High-Level Steering Committee Approved for Refining National Indicator Framework
The Union Cabinet has given its nod to the setting up of a High-Level Steering Committee. The committee holds the responsibility for the periodic evaluation and enhancement of the National Indicator Framework (NIF). This advancement is intended to ensure efficient monitoring of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) along with their associated targets. Moreover, the committee will regularly work on perfecting the indicators included in the framework. The Chief Statistician of India and Secretary, Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI), will chair the High-Level Steering Committee.
Goals and Objectives
The primary objective of the High-Level Steering Committee will involve mainstreaming the Sustainable Development Goals into the prevailing national policies, strategic action plans, and programmes. These efforts aim to address various developmental challenges that restrain progress. The NIF’s statistical indicators will serve as the fundamental structure for monitoring the Sustainable Development Goals at both the state and national level. This systematic measure will evaluate the outcomes of different policies implemented to reach the designated targets under varying SDGs.
Reports and Data
Upon the evaluation of these indicators, the MoSPI will compile national reports highlighting the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals. These reports will aid in assessing progress, identifying obstacles and formulating recommendations for follow-up at a national level. The responsibility of providing regular information on these indicators rests with the Data source Ministries/Departments. They must ensure the provision of this information at necessary intervals and a level of dissemination suitable for national and sub-national reporting of Sustainable Development Goals.
Facts About Sustainable Development Goals
| Sustainable Development Goal | Year of Implementation |
|---|---|
| Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) | 2000 |
| Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) | 2016 |
Historical Background
The idea of developmental goals came into existence during the Millennium Summit in 2000 at the UN Headquarters in New York. Eight development goals, known as the ‘Millennium Development Goals’ (MDGs), were adopted as a blueprint for countries to mold their national development strategies from 2000 to 2015. However, the progress across the countries was uneven, leading to fresh discussions about the usefulness of MDGs and potential successors to guide international development cooperation beyond 2015.
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) effectively replaced the MDGs when they came into enforcement from January 1, 2016. Although not legally binding, SDGs have transformed into de facto international obligations with the capacity to influence the domestic spending priorities of countries over the next fifteen years. Countries are expected to take ownership and formulate a national framework for accomplishing these Goals. They will be held responsible for follow-up and review at the national level concerning the progress made in implementing the Goals and targets. Actions at the national level for monitoring progress under SDGs will necessitate quality, accessible and timely data.