SDG India Index 2023-24

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Context

• Recently, NITI Aayog released the SDG India Index 2023-24, a comprehensive assessment tool measuring India's progress towards Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

ALL ABOUT SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS: https://www.iasgyan.in/daily-current-affairs/sustainable-development-goals

SDG India Index

• SDG India Index is the country’s principal tool for measuring national and subnational progress on the Sustainable Development Goals.
• The Index was launched by NITI Aayog in 2018.

• Purpose: The index evaluates national and subnational efforts across various dimensions of sustainable development.

• The launch of the SDG India Index in 2018 provided the impetus for the localisation push, reaffirming States and UTs as key stakeholders in this transformative journey.

Methodology and Tracking

• Indicator Framework: The index tracks progress across 113 indicators aligned with the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation’s (MoSPI) National Indicator Framework (NIF), computing goal-wise scores for each State and UT.

National Indicator Framework (NIF) The National Indicator Framework (NIF), developed by MoSPI starting from September 2016, represents a comprehensive effort to monitor and guide India's progress towards Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It began with a national consultation involving Central Ministries, State Governments, and other stakeholders to consolidate a list of 306 statistical indicators. This framework, the largest of its kind in India, is designed to provide robust data flow and direction for policy makers and program implementers. It reflects national priorities and needs, with indicators directly aligned with SDG goals and targets. National acceptability and coverage of all target components were key criteria in selecting these indicators, ensuring relevance and applicability across diverse contexts. The framework allows for ongoing refinement through a High-Level Steering Committee (HLSC), which periodically reviews and updates the indicators based on improvements in the statistical system and evolving national priorities. Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) is pivotal within the Government of India, overseeing the coverage and quality of statistical data. Formed on October 15, 1999, following the merger of the Department of Statistics and the Department of Programme Implementation, MoSPI comprises two main departments: Statistics and Programme Implementation. The Statistics department includes the National Statistical Office (NSO), encompassing the Central Statistical Office (CSO), Computer Center, and National Sample Survey Office (NSSO). The Programme Implementation Wing monitors initiatives like the Twenty Point Programme, infrastructure projects, and the MPLADS. https://www.iasgyan.in/daily-current-affairs/mplads-scheme MoSPI emphasizes scientific sampling methods in its surveys, gathering field data through dedicated staff. It coordinates statistical efforts across central and state government departments, advises on methodology, and compiles comprehensive national accounts and state-level economic data. MoSPI collaborates with international organizations like the United Nations and maintains standards through committees on national accounts, industrial statistics, and price indices. It disseminates statistical information widely and funds research and seminars on statistical topics. Looking forward, MoSPI aims to introduce a 16-digit Business Identification Number to streamline business registration and interactions with government agencies, enhancing efficiency and reducing administrative burdens for businesses across India.

Key Findings of SDG India Index 2023-24

• Composite Score Progress: India's overall score improved to 71 in 2023-24 from 66 in 2020-21, marking significant strides since its baseline score of 57 in 2018.
• Sectoral Improvements: Notable progress has been recorded in goals like poverty eradication, decent work and economic growth, climate action, and life on land.
• Target Achievement: According to NITI Aayog, targeted government interventions have played a crucial role in these improvements, aiming to achieve several SDG targets ahead of the 2030 deadline.

State and UT Scores

• Top Performers: States like Uttarakhand, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Goa, and Himachal Pradesh have emerged as top performers in the overall score, showcasing effective implementation of sustainable development initiatives.
• Challenges: States including Bihar, Jharkhand, Nagaland, Meghalaya, and Arunachal Pradesh lag behind, indicating areas needing more focused interventions.
• Union Territories: Chandigarh, Jammu and Kashmir, Puducherry, Andaman & Nicobar Islands, and Delhi are among the top-performing Union Territories.

Goal-specific Progress

• Score Range: State scores range from 57 to 79 in 2023-24, reflecting substantial improvement from the initial range of 42 to 69 in 2018.
• Highlighted Goals: Goals like poverty eradication (Goal 1), decent work and economic growth (Goal 8), climate action (Goal 13), and life on land (Goal 15) have shown significant score increases. For instance, Goal 13 (climate action) improved from 54 to 67, and Goal 1 (no poverty) rose from 60 to 72.

Gender Equality Challenge

• Goal 5: India's score remains below 50 for Goal 5 (gender equality), indicating the need for targeted interventions to enhance gender equality nationwide.

Government Initiatives and Impact

• Key Interventions: Government initiatives such as PM Awas Yojana (4 crore houses), PM Ujjwala Yojana (10 crore LPG connections), and Jal Jeevan Mission (14.9 crore tap water connections) have significantly contributed to achieving SDG targets.
• Social Welfare Schemes: Programs like Ayushman Bharat - Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana, National Food Security Act (NFSA), and direct benefit transfers through PM-Jan Dhan accounts have benefited millions

Conclusion

• Steady Advancement: The SDG India Index 2023-24 highlights India's commitment and progress towards sustainable development goals amidst global challenges.
• Future Focus: Continued efforts in healthcare, education, electrification, environmental conservation, and enhancing gender equality are crucial for sustained progress and achieving all SDG targets by 2030.

 

PRACTICE QUESTION Q. What is the purpose of the National Indicator Framework developed by the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI)? To assess the economic growth of states and Union Territories in India. To monitor and guide India's progress towards Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). To evaluate the effectiveness of government schemes in rural development. To track inflation rates and price indices across different sectors. Answer: 2. To monitor and guide India's progress towards Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Explanation: The National Indicator Framework (NIF), initiated by the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) from September 2016, is designed to monitor and provide guidance on India's advancement towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

SOURCE: AIR