Kerala Becomes India’s First State to Eradicate Extreme Poverty, Announces CM Pinarayi Vijayan

Thiruvananthapuram, November 1, 2025:

Marking a historic milestone on Kerala Piravi, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan announced that Kerala has become the first Indian state to eradicate extreme poverty. The declaration was made during a special session of the Legislative Assembly convened to commemorate the state’s formation day.

“Today’s Kerala Piravi marks a place in history because we have succeeded in making Kerala the first Indian state without extreme poverty. This Legislative Assembly has witnessed many historic laws and policy declarations, and today marks yet another milestone in the creation of a ‘Nava Kerala’,” Vijayan said.

The Chief Minister noted that the eradication of extreme poverty was one of the key promises made to the people during the 2021 Legislative Assembly election and one of the first decisions taken by the new cabinet after assuming office.

Under the Extreme Poverty Eradication Programme (EPEP), the state government implemented micro-level projects through a transparent and participatory process, ensuring support for the most vulnerable sections. Local Self-Government Minister M.B. Rajesh explained that the achievement was the result of “coordinated efforts that transcended political boundaries,” involving cooperation from local bodies under both the LDF and UDF administrations.

With an investment exceeding ₹1,000 crore, the government provided daily food for 20,648 families, including 2,210 receiving hot meals, and ensured medical treatment and housing for over 85,000 individuals. Over 5,400 new homes were constructed or are under construction, 5,522 homes were repaired, and 2,713 landless families received plots to build houses.

In addition, 21,263 people were issued essential documents such as ration cards, Aadhaar, and pensions for the first time, while 4,394 families received assistance through livelihood projects. Vijayan stated that the government avoided a “one-size-fits-all” approach by identifying 64,006 vulnerable families and developing specific micro-plans tailored to their unique needs.

Highlighting the broader significance, Vijayan said the achievement was part of Kerala’s continued commitment to social progress. “It was also the beginning of fulfilling one of the most important promises made to the people during the election,” he said.

However, the announcement sparked a political dispute in the Assembly. Leader of the Opposition V.D. Satheesan criticised the Chief Minister’s statement as “pure fraud” and accused the government of showing “contempt for House rules.” The Congress-led UDF opposition boycotted the session, walking out while shouting slogans.

In response, Vijayan dismissed the allegations, saying, “When they say ‘fraud’, they are referring to their own behaviour. We only say what we can implement, and we have implemented what we said.”

Minister Rajesh also rebuked the opposition, asserting that the declaration was not a sudden move. “It is not as if we suddenly decided one fine morning to announce that Kerala is free from extreme poverty,” he said.

Kerala Becomes India’s First State to Eradicate Extreme Poverty, Announces CM Pinarayi Vijayan

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