31-Oct-2022: National Workshop on Developing/Reviewing Sub-National Level Monitoring Framework for SDGs

The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) under the aegis of ‘Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav (AKAM)’ organized a one-day “National Workshop on Developing/Reviewing Sub-National Level Monitoring Framework for SDGs” today on 31st October 2022 in SCOPE Convention Centre, New Delhi to review the status of development/refinement of SIF/ DIF for monitoring of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) at sub-national level and to orient the States/UTs for evolving monitoring mechanism.

The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) has developed a National Indicator Framework (NIF) for SDGs along with identified data sources and periodicity following due consultation process with all stakeholders.  The NIF is the backbone for facilitating monitoring of SDGs at the national level.

MoSPI is regularly extending technical support to the States/UTs on various issues relating to Sub-national level Indicator Framework for SDGs. In this endeavour, the Ministry developed and circulated Guidelines for developing SIF during July 2019 which was further updated in March 2022. The SIFs have been developed/are being developed in consultation with all the stakeholders, and considering the critical development priorities, data requirements and available infrastructure of the States/UTs. While most of the States/UTs have developed their SIFs for monitoring the progress on SDGs, a few States/UTs are in the process of developing/approving their SIFs.

The event witnessed remarkable participation from States/UTs, line Ministries/Departments and UN Agencies. A lot of best practices are being followed by a number of States/UTs w.r.t SDGs monitoring, such as, development of State/UT/district/block/village level indicator framework, regular publication of progress reports on SDGs SIF, development of dashboard on SDGs, etc. During the workshop, such practices were shared with the other States/UTs to emulate.

Dr.  G. P. Samanta, Chief Statistician of India and Secretary, MoSPI in his welcome address talked briefly about the initiatives taken by MoSPI in the area of SDG NIF. This was followed by the address by Mr. Dennis Curry, Deputy Resident Representative, UNDP, India. The key note address for the event was delivered by Dr. Bibek Debroy, Chairman, Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister (EAC-PM),  the Chief Guest of the Workshop, appreciated the efforts of the Government towards achieving the SDGs.

During the Technical Sessions, localisation of SDGs was discussed by NITI Aayog and Ministry of Panchayati Raj. Experiences of UNDP on preparation of sub-national indicator framework on SDGs was shared during the event. Further, States and UTs also shared the best practices being followed on sub-state Indicator Framework. The valedictory session, co-chaired by MoSPI and UN Resident Coordinator in India, concluded the workshop with way forward.  

The national workshop underscored the importance of developing/refining the monitoring framework on SDGs at state and sub-state level. To take the efforts further, MoSPI along with the States and UTs will endeavour to prepare monitoring framework at sub-state levels.

23-Sep-2022: National Workshop on Localization of Sustainable Development Goals in Panchayats focused on people's participation as key of success

Union Minister of State for Panchayati Raj Shri Kapil Moreshwar  Patil  today said that the Sarpanch of the village is a trustee and has the prime responsibility of the development of his village . He called upon them to work comprehensively towards the progress of the village.   

He was speaking on second day of National workshop on Localization of Sustainable Development Goals in Panchayats through Thematic Approaches on ‘Water Sufficient and Clean and Green Gram Panchayat, organised by the Ministry of Panchayat Raj in collaboration with Department of Rural Devolvement and Panchayat Raj Government of Maharashtra in Pune.

Shri Patil said Prime Minister Narendra Modi has advocated for Sabka Sath , Sab ka Vikas, Sab ka Vishwas and Sab ka Prayas  and we have to work honestly to fulfil his vision of development of the villages. He interacted with the delegates and shared his thoughts giving many examples, and emphasised that the development of the village is impossible without people’s participation.

Addressing the National Workshop through Video Conferencing Maharashtra Chief Minister Shri Eknath Shinde stated that instructions shall be issued to all line Departments to provide necessary support to Gram Panchayats for saturation of all nine themes of Localization of Sustainable Development Goals (LSDGs). Terming the National Workshop as a very welcome step towards cross learning and experience sharing, he appreciated active participation from Maharashtra and other States / UTs.

The second day of the workshop started with the videos and discussion on water body rejuvenation so as to deposit water (ground water recharge) before withdrawal of water. Representatives of Haryana raised the issues of grey water flow directly in to village ponds and expressed concern of water contamination. The expert suggested for indigenous solution with minimum investment.

Ms. Anita Yadav Chief Development Officer, Ayodhya District, Uttar  Pradesh presented the works on water table recharge , reduced costs of irrigation through rejuvenation of River Tamsa .

