The second phase of Kerala’s Extreme Poverty Eradication Programme (EPEP 2.0) is set to intensify efforts against destitution. This enhanced initiative will focus on proactively identifying families vulnerable to extreme poverty, launching a dedicated helpline, and offering comprehensive support to those who have already escaped poverty, all while aligning with the Multidimensional Poverty Index standards.
According to M.B. Rajesh, Minister for Local Self-Governments, the new helpline will empower the public to report instances of extreme poverty they encounter, directly involving citizens in identifying and assisting vulnerable households.
The EPEP 2.0 strategy recognizes that while Kerala has been declared an extreme poverty-free state, the real work begins now. The program aims to prevent families from relapsing into poverty by offering continuous support and fostering self-reliance. To achieve this, each local body will establish a dedicated EPEP safety net cell.
Engaging Communities from the Ground Up
The existing 64,006 micro-plans, meticulously crafted for each extremely impoverished family during the first phase, will be thoroughly updated to guide future actions. Ward-level committees are expected to play a crucial role in this ongoing effort. Furthermore, self-help groups will be established through the Kudumbashree initiative to boost income-generating opportunities for these families. The program will also actively involve voluntary organizations and community activists to enhance its reach and effectiveness.
Beyond direct assistance, EPEP 2.0 aspires to create a robust social security net that protects all citizens of Kerala. Comprehensive monitoring systems will be implemented to ensure that families who have transitioned out of extreme poverty continue to receive vital services and benefits from the program’s initial phase. The focus will extend to empowering these families through economic and social self-reliance, offering essential health insurance, free medical care, mental health support, skill development training, and sustainable job opportunities. A streamlined grievance redressal system will also be established to promptly address any challenges families may encounter.
To sustain these initiatives, a dedicated allocation will be set aside in the State Budget for EPEP 2.0 activities. Local bodies’ plan funds will also serve as a significant financial resource. These local bodies will be required to submit regular monthly and quarterly progress reports on each family’s advancement. Experts and officials will conduct on-site visits to accurately assess family situations. Additionally, the program will explore avenues for utilizing Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) funds.
Furthermore, the government plans to reassess the ‘Ashraya’ project, originally launched in 2002 to identify and rehabilitate destitute families. The beneficiary list will be thoroughly updated, evaluating whether current beneficiaries have successfully risen out of extreme poverty through the support received.