Programmes of Kudumbasree Units being sabotaged owing to Muslim League Intervention

Kudumbasree, which has set a sterling example of being an epitome of women empowerment in India, now has some of the most appalling tales to report, thanks to heavy interference by ruling Muslim League which has the scheme under its department. Latest reports state that the project’s working is now being sabotaged. Women, who are members, have been complaining of numerous instances of harassment of various types, issuing of death threats etc from officers in charge.

Apart from this, wide spread reports of the prevalence of corruption in markets selling Kudumbasree products have also been reported. The matter is said to have taken a turn for the worse with Muslim League appointing officers of their choice, in charge of the matter. It is also alleged that with corruption going on in rampant proportions, those who do not stand party to the same are finding their existence in the project very difficult.

Women members of Kudumbasree are being harassed emotionally and mentally, along with numerous instances of physical assault on the rise. The man accused of the same, Riyas is the ADMC of Kudumbasree District Mission. He is out on anticipatory bail and has evaded arrest successfully. Riyas is also the head of SEU, an organization of Muslim League government employees. It has been reported that there are numerous complaints against him. He has been sent back to the Health Department where he was sent from.

Following the complaints against Riyas, death threats were issued to the Layam Products, the women’s unit of Cherthala Kudumbasree unit. A complaint has been registered to Cherthala DySP.

According to rules, Kudumbasree products can be sold only via HomeShop. However, a majority of products sold via Kudumbasree belong to private parties. There are allegations that these belong to some of the senior officers in charge of Kudumbasree. Apart from these, wide spread corruption activities are allegedly being done in the name of HomeShop. The questioning of activities of similar kind has led to the lives of these women being in peril, for which they have had to face humiliation and various forms of sexual harassment.

Kudumbasree units are said to be mostly under the control of CPM. However, the silence of the party regarding Muslim League interference is indeed mystifying.

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