Poverty-Free Milestone: Kerala Leads the Way in India

CM Vijayan characterized this year’s Kerala Piravi as the start of a new chapter for Kerala.

Kerala has reached a significant milestone by being the first state in India recognized as free from extreme poverty. This achievement stems from years of advanced social policies, focused welfare initiatives, and a significant focus on education and health services.

Free from extreme poverty- Kerala

Liberated from severe poverty - Kerala

According to the 2023 Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI) report from NITI Aayog, merely 0.55% of Kerala's population is categorized as multidimensionally poor, representing the lowest percentage in the country. This statement follows the launch of the state's Extreme Poverty Eradication Project (EPEP), begun in 2021. The project began with an extensive on-site survey conducted by Kudumbashree, in partnership with women's self-help groups, ASHA-anganwadi workers, and local officials. The survey found 64,006 families-about 0.2% of the state's population-facing extreme poverty.

HOW DID KERALA FIGHT SEVERE POVERTY?

Kerala, the initial state in India to reach 100% literacy, achieve total digital literacy, and finish electrification, has executed various programs to uplift countless people from severe poverty.

The state government has supplied daily meals to 20,648 families, with over Rs 1,000 crore invested, providing hot meals for 2,210 families. Moreover, crucial medical care and medication have been provided to 85,721 people, along with housing support for thousands.

He mentioned that over 5,400 new houses were constructed or are in progress, 5,522 houses were renovated, and 2,713 families without land acquired plots to establish their homes.

Moreover, 21,263 people acquired vital documents like ration cards, Aadhaar, and pensions for the first time, while 4,394 families are receiving assistance through livelihood initiatives, Vijayan mentioned in a post.

"The government identified 64,006 at-risk families instead of employing a universal method and developed customized micro-plans to meet the specific needs of each family," the Chief Minister stated.

OPPOSITION SKIPS SPECIAL SESSION, VIJAYAN CRITICIZES

In the special Assembly session held to declare Kerala's eradication of extreme poverty, Leader of Opposition VD Satheesan labeled the Chief Minister's statement as "misleading" and in "breach" of House regulations.

"We are not taking part in that and are fully boycotting the meeting!" Satheesan proclaimed passionately. The opposition subsequently left the House, fervently shouting slogans.

In reply to the allegations from the opposition, Vijayan claimed that the UDF was revealing its own behavior by employing the term "fraud." He said, "We only promise what we can deliver." We have delivered on our commitments. "This acts as our reply to the opposition leader."