Current Context: The Dharmadam Assembly constituency in Kannur, Kerala has been declared the first extreme poverty-free constituency in Kerala. The Chief Minister of Kerala has pledged to make the entire state extreme poverty-free by November 1, 2025.

About Extreme Poverty:

• World Bank Definition: People living on less than $2.15/day (based on 2017 PPP)
• Indicators: Food availability, Health, Income& Housing
• Kerala Institute of Local Administration prepared the yardstick for identification.

Key Initiatives:

• Right to Swift Assistance: Issuance of Aadhar, ration cards, voter IDs, job cards, and access to welfare schemes
• LIFE scheme: Housing provided
• Support through Kudumbashree & Panchayat: Healthcare, food aid, and income-generation schemes