Kerala is getting ready to become the first Indian state to end extreme poverty by November 2025. The state started a special plan called the Extreme Poverty Eradication Programme (EPEP) in 2021 to help families who were very poor and not getting help from regular government schemes.
Minister M B Rajesh said that Kerala found 64,006 families who were extremely poor. So far, the government has helped 93% of them, and the goal is to reach 100% by November.
What Makes Kerala’s Plan Different?
Kerala is using a new method to understand poverty. Instead of only checking income, it uses something called the Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI). This checks things like food, shelter, health, and income to see how a family is really doing.
To find the families who needed help, the state used local groups like Kudumbashree, panchayats, ASHA workers, and Anganwadi workers. Over 1.4 million people helped with the surveys to find those most in need.
Helping Each Family Individually
Each family was given a special plan based on their problems. Many families were homeless or without land, so the government focused on giving them shelter first. Then they worked on food, health, clothes, and jobs.
To help people earn money, the government launched the Ujjeevanam campaign, a 100-day job and skills program run by Kudumbashree. Financial help and training were also given.
Despite money challenges, Kerala used its budget smartly and also raised funds through CSR donations and land drives.
Is Poverty Really Gone?
Experts say Kerala has one of the lowest poverty rates in India, but whether extreme poverty is fully gone depends on how it is measured. Still, Kerala’s approach is special because it focuses on real needs, local surveys, and team efforts.
If Kerala meets its goal by November, it will become a model for other Indian states in the fight against extreme poverty.
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