Sarpanch from Vidharbha region of Maharashtra posed question for panelist to reduce the heat in schools for children comfort. Experts suggested a low cost solution with continuous flow of rain harvested   water through pipe on the roof of the schools. Shri Anand Malligavad , Lake Conservationist encouraged the participants to carry out rejuvenation of traditional water bodies / lakes of Panchayats for sustainable availability of water.

Shri Sunil Kumar , Secretary Ministry of Panchayat   Raj chaired 4th session of workshop and summed up with the suggestion that ‘Jan Bhagidari’ is the key for success of various innovative projects and advised Gram Panchayats to ensure continuous engagements of community through Gram Sabhas . Shri Sudhir Gotmare , Sarpanch Khursapar Gram Panchayat  , Nagpur , Shri Amol Katkar Sarpach Kiraksal , Gram Panchayat  Satara  and others also participated .

Shri Nagendra Nath Sinha , Secretary Ministry of Rural Development chaired 5th session , which focused on way forward , generation of livelihood and employment , Own Source Revenue through innovative and adoption of good practices.

21-Sep-2022: Localization of Sustainable Development Goals in Gram Panchayats

The three-day National Workshop on Localization of Sustainable Development Goals in Gram Panchayats through Adopting Thematic Approaches: Theme 4 & 5: Water Sufficient and Clean & Green Gram Panchayat begins in Pune, Maharashtra tomorrow. The Workshop is being organised by the Ministry of Panchayat Raj, Government of India, in collaboration with Department of Rural Development and Panchayat Raj, Government of Maharashtra.

The National Workshop will be inaugurated by Shri Kapil Moreshwar Patil, Union Minister of State for Panchayati Raj, Shri Girish Mahajan, Minister of Rural Development & Panchayat Raj, Government of Maharashtra, Shri Gulabrao Patil, Minister of Water Supply and Sanitation, Government of Maharashtra along with Shri Sunil Kumar, Secretary, Ministry of Panchayati Raj and Shri Rajesh Kumar, Additional Chief Secretary, Department of Rural Development & Panchayat Raj, Government of Maharashtra and other dignitaries and local public representatives.

Chief Minister of Maharashtra will grace the concluding session in virtual mode and deliver valedictory address. Different technical sessions will be chaired by Secretaries to the Government of India including Shri Sunil Kumar, Secretary, Ministry of Panchayati Raj, Shri. Nagendra Nath Sinha, Secretary, Ministry of Rural Development, Smt. Vini Mahajan, Secretary, Department of Drinking Water & Sanitation, Ministry of Jal Shakti; and Smt. Archana Varma, Additional Secretary, Department of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation, Ministry of Jal Shakti.

Shri Kapil Moreshwar Patil and Shri Girish Mahajan and other eminent dignitaries will also inaugurate an exhibition tomorrow and visit different thematic stalls showcasing various developmental schemes and initiatives and achievements of Panchayati Raj Institutions in the thematic areas.

Elected representatives and functionaries of Panchayati Raj Institutions from Maharashtra and across the country will attend the National Workshop. Around 1,500 participants are expected to attend the National Workshop. Participants will be consisting of elected representatives from Gram Panchayats, NGOs, officials from ZPs and other line Departments, key stakeholders, domain experts and agencies doing exemplary work on water and sanitation.

Shri Anand Bhandari, State Project Director, RGSA, Maharashtra and Dr. Mallinath Kalshetti, DDG, YASHADA and Director, SIRD&PR, Maharashtra will propose vote of thanks during the National Workshop. A well-designed ‘Experience Sharing and Learning from the Field’ exercise in the form of field visits will be the major attraction for the participants / delegates on the third day of the National Workshop.

The National Workshop endeavours to achieve following objectives during the period of three days:

• Creating a space for peer-learning for Gram Panchayats by exchange ideas and experience sharing with other States
• Facilitating dialogue between elected representatives of Panchayats and civil society organisations
• Strengthening implementation strategy on Theme 4 & 5: Water Sufficient and Clean & Green Gram Panchayat
• Releasing Maharashtra State Roadmap on SDG localisation in Panchayats
• Disseminating and deliberating innovative ideas around theme 4 and 5.

