By R. Rakendu
Chief minister of Kerala Pinarayi Vijayan on the day of Kerala Piravi, 1st November declared in the state assembly that Kerala has become free of extreme poverty. The great news was announced on the day of Kerala Piravi, the day on which the state was formed in 1956. A grand function was organised to announce and celebrate this milestone.
The government spent Rs. 1.5 crore for the extreme poverty-free Kerala declaration ceremony. This money has been taken from the shelter construction fund for the poor. Initially, Rs. 52.8 crore was set aside for the shelter construction. From that, Rs. 1.5 crore has been cut.
The Chief Minister made the announcement by calling a special assembly session on Kerala Piravi Day. The opposition boycotted the assembly session, alleging that the government’s claim was pure fraud. They boycotted the assembly session without hearing the announcement. The Chief Minister replied that what the Opposition Leader said in the House was completely irrelevant and that what they said was a fraud was based on their own habits. “I don’t understand why the Opposition is afraid of the announcement.
The announcement of Kerala being declared an abject poverty-free state is known both in Kerala and outside the state. Since this is a matter of historical importance, it was decided to make the announcement through the procedures of the Legislative Assembly because it was seen as the most appropriate way to inform our state, country and the world,” said Pinarayi Vijayan.
Mollywood actor Mammootty was the chief guest at the grand declaration event at the Central Stadium in the evening. He said that Kerala has only just become free from extreme poverty, but poverty still remains. Mammootty added that these achievements were made by Kerala as a result of social consciousness and people’s sovereignty.