Kerala Eradicates Extreme Poverty: First Indian State to Achieve This Milestone, Setting New Benchmarks in Development

This milestone underscores the state's unwavering commitment to inclusive growth, with over 73,000 meticulously crafted micro-plans ensuring no one is left behind. Through strict monitoring and community-driven initiatives, Kerala has lifted thousands from the clutches of deprivation, proving that targeted policies can transform lives.

The journey to this historic moment began with the identification of families trapped in extreme poverty, defined by the NITI Aayog's Multidimensional Poverty Index as those earning less than Rs 1.25 per day with severe deprivations in health, education, and living standards. Under Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan's leadership, the Left Democratic Front (LDF) government launched the Extreme Poverty Eradication Programme (EPEP) in 2021. This initiative involved local self-governments creating personalized micro-plans for each affected household, addressing needs like housing, healthcare, employment, and education. By June 2025, districts like Kottayam had already declared themselves poverty-free, paving the way for statewide success.

What makes this achievement even more remarkable is Kerala's long-standing legacy of progressive reforms. Often hailed as the "Kerala Model" of development, the state has consistently outperformed the national average in human development indicators. Back in 1991, Kerala achieved near-universal literacy, boasting a rate of over 93%far ahead of India's 52% at the time. Today, it stands at an impressive 96.2%, the highest in the country. This focus on education dates to the 19th century with missionary and royal initiatives, but it was amplified post-independence through land reforms in the 1950s and 1960s under communist-led governments. These reforms redistributed land from feudal landlords to tenants, empowering millions and reducing inequality.

Kerala's healthcare prowess is another pillar of its success story. The state pioneered universal healthcare access in the 1970s, establishing a robust network of primary health centers and hospitals. By the 1980s, infant mortality rates had plummeted to levels comparable to developed nations, currently at just 6 per 1,000 live birthsversus India's national average of 27. Life expectancy in Kerala hovers around 75 years, reflecting investments in preventive care and nutrition programs like the midday meal scheme, introduced statewide in the 1980s.

Moreover, Kerala's high Human Development Index (HDI) of 0.784 in 2022 rivals that of countries like Sri Lanka and Thailand. Achievements in gender equality are noteworthy too; women outnumber men in higher education, and the state led India in implementing the 33% reservation for women in local bodies in 1993. Environmental initiatives, such as becoming the first organic farming state in 2016, further highlight its holistic approach.

This poverty eradication builds on these foundations, integrating digital tools for real-time monitoring and collaborating with NGOs and Kudumbashree self-help groups. With 73,000 micro-plans executed flawlessly, Kerala has not only met but exceeded global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) targets ahead of schedule.

As India grapples with persistent poverty affecting over 74 million people nationwide, Kerala's model offers valuable lessons. By prioritizing equity, education, and health, the state continues to inspire. This victory against extreme poverty reaffirms Kerala's status as a beacon of hope, urging other regions to adopt similar strategies for a poverty-free future.