Journal Issues

Abstract 

Kudumbasree units play a prominent role for the development of economy. Kudumbasree is a female oriented community based poverty reduction programme launched by the Government of Kerala. The aim of this mission is the empowerment of women through Self Help Groups and encouraging their entrepreneurial skills and activities. The objective of this paper is to examine the role of kudumbasree units in entrepreneurship development with special reference to Valapad panchayath of Thrissur district. The study is designed as descriptive one based on primary and secondary data. The study mainly focused on the various business activities done by the kudumbasree units in the selected area and the identification of entrepreneurial qualities of members of these units. The data have been analysed by using simple arithmetical and statistical tools. The study reveals that kudumbasree units have an important role in entrepreneurship development especially in rural areas. The entrepreneurial qualities of members like leadership quality, self-confidence and decision making power have increased after joining the kudumbasree units. The study also shows that kudumbasree units have a greater role in the socio-economic development of entrepreneurs especially women entrepreneurs in rural areas. 

Keywords: Entrepreneurship qualities, Kudumbasree units, Women empowerment.