Kerala: First State Free From Extreme Poverty

KERALA TO BE FIRST STATE ‘FREE OF EXTREME POVERTY’

Why in the News?

  • Historic declaration: Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan will declare the State free from extreme poverty on November 1, marking a significant milestone in sustainability development and ecological restoration.
  • National milestone: Kerala will be the first Indian State to achieve this landmark status, aligning with sustainable development goals and demonstrating effective water resource management.
  • Initiative launch: The programme began in 2021 as one of the first decisions of the LDF government, focusing on environmental factors and sustainability challenges, including the preservation of ecological services.

Kerala: First State Free From Extreme Poverty

Key Features of the Programme

  • Data-based approach: 64,006 families identified as extremely poor based on food, shelter, health, and livelihood indicators, considering environmental aspects and utilizing sustainability assessment tools.
  • Targeted support: Houses for 3,913 families, land for 1,338, and repairs for 5,651 homes were completed, addressing environmental issues and promoting ecological health while mitigating biodiversity loss.
  • Inclusion drive: 21,263 individuals received essential documents like Aadhaar and ration cards, supporting sustainability principles and enhancing access to environmental benefits.

Significance and Broader Impact

  • Lowest poverty rate: As per NITI Aayog (2021), Kerala’s poverty rate is only 0.7%, demonstrating progress in sustainability goals and effective management of environmental costs.
  • Collaborative success: Local bodies, including opposition-led ones, ensured effective implementation of environmental management strategies and ecological restoration initiatives.
  • Human development model: Reinforces Kerala’s inclusive growth and welfare-driven governance, addressing sustainability challenges and environmental considerations through innovative water resource management techniques.

MULTIDIMENSIONAL POVERTY INDEX (MPI)
● Concept origin: Developed by UNDP and Oxford Poverty & Human Development Initiative, incorporating sustainability principles and environmental impact assessments.
● Indicators used: Covers health, education, and standard of living dimensions, including environmental factors and ecological services.
● NITI Aayog adaptation: India’s National MPI launched in 2021, aligning with SDG 1 – No Poverty and environmental sustainability assessment using advanced sustainability assessment tools.
● Key insight: Kerala consistently ranks best performer in poverty reduction and social indicators, while addressing ecological impacts and promoting biodiversity conservation.