85% of North-East districts are SDG front-runners
NITI Aayog, in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), has released the 2nd SDG Index for North Eastern Region Districts (2023–24), showcasing major progress in achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This latest report evaluates 121 districts across the North Eastern Region, highlighting that 85% of districts are now marked as SDG front-runners, a significant rise from 62% in 2021.
According to NITI Aayog, the index acts as a critical policy tool to assess regional development and identify areas that require targeted intervention. This collaborative initiative between NITI Aayog and UNDP not only provides data-driven insights but also encourages local authorities to drive improvements aligned with the SDGs.
Hnahthial tops, Longding remains lowest performer
The report reveals that Hnahthial in Mizoram has emerged as the top-performing district with a score of 81.4, demonstrating strong progress in sectors like education, health, clean water, and sanitation. On the other hand, Longding in Arunachal Pradesh scored the lowest at 58.7, highlighting regional disparities that require focused attention.
As per Adda247, the index uses 16 out of 17 SDGs to measure district-level performance, with 90 indicators grouped under key categories such as poverty, education, gender equality, clean water, and climate action. The aim is to motivate local governments to design and implement strategies that further sustainable development in their respective areas.
Progress in water, health and education goals
Encouragingly, districts across the North East have made visible improvements in clean water access, public health systems, and educational outreach. These gains reflect effective local governance and increasing focus on inclusive development.
However, challenges still persist, particularly in areas like reducing inequality, promoting responsible consumption, and ensuring decent work opportunities for all. The report shows that while some districts are thriving, others still require policy support and financial resources.
NITI Aayog Index identifies gaps for targeted policy action
The index also serves as a mirror for state governments, enabling them to monitor the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals in a structured and consistent manner. Through this initiative, NITI Aayog aims to foster cooperative federalism, where every district contributes meaningfully to India’s 2030 development agenda.
Districts like Serchhip (Mizoram), East Khasi Hills (Meghalaya), and Imphal West (Manipur) have also shown notable upward trends. Platforms like Adda247 and Jagran Josh have emphasized the importance of this index in shaping evidence-based policy and driving regional competitiveness.
Conclusion
The second edition of the North Eastern Region SDG Index by NITI Aayog reflects a promising shift towards inclusive and sustainable development. While there’s still a road ahead, the progress made so far is commendable and sets a strong foundation for future improvements.
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