India's SDG Index

The released SDG India Index 2023-24 by NITI Aayog serves as a key milestone in India’s journey toward achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This comprehensive report highlights significant progress in critical areas such as poverty alleviation, climate action, economic growth, and gender equality. By documenting advancements and pinpointing areas for improvement, the SDG Index provides an invaluable tool for shaping India’s sustainable development strategy, reflecting both national efforts and localized implementations across states and Union Territories (UTs).

India’s overall SDG score improved from 66 in 2020-21 to 71 in 2023-24, demonstrating measurable progress in areas like No Poverty (Goal 1), Decent Work and Economic Growth (Goal 8), and Climate Action (Goal 13). Targeted government initiatives, including PM Awas Yojana, Swachh Bharat Mission, Jal Jeevan Mission, and Ayushman Bharat, have significantly contributed to these advancements. Additionally, the performance of states and UTs has seen marked improvement, with scores now ranging from 57 to 79. Notably, 32 states and UTs achieved the ‘Front Runner’ category, a significant increase from 22 in the previous report. Among the fastest-moving states, Uttar Pradesh recorded a remarkable 25-point increase in its SDG score, followed by Jammu & Kashmir (21 points) and Uttarakhand (19 points).

From a legal perspective, India’s commitment to the 2030 Agenda is evident in the measures undertaken to institutionalize SDG principles within policy and governance frameworks. The development and implementation of legislative frameworks have played a pivotal role in ensuring that SDGs are embedded in India’s governance structure. For instance, the National Food Security Act (NFSA) and Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) reflect a rights-based approach, ensuring accountability and inclusivity in resource distribution. Furthermore, industries have achieved a 94.86% compliance rate with environmental standards, showcasing the effectiveness of regulatory mechanisms. However, the growing complexity of enforcement highlights the need for uniform SDG-related laws across states, a critical element for fostering collaborative federalism and avoiding disparities in implementation.

Sociologically, the SDG Index underscores transformative strides in poverty alleviation and social equity. Multidimensional poverty decreased to 11.28% in 2022-23, lifting millions out of deprivation. Enhanced access to essential services, including education, healthcare, and clean drinking water, has narrowed inequality gaps and established a foundation for sustained human development. For instance, maternal mortality rates have significantly declined, and the under-five mortality rate dropped from 36 (2016-18) to 32 (2018-20), reflecting the impact of health-focused interventions like Ayushman Bharat. Gender equality has also advanced, with female labor force participation and wage parity showing notable improvements. However, deep-rooted societal biases and systemic barriers continue to hinder full gender equality. Programs such as Beti Bachao Beti Padhao have contributed to increased awareness, but their long-term effectiveness depends on sustained societal engagement and structural changes.

Urban and rural disparities remain a focal point in India’s development strategy. Initiatives like 100% rural electrification under the Saubhagya scheme and sanitation enhancements under Swachh Bharat Mission have played a pivotal role in bridging critical gaps. Notably, 99.29% of rural households now have access to improved drinking water sources, and 94.7% of schools are equipped with functional toilets for girls. Despite these achievements, disparities in resource allocation and infrastructure development persist, requiring more targeted interventions to ensure equitable progress. The digital divide, while narrowed significantly through reduced internet costs and expanded coverage, still necessitates focused efforts to bring marginalized communities into the digital economy.

The SDG-related progress has also had a profound impact on India’s business landscape. Increased renewable energy capacity and a strong emphasis on climate action have created lucrative opportunities for investments in green technologies and sustainable businesses. For instance, India’s solar power capacity grew from 2.82 GW to 73.32 GW in just a decade, demonstrating the vast potential of the green economy. Government programs like PM Mudra Yojana, which has facilitated 43 crore loans, have fostered entrepreneurial activity, particularly among youth and women, contributing to the emergence of a vibrant startup ecosystem. Digital infrastructure improvements, including a 97% reduction in internet data costs, have further fueled financial inclusion and e-commerce expansion, positioning India as a hub for innovation and digital transformation. Moreover, aligning Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives with SDGs offers businesses a pathway to enhance their social impact while achieving sustainability goals.

However, India’s journey toward achieving the 2030 Agenda is not without challenges. Strengthening legal frameworks to harmonize national and state laws remains essential for cohesive SDG implementation. Local governance systems, particularly Panchayati Raj Institutions, must be empowered through capacity-building initiatives to drive SDG localization. Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) can play a transformative role in leveraging private sector innovation and resources, especially in renewable energy and digital infrastructure. Additionally, improving data collection and analytics capabilities is vital for accurate tracking and reporting of SDG progress, enabling policymakers to identify gaps and implement corrective measures effectively.

The SDG India Index 2023-24 highlights India’s remarkable strides in sustainable development, driven by targeted interventions and collaborative efforts. While these achievements reflect significant progress, the road ahead demands continued focus on addressing systemic challenges, fostering inclusivity, and leveraging technological advancements. By integrating legal, sociological, and business strategies, India can not only achieve its SDG targets but also set a global benchmark for sustainable development. As the country moves closer to 2030, a concerted effort across all levels of governance, society, and industry will be critical to ensuring that no one is left behind.