Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala created history on its state formation day as Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan officially declared it India’s first ‘extreme poverty-free’ state. The announcement, made during a grand ceremony at Thiruvananthapuram’s Central Stadium, marks a major socio-economic achievement for the state and positions it as only the second region in the world after China to reach this milestone.
The event witnessed the presence of state ministers, local representatives, and prominent cultural and film personalities. The celebrations were accompanied by traditional performances showcasing Kerala’s rich heritage and artistic spirit.
Speaking at the event, CM Vijayan said the declaration was the result of years of consistent social welfare initiatives. “This is not merely an achievement but a reaffirmation of Kerala’s commitment to inclusive growth, social justice, and human dignity,” he stated.
Extreme poverty is defined by the World Bank as living on less than $2.15 (around ₹180) per person per day, a condition where individuals struggle to access basic necessities such as food, shelter, healthcare, and education. India’s Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI), developed by NITI Aayog, provides a more comprehensive view—assessing poverty based on nutrition, sanitation, housing, education, and essential services.
According to the 2023 NITI Aayog MPI Report, Kerala already topped the list with the lowest share of multidimensionally poor citizens in India—only 0.55% of its population fell under this category, followed by Goa (0.84%) and Puducherry (0.85%).
