Breaking The Cycle Of Poverty Unfolds The Real Kerala Story

Many in Kerala believe the development model that Shah mentioned does not seem to appeal because significant initiatives are already being implemented in the state. These initiatives genuinely impact the lives of the poor and needy, which have become a model for other states.

One such major initiative aims to make Kerala, India's first "extreme poverty-free state" by November 2025.

The state has been able to move successfully on this path of uplifting all families identified as living in extreme poverty in the next four months, because of its decades-long track record of progressive policies, people-oriented initiatives and thrust on social justice.

According to reports, approximately 59,526 families, which comes to 93 per cent, have been uplifted from extreme poverty by June 2025.

Notwithstanding the high socio-economic and health indicators, Kerala still faces challenges with extreme poverty, particularly among marginalised communities such as Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, Fisherfolk and artisans.

In a bold move, the government prioritized the most vulnerable in its first cabinet meeting after securing a second term in 2021. Despite the relatively small number of families - 64,006 - living in extreme poverty, the administration chose to launch the Extreme Poverty Eradication Programme (EPEP). This proactive approach underscores the government's commitment to uplifting the marginalized, setting Kerala apart from other states. By tackling extreme poverty head-on, the government demonstrated its dedication to the welfare of its most disadvantaged citizens.

Even though the target was to eradicate extreme poverty by 2026; the deadline was advanced to November 2025 due to the fast-paced implementation of the programme at different levels.

As part of the EPEP, a campaign called "Ujjivanam" was launched, focusing on providing sustainable income opportunities for families in need. The initiative was aimed at securing a steady income through job training, microfinance support and entrepreneurship initiatives.

Another aspect of the campaign involved assisting with the completion and renovation of houses, as well as relocating families to new homes.

In terms of food and health care, the programme ensured uninterrupted access to both by distributing food kits to families and providing cooked meals to those in need.

Kottayam story

Kottayam became the first district in the country to be declared extreme poverty free, earlier this month. The extreme poverty eradication programme in the district began with an extensive survey in 2021. An army of 2688 enumerators, divided into 1344 teams, fanned out across the district and identified 1,071 individuals living on the margins. The findings of the survey were again subjected to rigorous verification, including focus group discussions and Grama Sabha meetings, before arriving at the final list comprising 903 families that needed support.

These families were provided the required support; food security through distribution of food kits and cooked meals, health care facility through medical assistance and palliative care services, housing facilities to 67 families and 50 families were given both land and housing, as many as 155 families were given support to start income generating activities.

As a result, Kottayam district successfully eradicated extreme poverty, reflecting the effectiveness of the programme.

Who are the poorest of the poor?

According to the government parameters, the poorest of the poor are identified based on food availability, health care, income and housing.

Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) recommends per person per day calorie norms of 2400 calories for rural areas and 2100 for urban areas.

The government of India has also allotted a calorie intake of 2400 calories per day for people living in rural areas.

But in villages, the poorest of the poor do not have enough income to get food that can provide the required calories per day.

In order to get these calories, one needs to have a good meal three times a day, 3-4 cups of rice and fruits in the afternoon and evening, with meat/fish and vegetables.

The EPEP also included those who have not received any financial assistance from the government, those who have no food, are unable to cook food, those lying on the streets and those who live on meagre incomes.

A detailed micro plan was created for each family identified as extremely poor, incorporating various assistance schemes to meet their specific needs.

As many as 978 micro plans have been made for their rehabilitation and livelihood. Food is being provided to 605 families, medicines to 693 families, palliative care services to 206 families, sources of income to 155 families, houses to 67 families, land and house to 50 families and 22 families were shifted to rented houses.

As part of the programme, 490 beneficiaries were provided with documents including Aadhar, ration cards, bank accounts and other identity cards. Free bus passes and study materials were provided to 55 students.

Kottayam's achievement was no easy feat, as the district had to tackle challenges like data discrepancies, family migrations and the need for constant monitoring. However, its proactive approach - marked by quick survey completion, strong community involvement and smooth interdepartmental coordination - set it apart.

A standout example of this success was the Mundakkayam Grama Panchayat, which led the way in micro plan implementation, representing Kottayam's remarkable accomplishment.

Kerala's legacy of social justice is deeply ingrained in its history, with achievements like those of Kottayam reflecting this commitment. The land reforms carried out more than five decades ago, broke down feudal systems, giving tenant farmers and landless workers access to land through redistribution. This actually laid the groundwork for rural development in the state, which is also seen in Kottayam's impressive low rural deprivation rate of 23.02 per cent as per the 2011 Socio-Economic and Caste Census.

Kerala has made impressive strides in human development by focusing on education and health care. Programmes like the Aardram Mission, which was launched in the first Pinarayi government tenure in 2017, have improved primary health centres, while the Kudumbashree initiative has empowered women.

Decentralised governance, a key feature of Kerala's approach devised since 1996 Nayanar Government through the Peoples Plan programme, allows Local Self Governments to effectively address community needs.

This decentralised system displayed its robustness during the COVID-19 pandemic, with residents, volunteers and officials joining hands to set up community kitchens which ensured food security for everyone, especially the poor and marginalised.

The extreme poverty eradication programme builds on this solid foundation, utilising local bodies to formulate micro plans and monitor progress closely. The Kerala Institute of Local Administration (KILA), which was established in 1990, played a key role in capacity-building activities for local governance in the state. It trained officials in improving survey techniques to ensure precision and inclusivity.

It is important to mention that Kerala's dedication to achieving the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goal 1 - ending poverty in all its forms - offers an inspiring example for the world. By using advanced methods from the World Bank and the Oxford Poverty and Human Development Initiative (OPHI) to shape its Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI), Kerala demonstrated its commitment to accurate poverty assessment.

The case of Kottayam district highlights the need for detailed assessments, as earlier claims of being poverty-free were challenged by a 2022 survey that found 1,119 destitute families. This difference emphasises the importance of localised, participatory surveys over general indices. Kerala's proactive response to these findings showcases how evidence-based governance can effectively address poverty.

Kerala has made great progress in reducing poverty, but maintaining its poverty -free status remains challenging. With 81 per cent of people living in extreme poverty residing in rural areas, ongoing investment in infrastructure and livelihoods is essential for lasting change. Focused efforts are particularly important for marginalised communities in districts like Malappuram and Thiruvananthapuram, where poverty still lingers.

While the achievements of EPEP are commendable, the key challenges lie in maintaining the rising costs, fostering Kudumbashree's inclusivity and tackling vulnerabilities related to mental health and disabilities.