Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Sunday declared Dharmadam as Kerala’s first extreme poverty-free constituency, paving the way for the State to achieve full eradication of extreme poverty by November 1, 2025.
The Chief Minister, speaking at an event at the Pinarayi Convention Centre, said the milestone marks a significant step in the government’s commitment to eliminate extreme poverty through targeted and coordinated interventions.
“We had estimated three years ago that Kerala could become free of extreme poverty. The Local Self-Government department took the lead, with support from all other departments,” he said.
64,002 people in State
The project identified 64,002 individuals living in extreme poverty across the State and tailored micro-level plans were implemented to improve their lives. These interventions addressed basic needs such as food, health, housing and income. “This is a noble example of human love and care for fellow beings,” Mr. Vijayan added.
Dharmadam’s achievement comes after all eight panchayats in the constituency completed poverty eradication activities. A total of 196 families benefitted from the initiative. Services were delivered through immediate, short-term, and long term projects under the Right to Swift Assistance initiative.
Support included issuance of key documents — Aadhar, ration cards, voter IDs, job cards — and access to welfare schemes.
Out of 83 families in need of housing, 27 families received house under the LIFE scheme, while 40 received housing renovation funds. Healthcare services, food aid, and income-generation schemes were extended through Kudumbashree and panchayat plans.
The State-wide campaign to identify and assist the extremely poor began in August 2021 led by the LSG department. The event was presided by Registration, Archaeology and Museums Minister Kadannappally Ramachandran. V. Sivadasan, MP, and district panchayat president K.K. Ratnakumar were present.
Published – April 13, 2025 06:47 pm IST
