Kerala Becomes the First State in India Without Poverty

In every state, whichever party comes to power, the first promise they make is “Our goal is to eradicate poverty.” But despite numerous governments and promises, that goal always remains unfulfilled. Many schemes have been introduced in the name of poverty eradication, yet most benefits go to the undeserving instead of the poor.

Decades ago, former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi’s slogan “Garibi Hatao” (Remove Poverty) inspired millions. However, even today, poverty remains a challenge across the country. In Telangana, the Congress government often declares, “Our aim is to make one crore women millionaires.” Though that sounds appealing, whether it can be achieved remains doubtful.

However, Kerala — a southern state — has truly achieved what others could only promise. Kerala has become the first state in India to eradicate extreme poverty. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan announced this historic milestone. The official declaration will be made on November 1, Kerala’s State Formation Day, in the presence of film stars Mammootty, Mohanlal, and Kamal Haasan.

Ministers M.B. Rajesh and Sivankutty confirmed in a press conference that Kerala has successfully eliminated extreme poverty. The announcement will take place at the Central Stadium in Thiruvananthapuram, with major cultural programs followed by the official declaration. Opposition leader Satheesan will also attend the ceremony.

In 2021, the Vijayan government launched a poverty eradication project. Accredited social health activists (ASHA workers) and local representatives conducted a state-wide survey, identifying 64,006 families as extremely poor. The government then implemented targeted welfare schemes — including free cashless healthcare, housing plots, livelihood programs, and social support initiatives.

These programs were directly monitored by the Chief Minister’s Office, ensuring coordination across multiple departments such as health, transport, and income development.

Pinarayi Vijayan’s own constituency, Dharmadam, became the first Assembly constituency in the state to be declared free of extreme poverty. Vijayan had already shared this milestone on X (formerly Twitter) last year, stating, “Dharmadam is Kerala’s first constituency to be declared free from extreme poverty.”

He noted that less than 1% of Kerala’s population now lives in poverty and that the state is working to officially declare itself completely free from extreme poverty on November 1, 2025 — exactly as planned.

Under the leadership of Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, Kerala’s left government has achieved what no other state in India has — turning the dream of a poverty-free society into a reality.