Kerala’s Quest to Eradicate Extreme Poverty: Dharmadam Constituency Sets the Pace
In a significant milestone, Kerala’s Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan announced that his Dharmadam Assembly constituency in Kannur has been declared the state’s first extreme poverty-free constituency. The achievement is a testament to the state government’s commitment to eradicating poverty, with Vijayan promising that the entire state will be declared extreme poverty-free by November 1, 2025.
The four key indicators of extreme poverty – food availability, health, income, and housing – have been identified as the basic requirements for survival. In a survey, the government identified 64,002 families in the extreme poverty category, and micro-plans were prepared to uplift them. The initiative, which began three years ago, has shown commendable progress, with 44,000 families already brought out of the extreme poverty category. The remaining 20,000 families are expected to follow suit by November next year.
Kerala has a reputation for being a leader in human development, and this achievement is a shining example of its commitment to social justice. The state’s NITI-Aayog multidimensional poverty index (MPI) ranked Kerala with the lowest poverty rate of 0.71% in India. The identification of extreme poor families was done through a grassroots-level survey conducted in all local self-governing bodies, with the Kerala Institute of Local Administration preparing the yardstick.
The 196 families identified as extreme poor in Dharmadam constituency received various forms of support, including food, healthcare services, sources of income, and housing assistance. Nineteen families received food aid, 139 families received healthcare services, and 20 families were provided with sources of income. Additionally, 83 families were provided either new houses or financial assistance for renovation, and all families were ensured mandatory documents.
Vijayan credited the success to the collective effort of various departments and called it a “noble example of care and love for fellow beings.” The achievement serves as a beacon of hope for the remaining families struggling with extreme poverty and underscores the state government’s commitment to eradicating poverty. As Kerala sets its sights on declaring the entire state extreme poverty-free, it is a testament to the power of targeted initiatives and a reminder that even in a state known for its progress, there is still work to be done.
Original Source: https://indianexpress.com/article/india/kerala-declares-cms-dharmadam-constituency-extreme-poverty-free-9942666/
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Publish Date: 2025-04-14 04:30:00
