Kerealam Becomes India’s First State to Declare Freedom from Extreme Poverty

A video has been released to mark the 40th anniversary of the United Nations Declaration on the Right to Development, adopted on December 4, 1986. The video highlights Kerealam’s achievement in tackling extreme poverty. On November 1, 2025, during a special session of the state Assembly held as part of Kerealam Piravi celebrations, the state declared that it had become free from extreme poverty. With this announcement, Kerealam became the first state in India to make such a declaration.

The state adopted a multidimensional approach, defining poverty not merely as a lack of income but also as a lack of opportunities, capabilities and freedom. Local self-government institutions, civil society organisations and women’s groups worked together to identify vulnerable families. Nearly 10 lakh citizens participated in identifying households facing challenges such as homelessness, prolonged illness and the absence of land or housing documents. More than 64,000 families received individual micro-plans tailored to their needs. Government departments addressed immediate concerns, including food security and healthcare, while developing long-term solutions through sustainable livelihoods and secure housing over five years. The United Nations highlighted the achievement as an example of a development model driven by public participation.