Rama Krishna Sangem
Kerala has declared itself the first Indian state to eradicate extreme poverty, a feat accomplished through the four-year Extreme Poverty Eradication Project (EPEP). The initiative identified and provided for the basic needs of 64,006 families, ensuring access to food, housing, healthcare, and livelihoods. The project focused on providing essentials and support for income generation, moving beyond just income-based poverty measures to a multi-dimensional approach.
We all know, Kerala is the first state in India to achieve total literacy long ago.
On Kerala Piravi Day or Kerala Day (November 1, 2025), Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan declared that Kerala has eradicated extreme poverty, making it the first Indian state to achieve this milestone. The achievement follows a targeted four-year effort under the Extreme Poverty Eradication Programme (EPEP) led by the Left Democratic Front (LDF) government.
This marks a significant development in India’s poverty alleviation journey, offering insights into localized, data-driven, participatory governance models, and aligning with UN Sustainable Development Goal 1 (No Poverty)…. Read more at: https://vajiramandravi.com/current-affairs/kerala-becomes-indias-first-state-to-eradicate-extreme-poverty/
What is extreme poverty?
As per the UN standards anyone living below 3 US dollars per day (approximately Rs 270) is considered to be of extreme poverty. Those of below 4.80 US dollars per day are poor and blow 8 US dollars per day or of middle-income persons. These extreme poverty persons cannot afford any decent food, shelter or other basic needs. Kerala government has followed a consistent strategy to achieve the goal of eliminating extreme poverty by November 2025.
Identification: The project began by identifying 64,006 extremely poor families who were not being reached by existing welfare schemes. Multi-dimensional approach: It used a multi-dimensional framework that looked at health, education, and sanitation, not just income.
Provision of essentials: Food: Provided regular food kits and cooked meals. Housing: Gave assistance to families lacking shelter or needing repairs. Healthcare: Ensured access to free medical care and medicines, along with extended palliative care services.
Livelihoods: Supported families in starting small businesses and provided other income-generating opportunities.
Documentation: Helped 21,263 individuals obtain essential documents like Aadhaar and ration cards. Education: Provided educational support, including free bus passes and study materials for students.
Mental and social support: Assisted individuals with mental health issues, homelessness, and other rehabilitative needs.
Impact and significance Historic milestone: Kerala’s declaration makes it the first state in India to eradicate extreme poverty. Model for other states: The state hopes its inclusive development model will serve as a model for other parts of the country.
he success aligns with the UN Sustainable Development Goal 1 (No Poverty).
