Kerala to be declared extreme poverty-free state on November 1

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Chief Minister will declare Kerala as extreme poverty-free on November 1. Ministers MB Rajesh and V Sivankutty said that out of the 64,006 families identified as extremely poor during a Kudumbashree survey three years ago, the remaining 59,277 families have now been freed from poverty through various government programs, assistance, and support.

The declaration ceremony will be held at 5 p.m. on November 1 at the Central Stadium in Thiruvananthapuram. Film stars Kamal Haasan, Mammootty, and Mohanlal will attend as chief guests. The Leader of the Opposition will also be invited. A cultural event will be held as part of the function.

Families that lack essentials such as food, health, livelihood, and housing are considered extremely poor. A special micro-plan was prepared to ensure that every identified household received targeted support and services. The large-scale effort involved government departments, volunteers, and the public. The government spent over Rs 1,000 crore on this initiative.

Achievements in poverty eradication

• 21,263 people received title deeds.
• 18,438 families have been receiving food kits since 2022, and 2,210 families have been receiving cooked meals.
• 85,721 people from 29,427 families received medical treatment and medicines.
• 4,394 families were provided with livelihood support.
• 34,672 families got job guarantee cards.
• 4,687 families received homes under the LIFE housing project, and 2,791 families were given land.
• 439 families were allotted a total of 2,832.645 cents of land for house construction.
• 5,660 families received Rs 2 lakh each for house reconstruction.
• 2,323 children were given free travel on KSRTC buses.
• 554 students were granted Plus Two admissions to schools near their homes.