Kozhikode Declared Poverty-Free; 6,773 Families Benefit from Government Schemes

Kozhikode: Kozhikode district has been officially declared "poverty-free," with 6,773 families having benefited from a series of government welfare initiatives aimed at alleviating extreme poverty. The announcement was made by Minister A.K. Shashindran during an online event held recently.

A survey conducted in 2021-22 identified 6,773 families were living in severe poverty. These families have now received substantial support through various government schemes, addressing their basic needs such as food, healthcare, housing, and livelihood opportunities. The local self-government institutions, along with several government departments and agencies, were instrumental in providing this assistance.

According to officials, food aid was provided to 1,816 families, while 4,775 individuals received medical support. A total of 579 families benefitted from palliative care services, and 73 individuals were supplied with health equipment. In addition, 513 families were supported with income-generating ventures, and 2,050 families were provided with housing.

The official declaration of the district as "poverty-free" was made during a function at the S.K. Pottakkad Hall, chaired by MLA Ahmad Deverkoil. The event also marked the success of the "Oru Thai Nadan" campaign, which played a pivotal role in achieving these results.

Further announcements included the unveiling of the Corporation’s water budget and the declaration of Kozhikode as a "Complete Green District." District Panchayat Vice President Adv. P. Gavas led the green district initiative, while the report on the Haritha Kerala Mission was presented by Dr. Manoj P. Samuel, Executive Director of CDRDM.

The event was attended by several prominent figures, including Farook Municipal Vice Chairperson K. Rej, Corporation Standing Committee Chairperson S. Jayashree, Block Panchayat Association President N.P. Babu, and District Secretary of the Panchayat Association Adv. P. Sharathi. Other key officials from the local self-government and health departments were also present.

The declaration of Kozhikode as a "poverty-free" district marks a significant achievement in the state's ongoing efforts to uplift vulnerable communities and ensure their access to basic services.