Kerala Set to Become First Indian State Free of Extreme Poverty
The government of Kerala is preparing to officially declare the state free of extreme poverty on November 1, coinciding with Kerala Piravi Day. The ruling coalition says the milestone has been achieved through the state-launched Extreme Poverty Eradication Programme (EPEP), initiated in 2021, which identified 64,006 families living in extreme deprivation and implemented tailored micro-plans to support them.
How the Target Was Reached
Extensive surveys conducted by local bodies and women’s self-help groups used indicators such as lack of income, inadequate housing, food insecurity and poor health to identify the extremely poor. After identification, families received housing support, livelihood opportunities, health assistance and land allotments. The state reports that nearly all identified families have now been uplifted, allowing Kerala to claim the status of being the first state in India to eliminate extreme poverty.
Reactions and Caveats
While the announcement has drawn widespread attention and praise, some social-activist groups and adivasi organisations in Kerala have questioned the claim. They argue that vulnerable groups may have been under-counted and that systemic issues of hunger, landlessness and unemployment remain in some regions. Officials, however, maintain that the survey and interventions were comprehensive and inclusive. The final declaration on November 1 is expected to mark a symbolic victory for the state’s welfare model and development agenda.
