In a significant milestone for social welfare, Minister for Local Self-Government, Rural Development and Excise M B Rajesh on Saturday announced that Kottayam has become the first district in Kerala with no residents living in extreme poverty. The achievement is part of the Kerala government’s broader mission to eradicate extreme poverty from the state by November 1, 2025.

“When the LDF government assumed office in 2021, our first decision was to fight extreme poverty—and Kottayam has led the way,” said the minister. He praised the collaborative efforts under schemes like LIFE Mission (housing for the homeless), ‘Manasodithiri Mannu’ (land allocation), and partnerships with private individuals to provide shelter and livelihood.

Ports Minister V N Vasavan, who presided over the event, said Kottayam may be the first district in India to achieve this feat.

A phased, people-centric approach

The process began in October 2021 with a mass survey involving 1,344 teams and 2,688 enumerators. Extreme poverty was defined based on deficits in food, health, income, and housing. Initially, 1,071 individuals were identified, and after verification, 903 were confirmed as extremely poor.

By August 2022, 978 tailored microplans were created. Implementation began in October 2022 and included:

  • 605 families receiving food kits or cooked meals

  • 693 families provided with medicines

  • 206 families receiving palliative care

  • 155 families supported with income-generation facilities

  • Safe housing secured for 117 families through various schemes

  • 490 people given entitlement documents like Aadhaar and ration cards

  • 55 students awarded free bus passes and academic support

    • The project also extended mental health care and rehabilitation for homeless individuals and those with psychiatric needs.

    This comprehensive, grassroots-led initiative has not only improved quality of life but positioned Kerala as a model for inclusive development.