC has facilitated the participation in Onam fairs in Trivandrum & in Kozhikode. About 50 women could directly benefit from this programme.

WORKSHOP ON GENDER BUDGETING

A Regional Workshop on Gender Budgeting was held on 5 th & 6 th December, 2008 at Government Guest House, Thycaud, Thiruvananthapuram. The Workshop was conducted with the financial support of Ministry of Women & Child Development, Government of India and in collaboration with the State Planning Board. Nearly 100 Officers from various Government Departments/Organisations attended the Workshop.

AGP ORGANISORS TRAINING PROGRAMME

3 days Organisors training for 69 Organisors of Awareness Generation Programme was held at Rajagiri College of Social Sciences, Kalamassery, Ernakulam during the year 2008-09. The programme was conducted by Kerala State Social Welfare Board.

WOMENS SCAPE 2008

A p a i n t i n g Wo r k s h o p a n d E x h i b i t i o n b r o u g h t together a group of women art students from all the Fine Arts Institutions in Kerala on a single platform. The two-day workshop and the three-day exhibition of the works on Expressions of Contemporary Women created out of this interaction by 19 young artists is an indication of the period we live in. The program was conducted by Kerala State Womens Development Corporation. 60

CRECHE WORKERS TRAINING

C r e c h e Wo r k e r s Tr a i n i n g p r o g r a m m e s w e r e organised by the Kerala State Social Welfare Board with the help the State Council for Child Welfare at

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Directorate of Social Welfare Phone: 0471 - 2302887 Fax: 2302887 E-mail: swdkerala@gmail.com Website: www.swd.kerala.gov.in Kerala Social Security Mission Phone: 0471- 2348135 Fax: 2348135 E-mail: socialsecuritymission@gmail.com info@socialsecuritymission.gov.in Website: www.socialsecuritymission.gov.in National Institute of Speech and Hearing Phone: 0471-2596919 Fax: 2596938 E-mail: nisht@vsnl.in Website: www.nishindia.org Kerala State Womens Development Corporation Phone: 0471-2727668 Fax: 2316006 E-mail: head@kswdc.org Website: www.kswdc.org Kerala State Handicapped Persons Welfare Corporation Phone: 0471-2347768 Fax: 2340568 E-mail: ks_kshwc@yahoo.com Website: www.handicapped.kerala.gov.in Kerala State Womens Commission Phone: 0471-2302590 Fax: 2307590 E-mail: keralawomenscommission@yahoo.co.in Website: www.keralawomenscommission.gov.in Kerala State Social Welfare Board Phone: 0471- 2722258 Fax: 0471-2310082 E-mail: keralasswb@yahoo.co.in Website: www.cswb.gov.in State Commissionerate for Persons with Disabilities Phone: 0471-2518929 Fax: 2324004 Kerala State Council for Child Welfare Phone: 0471 - 2324932 Fax: 0471 2321963 E-mail: childwelfarekerala@gmail.com Website: www.ksccw.org www.childwelfarekerala.gov.in 62

KERALA SOCIAL SECURITY MISSION

Directorate of Social Welfare (Annexe)
Poojappura, Thiruvananthapuram Phone: 0471 2348135 63

KERALA SOCIAL SECURITY MISSION

Directorate of Social Welfare (Annexe)
Poojappura, Thiruvananthapuram Phone: 0471 2348135 64