Context: 

NITI Aayog recently released the SDG India Index 2023-24, which evaluates India’s progress on the 16 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Background:

India’s commitment to the SDGs since adopting the 2030 Agenda on Sustainable Development is reflected in concerted efforts on SDG localisation spearheaded by NITI Aayog, which works closely with States and UTs.

About SDG India Index :

1. The SDG India Index provides a holistic view of the social, economic, and environmental status of the country and its states and union territories.
2. The NITI Aayog, in collaboration with the United Nations in India, releases the SDG India Index.
3. It helps in monitoring and evaluating the progress towards the 16 SDGs adopted by the United Nations in 2015.
4. The Index uses a set of 113 indicators to assess performance across various parameters such as health, education, gender equality, climate action, economic growth, and environmental sustainability.
5. SDG India Index 2023-24 measures and tracks national progress of all States and UTs on 113 indicators aligned to the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation’s (MoSPI) National Indicator Framework (NIF).

SDG India Index 2023-24 Highlights:

1. Overall Score: India’s overall SDG score improved to 71 in 2023-24, up from 66 in 2020-21 and 57 in 2018.
2. Top Performing States: Kerala and Uttarakhand achieved the highest scores of 79 each.
3. Significant Progress: Notable advancements in Goals 1 (No Poverty), 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), 13 (Climate Action), and 15 (Life on Land).
4. Fastest Moving States: Uttar Pradesh (increase by 25 points), followed by J&K (21), Uttarakhand (19), Sikkim (18), Haryana (17), Assam, Tripura, and Punjab (16 each), Madhya Pradesh and Odisha (15 each).
5. New Entrants in Front-Runner Category: Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Manipur, Odisha, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, and Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu.

Key Initiatives Contributing to Progress:

1. Government Programs: Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, Ujjwala, Swachh Bharat, Jan Dhan, Ayushman Bharat-PMJAY, Ayushman Arogya Mandir, PM-Mudra Yojana, Saubhgaya, Start-up India.
2. SDG Localisation: Efforts spearheaded by NITI Aayog, working closely with States and UTs to promote competitive and cooperative federalism.