Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan will officially announce Kerala’s achievement at the Central Stadium, Thiruvananthapuram. Leading public figures, including actors and MPs Mohanlal, Mammootty, and Kamal Haasan, will attend along with all state ministers. Additionally, the Leader of the Opposition will be present at the ceremony.
Furthermore, statewide celebrations will feature cultural programs organized by all local self-government bodies. The announcement details were first shared by Minister for Local Self-Governments M.B. Rajesh on October 22, 2025.
What Is Extreme Poverty and Kerala’s Approach to Eradication
Extreme poverty represents the most severe form of deprivation, where individuals or families cannot meet basic human needs such as food, shelter, healthcare, clothing, and education.
In India, the NITI Aayog Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI) measures extreme poverty based on nutrition, housing, sanitation, education, and access to essential services. Globally, the World Bank defines extreme poverty as living on less than $2.15 per person per day (around ₹180).
Kerala addressed this challenge by identifying families in extreme poverty and implementing customized micro-plans for their long-term rehabilitation. These plans focused on sustainable solutions rather than temporary aid.
Kerala Poverty Eradication Mission: Identification and Micro Plans
The Extreme Poverty Eradication Program was one of the first initiatives launched by the Left Democratic Front (LDF) government in 2021.
Phase 1: Identification
The 2021 MPI ranked Kerala as the least poor state in India, with only 0.7% multidimensional poverty.
Next, the Kudumbashree Mission surveyed the population and identified 64,006 families living in extreme poverty.
Phase 2: Family-Specific Micro Plans
The government prepared customized plans for each family, addressing their specific challenges. The focus included rehabilitation, employment, education, and asset creation, and local self-governments coordinated with multiple state departments to ensure efficient implementation.
Key Government Interventions in Kerala’s Poverty Eradication Program
Housing and Land
- 3,913 families received new houses.
- 1,338 families were provided land.
- 5,651 families received up to ₹2 lakh each for home repairs.
- Temporary rental support was arranged during construction.
Essential Documentation
- 21,263 individuals received IDs and certificates, enabling access to welfare schemes.
Health, Education, and Livelihood Support
- The Health Department treated families facing health issues.
- Education, Revenue, and Finance Departments provided targeted assistance.
- Kudumbashree Ujjeevanam Scheme supported income generation and self-employment opportunities.
Results of Kerala’s Extreme Poverty-Free Initiative
From the 64,006 families identified in 2021:
- 4,421 individuals passed away.
- 261 nomadic families could not be traced.
- 47 duplicate entries were corrected.
As a result, 59,277 families were successfully lifted out of extreme poverty, making Kerala India’s first extreme poverty-free state.
Why Kerala Became India’s First Poverty-Free State
Kerala achieved this milestone due to:
- High literacy and quality education
- Universal access to healthcare
- Strong local governance through empowered panchayats
- Effective implementation of welfare schemes
This demonstrates that data-driven policies and active community participation can deliver measurable results in poverty eradication.
Policy Significance and Lessons from Kerala’s Poverty-Free Model
- Alignment with SDG 1: Kerala contributes directly to ending poverty in all forms.
- Replicable Model: Shows how other states can implement targeted poverty alleviation programs.
- Multidimensional Focus: Recognizes that poverty includes access to health, education, housing, and dignity, not just income.
Sustaining Kerala’s Extreme Poverty-Free Status
The Kerala government will continue to:
- Monitor vulnerable households regularly
- Expand skill development and job-linking programs
- Strengthen social safety nets to prevent regression into extreme poverty
Key Facts for Aspirants
- State: Kerala
- Event: Declaration of extreme poverty-free status
- Date: 1 November 2025 (Kerala Piravi Day)
- Chief Minister: Pinarayi Vijayan
- Minister for Local Self-Governments: M.B. Rajesh
- Families lifted out of extreme poverty: 59,277
- Original survey (2021): 64,006 families identified
- Main welfare agency: Kudumbashree Mission
- Global context: Second region in the world to achieve this milestone
Source: TheHindu