Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan announced in the state assembly that the state is now free of extreme poverty, marking the declaration as part of Kerala Piravi celebrations. The claim, however, sparked immediate protest from the Congress-led UDF opposition, which dismissed it as “fraudulent” and boycotted the special session.
Opposition Walkout Over CM’s Claim
Leader of the Opposition V. D. Satheesan accused the chief minister of violating assembly procedure by making the declaration under Rule 300. “We cannot be part of this deception,” he said, leading a walkout amid slogans denouncing the government’s announcement.
Responding to the criticism, CM Vijayan defended the statement, saying the government’s record speaks for itself. “We have implemented what we promised. That is our answer to the opposition,” he said.
How Kerala Achieved the Milestone
The announcement follows a four-year-long state project aimed at eradicating extreme poverty. Under the World Bank definition, extreme poverty refers to living on less than ₹180 per person per day. According to NITI Aayog’s 2023 Multidimensional Poverty Index, Kerala has the lowest poverty rate in India, with only 0.55% of its population classified as poor.
The Extreme Poverty Eradication Project
Launched in 2021, the Extreme Poverty Eradication Project (EPEP) was implemented through Kudumbashree, in partnership with women’s self-help groups, ASHA and anganwadi workers, and local bodies. The survey identified 64,006 families—about 0.2% of the state’s population—living in severe deprivation.
Each family received a customized support plan targeting their specific needs such as housing, healthcare, income, or access to welfare benefits.
Visible Impact Across the State
Government data shows major progress: 5,422 new houses were built and 5,522 were renovated. Around 28 acres of land were allotted to 439 families. Over 34,000 families earned ₹77 crore through unskilled work, while 4,394 received support for self-employment.
Health initiatives reached more than 85,000 individuals, and thousands received palliative care, assistive devices, or medical aid. The programme also distributed food kits, provided cooked meals, and extended emergency and documentation help to families in crisis.
Official Celebration on Kerala Piravi
The formal declaration ceremony is scheduled at Chandrasekharan Nair Stadium, featuring prominent guests including actors Mammootty, Mohanlal, and Kamal Haasan, along with ministers and senior officials.
The government called the achievement a social milestone, while critics said the declaration ignored hidden deprivation. Regardless of the political divide, Kerala’s poverty data points to a striking success in inclusive welfare delivery.
