Rajeev Chandrasekhar accuses Kerala govt of propaganda over claims of eradicating extreme poverty – The Hindu

Report on Poverty Eradication Claims in Kerala and Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals

Executive Summary

On October 27, 2025, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Kerala president Rajeev Chandrasekhar contested the Left Democratic Front (LDF) government’s assertion of having eradicated extreme poverty in Kerala. This report analyzes the statements, framing the dispute within the context of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 1 (No Poverty). The report highlights the attribution of poverty reduction to Union government schemes that align with multiple SDGs.

Analysis of Progress Towards SDG 1: No Poverty

The primary point of contention relates to the successful implementation of SDG 1, which aims to end poverty in all its forms. Mr. Chandrasekhar presented data to contrast the effectiveness of state-level efforts with national initiatives.

• State-Level Performance Assessment: The claim that the LDF government eradicated extreme poverty was termed “mere propaganda.” It was noted that the state government addressed an initial extreme poverty level of 1.24% over a period exceeding a decade, uplifting 2.72 lakh people at a reported cost of over ₹1,000 crore.
• National-Level Performance Comparison: In contrast, it was stated that the Union government reduced India’s national extreme poverty rate from 16.2% to 2.3% during the same timeframe, lifting 17 crore people out of extreme poverty.

Contribution of National Schemes to Multiple SDGs

The reduction of poverty in Kerala was attributed to centrally sponsored schemes that support a multi-dimensional approach to development, aligning with several interconnected SDGs.

1. Pradhan Manthri Gareeb Kalyan Anna Yojana: This food security initiative is fundamental to achieving SDG 2 (Zero Hunger). By ensuring nutritional needs are met, it provides a critical foundation for families to escape the poverty trap, directly supporting SDG 1 (No Poverty).
2. Ayushman Bharat: This health insurance scheme advances SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being). It mitigates the risk of catastrophic healthcare expenditure, a significant driver of poverty, thereby protecting vulnerable households and contributing to SDG 1.
3. Pradhan Manthri Awaz Yojana: This housing scheme directly targets SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) by providing access to adequate and affordable housing. Secure housing is a key asset that enhances economic stability and supports the overarching goal of SDG 1.

Implications for Governance and Partnerships (SDG 16 & SDG 17)

The political dispute over the attribution of success in poverty alleviation highlights broader issues concerning governance and collaboration, which are central to SDG 16 and SDG 17.

• SDG 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions): The questioning of the state government’s claims and the efficiency of its expenditure relates to the principles of accountability and transparency in public institutions.
• SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals): The argument underscores the importance of collaboration between national and sub-national governments. It suggests that achieving the SDGs effectively requires a partnership-based approach where the contributions of all levels of government are acknowledged.

Analysis of Sustainable Development Goals in the Article

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

The article primarily discusses the issue of poverty eradication, directly connecting to several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The following SDGs are relevant:

• SDG 1: No Poverty – This is the central theme of the article, which revolves around the claims and counterclaims regarding the eradication of extreme poverty in Kerala and India.
• SDG 2: Zero Hunger – The article mentions the “Pradhan Manthri Gareeb Kalyan Anna Yojana,” a food security scheme, linking the discussion to the goal of ending hunger.
• SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being – The mention of the “Ayushman Bharat” scheme connects the poverty reduction efforts to the goal of ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being, particularly through universal health coverage.
• SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities – The reference to the “Pradhan Manthri Awaz Yojana,” a housing scheme, links the issue to the goal of providing adequate and affordable housing.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

Based on the specific issues and schemes mentioned, the following targets can be identified:

1. Target 1.1: By 2030, eradicate extreme poverty for all people everywhere.
   • Explanation: The article is centered on the debate over the “eradication of extreme poverty.” It explicitly quotes figures on “extreme poverty level in Kerala” (1.24%) and the reduction of “extreme poverty in India… from 16.2% to 2.3%.” This directly addresses the goal of eliminating extreme poverty.
2. Target 1.2: By 2030, reduce at least by half the proportion of men, women and children of all ages living in poverty in all its dimensions according to national definitions.
   • Explanation: The article discusses poverty reduction in broader terms, citing the number of people “uplifted from poverty” in both Kerala (2.72 lakh) and India (17 crore). This aligns with the target of reducing poverty according to national measurements and definitions.
3. Target 2.1: By 2030, end hunger and ensure access by all people, in particular the poor and people in vulnerable situations… to safe, nutritious and sufficient food all year round.
   • Explanation: The article identifies the “Pradhan Manthri Gareeb Kalyan Anna Yojana” as a key scheme contributing to poverty eradication. This scheme provides food grains to the poor, directly supporting the target of ensuring food access.
4. Target 3.8: Achieve universal health coverage, including financial risk protection, access to quality essential health-care services…
   • Explanation: The “Ayushman Bharat” scheme is mentioned as a contributor to poverty reduction. This is a national health insurance scheme aimed at providing financial protection against health-related expenses, which is a core component of achieving universal health coverage.
5. Target 11.1: By 2030, ensure access for all to adequate, safe and affordable housing and basic services…
   • Explanation: The article lists the “Pradhan Manthri Awaz Yojana” as a scheme that has helped reduce extreme poverty. This scheme focuses on providing affordable housing, directly addressing this target.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

Yes, the article mentions and implies several indicators that can be used to measure progress.

• Explicit Indicators for SDG 1:
  • Proportion of the population below the poverty line: The article provides specific percentages to measure poverty levels. For instance, it states, “The extreme poverty level in Kerala was 1.24%” and that the central government “has reduced extreme poverty in India during the same period from 16.2% to 2.3%.” This directly corresponds to official SDG indicators like 1.1.1 (Proportion of population below the international poverty line) and 1.2.1 (Proportion of population living below the national poverty line).
  • Number of people lifted out of poverty: The article quantifies the progress by stating that “17 crore Indians” and “2.72 lakh people” in Kerala were “uplifted from poverty.” This serves as a direct measure of poverty reduction efforts.
• Implied Indicators for SDGs 2, 3, and 11:
  • Implementation of social protection programs: While the article does not provide specific data on the outcomes of the schemes, it mentions the “Pradhan Manthri Awaz Yojana, Pradhan Manthri Gareeb Kalyan Anna Yojana and Ayushman Bharat” as key contributors to poverty eradication. The existence and implementation of these government-sponsored schemes for housing, food security, and health coverage are themselves implied indicators of progress towards Targets 11.1, 2.1, and 3.8, respectively.

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: thehindu.com