Kannur declared extreme-poverty free district

Kerala has lifted 52,635 families out of extreme poverty in the past five years, Local Self-Government Minister M.B. Rajesh has said.

Speaking at an event declaring Kannur district free of extreme poverty, at the district panchayat auditorium on Thursday (August 14, 2025), the Minister said the State government’s first decision after assuming office in 2021 was to eradicate extreme poverty. A survey had identified 64,006 families, and special microplans were prepared for each to enable their transition. As a result, 94.47% of those identified have overcome extreme poverty.

“Kerala is set to become the first State in India and the first region globally after China to achieve the feat,” the Minister said, crediting the coordinated efforts of local bodies and district administrations.

Around 15,000 people earlier excluded from the Life Mission housing scheme have been added to the beneficiary list, with construction under way. District Collectors have been authorised to identify and allot land to the landless.

The Minister also announced that Kerala would be declared fully digitally literate on August 21, with 21.87 lakh people trained to use the K-Smart service.