Extreme poverty to be eradicated in Kerala by November 1, 2025, says Chief Minister

Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan announced that extreme poverty in the state will be eradicated by Nov 1, 2025. Govt. has sought support from local bodies, agencies, institutions and individuals to uplift 64,000 families. He urged Kerala society to protect its secular fabric and highlighted the state's welfare measures. Onam celebrations will be held with ₹18,000 crore expenditure, including social security pensions. Cultural events planned over seven days to conclude with pageantry on Sept 2.

Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Sunday said that extreme poverty will be eradicated in the State by November 1, 2025. All 64,000 families in Kerala identified as extremely poor will be lifted out of that situation by that date, said on Sunday, inaugurating the week-long Onam celebrations in the State.

Majority of the families will be out of this list by November 1, 2024. The State government has sought support from local bodies, government and semi-government agencies, private institutions and individuals and collectives in this endeavour, Mr. Vijayan said, adding that ‘micro plans’ are being created for the upliftment of these families. A survey by the LSG department had found 64,006 families in the State to be extremely poor.

Mr. Vijayan urged Kerala society to be on guard against attempts to destroy its secular fabric. The divide between the wealthy and the poor in India is not narrowing, he said.

It is the basic duty of any administration to ensure the welfare of the people. Unfortunately, the gap between the rich and poor is widening in the country. Kerala, where the government has initiated welfare measures perceiving everyone as equals, is an exception to this, he said.

The Chief Minister termed baseless the speculation that this year’s Onam celebrations would lack sparkle due to a financial crisis. Certain sections had unleashed the propaganda that Keralites would have a tough Onam this year, but such allegations are baseless, he said.

He referred to Finance Minister K.N. Balagopal’s statement pegging the government’s Onam month expenditure at approximately ₹18,000 crore. This included the spending on social security pensions which benefits 60 lakh people, the Chief Minister said.

Tourism Minister P.A. Mohamed Riyas, who presided, said the Onam celebration is a symbol of unity among the people. Noted danseuse Mallika Sarabhai and actor Fahadh Faasil were the chief guests at the inaugural function. Ms. Sarabhai said the spirit of Malayalis is the spirit of democracy. Mr. Faasil said the growth of tourism has benefited various sectors, including Malayalam cinema.