North Eastern Region District SDG Index 2023-24 Overview

The North Eastern Region (NER) District Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Index 2023-24 marks step in tracking development across eight states of India’s Northeast. Released by NITI Aayog and the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (MoDoNER) with UNDP support, the index assesses district-wise progress on multiple SDGs. It marks improvements in health, education, hunger, sanitation, and economic growth, reflecting regional development efforts and policy focus.

Background and Purpose

The NER District SDG Index is based on NITI Aayog’s SDG India Index methodology. It measures district-level progress on key indicators aligned with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals. The 2023-24 edition builds on the first report from 2021 and aims to enhance monitoring, guide policy interventions, and promote inclusive growth across the Northeast. It also strengthens cooperative federalism by involving state governments, central agencies, and international partners.

Performance Highlights

Out of 121 districts, 85% showed an increase in composite SDG scores. All districts in Mizoram, Sikkim, and Tripura achieved Front Runner status, indicating scores between 65 and 99. Mizoram’s Hnahthial district topped the region with a score of 81.43, while Arunachal Pradesh’s Longding scored lowest at 58.71. Nagaland’s three districts entered the top 10 performers, showing notable progress. Sikkim had the most consistent district performance with minimal score variation.

State-Wise District Analysis

– Arunachal Pradesh – Scores ranged from 58.71 (Longding) to 73.36 (Lower Dibang Valley). – Assam – All districts improved in Zero Hunger, Quality Education, Clean Water, and Decent Work. Scores ranged from 59.71 to 74.29. – Manipur – Imphal West led with 73.21, while Pherzawl scored 59.71. – Meghalaya – East Khasi Hills scored 73.00; East Jaintia Hills scored 63.00. – Mizoram – Highest regional score with Hnahthial at 81.43; Lawngtlai lowest at 67.71. – Nagaland – Mokokchung scored 78.43; Zunheboto scored 63.36. – Sikkim – Narrow score range from 71.14 to 76.64, showing uniform development. – Tripura – Gomati scored 78.79; Dhalai scored 72.29, with low intra-state variation.

Significance for Policy and Development

The index is a vital tool for evidence-based planning and resource allocation. It identifies gaps and offers actionable insights for targeted interventions. The report supports the Aspirational Districts Programme and other flagship schemes, accelerating progress towards the SDGs by 2030. It ensures that no district or community is left behind in the region’s development trajectory.

Key SDG Areas with Improvement

Good Health and Well-being showed increased scores in 93 districts. Assam’s districts improved notably in Zero Hunger, Quality Education, Clean Water and Sanitation, and Decent Work and Economic Growth. The index reflects the impact of localised efforts and national policies working in tandem to improve living standards and socio-economic conditions.

Institutional Partnership and Cooperation

The initiative exemplifies cooperative federalism with active collaboration between the eight states, NITI Aayog, MoDoNER, and UNDP. High-level officials from these organisations jointly launched the report, signalling strong commitment to sustainable and inclusive development in the Northeast.

Questions for UPSC:

1. Critically analyse the role of cooperative federalism in achieving Sustainable Development Goals in diverse regions like India’s Northeast.
2. Explain the significance of district-level monitoring tools such as the SDG India Index in promoting inclusive development. With suitable examples, discuss their impact on policy formulation.
3. What are the challenges and opportunities in implementing the Aspirational Districts Programme in geographically and culturally diverse areas? Comment on its effectiveness in accelerating development.
4. Underline the importance of multi-stakeholder partnerships involving government and international agencies in achieving Sustainable Development Goals. How do these collaborations influence regional development outcomes?

Answer Hints:

1. Critically analyse the role of cooperative federalism in achieving Sustainable Development Goals in diverse regions like India’s Northeast.

1. Cooperative federalism encourages collaboration between central and state governments, ensuring aligned development goals.
2. The NER SDG Index exemplifies joint efforts of eight Northeastern states, NITI Aayog, MoDoNER, and UNDP.
3. Enables sharing of resources, expertise, and data for region-specific challenges and solutions.
4. Encourages inclusive policymaking respecting cultural and geographic diversity of the Northeast.
5. Facilitates coordinated implementation of flagship schemes like the Aspirational Districts Programme.
6. Helps bridge regional disparities by promoting uniform progress through joint monitoring and accountability.

2. Explain the significance of district-level monitoring tools such as the SDG India Index in promoting inclusive development. With suitable examples, discuss their impact on policy formulation.

1. District-level data helps identify local development gaps and tailor interventions precisely.
2. The NER District SDG Index tracks progress on multiple SDGs, enabling granular assessment.
3. Example – Assam’s districts showed uniform improvement in Zero Hunger, Quality Education, and Clean Water indicators.
4. Supports evidence-based resource allocation and prioritization of lagging districts.
5. Enhances transparency and accountability in governance at grassroots levels.
6. Informs policy adjustments and accelerates progress towards SDG targets by 2030.

3. What are the challenges and opportunities in implementing the Aspirational Districts Programme in geographically and culturally diverse areas? Comment on its effectiveness in accelerating development.

1. Challenges include difficult terrain, infrastructural deficits, and cultural heterogeneity affecting uniform outreach.
2. Language barriers and diverse socio-economic conditions require customized approaches.
3. Opportunities lie in leveraging local knowledge and community participation for sustainable solutions.
4. The program promotes convergence of central and state schemes, improving efficiency.
5. Effective in improving health, education, and livelihoods as seen in improved SDG scores in many districts.
6. Acts as a catalyst for balanced regional development and reducing disparities.

4. Underline the importance of multi-stakeholder partnerships involving government and international agencies in achieving Sustainable Development Goals. How do these collaborations influence regional development outcomes?

1. Partnerships bring technical expertise, funding, and global best practices to local development efforts.
2. Example – UNDP’s technical support in the NER SDG Index enhances data quality and analysis.
3. Facilitates capacity building and knowledge exchange among stakeholders.
4. Ensures alignment of local goals with global SDG commitments, enhancing credibility.
5. Strengthens cooperative federalism by bridging gaps between various governance levels.
6. Leads to more holistic and sustainable regional development outcomes through shared responsibility.