Andhra Pradesh Ranks Second in Access Equality Index 2026

Andhra Pradesh ranks second in the Access Equality Index 2026 despite being 13th in per capita income.

By News National Editorial Team

Andhra Pradesh has secured the second position among 28 Indian states in the Access Equality Index 2026, highlighting its reported performance in providing essential services and opportunities despite ranking 13th nationally in per capita income.

The findings place Andhra Pradesh among India's leading states in terms of access to public services, infrastructure, healthcare, education and social security.

The report was prepared by the Centre for New Economics Studies (CNES). Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu welcomed the findings, describing them as recognition of the state's development and governance initiatives.

Goa leads the national ranking

According to the reported index results, Goa secured the first position with a score of 0.68.

Andhra Pradesh followed with 0.66, while Sikkim ranked third with 0.63.

Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Telangana also featured among the subsequent leading states.

The ranking is significant because it attempts to evaluate how effectively states translate their economic resources into services and opportunities for citizens.

Rather than focusing exclusively on economic output or income, the index considers whether people can access essential facilities and public services.

Five major areas assessed

The Access Equality Index evaluated five major areas:

1. Basic amenities and infrastructure.

2. Healthcare services.

3. Education.

4. Socio-economic security.

5. Access to legal services.

The assessment reportedly used 60 indicators across 23 categories.

These included access to drinking water, sanitation, housing, clean energy, healthcare, education, employment opportunities, banking services, insurance, pensions and legal assistance.

The results are intended to provide a broader picture of development by considering the actual availability of services to citizens.

Andhra Pradesh's performance

One of the notable findings was Andhra Pradesh's performance in socio-economic security.

The state reportedly secured the highest national score in this category, with 0.69, ahead of Goa, which scored 0.50.

The report also highlighted the difference between Andhra Pradesh's economic position and its access-related performance.

Although the state ranked 13th in per capita income, it secured second place in the overall Access Equality Index.

Its access score of 0.66 was higher than the expected score of 0.51 based on its economic position.

The positive difference of 0.15 was reportedly the highest among the states assessed. Kerala followed with a positive difference of 0.07, while Himachal Pradesh recorded 0.06.

Why access to services matters

Economic growth does not automatically guarantee that every household benefits equally.

A state may attract investments and increase industrial activity, but the quality of development also depends on whether people can access reliable healthcare, education, drinking water, housing and social protection.

For example, access to affordable medical facilities can reduce the financial burden on families. Better educational opportunities can improve employment prospects, while banking and insurance services can provide greater financial security.

These factors make access-based development assessments important for policymakers.

Challenges remain

Although the ranking is encouraging for Andhra Pradesh, the findings should not be interpreted as evidence that every district or community has equal access to services.

Rural and urban differences, regional infrastructure gaps, healthcare staffing, school quality and employment opportunities remain important areas requiring continuous attention.

The state will need to sustain its performance through measurable improvements in public service delivery.

The Access Equality Index offers a useful perspective on development, but its long-term significance will depend on whether the reported improvements translate into better everyday conditions for residents.

Source: Deccan Chronicle, 9 November 2026, citing the CNES Access Equality Index 2026.

image source: Timesof india