Kerala to be declared free of extreme poverty on Nov 1: CM Vijayan

Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala will be declared the first state in India free of extreme poverty on November 1, coinciding with its formation or 'Kerala Piravi' day, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan announced on Saturday.

In a post on social media platform X, Vijayan said the milestone marks the fulfilment of the first decision taken by the state government in 2021, when the LDF regime began its consecutive second term.

"Instead of a one-size-fits-all policy, the government identified 64,006 vulnerable families and created specific micro-plans for each one's unique needs," he said.

The CM highlighted that with an investment of over Rs 1,000 crore, the government has ensured daily food for 20,648 families—2,210 of them receiving hot meals—provided necessary treatment and medicine to 85,721 individuals, and offered housing for thousands.

He added that more than 5,400 new homes were built or are under construction, 5,522 homes were repaired, and 2,713 landless families received land to build residences.

In addition, 21,263 people received essential documents like ration cards, Aadhaar, and pensions for the first time, and 4,394 families were supported with livelihood projects, Vijayan noted.

"This was a massive joint effort by 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 said on X.