Thiruvananthapuram (Kerala) [India], November 1 : Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan made a historic declaration today in the Legislative Assembly on the occasion of Kerala Piravi (Foundation Day), stating that the state has achieved a remarkable milestone in eradicating extreme poverty.
Kerala’s ruling coalition, the Left Democratic Front (LDF), is an alliance of left-wing and regional parties, and consists of the CPI-M. CPI, Kerala Congress (M), Janta Dal (S), NCP (Pawar), Kerala Congress (B), RJD, INL , Congress (S), JKC, NSC, & LDF backed Independents. The LDF holds 99 out of 140 seats in the state assembly.
The opposition, UDF is a centre to centre-right alliance led by the Indian National Congress (INC). It represents a more centrist and big-tent coalition including a mix of centre and centre-right parties. Interestingly, the Left parties are with the INC, in the national level opposition INDIA alliance.
ANI adds: Addressing the Assembly, CM Vijayan said, “The formation of linguistic states was an idea put forward by the national movement a century ago. However, in the early years after independence, long and intense struggles were required to achieve it. The culmination of those struggles was the formation of a united Kerala, the realisation of the Malayalis’ dream. Today marks 69 years since the creation of a united Kerala.”
He added, “Every Kerala Piravi (State Formation Day), we celebrate with joy. But this year’s Kerala Piravi Day is, for the people of Kerala, the dawn of a new era. Today’s Kerala Piravi marks a place in history because we have succeeded in making Kerala the first Indian state without extreme poverty.”
He further stated, “The eradication of extreme poverty was one of the key decisions taken at the very first cabinet meeting after the new ministry was sworn in in 2021. It was also the beginning of fulfilling one of the most important promises made to the people during the Legislative Assembly election.”
From the Kerala Government news portal:
Kerala has become the first state in India to eradicate extreme poverty by strengthening welfare systems and ensuring social equality. The state has made history by successfully freeing all individuals living in extreme poverty, marking a major milestone in its journey toward inclusive development. Through this achievement, the government aims to promote all-round progress that guarantees equal opportunities and access to resources for every section of society.
On November 1, 2025, Kerala Piravi Day, Kerala was officially declared a state free of extreme poverty. This declaration is a historic victory for the state’s development journey, a triumph of the Nava Kerala model founded on social justice, inclusion, and equality.
According to NITI Aayog data, Kerala has the lowest poverty rate in India at just 0.55%. The state also joins a rare global league, becoming the second region in the world after China to comprehensively implement extreme poverty eradication programs.
Who Are the Extremely Poor?
Socioeconomic vulnerability or poverty is a constantly evolving condition. Poverty reflects a lack of basic capabilities to lead a dignified life. Among those affected, the extremely poor face the most severe forms of deprivation.
Extreme poverty is defined based on four key factors: food, shelter, basic income, and health. Individuals who are unable to meet these fundamental needs and cannot move forward in life without external assistance are considered extremely poor.
For this group, progress is not possible without strong support from the government and the community. In contrast, the poor who possess some level of work capacity or income can advance to a limited extent through existing welfare schemes such as the Public Distribution System (ration system), the Employment Guarantee Scheme, and the Life Mission.
The extremely poor, however, are those who remain beyond the reach of even these basic supports. They are identified and provided with focused protection and assistance.
Ways to Eradicate Extreme Poverty
The Government of Kerala began its mission to make the state free from extreme poverty in 2021. This initiative was conceived as a comprehensive and inclusive program that would also reach those who were left out of the Destitute-Free Kerala poverty alleviation schemes launched in 2016. The aim was to identify and uplift a small, often invisible group — people who had remained unheard and unseen, unable to claim their basic rights.
A total of 1,03,099 individuals from 64,006 families across 1,032 local bodies in the state were identified as extremely poor. The first phase of the project was completed on November 1, 2023, freeing 30,658 families from extreme poverty. As of August 2025, 53,027 families (83%) have been freed from poverty. The initiative brought together local self-government institutions, Kudumbashree, various government departments, officials, and community workers in a coordinated effort.
Lists prepared by social organization workers, Kudumbashree neighborhood group members, and ward-level discussions were consolidated, and data was collected through a specially designed mobile application. After verification and approval by the ward and grama sabhas, the final list comprising 64,006 families was published in January 2022. Recognising that the needs of the extremely poor vary widely, officials met each family personally to understand their unique challenges and prepared individualized micro-plans to ensure safety and stability.
