Building community empowerment through family welfare, financial security

MANANTHAVADY, Kerala (Indian Catholic News) —The Syro Malabar Diocese of Mananthavady has structured the Year of Community Empowerment to advance spiritual revival alongside the social and financial security of families.

Bishop Jose Porunnedom of Mananthavady announced in an October circular that the diocese successfully completed the first two phases of preparation and awareness-raising for the Year of the Community, with the objective of a “Secure Family – Empowered Community”.

The Syro Malabar Church had declared 2026 the Year of Community Empowerment, urging Catholics to strengthen unity and social engagement. The initiative follows consultations and studies examining issues affecting members of the Church in contemporary society.

Bishop Porunnedom pointed out that the family is the primary focus of the Year of the Community in his diocese because family “disintegration” produces widespread repercussions across society, the community, and the Church.

Hence, the department designated as Jeevass (Kerala Labour Movement) was established to implement programmes conducive to the comprehensive progress of community members and to assist in leveraging government schemes.

This initiative forms an integral part of the diocese’s social apostolate, with core objectives that include employment, pensions, and insurance, the bishop said.

“The primary issue we face is not a scarcity of schemes, but rather the failure to utilise existing ones in a timely and efficient manner,” notes the circular.

Furthermore, administrative bodies emphasize that “beneficiaries themselves must come forward to utilise them; administrative systems can only provide guidance”.

Citing the healing of the blind man at the pool of Siloam, Bishop Porunnedom emphasized that active participation and individual cooperation are both required and obtained to secure such benefits.

“Trust in those implementing the programmes is equally essential for their success,” the circular cautions, adding that “during this Year of Community Empowerment, the primary and foremost attitude we must cultivate is one of unity, cooperation, and encouragement”.

Transitioning from job seekers to job providers

Addressing modern labour market changes driven by technological advancements, the diocese encourages members to look beyond traditional employment paths. “There is no doubt that the encroachment of artificial intelligence will eradicate many traditional job opportunities; concurrently, however, new jobs will multiply exponentially”.

Families are urged to observe economic and industrial transformations continuously because “opportunity waits for no one”. By understanding their capabilities, circumstances, and prospects, individuals must cultivate an entrepreneurial spirit and “transition from mere job seekers into job providers”.

The older generation aged 50 and above is especially encouraged to share expertise, drawing inspiration from the economic leap forward brought about by the 1991 economic liberalizations that opened the state-controlled economy to private enterprise and global trade.

Individuals and collectives can establish enterprises independently or collaboratively by availing themselves of government assistance schemes, with the Wayanad Social Service Society and Jeevass providing guidance and support to secure necessary training and financial backing.

Securing pensions and health insurance coverage

To address old-age security and high medical expenses, the diocese highlights various welfare funds and insurance packages.

Government schemes enabling universal pension coverage exist today, allowing small-scale farmers, construction workers, tailors, expatriates, and domestic workers to become beneficiaries through welfare funds with technical assistance from Jeevass and the Wayanad Social Service Society.

Additionally, a special diocesan pension scheme offering a monthly income ranging from 4,000 rupees ($42) to 6,000 rupees and lifelong security of 500,000 to 800,000 rupees has been formulated in association with insurance companies for individuals aged 35 to 70.

Subscribers remitting either 30,000 rupees or 50,000 rupees annually for a period of ten years can secure these returns, with withdrawal options permitting a minimum refund of approximately double the amount remitted if a monthly pension is not selected upon maturity.

On healthcare, the circular stresses that “medical expenses are exceptionally high today” and that insurance coverage up to 1.75 million rupees for a nominal premium is accessible via government channels and post offices through Jeevass.

It warns that “it is futile to wait until illness strikes before enrolling, because subsequent enrollment is impossible, or coverage will be provided only with that specific illness excluded”.

Furthermore, a family health insurance scheme of 500,000 rupees implemented through Jeevass granted 1,600,000 rupees in premium discounts last year when 256 families joined. Special schemes for priests, consecrated persons, and ecclesiastical staff have also been established.

Parish representative assemblies, family units, and designated coordinators must spearhead grassroots efforts by compiling lists of interested individuals and assisting families with enrollments, the circular stated.

Citing the parable of the ten virgins, the circular urges families to show foresight and avoid falling into the category of those who fail to utilize circumstances, relying instead on complaints.

Concluding with insights from Pope Benedict’s encyclical Caritas in Veritate, the bishop reiterates that “gratuity alone cannot eradicate poverty or resolve human problems” and that “everyone must acquire and exercise their legal rights, and assist others in doing so”.

Full statement available: original Malayalam and AI‑generated English translation.