The SDG India Index 2023-24 reveals India’s impressive strides towards sustainable development, with the composite score leaping from 66 in 2020-21 to 71 in 2023-24. This progress reflects significant advancements in critical areas like No Poverty, Decent Work and Economic Growth, Climate Action, and Life on Land.
Releasing the data, BVR Subhrahmanyam, CEO, NITI Aayog, said, “Desh Badal Raha Hain– as envisioned by the Prime Minister.” This fourth edition of the SDG India Index is India’s key tool for tracking progress on 113 indicators across 16 SDGs.
With the composite score rising from 57 in 2018 to 71 in 2023-24, this index highlights significant advancements across 113 indicators aligned with 16 SDGs. Kerala and Uttarakhand emerge as the top-performing states, while Chandigarh leads among Union Territories.
“This progress is a testament to effective targets and interventions, emphasising the importance of cooperative federalism. The SDG India Index remains the nation’s primary tool for tracking and driving forward sustainable development efforts,” added Subhrahmanyam.
Achievements and Challenges
Even though the SDG India Index 2023-24 has shown promise in crucial areas like reducing hunger and alleviating poverty, it also highlights mixed progress in key areas.
Gender equality remains a critical challenge with the indicator still in the red in multiple states, signaling the need for intensified efforts to address disparities and promote equality.
“However, there has been notable improvement in the fight against hunger, with the indicator shifting from red to yellow. This positive change reflects successful interventions and progress towards eradicating hunger, although continued efforts are necessary to achieve sustainable development goals,” he added.
The index also sheds light on critical socio-economic challenges and achievements across states. Bihar and Arunachal Pradesh are the last two states grappling with significant poverty levels. However, substantial progress has been made, with poverty rates declining in those areas.
Meanwhile, health insurance coverage has been expanding across states post government’s initiatives including the introduction of Ayushman Bharat and Ayushman Arogya Bandhan. These initiatives have significantly boosted health insurance coverage, providing financial protection to millions.
Furthermore, the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) continues to support a large number of individuals, contributing to poverty alleviation and economic stability. The budget for the MGNREGA has been increasing in every budget, added the NITI Aayog CEO.
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