The NITI Aayog’s second edition of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) India Index, also known as SDG Index 2.0, has recently made headlines. The report provides a comprehensive look at how India’s states and Union Territories are progressing toward the SDGs set for 2030. Notably, this iteration of the report covers 16 out of the 17 total SDGs, marking a significant improvement from the 2018 index which only assessed 13 goals.
The SDG India Index is a collaborative effort, developed in partnership with the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI), the United Nations, and the Global Green Growth Institute. This year, 2020, represents the 5th anniversary of the adoption of the SDGs by 193 countries at the United Nations General Assembly.
Methodology Used in the Index
A composite score was calculated for the SDG Index (2019) for each state and Union Territory, ranging from 0-100. This was based on their aggregate performance across the 16 SDGs. The closer a state or UT’s score is to 100, the closer it is to achieving its 2030 targets.
States and UTs are classified on the SDG India Index Score as follows: Aspirant (0–49), Performer (50–64), Front Runner (65–99) and Achiever (100).
National Analysis: Progress and Challenges
India saw an improvement in its composite score, moving from 57 in 2018 to 60 in 2019-20. Noteworthy progress was seen in the areas of water and sanitation, power, and industry. However, the country continues to face challenges in terms of nutrition and gender equality, both areas requiring concerted government focus.
While there were improvements, it’s essential to note that the ranks of 14 states have dropped in comparison to 2018. All states and Union Territories except Delhi scored above 65 on the Index.
State/UT Wise Analysis
Kerala topped the states with a score of 70, closely followed by Himachal Pradesh who achieved a score of 69. Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and Telangana shared third place, each state scoring 67 on the index. On the other end of the scale, Bihar had the lowest score of 50, making it the worst performer. Other underperforming states included Jharkhand, Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya and Uttar Pradesh; however, Uttar Pradesh showed the most improvement, alongside Odisha and Sikkim.
In terms of Union Territories, Chandigarh led the pack with a score of 70, followed by Puducherry with a score of 66.
Index at a Glance
| Aspirant | Performer | Front Runner | Achiever |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0-49 score | 50-64 score | 65-99 score | 100 score |
| Bihar | Delhi | Kerala | N/A |
| Jharkhand | (Various) | Himachal Pradesh | N/A |
| Arunachal Pradesh | (Various) | Andhra Pradesh | N/A |
Looking Forward
The SDG India Index provides a clear picture of the nation’s strides and obstacles towards achieving its 2030 targets. It is hoped that it will serve as a critical tool to guide both development and policy decisions in the coming years.
Last Modified: February 6, 2024