Andhra Pradesh Secures Second Rank in Access Equality Index 2026

Andhra Pradesh has secured the second position among 28 states in the Access Equality Index (AEI) 2026, highlighting its performance in providing equal opportunities, infrastructure, education, healthcare and social security. The state recorded a score of 0.66, just behind Goa, which topped the rankings with 0.68. The report was prepared by the Centre for New Economics Studies (CNES) at O.P. Jindal Global University. Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu welcomed the findings, stating that they reflected the governance and development initiatives undertaken by his government. Andhra Pradesh secured the top position nationally in the socio-economic security category with a score of 0.69. The index assessed five key areas—infrastructure, healthcare, education, socio-economic security and access to justice—using 60 indicators across 23 categories. The state also featured among the leading performers in the remaining four areas.

Despite ranking 13th in per capita income, Andhra Pradesh secured second place in providing access to opportunities, according to the report. Based on its economic status, the state's expected access score was 0.51, while its actual score stood at 0.66, exceeding expectations by 0.15 points. This positive gap was the highest among all states. The assessment considered access to essential services such as drinking water, sanitation, housing, clean energy, healthcare, education, employment, banking, insurance, pensions and legal services. Chandrababu Naidu said the coalition government was focusing on attracting investments, promoting development, strengthening welfare programmes and ensuring good governance. He described the state's performance in the index as a matter of pride and congratulated everyone who contributed to improving access to essential services and opportunities for people across Andhra Pradesh.