In a landmark achievement, Kerala is set to be officially declared the first Indian state to have completely eradicated extreme poverty. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan will make the formal announcement today at a state-level event in Thiruvananthapuram, coinciding with Kerala Piravi, the state’s formation day.
A Milestone in Social Development
The declaration marks the culmination of the Extreme Poverty Eradication Project (EPEP), launched by the LDF government in 2021. The initiative aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 1 — No Poverty — positioning Kerala as both a national and global model for inclusive development.
Also Read – PM Modi Hails Indigenous Dog Squad Demonstrations At Rashtriya Ekta Diwas Parade
Community-Led and Data-Driven Approach
The government’s announcement is based on the outcomes of a comprehensive, community-driven survey carried out by the women’s collective Kudumbashree, in collaboration with local self-governments, ASHA workers, and anganwadi staff.
The survey identified 64,006 families living in severe deprivation using a multi-dimensional poverty index focusing on food security, housing, basic income, and health. This ensured inclusion of families often left out of traditional welfare assessments.
Tailored Rehabilitation and Measurable Impact
Each identified household received a customised micro-plan integrating various state and central welfare schemes. According to official data, the project enabled construction or renovation of over 10,944 homes, distribution of land to 439 landless families, and improved access to livelihoods, healthcare, and identification documents for thousands.
Also Read – Ajit Doval: ‘Regime Changes in Neighbouring Nations Due to Poor Governance’
Calls for Transparency and Sustainability
While widely hailed as a transformative success, experts have urged the state to release a detailed methodology report to ensure transparency and verify consistency with national poverty data. The government, however, maintains that its participatory, micro-level approach has effectively achieved the EPEP’s objectives, marking a historic milestone in India’s social equity journey.
