KERALA’S GROWTH STORY – ERADICATION OF EXTREME POVERTY (2025)

NEWS

• On Kerala Piravi Day (Nov 1, 2025), Kerala became the first Indian state to declare itself free from extreme poverty.
• The declaration follows the success of the Extreme Poverty Eradication Project (EPEP) launched in 2021.
• The initiative aimed to uplift families excluded from welfare schemes due to lack of documents or accessibility barriers.

HIGHLIGHTS

Definition and Approach

• Extreme poverty (World Bank): living on less than ₹180 per day.
• Kerala adopted a broader definition, covering food, housing, income, health, and education — aligning with the Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI).
• As per NITI Aayog’s 2023 MPI Report, only 0.55% of Kerala’s population lives in multidimensional poverty — the lowest in India.

Implementation and Impact

• The survey identified 64,006 extremely poor families (0.2%), led by Kudumbashree in coordination with LSGIs, ASHA workers, NGOs, and SHGs.
• Three-phase intervention model:
  1. Phase 1: Ensured access to food and healthcare.
  2. Phase 2: Created sustainable livelihoods.
  3. Phase 3: Provided permanent housing.
• Achievements:

• • 5,400 houses built, 5,500 renovated
  • 34,000 families gained income via jobs/self-employment
  • 85,000 people received medical aid, 1 lakh benefited overall

Role of Local Governance

• LSGIs ensured accurate identification and coordination of welfare schemes (MGNREGS, KASP, scholarships, travel passes).
• Initiatives like Ujjivanam, Avakasham Athivegam, and Manassodithiri Mannu provided land, documentation, and rehabilitation.

Criticism and Opposition

• Economists and activists questioned data authenticity and survey transparency.
• The UDF opposition termed the claim “politically motivated.”
• Tribal and worker groups accused the government of underreporting poverty and using celebrity endorsements for image-building.