Ensuring Food Security
Food security has been fully achieved through the Extreme Poverty Alleviation Project. Currently, food support is being provided to 20,648 families facing food shortages. Of these, 18,438 families receive food kits through ration shops, while 2,210 families—those unable to cook on their own—are being provided with cooked meals through Kudumbashree’s Janakeeya Hotels and community kitchens.
Health and Medical Care
A total of 85,721 individuals from 29,427 families suffering from health issues received medical care and medicines. 14,862 single-member families were given health assistance, 35,955 individuals received uninterrupted medical supplies, and 5,777 people benefited from palliative care services. Patients in need of treatment were identified and transported to hospitals, while door-step and ambulance services were ensured. Nutritional support was provided to mothers and children suffering from malnutrition.
Housing and Shelter
A key objective of the project was to make the dream of a safe home a reality. A total of 11,340 extremely poor families were newly included in the LIFE Mission list — including 5,724 families who needed only a house and 5,616 families who required both land and a house. Over 5,400 new houses have been completed or are under construction, and 5,522 houses have been repaired.
Of the 4,677 families requiring new homes, 4,005 houses have been completed, and 672 are in various stages of construction. Additionally, 428 single-member families have been relocated to shelter homes. Out of 2,713 beneficiaries needing both land and houses, 1,417 houses have been completed, while 1,296 are under construction. To address land scarcity, 3,035.645 cents of land have been identified for 439 families through the Revenue Department and the Manasodithiri Mannu Yajnam.
Livelihood Support
To support income generation, 4,394 families struggling to find sustainable livelihoods were assisted under schemes such as Ujjeevanam.
Documentation and Education
Through the Avakasham Athivegam (“Right at Speed”) campaign, 21,263 people received essential documents such as ration cards, Aadhaar, and pension papers. The Education Department has initiated measures to provide basic and continuing education to those among the extremely poor who lack it.
Technology Integration and Special Services
Technology has been effectively leveraged through a dedicated web portal and mobile application to monitor and coordinate project activities from the ward level to the state level. Additionally, 301 individuals living with HIV/AIDS who were identified among the extremely poor are being provided continuous medical care and support through the AIDS Control Society.
Kottayam and Dharmadam Lead the Way
Kottayam has emerged as a beacon for the state in realizing the goal of making Kerala free from extreme poverty. The district has achieved the remarkable distinction of becoming the first district in India without extreme poverty.
The process of identifying those living in extreme poverty began in Kottayam in October 2021, with a comprehensive, grassroots-level survey. A total of 1,344 enumeration teams and 2,688 enumerators participated in the data collection process. Focus group discussions and grama sabha meetings were also held to ensure participatory assessment. The determination of extreme poverty was based on indicators of hardship.
On January 10, 2022, Kottayam became the first district in Kerala to complete the process of identifying the extremely poor. In the survey, 1,071 individuals were initially identified. After verification, which excluded those who had passed away or migrated, 903 people were confirmed as living in extreme poverty. To facilitate their rehabilitation and livelihood, 978 microplans were prepared in August 2022, making Kottayam the first district in the state to develop such individualized microplans.
Meanwhile, Dharmadam constituency in Kannur district became the first constituency in the state to be declared free from extreme poverty. In April 2025, all eight panchayats in the constituency were officially declared extreme poverty-free following intensive, coordinated activities. Beginning in August 2021, several schemes were formulated and implemented to identify the extremely poor and provide them with necessary support.
The goal was achieved through the implementation of the Right to Swift Assistance initiative and the preparation of detailed microplans. Services were delivered through a three-tier approach consisting of short-term, immediate, and long-term interventions. A total of 196 families across the eight gram panchayats benefited from these efforts.
This achievement shows how Kerala’s government works with fairness, equality, and people’s participation so that no one is left behind. It reflects the state’s strong commitment to protecting human rights and giving everyone an equal chance to grow — the main goal of the Nava Kerala vision.
ANI adds: Speaking to ANI, state INC leader Ramesh Chennithala said, “The CM’s statement in the House can’t be accepted. They are trying to say that Kerala is an extreme poverty-free state, which is not correct. The data given by the government is totally false, and this is going to be detrimental for the people because so many central government funds will be stopped by this. This is merely an election gimmick. They didn’t do anything for nine years. People are angry with them.”
Cover photo- Kerala Health Minister addressing a community meet in Melbourne. SAT File photo (for representation only).