The National Workshop will serve as an appropriate platform for deliberative action and experiential learning for the Gram Panchayats. It will be participatory and exploratory which will adopt three-fold process:

1. Video presentations: Presentations will be made by Panchayats and domain experts by showing the video prepared on the exemplary work they have been doing for last few years. They will showcase the process they had adopted, and impact created in their respective Gram Panchayats or area of intervention. PPT or long talks has deliberately been discouraged to engage elected representatives in the workshop and bring learning through video demonstrations.  
2. Group / Panel discussions: Panels consisting of Panchayats, domain experts, NGOs along with senior officials have been formed which will be chaired by respective Secretary of the concerned Department. Based on the video presentations, panel will discuss the topic shown in the video to be facilitated by senior officials. Representative questions from participants will be taken and addressed by participating Gram Panchayats and experts.
3. Field Visit: Deliberations and discussions will not be confined to the four walls of the workshop venue but it will take participants from other States to the Gram Panchayats of Maharashtra to showcase the work Gram Panchayats in Maharashtra have undertaken. State representatives will travel to assigned Gram Panchayats and have first-hand experience of the work done and impact it has created. This will help participants to understand the process the Gram Panchayats in Maharashtra adopted. Field visit will be coordinated and facilitated by SIRD&PR, Maharashtra, YASHADA, Pune along with Department of Rural Development & Panchayat Raj, Government of Maharashtra.

The following important activities will be conducted over the period of three days during the National Workshop:

• Release of Maharashtra State SDG Roadmap on SDG localisation
• Launching of MahaEGram portal which would consist of-
• SDG Dashboard for the State of Maharashtra
• e-Payment Gateway
• Online Certificates
• Mobile app – MahaEGram Citizen Connect
• Release of booklets on theme 4 and 5
• Release of book on LSDG posters prepared through poster competitions
• Showcasing of exhibition stalls on theme 4 and 5
• Cultural program showcasing folk-culture in Maharashtra through dance and other art forms
• Field visits to Gram Panchayats in Maharashtra.

Background:

Sustainable Development Goals adopted by United Nations came into effect from January 1, 2016. Ministry of Panchayat Raj, Government of India has adopted thematic approach to SDGs – It is approach to ensure ‘local action’ for achieving ‘global plan’. The approach aims to localise SDGs in rural areas through PRIs, especially Gram Panchayats by clubbing 17 ‘goals’ into ‘9 themes’. Appropriate policy decisions and revisions have followed resulting into revamping of Rashtriya Gram Swaraj Abhiyan (RGSA) and Gram Panchayat Development Plan (GPDP) Guidelines which smoothens the process of Localisation of Sustainable Development Goals (LSDGs) in Gram Panchayats.  In pursuance to the agenda of localising Sustainable Development Goals in Panchayats, Ministry of Panchayat Raj, Government of India is organising a series of thematic workshops at different locations in close collaboration with State/ UT Departments of Panchayati Raj, State Institutes of Rural Development & Panchayati Raj (SIRD&PRs), line Ministries/ Departments and other stakeholders.

14-Sep-2022: MoU to give fillip to strengthening and capacity building of PRIs

The Ministry of Panchayati Raj (MoPR), Government of India and the Institute of Rural Management Anand (IRMA), Gujarat signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at the IRMA Campus in Anand, Gujarat today.

Shri Sunil Kumar, Secretary, MoPR and Dr. Umakant Dash, Director, IRMA, signed the MoU, which has been formulated to give a fillip to the strengthening and capacity building of Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) across the country, and to establish a framework under which MoPR and IRMA will collaborate in the area of Gram Panchayat Development Planning for Localization of Sustainable Development Goals (LSDGs) through PRIs.

“If attainment of SDGs in rural areas is to be permanent and meaningful in nature, PRIs need to identify them with themes of localization of SDGs with clear vision and achieving thematic goals”, Shri Kumar said on the occasion. “IRMA”, he added, “is the only institute best placed to serve such needs and requirements that are necessary for the overall development of rural India.” Shri Kumar called upon the PRIs to use technology / digital technology to reach out to the last mile and taking everyone along in the spirit of Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas, Sabka Prayaas.

In his address, Dr. Umakant Dash said that IRMA was established with the stated purpose of creating rural managers, committed to work at the grassroots. The collaboration between IRMA and the MoPR couldn’t have come at a more opportune time, given that the nation is celebrating the ‘Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav’, commemorating 75 years of progressive India and the glorious history of its people. The people who are the backbone of the PRIs and institutions like IRMA have a responsibility towards rural development. This collaboration, he added, would aid IRMA faculty and participants to work closely with PRIs and hone their skills on the ground, towards the attainment of the larger goal of the localization of SDGs.

