Mon Sep 08 10:37:06 UTC 2025: Here’s a summary and news article based on the provided text:
**Summary:**
The Kerala government is in the final stages of its extreme poverty eradication program, initiated in 2021. A significant portion of the 2025 budget (₹52.8 crore out of ₹60 crore) has been allocated to providing safe housing for extremely poor families. The program has already addressed basic needs like food and healthcare, provided essential documents, and assisted families in income-generating activities. The government aims to declare Kerala free of extreme poverty in November 2025 and is establishing mechanisms to monitor ongoing support and address future needs.
**News Article:**
**Kerala on Track to Eradicate Extreme Poverty by November**
**THIRUVANANTHAPURAM, September 8, 2025** – The Kerala government is poised to declare the state free of extreme poverty by November 2025, marking the culmination of an ambitious poverty eradication program launched in 2021. A significant portion of the 2025 budget, ₹52.8 crore out of a total ₹60 crore allocation, has been earmarked to provide safe and adequate housing for families living in extreme poverty.
“This allocation demonstrates our unwavering commitment to ensuring that every citizen of Kerala has access to basic necessities and a dignified life,” stated a government spokesperson.
The program, a key initiative of the Left Democratic Front (LDF) government, began with comprehensive surveys identifying 64,006 families living in extreme poverty across the state. Tailored micro-plans were then developed to address both immediate and long-term needs.
Early phases of the program focused on ensuring access to food and healthcare, with collaborative efforts between the state government and local bodies. Essential documents were provided to over 21,000 individuals, and support was given to thousands of families to engage in income-generating activities.
With many short-term needs addressed, the focus has shifted to providing secure housing. Funds have been allocated for land purchase and home construction. The government has also implemented measures to prevent duplication of benefits with other housing schemes.
Looking ahead, the government is establishing a state-level monitoring cell to ensure continued support for families after the official declaration. Additional funds have been allocated for specialized medical treatments, land acquisition, and awards for the most effective local implementation of the poverty eradication program.
In April 2025, the government announced that over 50,000 families, representing nearly 79% of those initially identified, had already been lifted out of extreme poverty. With the final push underway, Kerala is on the verge of becoming the first state in India to achieve this significant milestone.
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