KOCHI: After scripting success in fields ranging from cookery to IT, Kudumbashree women have now forayed into the construction sector, too. Houses being built by Kudumbashree workers are nearing completion at Manjapra in the Angamaly block; Nayarambalam in Vypeen; Amballur in Mulanthuruthy; Kumbalangi in Palluruthy and Varappetty in Kothamangalam. In every project, all the employees, right from the engineers to the masons, are women.
They are undertaking the work under Kudumbashree Constructions, a novel initiative aimed at training women in performing skilled tasks in construction.
Under the initiative, Kudumbashree will offer skill training to women who are interested in the construction sector in the district for 45 days. Two groups, each having 10 to 20 members from various gram panchayats in the district and comprising a Kudumbashree member or their family members, have been constituted in all 14 blocks of the district.
Kudumbashree Constructions, Eksath, and SB Global are jointly training the group members, who will be involved in the state government’s Life Mission project. The training will allow Kudumbashree members an opportunity to learn various construction techniques and will also be able to complete the houses without any labour cost.
To ensure quality, Kudumbashree is closely reviewing every phase of the construction. Helmets, identity cards and uniforms, along with a stipend, are being provided to each member.
Mini contractors
Members who construct a house will be considered ‘mini contractors’. The agency concerned will provide the assistance and expert advice at the construction stage. The groups will be strengthened by involving women possessing BTech, Civil Engineering qualifications and/or diploma.
The members will be equipped in all the phases of construction, including the preparation of plan in the initial phase, its approval from gram panchayat and the allotment of house number after the completion.
Kudumbashree aims at enabling the groups to take up construction works of local bodies and government, said officers. Kudumbashree district mission coordinator Geevargheese, assistant coordinator Rajeena T M and district programme manager Manjish V M are coordinating the activities.
Earlier, the groups completed 38 houses under Tribals Settlement Development Mission (TRDM) at Edakkattuvayal in the district.