Empowering Lives for a Brighter Future

Seeram Sambasiva Rao IAS

Principal Director, Local Self Government Department, Kerala

A comprehensive look at Kerala’s mission to eradicate extreme poverty through community solidarity, targeted interventions, and transformative government initiatives.

Kerala’s people have consistently shown remarkable resilience when faced with life-threatening challenges, highlighting the importance of community solidarity and effective government interventions in tackling poverty. This collective strength, combining individual determination and systemic support, exemplifies the state’s ability to overcome adversity and emerge stronger.

A Life Saved Through Community Effort

Sri. Kunhumuhammed Kottilil, from Vattamkulam Gram Panchayat in Malappuram, faced a critical battle with chronic kidney disease. The life-saving transplant he needed cost Rs.30 lakhs, a sum beyond his means. His community stepped in, forming a fundraising group with contributions 14 from kind-hearted individuals and businesses. Supported by the Extreme Poverty Eradication Project (EPEP), Kunhumuhammed underwent a successful transplant. While post-surgery care remains expensive, government aid and community support ensure access to essential medication. Today, he runs a stationery shop, his life transformed by solidarity and compassion.

In Chazhur, women like Prajitha and Santha have reshaped their lives through perseverance. Despite 75% visual impairment, Prajitha gained independence by joining Harita Karmasena, learning skills like QR code scanning. Similarly, Santha, whose husband suffered a debilitating injury, now supports her family through this initiative.

Kerala has significantly reduced poverty, from 59.8% in 1973–74 to just 0.55% in 2019–21, according to NITI Aayog. A five-year plan launched in 2021 under Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan aims to eradicate extreme poverty, showcasing the state’s commitment to uplifting marginalised communities

Unveiling Hidden Struggles: The Process of Identifying Extreme Poverty

Kerala’s approach to tackling extreme poverty involved detailed, household-level data collection to identify the most vulnerable. The process assessed factors like health issues, food insecurity, lack of assets, irregular income, disability, old age, and livelihoods. Marginalised groups, including Scheduled Castes and Tribes, were evaluated on additional criteria like geographic isolation and malnutrition. T he Local Self Government Department spearheaded the Extreme Poverty Identification Process (EPIP), starting with 118,309 nominated households, later shortlisted to 64,006 across four deprivation categories: income (35%), health (24%), food (21%), and shelter (15%). This rigorous process ensured targeted interventions for the extremely poor.

Bridging the Gap: The Micro Plan Development Initiative

To eliminate extreme poverty in Kerala, the creation of an Extreme Poverty Sub Plan was essential. Led by local governments with the State Poverty Eradication Mission Kudumbashree’s support, the plan addressed deprivations identified through the Extreme Poverty Identification Process (EPIP). Tailored micro-level plans were developed for each household, outlining short-term, intermediate, and long-term programmes. Immediate care plans provided urgent services, while intermediate ones aimed for solutions within two years. Long-term plans were developed where necessary. A total of 56,821 micro plans were approved. Additionally, the ‘Avakasam Athivegam’ campaign ensured 21,263 individuals received key documents to access vital services.

Nourishing the Soul, Promoting Wellness: Food and Health Support in the First Year

T he initiative’s first year focused on addressing food and health deprivation, offering crucial support for survival and dignity. Food assistance reached 15,276 families with food kits and 5,336 families through community kitchens. Health support included medications, palliative care, organ transplantation help, and medical treatment for 21,027 families. Additionally, 693 individuals were relocated to shelter homes. These interventions provided the means for families to break free from extreme poverty.

‘Ujjeevanam’ – Revitalising and Empowering Communities

In its first year, the ‘Ujjeevanam’ Campaign, launched in October 2023 with Kudumbashree’s support, focused on creating sustainable income opportunities for the extreme poor. It assisted 841 families by providing access to vocational training, microfinance, and entrepreneurship support. This helped participants gain skills, build assets, and increase their earning potential, improving their well being and resilience to economic challenges. The campaign aims to offer long-term financial stability, reducing vulnerability to poverty and enabling families to meet basic needs and invest in education and healthcare.

Homes for Hope: Tackling Housing Insecurity Among the Extreme Poor

For the extreme poor, access to safe housing is a significant challenge, reinforcing the poverty cycle. Many live in informal settlements or makeshift shelters due to a lack of affordable housing, inadequate infrastructure, and insecure land tenure. These conditions lead to overcrowding, poor sanitation, and health risks, while the stress of housing insecurity affects mental well-being. Addressing this requires affordable housing, community development, and support services. The 2020 LIFE list identified 2,930 families in need of housing and 1,531 needing both land and housing. In the programme’s first year, 15,667 families received new homes, with 1,558 starting construction and 104 completing theirs.

