Thu Oct 23 15:41:26 UTC 2025: FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Kerala Launches “Sushakti” Network to Empower Differently Abled Citizens
Thiruvananthapuram, India – October 23, 2025 – The Kerala State government has announced the formation of “Sushakti,” a state-wide network of self-help groups (SHGs) dedicated to the comprehensive empowerment and rehabilitation of differently abled individuals and their families. Inspired by the success of the Kudumbashree initiative for women, Sushakti aims to increase the presence and visibility of people with disabilities in Kerala society and provide them with sustainable means of livelihood.
Minister for Social Justice R. Bindu unveiled the initiative at a press conference today, emphasizing that Sushakti is designed for the social inclusion of the physically, mentally, and intellectually challenged, ensuring their social, financial, emotional, and cultural self-sufficiency. The network will also streamline the achievement of goals set forth in existing schemes for the differently abled.
The initial activities of the SHGs will be overseen by the Kerala State Differently Abled Welfare Corporation Ltd., which will also serve as the network’s registered office in Poojappura.
Sushakti will actively participate in initiatives by both the Union and State governments, local self-government institutions, and other agencies to achieve financial development and social justice. Its focus will include empowering the differently abled, fostering a disability-friendly environment, promoting local economic development, alleviating poverty, and ensuring social justice.
Each Sushakti SHG will consist of 10 to 20 members – women, men, or transgender individuals – who are permanent residents of the operating area and have a physical, mental, or intellectual disability of 40% or more. A local development society will serve as the apex body at the panchayat/municipal/Corporation level. A district-level team of up to 15 members will supervise the local development societies and SHGs, reviewing their activities, protecting the rights of the differently abled, and facilitating bank linkages. The Minister for Social Justice will head the State-level executive committee, which will also include a governing body.
Key objectives of Sushakti include ensuring the quality of products made by the SHGs and individuals, establishing strong branding, and improving marketing efforts. Support will also be provided to SHG members to engage in income-generating activities. Furthermore, the initiative will focus on familiarizing the differently abled with the latest scientific and technological developments, enabling them to overcome limitations and unlock new possibilities.
The initiative signals a major step towards a more inclusive Kerala.
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