Kerala Creates History: Becomes India's First State Declared Extreme Poverty-Free

This special report from India Today covers Kerala's historic declaration as India's first extreme poverty-free state, announced by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on the state's formation day, November 1st. A key government official stated, 'With a single government order, we brought all those 4,667 families who were homeless under life mission scheme.' The report delves into the state's Extreme Poverty Eradication Programme, which identified 64,006 destitute families through extensive surveys and implemented micro-plans to provide housing, healthcare, and livelihood opportunities. Featuring personal stories from beneficiaries who received homes and support through initiatives like the Life Mission scheme, the programme examines the ground-level impact of this ambitious social welfare achievement. However, some economists and activists have questioned the methodology and data behind the government's claim.