India’s Commitment to Sustainable Development Goals
India is making significant strides in implementing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) plays a crucial role in this effort. It has developed the National Indicator Framework (NIF) to monitor the SDGs at the national level. This framework was created in consultation with various ministries, UN agencies, and other stakeholders. Every year, on Statistics Day, which falls on June 29, MoSPI releases a Progress Report. This report includes time series data and two handbooks derived from the findings. The latest reports, released on Statistics Day 2024, highlight India’s commitment to achieving the SDGs.
Overview of the Latest Reports
On June 29, 2024, MoSPI released three key documents related to the SDGs. These include the Sustainable Development Goals – National Indicator Framework Progress Report, 2024, the Data Snapshot on Sustainable Development Goals – National Indicator Framework, Progress Report, 2024, and the Sustainable Development Goals – National Indicator Framework, 2024. These reports are accessible on the MoSPI website. According to the 2024 Progress Report, data is available for over 95% of the national SDG indicators. This comprehensive data collection reflects India’s ongoing efforts to track and improve its performance on various SDGs.
The reports serve as a vital resource for policymakers, researchers, and the public. They provide insights into India’s progress and areas needing attention. The data helps in formulating strategies to address challenges and improve outcomes. By making this information publicly available, MoSPI promotes transparency and accountability in achieving the SDGs.
Progress in the SDG India Index
The SDG India Index 2023-24 Report, released by NITI Aayog, showcases India’s progress toward the SDGs. The report indicates a notable improvement in the overall score, rising from 66 in 2020-21 to 71 in 2023-24. This increase reflects better performance across 11 SDGs, including No Poverty, Good Health and Well-being, Clean Water and Sanitation, and Affordable and Clean Energy. The report highlights the government’s commitment to improving living standards and promoting sustainable practices.
The SDG India Index serves as a benchmark for assessing the performance of states and union territories. It encourages healthy competition among them to achieve the SDGs. The index is available through an online dashboard, making it easy for stakeholders to access and analyze the data. This initiative fosters a spirit of cooperative federalism, where states can learn from each other’s successes and challenges.
Collaborative Efforts to Address Data Gaps
To enhance the monitoring of SDGs, MoSPI has undertaken several initiatives to address data gaps. The ministry regularly consults with line ministries, departments, and custodian agencies to ensure comprehensive data collection. In February 2023, MoSPI, NITI Aayog, and the United Nations signed a Tripartite Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for a five-year period. This agreement aims to support data, indicators, and statistics for monitoring SDGs in India.
Following the MoU, MoSPI established the Data for Development Coordination Forum (DDCF) on SDGs. This forum is co-chaired by the Director General of the National Statistical Office and the UN Resident Coordinator. The DDCF focuses on developing data plans, enhancing the indicator framework, and facilitating discussions on SDG-related issues. By bringing together various stakeholders, the forum aims to create a unified platform for addressing challenges and sharing best practices.
MoSPI has also aligned existing surveys, such as the Periodic Labour Force Survey, with SDG data requirements. This alignment ensures that the data collected is relevant and useful for monitoring progress. Additionally, workshops and meetings on SDG monitoring have been organized at both national and sub-national levels to promote awareness and collaboration.
Government Initiatives for SDG Localization
The Government of India, along with states and union territories, is actively working towards achieving the 17 Sustainable Development Goals. Key initiatives include aligning SDG targets with relevant schemes and departments, developing state-specific SDG vision documents, and expanding the indicator framework to district and block levels. The establishment of SDG coordination and acceleration centers promotes localization and integration of SDGs into state budgets.
NITI Aayog serves as the nodal institution for achieving SDGs in India. It leads the 2030 Agenda with a focus on cooperative and competitive federalism. The organization provides support to states and union territories in developing sub-national monitoring frameworks. This support helps them track their progress on the SDGs effectively. NITI Aayog also evaluates the performance of states through the SDG India Index, encouraging a competitive spirit among them.
To enhance awareness of the SDGs, MoSPI has set themes for Statistics Day focused on the SDGs. The ministry showcases government initiatives related to SDGs through exhibitions and workshops. The central theme of the Annual Conference of Central and State Statistical Organizations in 2019 was also centered on SDGs. This year, a breakout session on “Best Practices on SDG Monitoring” was organized, involving participation from various stakeholders.
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