Smt. Rekha Yadav, Joint Secretary, MoPR, shared an overview on the localization of SDGs and their convergence with different stakeholders at the grassroots. Stressing on the need for recognizing the challenges and the opportunities present in mobilizing community participation, she said the MoPR recognizes the same and its efforts are now focused on undertaking implementation and monitoring of the localization of the SDGs. She concluded by saying that IRMA would be expected to bring its specialization, technical prowess and practical experience to the common objectives of the agreement and the collaborative efforts would bring about the implementation of best practices across the nation.

The MoU ceremony also saw presentation from IRMA faculty on various domains like IRMA’s strategy for integrating its PGDM students with the MoPR fellows during the institute’s Village Fieldwork Segment (VFS) and the Summer Internship Segment (SIS), as well as its continuous commitment to create research and capacity-building programmes that engage rural communities and create sustainable models to transform economy and livelihoods scenario of India.

The ceremony was capped by an interactive session between Shri Sunil Kumar, Secretary, MoPR, Smt. Rekha Yadav, Joint Secretary, MoPR and the students of IRMA's flagship PGDRM programme.

28-Jul-2022: Achieving Sustainable Development Goals

Goal 13 of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) on ‘Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts' pertains to climate change. Achievement of India’s pre-2020 voluntary goal, and Nationally Determined Contributions in the post-2020 period (2021-2030) will reflect in achievement of SDG Goal 13. Despite having no binding obligation under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), in 2009 India announced its voluntary goal to reduce emissions intensity of its GDP by 20-25% by 2020 in comparison to 2005 level. India achieved 24% reduction in emission intensity of its GDP between 2005 and 2016.

Further under the Paris Agreement, India submitted its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) to UNFCCC in 2015 outlining eight targets for the period 2021-2030, including (i) to reduce the emissions intensity of its GDP by 33 to 35 percent by 2030 from 2005 level, (ii) to achieve about 40 percent cumulative electric power installed capacity from non-fossil fuel based energy resources by 2030 with the help of transfer of technology and low cost international finance including from Green Climate Fund (GCF), and (iii) to create an additional carbon sink of 2.5 to 3 billion tonnes of CO2 equivalent through additional forest and tree cover by 2030. The other targets pertain to sustainable lifestyles; climate friendly growth path; climate change adaptation; climate finance; and technology and capacity building.

Government is implementing the National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC) which provides an overarching policy framework for all climate actions including mitigation and adaptation. NAPCC comprises of eight core Missions in specific areas of solar energy, enhanced energy efficiency, sustainable habitat, water, sustaining Himalayan ecosystems, Green India, sustainable agriculture and strategic knowledge for climate change. 33 States and Union Territories have prepared State Action Plan on Climate Change (SAPCC) consistent with the objectives of NAPCC. The adaptation activities in the States and Union Territories of India are being supported through National Adaptation Fund for Climate Change (NAFCC). NAFCC is implemented in project mode and till date, 30 adaptation projects have been approved under NAFCC in 27 States and UTs.

21-Jul-2022: Policies to Achieve Sustainable Development Goals

The government has formulated policies to achieve Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) to mitigate the effect of Climate Change and build Sustainable cities and communities. The Government is implementing National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC) which provides an overarching policy framework for all climate actions. NAPCC comprises of eight core Missions in specific areas of solar energy, enhanced energy efficiency, sustainable habitat, water, sustaining Himalayan ecosystems, Green India, sustainable agriculture and strategic knowledge for climate change. 33 States and Union Territories have prepared State Action Plan on Climate Change (SAPCC) consistent with the objectives of NAPCC. Despite having no binding obligation under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), India announced its voluntary goal to reduce the emission intensity of its GDP by 20-25% by 2020 in comparison to 2005 level. India has achieved 24% reduction in emission intensity of its GDP between 2005 and 2016.          

Under the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP), which is a national level strategy to reduce air pollution levels across the country, City Specific Clean Air Action Plans have been prepared and rolled out for implementation in 132 non-attainment and million plus cities. These action plans focus on city specific short/ medium/ long term actions to control air pollution from sources such as vehicular emission, road dust, burning of biomass/ crop/ garbage/ Municipal Solid Waste, landfills, construction activities, industrial emission.  Several Flagship schemes/missions or programmes to implement SDG 11 by other ministries are Swachh Bharat Mission - Urban (SBM-U),Atal Mission for rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT),Smart Cities Mission(SCM), Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana - Urban (PMAY-U)and Metro Rail Projects.  The government also supports the 10-Year Framework Programme on Sustainable Consumption and Production, for which Ministry had published draft notification of regulation on Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) for Waste Tire for receiving comments from public and 'Guidelines on the EPR for Plastic Packaging' under Plastic Waste Management Rules, 2016 has been notified. Recently the ministry has put ban on Single Use Plastics to make the environment healthier.          

