One lakh women to be trained, employed before Onam

The Hindu

05-07-2025

In a move to redefine the role of women in State's workforce, Kudumbashree, in collaboration with Vigyan Kerala, is launching a campaign titled 'One Lakh Jobs for Onam'.
Announcing the campaign at the Kerala Institute of Local Administration at Mulankunnathukavu on Saturday, Local Self-Governments Minister M.B. Rajesh said the campaign was designed to bring women out of the confines of their homes and lead them toward economic independence, social recognition, and self-esteem. The decentralised employment drive aims at training and giving placements to one lakh women by Onam, combining skill development, job matching, and grassroots mobilisation.
A replicable model
'This project is not just about jobs, it's about liberation,' said Mr. Rajesh. 'It's about bringing women into the heart of the economy. Just as the Literacy Movement and People's Planning once set benchmarks for social transformation, this campaign too is poised to become another replicable model from Kerala. It can usher in a new era of socio-economic progress,' the Minister said.
Only 20% of employable women in the State are currently employed outside their homes. 'Our target is to raise that to 50% in the coming years and this campaign is the first big step,' said T.M. Thomas Isaac, Chief Advisor of Vigyan Kerala.
Targeting women who took career breaks due to family responsibilities, the campaign offers custom-designed skill development programmes at the local level. Kudumbashree and Vigyan Kerala will partner with agencies like ASAP, KASE, and other accredited skill development institutions to deliver training. Local Self-Government Institutions (LSGIs) are expected to integrate project plans into their July budgets, ensuring funding for the project.
Job fairs at local bodies
A review meeting of Local Self-Government institutions presidents and secretaries chaired by Mr. Rajesh from July 3–5 at KILA finalised the operational blueprint. Implementation units will be set up at the State and district Kudumbashree missions with support from Vigyan Kerala. Job fairs will be held through July and August across all blocks, municipalities, and Corporations.
A key component of the campaign is to challenge the social stigma associated with housewives seeking employment, said Mr. Isaac. 'Women often stay away from jobs not because of lack of talent or qualification, but due to lack of exposure, support, and opportunities. This campaign will change that,' he said.
Women above 30 years
Each type of job will be backed by tailored training programmes at the local level, including soft skills and digital literacy. Special focus will be given to women above 30 years — a group often sidelined in conventional job schemes.
District-wise Vigyan Councils led by Ministers have already been formed, with plans to establish similar councils at the block and panchayat levels in July. Kudumbashree CDS units will map local job demands and identify women suitable for each sector.
'This campaign is the way ahead for Kudumbashree as it marks 25 years – adding wage-linked empowerment to their successful self-employment model,' the Minister said. 'It will create significant social and economic momentum and impact Kerala's GDP,' he added.