The success was credited to the coordinated efforts of local bodies, government departments, and community participation, said VN Vasavan.
Published Jun 29, 2025 | 10:22 AM ⚊ Updated Jun 29, 2025 | 10:22 AM
Kerala Ministers during a press conference.
In a historic milestone for Kerala, Kottayam has been officially declared as the first district in the state without extreme poverty. The announcement was made by Local Self-Government and Excise Minister MB Rajesh, as confirmed by Minister VN Vasavan at a press conference on Saturday, 28 June.
According to Vasavan, it will not be an exaggeration to say that Kottayam is the first district in the country which is free from extreme poverty. The initiative to eradicate extreme poverty was the first decision of the Pinarayi Vijayan government’s second cabinet in 2021, said the minister.
Kottayam led the state-wide mission, launching an intensive survey in October 2021. A total of 1,344 enumeration teams identified 1,071 individuals living in extreme poverty, later revised to 903 after verification.
Microplans for rehabilitation and livelihood support were prepared for each identified family, covering essentials like food, healthcare, housing, palliative care, and income generation. Notably, 117 families received new homes or land through schemes like LIFE and PMAY. Kudumbashree’s Ujjivanam project played a key role in providing income support.
By 2025, Kottayam ensured that every identified family received targeted assistance, transforming the district into a model for poverty eradication in India. The success was credited to the coordinated efforts of local bodies, government departments, and community participation, said Vasavan.
