CM releases state's Human Development report

Hyderabad, Jun 7 (UNI) Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Y S Rajasekhara Reddy today released the first-ever Human Development Report of the State titled ''Human Development Report - Andhra Pradesh''.

The report, initiated by UNDP and Planning Commission of India, focuses on the levels of achievement, the areas of concern and the possible ways of progress with reference to crucial socio-economic indicators. It helps in identifying strengths and gaps and making suggestion for relevant policy measures to address the emerging areas of concern, an official release here said.

The report prepared by the Centre for Economic and Social Studies (CESS), lauded the state for its achievements in higher education particularly in the fields of technical, engineering, medicine and IT, and for being the host of several social movements.

It hailed the government's innovative poverty alleviation programmes like the Two Rupees-a-kilo rice scheme, Women's empowerment through SHGs and Indira Kranti Padham schemes, INDIRAMMA, pensions, housing, land distribution and Irrigation programmes.

The report considered the latest data covering 15 years in the post-reform period. Human Development Index (HDI), Gender Development (GDI) and Gender Empowerment Indices (GEM) across district were constructed.

The report noticed that there has been a significant improvement in the state in terms of human development and inter district disparities in HDI were reducing gradually.

Women in Andhra Pradesh were better placed when compared to all India situation in terms of gender disparity. The participation of women in public sphere has improved the functioning of the public institutions delivering the child services and reduced the discriminatory practices against women and children, it pointed out.

For sustaining these trends, the report suggested that the State invest in infrastructure and improve the quantity and quality of the social sector.

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