On November 1, 2025, the Kerala state government announced that the state had become India’s first “extreme-poverty-free” region through its Extreme Poverty Eradication Programme (EPEP). According to the government, Kerala is only the second region in the world to achieve this distinction, after China.

https://keralakaumudi.com/en/news/news.php?id=1639198&u=extreme-poverty-free-kerala

The state’s claim has drawn attention, with many attributing Kerala’s economic resilience to remittances from Keralites working in the Middle East and other parts of India, especially given the limited industrial base in the state. However, a closer examination of the numbers and methodology raises significant questions about the validity of the claim.

Statistical Discrepancies

The government claims to have lifted 64,006 families, comprising 1,03,099 individuals, out of extreme poverty. Considering the average family size in Kerala is around 4.5, this appears inconsistent. The Central Government’s NITI Aayog estimates that approximately 0.73% of Kerala’s population lives in extreme poverty. By comparison, 1 lakh individuals in a population of 3.6 crore would account for only about 0.28%, indicating a potential discrepancy in the state’s calculations.

Parameters Without Defined Thresholds

The EPEP reportedly considered four parameters when identifying 64,006 families living in extreme poverty:

• Shelter
• Food
• Access to health care
• Secure income

However, the government has not publicly disclosed minimum thresholds for these categories. Questions remain about what constitutes “adequate food,” “sufficient shelter,” or “regular income.” For example, does receiving a small monthly allowance or having just one meal a day qualify as being lifted out of extreme poverty? Without clear definitions of what is considered adequate or sufficient, it is difficult to explain how these families were determined to have been lifted out of extreme poverty.

Existing Beneficiaries of Central Schemes

Further scrutiny reveals another significant issue. Kerala currently has over 5.9 lakh families enrolled under the Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY), a Central Government food security scheme for the poorest families. This translates to more than 20 lakh people still living in extreme poverty in the state. The EPEP’s figure of 64,006 families seems small in comparison, suggesting the programme may have addressed gaps in welfare coverage rather than eradicating extreme poverty altogether.

Indeed, the EPEP’s eligibility criteria excluded households already covered under existing schemes like the AAY. As a result, the program appears to have targeted those who had previously been left out of government support, providing rehabilitation rather than complete eradication of extreme poverty.

Publicity and Timing

The Kerala government announced that the state had become extreme-poverty-free at a high-profile event on November 1. The event was expected to be attended by celebrities Mammootty, Mohanlal, and Kamal Haasan. However, Mohanlal and Kamal Haasan were absent, while Mammootty remarked that although extreme poverty may have been addressed, Kerala is still not free from poverty.

Mammootty on Poverty: Development vs Starvation in Kerala

The announcement also comes months ahead of the state elections. Analysts note that the government’s timing may serve to highlight developmental achievements. Kerala’s main revenue streams are limited, and the state has relied on support from the Central Government to manage financial pressures in recent years.

Conclusion

While the EPEP may have improved conditions for certain vulnerable groups, evidence suggests that Kerala is not truly “extreme-poverty-free.” Statistical inconsistencies, lack of defined thresholds, and the exclusion of existing welfare beneficiaries indicate that the programme may represent targeted rehabilitation rather than full eradication.

As Kerala moves forward, it remains critical to evaluate social welfare programs transparently and ensure that claims of achievement reflect measurable, verifiable improvements in the lives of all citizens.