All Things Policy Breaking the Poverty Cycle
Nov 26, 2025
Anisree Suresh, a geoeconomics research analyst at the Takshashila Institution, brings her insights on Kerala's bold claim of eradicating extreme poverty. She discusses the state's innovative poverty measurement methods and the multifaceted EPAP program, which includes housing repairs and health support. Anisree highlights the risks of poverty recurrence due to external shocks like floods or pandemics. She emphasizes the need for sustainable economic policies and strong institutions to ensure long-term progress, making a case for continued urban development and reform.
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Decentralized Identification Worked
- Kerala used a decentralized, multi-parameter approach to identify extreme poverty, including housing, health and social vulnerabilities.
- Local self-government bodies and community workers played a central role in nomination, verification and personalised micro-plans.
On-the-Ground Deliveries And Services
- Kerala's program provided documents to 21,000 people, houses to 3,000 families and land to about 1,000 families as part of relief work.
- The drive also supplied food, medical care and home repairs to thousands through local outreach.
Build Micro-Plans Through Local Bodies
- Use local bodies to design micro-plans tailored to each household's needs rather than top-down one-size-fits-all programs.
- Ensure frontline workers like ASHA and Anganwadi staff lead outreach and verification for better targeting.