Apart from this, National Cyclone Risk Mitigation Project (NCRMP) has been implemented across eight coastal States with four Main Components; i) Early Warning Dissemination System; ii) Cyclone Risk Mitigation Infrastructure; iii) Technical Assistance for Capacity and iv) Project Management and Monitoring, in two phases i.e. (Phase-I: Andhra Pradesh &Odisha); (Phase-II: Goa, Gujarat, Karnataka, Kerala, Maharashtra & West Bengal). Works on Phase-I has been completed in December 2018 & scheduled date of completion of Phase-II is September 2022.

11-Apr-2022: Vice President of India Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu inaugurates National Conference on Localisation of Sustainable Development Goals

Inaugurating National Stakeholders Conference on Localization of Sustainable Development Goals organized by the Ministry of Panchayati Raj, Vice President of India urged the Union Government and various States to facilitate the devolution of the 3 Fs i.e. Funds, Functions and Functionaries to Panchayati Raj Institutions for efficient and effective functioning of local self-governments for the holistic development in rural areas and to achieve Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The Rural Local Bodies have to be revitalized and rejuvenated by strengthening and empowering them, the Vice President added.

People’s participation is must for the development of the country. To make the country poverty free we must start with villages and provide connectivity, education, employment opportunity and entertainment for the development of villages and stop migration, said Vice President Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu. He was addressing the conference on localization of sustainable development goals at Vigyan Bhawan in the National Capital today. Union Minister of Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Shri Giriraj Singh, Union Minister of Jal Shakti Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Union Minister of State for Panchayati Raj Shri Kapil Moreshwar Patil, Union Minister of State for Rural Development Shri Faggan Singh Kulaste and Panchayati Raj Ministers of twelve States graced the occasion with their august presence. Shri Sunil Kumar, Secretary, Ministry of Panchayati Raj, Shri Nagendra Nath Sinha, Secretary, Department of Rural Development, Shri Ajay Tirkey, Secretary, Department of Land Resources, Dr. Chandra Shekhar Kumar, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Panchayati Raj and other senior officers of Government of India and State Governments and representatives of various organisations/ institutions/ agencies were also present on this occasion.

The Ministry of Panchayati Raj is organizing the Iconic Week from 11th April to 17th April, 2022 to commemorate Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav (AKAM) as a Jan-Utsav in the spirit of Jan-Bhagidari. The theme of Iconic Week is “Panchayaton ke Navnirman ka Sankalpotsav”.

Vice President said empowering of villages is the crux of development. He quoted Mahatma Gandhi saying that Gandhiji had said the Ram Rajya is incomplete without Gram Rajya. “To achieve that villages should be empowered and the local elected bodies must be strengthened”, the Vice President said.

The Vice President also released on this occasion the Logo of Localisation of Sustainable Development Goals and Compendium of Joint Advisories to the States on Operationalisation of Localisation of Sustainable Development Goals and Compendium of Thematic Presentations.

While referring to the increase in fund allocation to the Rural Local Bodies from Rs.100 per capita per annum in the 10th Finance Commission to Rs.674 per capita per annum in the 15th Finance Commission, the Vice President expressed satisfaction that the Central Finance Commission funds are directly transferred to the bank accounts of Panchayats so that there should not be any diversion, dilution and deviation. Similarly, every grant meant for people should directly go to the eligible beneficiaries.

The Vice President said that given that nearly 70% of India is rural India (68.84% as per the 2011 census), attainment of Sustainable Development Goals at the national level will require actions at the grassroots level i.e. at the Panchayat level.

Observing that the biggest goal is to make the country poverty-free, the Vice President said the other equally important missions include providing education to all boys and girls, ensuring delivery of critical services like safe drinking water and creating adequate employment opportunities.

Referring to the critical role of Gram Sabhas in enabling direct participation of the people in local governance, the Vice President of India said the legal framework on the number of Gram Sabhas to be held in a year is necessary and needs to be formulated. The Vice President of India appreciated the consistent efforts of the Ministry of Panchayati Raj for strengthening and empowerment of the Gram Sabha.

