Kerala has officially declared itself a state free from extreme poverty, a landmark achievement that Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan hailed as the dawn of a new social mechanism. This system, he stated, will ensure a vital security net for anyone facing poverty or crisis.
Addressing a public gathering at the Central Stadium in Thiruvananthapuram, Mr. Vijayan expressed confidence in the government’s vision to elevate Kerala’s living standards to par with developed nations. He emphasized that this success extends beyond government efforts, crediting the united spirit of the people and the tireless work of countless volunteers and officials who reached every household to fulfill basic needs. “This is not merely a welfare initiative or an act of charity, but the profound realization of economic equality, a core ideal enshrined in the Indian Constitution,” he affirmed.
The Chief Minister elaborated on the journey of the Extreme Poverty Eradication Project (EPEP), which began with the current Left Democratic Front (LDF) government’s first Cabinet decision in May 2021. The project involved a comprehensive, grassroots process to identify 64,006 beneficiary families, followed by the creation of tailored microplans for each. He cited a recent Cabinet meeting where a final technical hurdle concerning the last remaining family was overcome, marking the project’s successful completion.
Addressing skeptics, Mr. Vijayan stated, “I share this experience to ensure everyone understands that this declaration is not a deceptive claim, but an undeniable reality. It is truly regrettable that such doubts were cast upon the project, especially when everyone cooperated and contributed to its success.”
Actor Mammootty, attending as the chief guest for his first public appearance in eight months after a medical hiatus, praised the achievement. He attributed Kerala’s extreme poverty-free status to the collective social and democratic consciousness of its populace. “The world often observes our social indicators. Our people have collectively triumphed over numerous challenges. The mutual trust and affection evident here are our greatest assets. Having tackled extreme poverty, our next step must be to eliminate all forms of poverty. I am hopeful that this governance system will achieve this too,” he remarked.
M.B. Rajesh, Minister for Local Self-Governments, who presided over the event, highlighted the government’s proactive approach. He noted that instead of waiting for development to trickle down, the government actively sought out the most vulnerable, including those lacking basic documentation to access welfare. He proudly stated that formulating micro plans customized to each family’s needs was a pioneering effort in the country.
The event also saw Mr. Vijayan formally releasing a report on the EPEP project, presenting the first copy to Mr. Mammootty. Several ministers and ruling front MLAs were present, while Leader of the Opposition V.D. Satheesan, despite being invited, opted not to attend.