By Nilesh Shukla
India has made commendable progress in its journey towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030. The SDGs, adopted by all United Nations Member States in 2015, serve as a global blueprint to address pressing social, economic, and environmental challenges. The annual SDG Report 2030, presented by the UN Secretary-General in collaboration with the UN System, evaluates the performance of countries based on national statistical data and regional indicators.
Progress Achieved
India’s overall SDG performance has seen a significant upward trajectory in recent years. The country’s SDG score improved from 57 in 2018 to 71 in 2023-24, demonstrating a strong commitment to sustainable development. Notable progress has been made in various sectors, such as poverty reduction, access to clean water and sanitation, and energy access.
Poverty Reduction
One of the most remarkable achievements has been the reduction of multidimensional poverty. Between 2015-16 and 2019-21, the proportion of the population experiencing multidimensional poverty declined from 24.8% to 14.96%. This substantial improvement can be attributed to various government initiatives, including social welfare programs, financial inclusion schemes, and rural development efforts aimed at uplifting marginalized communities.
Clean Water and Sanitation
Access to clean water and sanitation has also witnessed significant improvements. As of recent reports, 99.29% of rural households now have access to improved sources of drinking water. Government initiatives such as the Jal Jeevan Mission have played a pivotal role in ensuring safe and reliable drinking water supply to millions of rural households.
Affordable and Clean Energy
India has achieved remarkable milestones in providing affordable and clean energy. The Saubhagya Scheme has successfully ensured that 100% of households have access to electricity, thereby improving the quality of life and fostering economic development in rural areas. Additionally, India’s push towards renewable energy, including solar and wind power projects, has contributed to a greener and more sustainable energy landscape.
State-Level Achievements
According to the SDG India Index, 32 states and union territories have attained “Front Runner” status, with scores ranging between 65 and 99. Among the top-performing states are Kerala, Himachal Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu, while Gujarat ranks 11th. These states have demonstrated exemplary performance in areas such as health, education, and economic growth, setting benchmarks for other regions to follow.
National Ranking
Despite these successes, India ranks 109th out of 166 countries in the SDG Index, with a score of 63.99. While this ranking indicates steady progress, it also highlights the need for sustained efforts to address existing gaps and accelerate progress across all SDG indicators.
Challenges Faced
Despite the commendable progress, India faces significant challenges in achieving the SDGs comprehensively. Some of the key challenges include inequality, climate change, healthcare access, and education quality.
Reducing Inequality and Ensuring Inclusion
India continues to struggle with socio-economic inequalities, particularly among marginalized communities such as women, Scheduled Castes (SCs), Scheduled Tribes (STs), and other vulnerable groups. Disparities in income, social status, and access to opportunities persist, hindering inclusive growth. Bridging these gaps requires targeted policy interventions and inclusive development strategies.
Climate Change and Environmental Sustainability
India faces mounting challenges in addressing climate change. The country is among the world’s largest emitters of greenhouse gases, necessitating urgent measures to curb emissions and transition to sustainable practices. Issues such as deforestation, pollution, and unsustainable industrial growth pose significant threats to environmental sustainability.
To tackle climate challenges, India needs to focus on enhancing renewable energy capacity, promoting energy efficiency, and adopting climate-resilient agricultural practices.
Healthcare Gaps
Despite improvements in healthcare infrastructure, significant disparities exist in access to quality healthcare services, especially in rural areas. Challenges such as inadequate healthcare facilities, shortage of medical professionals, and high out-of-pocket expenses continue to hinder universal health coverage. Strengthening primary healthcare systems, increasing investment in healthcare infrastructure, and ensuring equitable access to essential services remain critical priorities.
Quality Education
While India has made progress in expanding access to education, concerns remain regarding the quality of education. Learning outcomes in many public schools are suboptimal, and there is a pressing need to address issues such as outdated curricula, teacher shortages, and inadequate infrastructure. Bridging the urban-rural divide in education quality and ensuring skill development for future employability are essential for achieving SDG 4 (Quality Education).
To sustain and accelerate progress towards the SDGs, India needs a multi-faceted approach that includes policy reforms, public-private partnerships, and community participation. Key focus areas for the future include:
- Strengthening Policy Implementation: Effective implementation of government schemes and policies with a focus on transparency and accountability.
- Enhancing Data-Driven Decision Making: Leveraging technology and data analytics to monitor progress, identify gaps, and drive evidence-based policymaking.
- Investing in Human Capital: Prioritizing investments in health, education, and skill development to build a resilient and capable workforce.
- Promoting Sustainable Development Practices: Encouraging industries and communities to adopt sustainable practices that align with environmental conservation goals.
- Addressing Regional Disparities: Tailoring development interventions to the unique needs of different states and regions to ensure balanced growth
India’s progress towards achieving the SDGs is promising, with substantial improvements in areas such as poverty reduction, energy access, and clean water provision. However, persistent challenges related to inequality, climate change, healthcare, and education require sustained efforts and strategic interventions. By fostering an inclusive and sustainable development model, India can realize its vision of a prosperous and equitable future, ensuring that no one is left behind in the pursuit of sustainable development goals.