Departmental Collaboration for Uplifting the Extreme Poor

T he success of the initiative to uplift the extreme poor in its f irst year was largely due to the collaboration and support of various government departments, each addressing different poverty-related challenges. The Health Department provided free healthcare, medicines, and follow-up care, as well as health insurance and disability certificates. The Civil Supplies Department distributed ration cards and food kits to 5,132 families, ensuring no one was left behind. T he Education Department facilitated access to educational materials, school admissions, and scholarships for higher education. The Transport Department provided free travel passes to 1,340 students. The Social Justice Department focused on rehabilitating nomadic communities and supporting vulnerable groups. Finally, the Kudumbashree State Mission distributed food through ‘Janakeeya Hotels’ and launched the ‘Ujjeevanam’ project to support income generating activities. This multi-departmental approach provided holistic support, empowering the extreme poor to overcome challenges and work towards a better future.

Government Increases Funding to Strengthen Support Initiatives

T he government allocated Rs.50 Crore for the 2023-24 period to support micro-plans developed by Local Self Government Institutions. Funds included Rs.45 Lakh for high-cost healthcare, Rs.16.43 Crore for the Kudumbashree Mission’s Ujjeevanam Campaign to create sustainable livelihoods, and Rs.33.12 Crore for the LIFE Mission to build homes for the extreme poor. This financial support demonstrates the government’s commitment to addressing healthcare, housing, and livelihood needs for the extreme poor.

First-Year Milestones: Laying the Foundation for Lasting Success

On 1 November 2023, Kerala achieved a significant milestone, with 47.89% of identified extreme poor individuals moving out of poverty. This success reflected the first phase of the Extreme Poverty Eradication Project, led by Local Self Governments. The state government aims to complete the initiative by 1 November 2025, focusing on food security, medical assistance, secure housing, and income support through continued collaboration between citizens, community organisations, and government departments

Second Year of Implementation: Expanding Reach and Amplifying Impact

T he government’s commitment to eradicating extreme poverty has ensured the successful continuation of its f lagship poverty alleviation scheme into its second year. New interventions include expanding the Ujjeevanam Campaign, introducing skills training, and promoting community-led entrepreneurship. Partnerships with local organisations and NGOs have enhanced service delivery. The government is also addressing shelter challenges with targeted solutions, dedicating additional resources to achieve the goal of an extreme poverty-free state.

Ensuring Food Security and Access to Health Support

Local Self Governments, voluntary organisations, and Residents’ Associations continued providing cooked meals and food kits to the extreme poor, ensuring no one went hungry for the second consecutive year. Special Onam kits were distributed, with 21,682 food kits and 2,318 cooked meals given. Health staff and volunteers provided essential healthcare, including medicines, palliative care, and medical check-ups. Nine organ transplants saved lives, and 440 cases required health equipment, with 239 receiving devices. Tri scooters also doubled as income-generating tools.

Promoting Education and Providing Scholarships for Children

T he educational needs of 5,583 children from extreme poverty were addressed by forwarding their details to the Department of Public Education. For children aged 14 to 16, the department provided meals, school uniforms, tuition fees, and support for arts and sports. Financial support for 1,424 children was also arranged for the 2024-25 academic year. Additionally, 554 students from the poorest families were guaranteed admission to +1 courses. Study materials were distributed with LSGIs’ help. Furthermore, 331 orphaned children will receive stipends and scholarships under the “Snehapoorvam” scheme to aid their education.

Providing Transport Assistance for Students

In 2024-25, the Department of Transport issued travel passes to 556 students from extremely poor families, adding to the 1,767 provided in the previous year. These efforts, alongside other interventions, have significantly improved the living conditions and education of the extreme poor in Kerala.

Promise Fulfilled: Government’s Continued Funding for Two Years in a Row

In the 2023-24 budget, the government allocated Rs. 50 Crore to the Extreme Poverty Eradication Project, reinforcing its commitment to supporting the most vulnerable groups. The funding covers healthcare for high-cost treatments, contributions to Kudumbashree’s Ujjeevanam Campaign, and support for LIFE Mission’s housing initiatives. This allocation reflects the government’s focus on addressing the diverse aspects of extreme poverty, including healthcare, livelihood creation, and housing, ensuring resources are available to uplift the extreme poor and improve their long-term well-being.

The Path Ahead

Kerala’s historic mission to eradicate extreme poverty is powered by democratic decentralisation, enabling Local Self Governments to take decisive action at the grassroots level. By 1 November 2025, Kerala aims to reach a key milestone in equitable development through successful micro-plan implementation. This will make it the first state to fully achieve two vital Sustainable Development Goals: ‘No Poverty’ and ‘Zero Hunger.’ The state has already lifted 64,006 families from extreme poverty, positioning Kerala as a global model of sustainable development. Its efforts aim to inspire others, ensuring that no one is left behind and setting a higher standard of living for all.