In a landmark announcement coinciding with Kerala Piravi (State Formation Day), Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan declared that Kerala has become the first state in India to eradicate extreme poverty. The declaration, made in the Legislative Assembly under Rule 300, marks what the Chief Minister described as “a dawn of a new era” for the people of Kerala.
Addressing the Assembly, CM Vijayan reflected on the state’s historic journey since its formation 69 years ago. “The formation of linguistic states was an idea put forward by the national movement a century ago. However, long and intense struggles were required to achieve it. The culmination of those struggles was the formation of a united Kerala—the realisation of the Malayalis’ dream,” he said. “Every Kerala Piravi is a celebration of pride, but this year’s Kerala Piravi marks a place in history because we have succeeded in making Kerala the first Indian state without extreme poverty.”
The Chief Minister described the achievement as one of the most significant milestones in the state’s socio-economic journey. “This Legislative Assembly has witnessed many historic laws and policy declarations. Today, we add yet another milestone in building a Nava Kerala,” he added.
Vijayan noted that the mission to eradicate extreme poverty was one of the earliest promises made by his government after assuming office in 2021. “The eradication of extreme poverty was one of the key decisions taken at the very first cabinet meeting after the new ministry was sworn in. It was also the beginning of fulfilling one of the most important promises made to the people during the Legislative Assembly election,” he stated.
The initiative began with a comprehensive identification process of families living in extreme poverty, led by the Department of Local Self-Government and coordinated by the Kerala Institute of Local Administration (KILA). The campaign involved collaboration from MLAs, local body representatives, Kudumbashree workers, volunteers, and government officials.
“Within just two months, the process of identifying families living in extreme poverty was initiated. This process was carried out with active public participation involving MLAs, elected representatives, Kudumbashree workers, volunteers, and officials,” the Chief Minister said.
The project initially started as a pilot program in Wadakkanchery Municipality and the Anchuthengu and Thirunelli Grama Panchayats before being expanded across Kerala. “This historic project began by identifying beneficiary families through the participation of all sections of society and by incorporating ideas that emerged from their collective feedback and suggestions,” he explained.
Responding to criticism from the Opposition, CM Vijayan dismissed their remarks as “irrelevant.” He asserted, “The Opposition Leader’s remarks are irrelevant. The eradication of extreme poverty had already been announced earlier. It is unclear why the Opposition is so afraid. This is a historic declaration, and it is being announced in the Assembly to inform the world. The Opposition Leader is calling it a fraud only because that is his habit. This government only makes promises that it can fulfill—and whatever it promises, it fulfills. Now, steps will be taken to sustain what has already been achieved.”
