Why in NEWS?
NITI Aayog released the 2nd edition of the North Eastern Region (NER) District SDG Index 2023–24, in collaboration with MoDoNER and UNDP. The index assesses district-wise progress in Northeastern states based on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This builds on the first edition launched in 2021.
Key Terms and Concepts
| Term | Explanation |
|---|---|
| NER District SDG Index | A district-level SDG progress tracker covering 121 districts across 8 Northeastern states using NITI Aayog’s SDG methodology. |
| SDG Classification | Achiever (100), Front Runner (65–99), Performer (50–64), Aspirant (<50) |
| Viksit Bharat @2047 | India’s long-term vision for becoming a developed nation by 2047, aligning with SDG targets. |
Key Highlights of NER SDG Index 2023–24
| Indicator | Details |
|---|---|
| Coverage | 121 of 131 districts (92%) across 8 NE states |
| Front Runners (65–99 score) | 85% of districts, up from 62% (previous edition) |
| Achievers (Score = 100) | 0 districts |
| Aspirants (Score < 50) | 0 districts |
| Top Scoring District | Hnahthial, Mizoram (Score: 81.43) |
| Lowest Scoring District | Longding, Arunachal Pradesh (Score: 58.71) |
| State with Most Balanced Performance | Sikkim (Score range difference: 5.5 points) |
| States with All Districts as Front Runners | Mizoram, Sikkim, Tripura |
Importance of the Index
| Role | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Planning Tool | Helps localize SDGs through data-backed planning and targeted interventions. |
| Resource Allocation | Aids state and district governments in directing funds more effectively. |
| Performance Benchmarking | Encourages inter-district competition and cooperation for improved outcomes. |
| Strengthening Cooperative Federalism | Promotes center-state-local collaboration for sustainable development. |
NITI Aayog’s National SDG Index Overview
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Scope | Tracks 16 SDGs (excluding Goal 14: Life Below Water), across 113 indicators. |
| Scoring Categories | Aspirant (0–49), Performer (50–64), Front Runner (65–99), Achiever (100) |
| India’s National Score (2023–24) | 71 (up from 66 in 2020–21, 57 in 2018) |
| Top States | Kerala and Uttarakhand (Score: 79) |
| Bottom States | Bihar (57), Jharkhand (62) |
| Top Performing Goals | Goal 1 (No Poverty): 72, Goal 8 (Economic Growth): 68, Goal 13 (Climate Action): 67 |
In a Nutshell
Memory Code: NER-FRONT
N – NER Index 2nd edition launched
E – Eight NE states covered (121 districts)
R – Rising performance: 85% now Front Runners
F – Front Runner states: Mizoram, Tripura, Sikkim
R – Reliable data-driven planning for SDGs
O – One Vision: Viksit Bharat @2047
N – No Aspirants, No Achievers (mid-level progress)
T – Targeted development through cooperative federalism
Prelims Practice Questions
- Which of the following states had all its districts in the Front Runner category in the NER SDG Index 2023–24?
A. Assam
B. Mizoram
C. Arunachal Pradesh
D. Meghalaya - Which SDG Goal is not included in India’s National SDG Index composite score?
A. Goal 6 – Clean Water
B. Goal 10 – Reduced Inequality
C. Goal 14 – Life Below Water
D. Goal 12 – Responsible Consumption - What is the primary purpose of the NER District SDG Index?
A. Ranking coastal districts
B. Monitoring air quality
C. Tracking district-level SDG performance
D. Allocating forest rights
Mains Practice Questions
- GS2 (Governance):
Discuss the role of regional SDG indices such as the NER District SDG Index in strengthening India’s federal structure and local governance. (10 marks) - GS3 (Inclusive Development):
How can the findings of the NER District SDG Index guide targeted interventions for balanced regional development in Northeast India? (15 marks)
Answer Key with Explanation
| Q No. | Answer | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | B | Mizoram has all districts in the Front Runner category |
| 2 | C | Goal 14 (Life Below Water) excluded as it applies only to coastal states |
| 3 | C | The Index is created to assess SDG progress at the district level in NER |
