Kozhikode district is poised to achieve a historic milestone, with an official declaration expected by October 15: it will become entirely free of extreme poverty. This ambitious initiative highlights the dedicated efforts of local authorities and community involvement.
According to a recent press release from the district administration on Monday, significant strides have already been made. Out of 6,773 identified families, comprising 11,843 individuals living in extreme poverty, a remarkable 5,882 families have successfully transitioned out of this challenging situation. Already, 31 local bodies within the district have been officially designated as extreme poverty-free. The remaining local bodies are projected to reach this status, with 21 expected to join the list by the first week of October, and the final few by the district-wide deadline of October 15.
A core component of this eradication strategy involves comprehensive housing solutions. Specifically, 650 families were identified as needing only houses; of these, 569 homes have already been constructed, with the remaining projects actively underway. For the 330 families requiring both land and housing, 241 have received land allocations, and 154 of these families have completed the construction of their new homes. Additionally, plans are in motion to provide apartment units for seven families who are both landless and homeless.
Beyond new construction, the initiative also addresses existing housing needs, with 1,068 families requiring house repairs. Impressively, repairs have been completed for 989 of these homes. District officials have affirmed a contingency plan: if, for any reason, permanent housing cannot be finalized for landless and homeless individuals by the October 15 deadline, suitable rental accommodations will be provided to ensure no family is left behind.