Kerala becomes India’s first state to wipe out extreme poverty

In a landmark declaration on Kerala Day (Kerala Piravi), Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan announced that the state has eradicated extreme poverty, becoming the first in India to achieve this feat.

The announcement, made in the state Assembly, marks a new chapter in Kerala’s long-standing legacy of social development and welfare governance.

Vijayan credited the Left Democratic Front (LDF) government’s focused initiatives for the achievement, saying over 64,000 families were lifted out of extreme poverty through comprehensive and targeted welfare programmes.

Former Rajya Sabha MP and CPI(M) politburo member M A Baby, echoing the chief minister’s remarks, said the LDF government had set this goal as soon as it assumed office. “Kerala is now India’s first extreme poverty-free state,” Baby said, while emphasising that this milestone does not mean the state is free from challenges.

He added that the government began by conducting an extensive survey to identify households trapped in severe deprivation. “We found 64,006 families living under extreme poverty. Many of them suffered from chronic illnesses, high medical costs, and social vulnerabilities that exhausted their resources,” Baby noted.

A multi-layered intervention plan was then rolled out, addressing healthcare, housing, employment, and social security needs. “Every identified family was provided targeted support to help them rebuild their lives.

The project was implemented with precision and compassion,” he said, adding that the success was also due to cooperation from Opposition parties and local bodies.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, meanwhile, extended greetings to the people of Kerala on the occasion of Kerala Piravi. “This is a state whose people have excelled globally across sectors and have distinguished themselves for creativity and innovation,” he posted on X, lauding Kerala’s heritage and scenic beauty.

With this declaration, Kerala reinforces its position as a frontrunner in inclusive governance — where human development remains not just a policy goal, but a lived reality.