Reference Article: The Hindu – A Kerala story: On eradication of extreme poverty
UPSC Relevance:
– GS Paper I: Poverty and Development
– GS Paper II: Governance and Welfare Schemes
– GS Paper III: Inclusive Growth and Human Development
Kerala declared the eradication of extreme poverty on its 69th formation day, November 1, 2025. The achievement stems from the Extreme Poverty Eradication Programme (EPEP) launched in 2021, led by the Local Self-Government Department with support from community networks like Kudumbashree.
Implementation
Kerala’s model combined data-driven identification and decentralised execution:
- 4 lakh trained enumerators identified 64,006 extremely poor families (1,03,099 individuals).
- Criteria included access to food, health, housing, and livelihood.
- Each family received a custom micro plan ensuring access to documents, housing, medicine, and livelihood support.
Impact and Sustainability
Kerala reduced poverty from 59.8% (1973–74) to 11.3% (2011–12), with NITI Aayog (2023) ranking it the least impoverished State (0.55% poor). The State launched EPEP 2.0 to prevent relapse and address remaining vulnerabilities, especially among tribal communities.
Challenges and Way Forward
While Kerala’s welfare model is effective, issues like unemployment and stagnant growth persist. Current policies aim to strengthen infrastructure, green industries, and skill development to bridge welfare with productivity.
Conclusion
Kerala’s experience shows that decentralised governance and community participation can achieve inclusive growth. The EPEP demonstrates that welfare and economic development can be mutually reinforcing.
UPSC Practice Question:
“How does Kerala’s poverty eradication model highlight the role of decentralisation and local participation in achieving inclusive growth?”