Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan announced at a special Assembly session on “Kerala Piravi” (Foundation Day) that the state is now free from extreme poverty, making Kerala the first Indian state to declare such an achievement.
Vijayan’s declaration sparked significant criticism, with opponents labeling it a misleading, politically motivated move that overlooks the challenges faced by marginalized communities. Critics argue that the announcement is a political stunt meant to create an illusion of progress ahead of the elections, while the reality for Adivasis, Dalits, and fisherfolk suggests persistent hardship.
In his address to the Assembly, Vijayan dismissed allegations that the declaration was merely an election publicity tactic. He emphasized that the Extreme Poverty Alleviation Project (EPEP) was initiated in the first cabinet meeting of his government in 2021. “We only make promises we can fulfill, and we have fulfilled what we promised,” he stated.
The Chief Minister explained that a rigorous process was followed to identify families living in extreme poverty, initiated shortly after the cabinet decision. Local representatives and volunteers worked to collect and verify data on families based on four indicators: food, health, housing, and income. As a result, 103,099 individuals from 64,006 families were identified as living in extreme poverty. Personalized micro-plans were created for these families, leading to various forms of support.
In the first phase of the project, over 21,000 individuals without essential identification documents received them. Additionally, regular food supplies were secured for over 20,600 families. Comprehensive healthcare services, including access to essential medicines and palliative care, were also provided. Under the LIFE Mission, more than 4,600 families received houses, while nearly 3,000 families were given both land and housing support. Furthermore, over 35,000 families enrolled in the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS).
Vijayan cited historical reports from the 1970s highlighting Kerala’s poverty and demographic challenges, emphasizing the state’s progress due to sustained reform and public intervention. He asserted that the eradication of extreme poverty is a continuation of Kerala’s long-term efforts, contributing positively to the UN’s Sustainable Development Index.
The Chief Minister labeled Kerala as a “laboratory of welfare initiatives,” claiming that the state’s success could inspire similar efforts nationwide. The government allocated over ₹1,000 crore for the EPEP and pledged to regularly monitor families to ensure they do not revert to extreme poverty.
Opposition members from the United Democratic Front (UDF) staged a walkout during the session, criticizing the special sitting as a misuse of assembly procedures. Leader of the Opposition V.D. Satheesan condemned the declaration as “hollow” and questioned the sudden reduction in extreme poverty numbers, recalling recent incidents pointing to ongoing hardship in the state.
Satheesan warned that the declaration could exclude Kerala from various central welfare schemes. He accused the government of using the poor for political gain and promised to expose this “political stunt.”
Indian Union Muslim League leader P.K. Kunhalikutty described the declaration as “dangerous and irresponsible,” arguing that it could lead to further neglect from the central government regarding welfare schemes.
BJP leader M.T. Ramesh dismissed the announcement as misleading, demanding that the government clarify the scientific basis behind the declaration.
Many grassroots organizations, including Adivasi groups and Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHAs), also criticized the government’s claim, stating that poverty remains a stark reality for many. They urged that Kerala cannot be considered free from extreme poverty while significant sections of the population continue to suffer.
In defense of the EPEP, the state government argued that the initiative was established on credible data and verifiable results. Local Self-Government Minister M.B. Rajesh denounced the criticisms as politically motivated, asserting that the government has successfully eliminated extreme poverty through evidence-based efforts. He clarified that the aim was not to eradicate poverty altogether, but to address extreme poverty specifically.
The article originally appeared on Maktoob Media.
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