Kottayam District Declared Free of Extreme Poverty: A Milestone in Kerala’s Sustainable Development Efforts

Introduction

On June 28, 2025, the Kerala government announced a significant achievement in its mission to eradicate extreme poverty, with Kottayam becoming the first district in the state to be officially declared free of extreme poverty. This accomplishment aligns closely with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 1: No Poverty, and SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being.

Government Initiative and Survey

The initiative to eliminate extreme poverty was launched in 2021, with a target date set for November 1, 2025. The government conducted a comprehensive statewide survey through the Kudumbashree program, identifying 64,006 families living under extreme poverty conditions.

As of the announcement, 93% of these families have been uplifted from extreme poverty, a progress that has attracted national and international attention, comparable to targeted poverty eradication efforts seen in countries like China.

Extreme Poverty Eradication Project (EPEP)

The success in Kottayam is attributed to the Extreme Poverty Eradication Project (EPEP), a structured four-year program initiated in October 2021. The project involved:

1. Comprehensive data collection and community participation.
2. Deployment of 1,344 enumeration teams and 2,688 enumerators.
3. Assessment criteria based on food security, health, income, and housing.

Kottayam completed the poverty assessment by January 10, 2022, identifying 903 individuals living in extreme poverty. Subsequently, 978 micro-plans were developed and implemented through local self-government bodies to address the specific needs of these individuals.

Measures Adopted to Eradicate Extreme Poverty

The project adopted a multi-dimensional approach addressing various aspects of poverty, directly contributing to several SDGs including SDG 2: Zero Hunger, SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being, SDG 4: Quality Education, and SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities.

• Food Security: Distribution of food kits and provision of cooked meals to 605 families.
• Healthcare Support: Medicines supplied to 693 families and palliative care services to 206 individuals; health and safety supplies distributed to six families.
• Income Generation: Support extended to 156 families through initiatives such as Kudumbashree’s Ujjivanam project, local bodies, and private partners.
• Housing Assistance: Provided to 67 families lacking shelter, 50 families requiring both land and housing, and relocation of 22 families to rented homes.
• Documentation and Financial Inclusion: Assistance to 490 beneficiaries in obtaining Aadhaar cards, ration cards, and bank accounts, promoting SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities.
• Educational Support: Free bus passes and study materials provided to 55 students, supporting SDG 4: Quality Education.
• Rehabilitation and Social Support: Programs for persons with mental health issues and assistance to homeless or wandering individuals.

Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

The eradication of extreme poverty in Kottayam district exemplifies effective implementation of the following SDGs:

• SDG 1 (No Poverty): Direct elimination of extreme poverty through targeted interventions.
• SDG 2 (Zero Hunger): Ensuring food security for vulnerable families.
• SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being): Access to medicines, palliative care, and health supplies.
• SDG 4 (Quality Education): Support for students’ transportation and study materials.
• SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities): Facilitating access to identity and financial documents.
• SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities): Housing support and rehabilitation efforts.

Conclusion

The declaration of Kottayam as the first district in Kerala to eradicate extreme poverty marks a landmark achievement in sustainable development and social welfare. The structured approach and community engagement under the Extreme Poverty Eradication Project serve as a model for other districts and states aiming to meet the SDGs by 2030.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected

1. SDG 1: No Poverty – The article focuses on the Kerala government’s mission to eliminate extreme poverty in Kottayam district, directly addressing the goal of eradicating poverty in all its forms everywhere.
2. SDG 2: Zero Hunger – Measures such as providing food kits and cooked meals to families in extreme poverty relate to ending hunger and ensuring food security.
3. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being – Distribution of medicines, palliative care services, and health and safety supplies indicate efforts to ensure healthy lives and promote well-being.
4. SDG 4: Quality Education – Educational support through free bus passes and study materials for students supports inclusive and equitable quality education.
5. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities – Housing assistance and relocation to rented homes contribute to making human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable.
6. SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions – Helping beneficiaries obtain key documents such as Aadhaar cards, ration cards, and bank accounts supports inclusive institutions and access to justice.

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs Identified

1. SDG 1: No Poverty
   • Target 1.1: Eradicate extreme poverty for all people everywhere, currently measured as people living on less than $1.90 a day.
   • Target 1.3: Implement nationally appropriate social protection systems and measures for all.
2. SDG 2: Zero Hunger
   • Target 2.1: End hunger and ensure access by all people to safe, nutritious, and sufficient food all year round.
3. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
   • Target 3.8: Achieve universal health coverage, including access to quality essential health-care services and medicines.
4. SDG 4: Quality Education
   • Target 4.1: Ensure that all girls and boys complete free, equitable and quality primary and secondary education.
5. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
   • Target 11.1: Ensure access for all to adequate, safe and affordable housing and basic services.
6. SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
   • Target 16.9: Provide legal identity for all, including birth registration.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied to Measure Progress

1. SDG 1 Indicators:
   • Proportion of population living below the national poverty line (implied by the survey identifying families in extreme poverty).
   • Percentage of families uplifted from extreme poverty (93% upliftment mentioned).
2. SDG 2 Indicators:
   • Number of families receiving food kits and cooked meals (605 families received cooked meals).
3. SDG 3 Indicators:
   • Number of families receiving medicines (693 families) and palliative care (206 families).
   • Distribution of health and safety supplies (6 families).
4. SDG 4 Indicators:
   • Number of students receiving educational support such as free bus passes and study materials (55 students).
5. SDG 11 Indicators:
   • Number of families receiving housing assistance (67 families) and those moved to rented homes (22 families).
6. SDG 16 Indicators:
   • Number of beneficiaries helped to obtain key documents like Aadhaar cards, ration cards, and bank accounts (490 beneficiaries).

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: thehindu.com