In a historic achievement for equitable development, Kerala will become the first state in India to officially declare itself free from extreme poverty on November 1, 2025, coinciding with its state formation day. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan is expected to make the announcement in a public ceremony at Thiruvananthapuram’s Central Stadium, joined by prominent film icons Mammootty, Mohanlal, and Kamal Haasan.
Kerala’s Journey: Ending Extreme Poverty
The milestone is part of the state’s Extreme Poverty Eradication Project (EPEP) — a multi-year mission launched in 2021 to ensure that no family is left behind.
| Key Initiative | Description |
|---|---|
| Launched | 2021, led by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and the Local Self-Government Department |
| Core Team | Kudumbashree workers, ASHA health volunteers, local civic body members |
| Identified Families | 64,006 families and 1.3 lakh individuals classified as ‘extremely poor’ |
| Methodology | Based on NITI Aayog’s Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI) covering food, healthcare, housing, education |
| Result | State-wide micro plans executed for each family, ensuring full access to shelters, social security, and livelihoods |
Kerala’s drive focused on uplifting the “invisible poor” – individuals who had slipped through existing social security frameworks. By integrating grassroots organizations, the government enabled each family to regain financial stability and access basic human rights.
Global Inspiration: A Model for India and Beyond
Extreme poverty, as defined by the World Bank, refers to living on less than $2.15 per person per day (about ₹180). Kerala’s success makes it only the second region in the world after China to achieve this benchmark.
According to the 2023 NITI Aayog MPI Report, Kerala already had India’s lowest rate of multidimensional poverty at 0.55%, followed by Goa (0.84%) and Puducherry (0.85%). The achievement serves as a Gandhian model of empowering the last person — ensuring dignity, opportunity, and equality for all.
Voices Behind the Change
T.V. Subhash IAS, editor of Kerala Calling, called it a “collective triumph of local governance and social solidarity.”
Minister M.B. Rajesh commented,
“This is not just Kerala’s victory—it’s proof that grassroots leadership, women’s empowerment through Kudumbashree, and strong local governments can completely wipe out poverty from a society.”
This vision mirrors Mahatma Gandhi’s belief that true freedom lies in uplifting the most marginalized.
Significance of the November 1 Declaration
The declaration event is not merely symbolic; it represents decades of inclusive growth under Kerala’s decentralized governance model. The celebration will feature cultural performances across districts, highlighting the state’s spirit of unity and progress.
Key Highlights
| Event | Details |
|---|---|
| Date | November 1, 2025 (Kerala Formation Day) |
| Venue | Central Stadium, Thiruvananthapuram |
| Chief Guests | Mammootty, Mohanlal, Kamal Haasan |
| Theme | “No Family Left Behind” |
| Outcome | Official recognition of Kerala as India’s first ‘Extreme Poverty-Free State’ |
External References
- The Print: How Kerala Ensured No Family Is Left Behind
- India Today: Kerala to be Declared India’s First Extreme Poverty-Free State
- Moneycontrol: Kerala to Make History on November 1
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FAQs
Q1: How does Kerala define ‘extreme poverty’?
Kerala follows NITI Aayog’s Multidimensional Poverty Index, measuring deprivation in essential needs like food, health, housing, sanitation, and education — not just income-based poverty.
Q2: What makes Kerala’s achievement unique?
Kerala is the first Indian state and the second region globally to eradicate extreme poverty, achieved through community-led micro plans, the Kudumbashree network, and strong welfare governance.