Calling for people’s participation in implementation of all the schemes and programmes at the grassroots level, the Vice President stressed the need for concerted efforts from all stakeholders to ensure comprehensive and all-round development of the Panchayats and achieve various targets in local context. The Vice President expressed happiness that women constitute 46 percent of the 31.65 lakh elected representatives of the rural local bodies in the country, adding that empowering women is empowering the society.

The Vice President said that Panchayats have a pivotal role to play in integrated rural development by focusing on the 17 SDGs which are subsumed under nine themes to ensure poverty-free, clean, healthy, child-friendly, and socially secured well-governed villages.

Emphasizing the need for transparent, accountable and efficient governance at all levels, Shri Naidu commended the Ministry of Panchayati Raj for having introduced digital solutions like e-Gram Swaraj for smart and good governance in Panchayati Raj Institutions. While noting that 2.38 lakh Gram Panchayats have adopted e-Gram Swaraj, the Vice President of India called for bringing all Panchayats onto this platform to meet the digital mission of governance.

Observing that Panchayats have emerged as leaders, planners and policymakers at the grass-root level, the Vice President expressed confidence that the aggregation of their achievements will enable India to realize the national as well as global targets in the true spirit of the transition from ‘Local to Global'.

Addressing the National Stakeholders Conference on Localization of Sustainable Development Goals, Union Panchayati Raj Minister Shri Giriraj Singh said that country's development is not possible without development of Panchayats. He emphasized that there should be master plan for all Panchayats and it should be prepared using latest technology. Speaking about importance of transparency and accountability in Panchayats, the Minister informed about e-Gram Swaraj App developed for planning, budgeting and accounting of Panchayats. The Minister also requested all the stakeholders to join hands for achieving SDG goals and making Panchayats sustainable.

Speaking on Open defecation free India, Union Jal Shakti Minister Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, India has achieved Open Defecation Free (ODF) status in 2019, 11 years ahead of its actual timeline in 2030. The Minister requested Panchayat representatives to achieve complete sanitation and adopt waste management practices. He said it will convert waste to wealth and provide new confidence in rural economy. The Minister also said that the Ministry is aiming to provide clean drinking water to each household in the country by 2024.

On this occasion Shri Jishnu Dev Varma, Deputy Chief Minister & Minister of Panchayati Raj, Tripura, Shri Satpal Maharaj, Minister of Panchayati Raj, Uttarakhand, Shri Bhupendra Singh Chaudhary, Minister of Panchayati Raj, Uttar Pradesh, Shri K. S. Eshwarappa, Minister of Rural Development and Panchayati Raj, Karnataka, Shri. K. R. Periyakaruppan, Minister for Rural Development & Panchayati Raj, Tamil Nadu, Shri Ranjeet Kumar Dass, Minister of Panchayati Raj and Rural Development, Assam, Shri Bamang Felix, Minister of Rural Development & Panchayati Raj, Arunachal Pradesh, Shri Samrat Chaudhary, Minister of Panchayati Raj, Bihar, Shri Brijesh Merja, Minister of Panchayati Raj, Gujarat, Shri Devender Singh Babli, Minister of Development & Panchayati Raj, Haryana, Shri Mahendra Singh Sisodia, Minister of Panchayati Raj, Madhya Pradesh and Shri K. Lalrinliana, Minister of Panchayati Raj, Mizoram shared their views, insights, and ideas on Localisation of Sustainable Development Goals at the National Conference to mark Amrit Mahotsav Iconic Week organized by the Ministry of Panchayati Raj.

A large number of elected representatives and functionaries of Panchayati Raj Institutions attended the National Conference to mark the celebrations of Iconic Week under Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav. Elected representatives of three-tier Panchayats from different parts of the country expressed their views and shared their experience of ensuring all round development in their respective Panchayats. Shri Sunil Kumar, Secretary, Ministry of Panchayati Raj summed up the entire day’s proceedings and informed the gathering of Panchayat representatives that all the documents such as compendium of Joint Advisories from Union Secretaries to States on operationalisation of Localisation of SDGs and thematic presentations will be made available to Panchayats in the regional / vernacular languages. He called upon all Panchayats to work in a committed and concerted manner to achieve the SDGs.

