With near 100 per cent literacy and low infant mortality, Kerala remains miles ahead of most states

Despite the low per capita income, Kerala has become a role model with human development indces that match those of the developed nations of the world. The southern state, with near 100 per cent literacy, low infant mortality (5.59 per cent), minimum maternal mortality (0.26 per cent), higher average life expectancy (75.2 years), the best public health management, the least school dropouts and crime rates, is miles ahead of most states in India.

In 1996, Kerala launched a people's plan