Kannur: The Kuttiyattoor Gram Panchayat in Kannur district of Kerala has brought glory to the state. While Kerala is preparing to declare itself extreme poverty-free on State Foundation Day on November 1st, Kuttiyattoor achieved this milestone ahead of schedule by being declared the first extreme poverty-free Panchayat on Kerala Foundation Day in 2023. This historic achievement was made possible by identifying families lacking even basic necessities of livelihood and implementing extensive assistance projects for them.
In Kuttiyattoor, with a population of over 22,000, a government survey identified 16 extremely poor families. These families comprised 58 members. Three single individuals recently passed away. Of the remaining 13 families who were homeless, five were provided housing under the Life Mission scheme. Panchayat President P.P. Reji said he was pleased to achieve this goal so early.
Reji said, “All necessary assistance was provided to extremely poor families. BPL ration cards were issued to all. Monthly food kits were provided. Individuals and organizations funded their children’s education expenses. Additionally, government-approved passes for free bus travel will be provided.” Furthermore, four people living alone in the panchayat were seriously ill. They were provided with necessary medicines and medical care. The support of local leaders, youth, and cultural organizations also played a crucial role in this success. Although the panchayat has approximately 1,350 Scheduled Caste families, none of them fall into the extreme poverty category.
Plan for Poverty Alleviation
Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan’s government launched a scheme in 2021 to identify and eradicate extreme poverty in the state after coming to power for the second consecutive term. The Kuttiyattoor Panchayat began implementing this project in 2022. Through prompt inspections and super-checking, the panchayat completed the project by the end of 2023. In February 2024, during Chathayam Day, the Chief Minister officially presented the certificate to the Panchayat.
The Panchayat President reported that KILA (Kerala Institute of Local Administration) officials and health workers conducted awareness classes. Ward-level committees conducted inspections in each ward. Initially, 50 individuals were identified, but after cross-verification, only 16 were confirmed to be in extreme poverty. Those who suffered from illness, were unable to work, were unable to study, lived alone, or lacked essential documents such as ration cards or Aadhaar cards were identified, provided with documentation, and provided assistance, thus lifting them out of extreme poverty.
State-Level Data
Based on ward-level surveys, there are 64,006 extremely poor families in the state. Malappuram district has the highest number (8,553 families), and Kottayam has the lowest (1,071 families). Of the extremely poor, 35% have no stable income, 24% suffer from health problems, and 15% are homeless.
MV Govindan’s Constituency
Kuttiyattoor Gram Panchayat is located in the Irikkur Block Panchayat of Taliparamba Taluk in Kannur district. It falls in the constituency of MV Govindan Master, the current CPI(M) State Secretary and MLA. This Gram Panchayat covers an area of 35.10 square kilometers. Its population is 22,501. In 2023, it was declared the first extreme poverty-free Panchayat in Kerala. Kuttiyattoor’s historic achievement is now a model for other local self-government institutions in the state.