5-Apr-2022: Governance capabilities of Panchayati Raj Institutions to meet Sustainable Development Goals

The main objective of the scheme of Rashtriya Gram Swaraj Abhiyan is to build capacity of Panchayati Raj Institution (PRIs) to deliver on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Under the scheme funds are released to States/ Union Territories for different activities meant for strengthening of Panchayati Raj Institutions viz Capacity Building &Training, training infrastructure and Human Resource support for training, Strengthening of Gram Sabhas in Panchayats Extension to Scheduled Areas, Distance Learning Facility via Internet Protocol based, Support for Innovations, Technical support to Panchayati Raj Institutions, Financial Data and Analysis Cell, Panchayat Buildings, e-enablement of Panchayats, Project based funding for economic development and income enhancement, Information Education Communication and Project Management Unit.

No separate Gram Kisan Sabha has been organized under scheme of Rashtriya Gram Swaraj Abhiyan including Rajasthan.

The States have been advised to integrate Sustainable Development Goals relating to poverty, public, health, nutrition, education, gender, sanitation, drinking water, livelihood generation etc., which fall within the realm of Panchayats, in their respective Capacity Building & Training Plans for imparting training to Elected Representatives and other stakeholders of Panchayats on these subjects.

For Monitoring, implementation and Management of Rashtriya Gram Swaraj Abhiyan at Central Level, National Steering Committee, Central empowered Committee and National Programme Management Unit have been set up. Similarly, at the State level State Steering Committee, State Executive Committee and State Programme Management Unit in each State have been set up. The progress of implementation of scheme is reviewed during conferences of Secretaries, Video Conferences and field visits by senior officers. Further, Management Information System (MIS) application has also been put in place to inter-alia monitor the progress of implementation of approved activities. Besides, the revamped Training Management Portal 2.0 (TMP) has been operationalized for capturing the actual training conducted by the States/Union Territories.

14-Mar-2022: India on verge of achieving SDG target of Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR) of 70/ lakh live births by 2030

In a significant achievement, Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR) of India has declined by 10 points as per the Special Bulletin on MMR released by the Registrar General of India.

The ratio has declined from 113 in 2016-18 to 103 in 2017-19 (8.8 % decline).

The country has been witnessing a progressive reduction in MMR from 130 in 2014-2016, 122 in 2015-17, 113 in 2016-18, and to 103 in 2017-19.

With this persistent decline, India is on the verge of achieving National Health Policy (NHP) target of 100/lakh live births by 2020 and certainly on track to achieve the SDG target of 70/ lakh live births by 2030. The number of states which have achieved the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) target has now risen from 5 to 7 viz. Kerala (30), Maharashtra (38), Telangana (56), Tamil Nadu (58), Andhra Pradesh (58), Jharkhand (61), and Gujarat (70). There are now nine (9) States that have achieved the target of MMR set by the NHP which include the above 7 and the States of Karnataka (83) and Haryana (96).

Five states [Uttarakhand (101), West Bengal (109), Punjab (114), Bihar (130), Odisha (136) and Rajasthan (141)] have MMR in between 100-150, while for 4 states namely, Chhattisgarh (160), Madhya Pradesh (163), Uttar Pradesh (167) and Assam (205) have MMR above 150.

Encouraging achievement has been reported by Uttar Pradesh [which has shown the maximum decline of 30 points], Rajasthan (23 points), Bihar (19 points), Punjab (15 points) and Odisha (14 points).

Remarkably, three states (Kerala, Maharashtra and Uttar Pradesh) have shown more than 15% decline in MMR, while 6 states namely, Jharkhand, Rajasthan, Bihar, Punjab, Telangana, and Andhra Pradesh have shown a decline between 10-15%. Four states viz. Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Odisha and Karnataka witnessed a decline between 5-10%.

Four states namely West Bengal, Haryana, Uttarakhand and Chhattisgarh have shown an increase in MMR and hence will need to reappraise their strategy and intensify their efforts to accelerate the MMR decline to achieve the SDG target.

It is pertinent to point that strategic investments under National Health Mission (NHM) through various schemes have been consistently yielding increasing dividends. Remarkable gains have been made under quality-of-care endeavours by Government of India like Pradhan Mantri Surakshit Matritva Abhiyan and Labour Room Quality Improvement Initiative (LaQshya) in conjunction with the existing schemes like Janani Shishu Suraksha Karyakram and Janani Suraksha Yojana. Additionally, flagship schemes by MoWCD such as the Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY) and Poshan Abhiyan target nutrition delivery for vulnerable populations, particularly pregnant and nursing women and children. The achievement also bolsters Government of India’s resolve to ‘Surakshit Matritva Aashwasan’ for the women by creating a responsive health care system which strives to achieve zero preventable maternal and newborn deaths. Furthermore, The Union health Minister has launched Maternal Perinatal Child Death Surveillance Response (MPCDSR) software in 2021 to create a one-stop integrated information platform to capture actionable data for both maternal deaths. Together with this, Government of India has initiated creation of new cadre of “Nurse Practitioner in Midwifery” under the Midwifery Initiative to ensure a positive child birth experience for women with respect and dignity at the Midwifery care led units, which are underway at high case load facilities.

