States / Lakshadweep

Background

Lakshadweep, one among seven union territories of India is a group 36 islands located in south western coast of India. The region forms a single Indian district comprising of 10 subdivisions. Kavaratti is the capital of the Union Territory and according to 2011 Census it has a population of 64,473 people. Out of which, 14141 live in rural areas and 50332 live in urban areas. Its literacy rate is at 91.85 percent as per 2011 population census. The District Rural Development Agency (DRDA) is the principal organization at the district level responsible for implementing anti-poverty programs. It was initially set up in the year 1982. While The DRDA maintains a separate and independent identity, it effectively co-ordinates with the Panchayati Raj Institutions for implementing various anti-poverty programs.

Kudumbashree has been implementing special project in Lakshadweep.

Special Project

The MoU between Lakshadweep and Kudumbashree-National Resource Organization was singed in the month of April 2017. The work began in four dweeps of Lakshadweep namely Kavratti, Amini, Agatti and Kadmath. Four mentors were deployed to the field from Kudumbashree-NRO to provide technical assistance and hand holding support for institution building and strengthening in Lakshadweep. The work in Lakshadweep revolves around Institution Building and Developing federations for Self Help Groups, developing trained community cadre for addressing poverty by enhancing and building capacities of human resource in dweeps, and strengthening SHG and its federations to engage with PRIs for addressing the special needs of the poor and the marginalised and promote livelihood opportunities.