The Ashraya project, initiated in 2002, is an integrated effort aimed at identifying and rehabilitating destitute families. Stemming from the Kudumbashree initiative, it targets extremely poor families previously overlooked by decentralized planning and poverty alleviation programs.

Under the scheme, each Grama Panchayat is tasked with creating individualized micro-projects for identified destitute households. Financing for the scheme is sourced from a combination of plan funds allocated to Grama Panchayats, contributions from Block and District Panchayats, centrally sponsored schemes, and State government funds. 

The Ashraya Project employs a systematic approach to identify destitute families, particularly at the Neighbourhood Group (NHG) level. This process relies on a set of criteria known as the ‘Nine Point Risk Parameters,’ where families meeting seven out of nine parameters are initially shortlisted. An additional set of ‘Risk Parameters’ is considered, with families meeting at least one parameter being included as destitute families. 

The Ashraya Programme won the PM’s award for excellence in service in the year 2007 and has been through multiple introspections, Iterations of the Ashraya project include destitute free Kerala, culminating in the massive attempt of the State Government for elimination of extreme poverty – the EPEP project, which also relies on the family micro plans, integrated approach and family MIS to track benefits and entitlements.