For decades, poverty has represented one of the most complex social and economic challenges for Zacatecas.
Data from the National Council for the Evaluation of Social Development Policy (Coneval) have been the benchmark for assessing the scale of this phenomenon, highlighting how vulnerability has impacted the lives of thousands of families in the state.
For this reason, Governor David Monreal Ávila has prioritized public actions and policies in his administration, which, in just three years of management (2021-2024), have achieved unprecedented progress, reducing the multidimensional poverty index by 12.9 percentage points.
This is a historic decline, the most significant in the last twenty years. During this period, the figure fell from 45.8 percent to 32.9 percent, representing a momentous change for the population.
If we analyze the evolution of poverty in Zacatecas, from the Amalia García administration to the present, using the aforementioned indicators, we can see that the rate of poverty has decreased significantly. We can see that between 2004 and 2010, former President García Medina took over a state with 54.9 percent of its population living in poverty, but by the end of her administration, the indicator had risen to 60.2 percent, reflecting a significant decline.
During Miguel Alonso Reyes’s six-year term (2010-2016), the initial figure of 60.2 percent fell to 50.2 percent, a 10-point reduction over a six-year period.
Subsequently, during Alejandro Tello Cristerna’s five-year term (2016-2021), a slight decline of 4.4 points was recorded, from 50.2 percent to 45.8 percent.
In this regard, the most notable change has occurred under the current administration, which, in just three years, achieved a 12.9 percentage point reduction, far surpassing what was achieved in previous six-year terms and in half the time, positioning Zacatecas as a national benchmark in the fight against poverty.
This result is the result of a comprehensive strategy aimed at serving the most disadvantaged sectors through social programs that directly impact well-being.
Among the most significant is the “Corazón Contento” food program, which ensures nutritious, quality food for thousands of people, primarily children and senior citizens. This effort is complemented by public works projects that generate employment, improve the environment, and boost the local economy.
Similarly, job and entrepreneurship fairs have opened up new opportunities for young people and women, sectors that have historically faced greater obstacles to accessing decent jobs. At the same time, an economic policy geared toward productivity and attracting investment has been strengthened, with social progress reflected in better living conditions for those who previously suffered extreme hardship.
For our part, the Ministry of Social Development (SEDESOL) has assumed responsibility for contributing to this goal by implementing programs that directly benefit families, such as the delivery of solar heaters and water tanks, which improve their quality of life and reduce family expenses on basic services like water and energy.
Another essential focus is support for basic education, through the provision of school supplies and uniforms for primary and secondary school students, which provides a financial break for households and ensures that no child is left behind due to a lack of materials.
Work has also been done on the construction and rehabilitation of social infrastructure that transforms communities and strengthens the community fabric; as well as on the provision of functional aids, such as wheelchairs, canes, walkers, among others, to meet the needs of people with disabilities or physical limitations.
These efforts, coordinated with state policies, have made it possible to move toward a more equitable Zacatecas.
Today, more families have guaranteed food; more children attend school with the necessary conditions; more of our communities have basic services that allow them to live fully and with dignity.
Because our goal is to continue building a state where everyone has access to equal opportunities, and experience shows that, with political will, effective programs, and citizen participation, it is possible to transform realities that seemed impossible to change.
The reduction of poverty in Zacatecas during the current administration is a historic event that deserves recognition. The leadership of Governor David Monreal Ávila, coupled with institutional and social efforts, has placed the state on a firm path toward development.
The progress achieved is proof that when governed with vision, commitment, and sensitivity, it is possible to transform the lives of thousands of people and consolidate a future of well-being and hope for all Zacatecans.
Source: oem
