Kerala to Be Declared Free of Extreme Poverty on November 1: CM Vijayan

Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala will be declared the first state in India to be free of extreme poverty on November 1, the day the state celebrates its formation or 'Piravi' day, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said on Saturday.
Pinarayi Vijayan posted on the social media platform X that this achievement fulfils the first decision taken by the state government in 2021, when the LDF regime assumed power for a consecutive second term. He said the government did not follow a uniform approach but identified 64,006 vulnerable families and prepared specific micro-plans to address the unique needs of each household.
The Chief Minister said that with an investment of over Rs 1,000 crore, the government has ensured daily food to 20,648 families, including 2,210 receiving hot meals, medical treatment and essential medicines to 85,721 individuals, and housing for thousands. More than 5,400 new homes have been built or are under construction, 5,522 homes repaired, and 2,713 landless families have been provided land for building houses.
In addition, 21,263 people have received essential documents such as ration cards, Aadhaar, and pension benefits for the first time, while 4,394 families have been supported with livelihood projects.
CM said this achievement was the result of a coordinated effort by Local Self-Governments (LSGs), Kudumbashree, and various government departments. “This is the Kerala model of social justice, equity, and compassionate governance in action. Building #NavaKeralam means leaving no one behind,” he added.