Andhra Pradesh Economic Survey 2024-25 Reveals District-Wise Poverty Disparities
March 20, 2025
The Andhra Pradesh Economic Survey 2024-25 has unveiled significant district-wise disparities in poverty levels across the state. The report highlights the poverty conditions in various districts using the Headcount Poverty Ratio (%) and Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI) Score, providing crucial insights into regional economic conditions.
Districts with the Lowest Poverty Levels
According to the survey, the five districts with the lowest poverty levels in Andhra Pradesh are:
- West Godavari – 2.42% Headcount Poverty Ratio, MPI Score: 0.01
- Krishna – 4.38% Headcount Poverty Ratio, MPI Score: 0.017
- Guntur – 4.36% Headcount Poverty Ratio, MPI Score: 0.016
- Chittoor – 5.66% Headcount Poverty Ratio, MPI Score: 0.022
- Srikakulam – 5.20% Headcount Poverty Ratio, MPI Score: 0.022
West Godavari emerged as the district with the least poverty, boasting the lowest MPI score of 0.01, indicating better living standards and economic stability.
Districts with the Highest Poverty Levels
The survey also identified the five districts struggling with the highest poverty levels:
- Kurnool – 12.84% Headcount Poverty Ratio, MPI Score: 0.054
- Vizianagaram – 8.66% Headcount Poverty Ratio, MPI Score: 0.035
- Visakhapatnam – 7.60% Headcount Poverty Ratio, MPI Score: 0.031
- East Godavari – 6.13% Headcount Poverty Ratio, MPI Score: 0.027
- Prakasam – 6.28% Headcount Poverty Ratio, MPI Score: 0.027
Kurnool recorded the highest poverty levels, with a headcount ratio of 12.84% and the highest MPI score of 0.054, reflecting economic challenges and developmental gaps in the region.
State-Wide Perspective
The overall poverty scenario in Andhra Pradesh, as indicated by the survey, shows an average Headcount Poverty Ratio of 6.06% and an MPI score of 0.025. While districts like West Godavari and Krishna demonstrate low poverty levels, regions such as Kurnool and Vizianagaram continue to face economic hardships.
Government Initiatives and Future Outlook
The Andhra Pradesh government has been working on multiple poverty alleviation schemes, infrastructure projects, and social welfare programs to bridge the economic gap between districts. Experts believe that targeted policies focusing on education, employment, and industrial growth in high-poverty districts can help improve living standards in the coming years.
The data from the Andhra Pradesh Economic Survey 2024-25 serves as a crucial benchmark for assessing the state’s socio-economic progress and formulating strategies for inclusive development. As the state aspires to become one of the top three economies in India, addressing regional disparities will be a key factor in achieving its ambitious $2 trillion economy target.
Source: Andhra Pradesh Economic Survey 2024-25
