Kerala Becomes First Indian State to Eradicate Extreme Poverty, Says CM Vijayan

On Kerala Formation Day, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan announced in the state Assembly that Kerala has become the first state in India to eradicate extreme poverty. The declaration, made during a special session on November 1, marks a significant milestone in the state’s long-standing focus on social welfare and inclusive growth.

According to Vijayan, the government identified 64,006 extremely poor families and implemented micro-level plans tailored to their specific needs. A total of ₹1,000 crore was allocated to support these initiatives under the “Nava Keralam” mission. Key measures included providing daily meals to over 20,000 families, ensuring medical treatment for 85,721 individuals, constructing or repairing more than 10,000 houses, and distributing land to 2,713 landless families. The state also facilitated access to essential documents such as ration cards and Aadhaar for 21,263 citizens and supported over 4,000 families through livelihood projects.

Vijayan said the achievement reflected Kerala’s “human-centred development model,” which combines welfare, education, and health programmes to uplift vulnerable sections. He noted that this effort represents not just economic progress but also “social justice in action.”

However, the Opposition United Democratic Front (UDF) dismissed the claim as “fraudulent,” alleging that many families still live in dire conditions and that the government’s data lacks transparency. UDF members boycotted the Assembly session in protest.

Despite the criticism, the announcement highlights Kerala’s continued leadership in social development indicators. Experts suggest the model could offer lessons for other states if backed by independent verification. The government has pledged to sustain its welfare measures to prevent future poverty recurrence, reinforcing Kerala’s reputation as a pioneer in inclusive governance and human development.