Kerala is set to officially declare itself the first Indian state to eradicate extreme poverty, as of 1 November 2025 on its state-formation day.
The milestone follows the state’s comprehensive programme launched in 2021 to identify and support the most deprived families.
What “Extreme Poverty-Free” Means in This Context
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The state targeted individuals and families living under critical deprivation in four core areas: nutritious food, safe housing, basic income/livelihood, and health access.
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A mass survey in Kerala identified about 64,006 families living in extreme poverty (out of which many were outside the conventional welfare system).
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According to the NITI Aayog’s 2023 Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI), Kerala’s “multidimensionally poor” population stood at just 0.55 % — the lowest among Indian states.
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The dedicated scheme, known as the Extreme Poverty Eradication Project (EPEP) or Athidaridrya Nirmarjana Project in local usage, was the central vehicle for this mission.
What the State Did
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The state government mobilised local self‐governments, women’s self-help groups (such as Kudumbashree), ASHA and anganwadi workers, and panchayats to conduct door-to-door surveys.
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For each identified family, a micro-plan was drawn up addressing the specific deprivation: e.g., providing housing or land, linking to health services, livelihood support, food security and other entitlements.
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Districts like Kottayam were already declared “extreme poverty-free” earlier in 2025, signalling strong progress.
Significance of the Achievement
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It marks a landmark in India’s fight against extreme poverty, making Kerala the first state in the country to reach this milestone.
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The model emphasises targeted, data-driven, rights-based welfare rather than broad general schemes — focusing on those previously “invisible” to welfare nets.
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It could serve as a blueprint for other states and regions on how to systematically tackle deep-rooted poverty and deprivation.
Challenges & Criticisms
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Some tribal activists and social commentators question whether the declaration fully captures the on-ground realities: they argue that many families still endure landlessness, inadequate housing, hunger and lack of access to basic services.
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“Eradication” depends on definitions and thresholds — some argue that while the ultra-deprived category has been addressed, other forms of poverty or vulnerability may persist.
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Sustainability remains key: ensuring that once lifted out of extreme poverty, families remain on a stable path and are not pushed back by shocks (ill-health, income loss, disasters).
What to Watch
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How the state tracks progress after the declaration — monitoring whether the uplifted families sustain improvements.
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Whether other states adapt a similar approach of micro-plans + local governance + data surveys.
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Whether the declaration spurs national policy changes or renewed momentum for poverty eradication in India.
Conclusion
Kerala’s declaration as an extreme poverty-free state is a major milestone — reflective of decades of investment in education, health, land reform and social welfare. While challenges remain, the achievement demonstrates that with political will, local collaboration and a fine-grained strategy, even the most entrenched deprivation can be addressed.
