Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Progress in India
India has shown noteworthy progress in achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), as reflected in the SDG index. The country's index score has increased from 57 in 2018 to 71 in 2023-24. States have also demonstrated improvements with an average composite index increase of five units from 2020-21 to 2023-24, some states reporting up to an eight-unit increase.
State-wise Achievements and Challenges
- Kerala and Uttarakhand have achieved scores exceeding 80% in eight goals.
- Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, and West Bengal achieved similar scores in six goals each.
- Some states have experienced a decline in scores for certain goals, with a few seeing a drop in six goals.
- Punjab and West Bengal show steady improvements across all goals.
Goals with Declining Performance
- Goal 1: No poverty
- Goal 5: Gender inequality
- Goal 10: Reduced inequality
- Goal 16: Peace, justice, and strong institutions
- Nine or more states report declines in these goals.
Budgetary Allocations and Expenditures
Significant budget allocations have been made by both Union and state governments towards SDG progress. However, questions about adequacy and the impact of fiscal constraints remain.
- Estimates suggest developing countries require $4 trillion annually for SDG attainment.
- Some states like Haryana, Odisha, and Meghalaya have begun including SDG budgets in their fiscal planning.
Spending vs. Progress Analysis
- Mixed results observed when comparing budget allocations with progress.
- For some goals, despite significant allocations, progress is limited.
- Example: Odisha shows limited progress in Goal 4 and Goal 10; Haryana in Goal 16; Meghalaya in Goal 1 and Goal 4.
- Outcomes from expenditures may materialize with a lag, yet some states still report a decline.
Challenges and Considerations
Challenges in measuring progress and the need for revisiting intervention strategies are highlighted. Reliable data sources are crucial for monitoring progress, but existing frameworks may not fully explain score reductions.
- Potential trade-offs and synergies between goals might be overlooked.
- Comprehensive modeling of interactions between goals could optimize public expenditure outcomes.