SDG India Index 2023-24, the fourth edition, was released by NITI Aayog.

About SDG India Index

• It was first Launched in 2018 to drive SDG localization efforts.
• It provides a comparative analysis of state and UT progress on SDGs and fosters collaboration by highlighting achievements and encouraging mutual learning among states and UTs.
• It is developed through consultations with stakeholders, including states, UTs, MoSPI, ministries, and UN agencies.
• It reflects the comprehensive nature of the Global Goals while considering national priorities.

• SDG India Index 2023-24

• • The SDG India Index 2023-24 tracks the progress of all States and Union Territories (UTs) in India using 113 indicators aligned with the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation’s National Indicator Framework (NIF).
  • It calculates scores for each State and UT across the 16 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), reflecting their performance on individual goals.
  • Composite Scores, ranging from 0 to 100, are derived from these goal-wise scores to assess the overall performance of each sub-national unit.
  • A score of 100 indicates that a State/UT has achieved all targets for the SDGs, with higher scores indicating greater progress towards these goals.

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Importance of SDG India Index 2023-24

• Reflects India’s Commitment to Sustainable Development Goals

  • Demonstrates India’s alignment with the UN’s 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
  • Highlights national efforts to achieve global sustainability targets through measurable indicators.

• Promotes Competitive Federalism Among States

  • Encourages states to compete and learn from each other’s best practices in achieving SDGs.
  • Fosters a spirit of collaboration and mutual learning to accelerate progress nationwide.

• Integrates SDGs into National and Sub-national Development Plans

• • Provides a structured framework for integrating SDGs into both national and sub-national development strategies.
  • Enhances coordination and alignment of development efforts across different levels of governance, promoting holistic and sustainable development practices.

NITI Aayog’s Role

• Leads national SDG adoption and monitoring efforts.
• Promotes “competitive and cooperative federalism” among states and UTs.
• Works with states and UTs to:
  • Institutionalize SDGs – integrate them into national and subnational development plans.
  • Develop capacity and encourage collaboration among stakeholders.
  • Take a “whole-of-society” approach for comprehensive SDG implementation.

Key highlights of the SDG India Index 2023-24

• Composite Score Improvement
  • India’s composite score improved significantly from 57 in 2018 to 71 in 2023-24.
  • This progression reflects enhanced national efforts towards achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
• Noteworthy Goal Achievements
  • Front Runner Goals: Goals 1 (No Poverty), 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), and 13 (Climate Action) have entered the ‘Front Runner’ category (scores between 65-99).
    • Goal 13 (Climate Action): This goal saw the most substantial improvement, rising from 54 to 67, indicating enhanced focus on climate-related initiatives.
    • Goal 1 (No Poverty): Goal 1 also showed significant progress, increasing from 60 to 72, highlighting effective poverty alleviation measures.

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• • Sector-specific Progress

• • • Significant strides in Goals 1, 3, 6, 7, 9, and 11 were noted, underscoring advancements in areas like health, sanitation, renewable energy, and infrastructure.
    • Government initiatives such as PM Awas Yojana, Ayushman Bharat, Jal Jeevan Mission, and others have contributed to these improvements.

• State and UT Performance
  • Performance Range: State scores range from 57 to 79, while UTs score between 65 and 77.
  • Increase in Front Runners: The number of States/UTs achieving Front Runner status increased to 32, up from 22 in the previous edition.
  • Notable Performers: There are 10 new States and UTs in the Front Runner category. 
    • These include Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Manipur, Odisha, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, and Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu.

Goal-wise progress of states based on the SDG India Index 2023-24

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