Kerala Raises a Flag of Pride, Declared India’s First Extreme Poverty-Free State

Thiruvananthapuram: In a historic address to the people, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan declared Kerala as India’s first state to eliminate extreme poverty, marking a milestone in inclusive development. The announcement was made at a ceremony held at Thiruvananthapuram Central Stadium, with actor Mammootty as the chief guest and ministers from various departments in attendance.

The state has long been a model of progressive growth, with initiatives such as land reform, prohibition of forced evictions, universal education, participatory planning, and complete literacy. With today’s announcement, Kerala adds another milestone to its record: the eradication of extreme poverty.

The achievement comes as a result of the second Pinarayi government’s first major initiative, implemented over four years of sustained effort. Soon after taking office in 2021, the Cabinet began a state-wide process to identify families living below the extreme poverty line.

Kerala Institute of Local Administration (KILA), under the Local Self-Government Department, coordinated the effort. The process involved active participation from legislators, elected representatives of local bodies, Kudumbashree workers, volunteers, and government officials.

All sections of society were consulted, and community feedback was used to identify beneficiary families. The initiative has drawn international attention, with countries like China commending Kerala for becoming an extreme poverty-free state.

Earlier on Saturday, the Chief Minister formally declared in the Kerala Assembly that the state no longer has any families living in extreme poverty.

The announcement was made during a special Assembly session convened on the occasion of Kerala Piravi (Kerala Formation Day), under Rule 300.