Goa, Sikkim, Andhra Pradesh and Kerala are the best-performing states when it comes to providing citizens equal access to health, education, basic services, socioeconomic security and justice.
Punjab, Uttarakhand, Mizoram and Rajasthan are the top performers in the ‘achievers’ category while Madhya Pradesh and Odisha came out top in the ‘aspirant’ category. These are the findings of the 2024 Access (In)Equality Index published by the OP Jindal Global University.
The rationale behind the measures in the report is that while income inequalities are well measured, these do not take into account the inequality of access to essential services because of the circumstances beyond an individual’s control.
“…inequality of opportunity...associated with deprivation of multiple ‘means’ essential for well-being. Uneven access to these services constrains human capabilities, the quality of human capital, impact lifetime income and restrict intergenerational mobility…” notes the report.
Underpinning the report’s focus is the concept of Fair Equality of Opportunity (FEO) put forth by John Rawls. FEO requires social positions, such as jobs, be formally open and meritocratically allocated, but, in addition, each individual is to have a fair chance to attain these positions.
Equality of opportunity however does not exist because of factors and circumstances that are beyond an individual’s control. Unequal access to primary goods, basic rights and liberties, public goods, quality education, opportunities in the labour market, family background, gender, place of birth etc, all play a role in restricting the opportunities available to an individual.
The report uses the word access to encapsulate – availability, affordability, approachability and appropriateness. Access is calculated on a number of parameters such as basic amenities that include drinking water, sanitation, electricity, housing, food and nutrition; access to healthcare; to education, specifically at the secondary level; access to economic and financial resources; and access to opportunities to live in a safe environment with a fair legal support system.
A mapping of the Access Equality Index (AEI) reveals that it is not necessary that the states with a high GDP will also have a high AEI. One case in point is Arunachal Pradesh, which is the 11th largest state in terms of per capita income but stands at the 17th position in terms of AEI.
Sikkim and Goa with the highest per capita incomes also have the highest AEI scores while Bihar has both – lowest per capita income and AEI. Conversely, Andhra Pradesh, which is the 14th largest state in terms of per capita income has an AEI score of 0.61, which is only behind Sikkim and Goa.