Interventions for improving Maternal Mortality Rate (MMR):

• Pradhan Mantri Surakshit Matritva Abhiyan (PMSMA) launched in 2016, provides pregnant women fixed day, free of cost assured and quality Antenatal Care on the 9thday of every month.
• Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY) came in effect from 2017, is a direct benefit transfer (DBT) scheme under which cash benefits are provided to pregnant women in their bank account directly to meet enhanced nutritional needs and partially compensate for wage loss.
• Labour Room Quality Improvement Initiative (LaQshya), launched in 2017 aims to improve the quality of care in labour room and maternity operation theatres to ensure that pregnant women receive respectful and quality care during delivery and immediate post-partum period.
• Government of India is implementing POSHAN Abhiyaan since 2018 with a goal to achieve improvement in nutritional status of Children, Adolescent Girls, Pregnant Women and Lactating Mothers, in a time bound manner.
• Anemia Mukt Bharat (AMB): In 2018, Union health Ministry launched the Anemia Mukt Bharat strategy to reduce anemia prevalence both due to nutritional and non-nutritional causes, in the lifecycle approach. The strategy is estimated to reach out to 450 million beneficiaries including 30 million pregnant women.
• Surakshit Matratva Aashwasan (SUMAN) came in effect from 2019 aims to provide assured, dignified, respectful and quality healthcare at no cost and zero tolerance for denial of services for every woman and newborn visiting the public health facility to end all preventable maternal and newborn deaths.
• Janani Suraksha Yojana (JSY), a demand promotion and conditional cash transfer scheme was launched in April 2005 with the objective of reducing Maternal and Infant Mortality by promoting institutional delivery among pregnant women.
• Janani Shishu Suraksha Karyakram (JSSK) aims to eliminate out-of-pocket expenses for pregnant women and sick infants by entitling them to free delivery including caesarean section, free transport, diagnostics, medicines, other consumables, diet and blood in public health institutions
• Comprehensive Abortion Care services are strengthened through trainings of health care providers, supply of drugs, equipment, Information Education and Communication (IEC) etc.
• Delivery Points-Over 25,000 ‘Delivery Points’ across the country are strengthened in terms of infrastructure, equipment, and trained manpower for provision of comprehensive RMNCAH+N services.
• Functionalization of First Referral Units (FRUs) by ensuring manpower, blood storage units, referral linkages etc.
• Setting up of Maternal and Child Health (MCH) Wings at high caseload facilities to improve the quality of care provided to mothers and children.
• Operationalization of Obstetric ICU/HDU at high case load tertiary care facilities across country to handle complicated pregnancies.
• Capacity building is undertaken for MBBS doctors in Anesthesia (LSAS) and Obstetric Care including C-section (EmOC) skills to overcome the shortage of specialists in these disciplines, particularly in rural areas.
• Maternal Death Surveillance Review (MDSR) is implemented both at facilities and at the community level. The purpose is to take corrective action at appropriate levels and improve the quality of obstetric care.
• Monthly Village Health, Sanitation and Nutrition Day (VHSND) is an outreach activity for provision of maternal and child care including nutrition.
• Regular IEC/BCC activities are conducted for early registration of ANC, regular ANC, institutional delivery, nutrition, and care during pregnancy etc.
• MCP Card and Safe Motherhood Booklet are distributed to the pregnant women for educating them on diet, rest, danger signs of pregnancy, benefit schemes and institutional deliveries.

29-Jun-2021: Theme: Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)-2: End Hunger, Achieve Food Security and Improved Nutrition and Promote Sustainable Agriculture

Recognizing the importance of Statistics in day-to-day life and to popularize its use, the Government of India has been celebrating birth Anniversary of the legendary Statistician, late Prof. P. C. Mahalanobis, on 29th June, as “Statistics Day”.

Due to the prevailing Covid-19 pandemic, the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) celebrated Statistics Day, 2021 in virtual mode, through video conferencing. The event was also live streamed through various social media platforms of the Ministry. The theme selected for the “Statistics Day” 2021 was Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) - 2 (End Hunger, Achieve Food Security and Improved Nutrition and Promote Sustainable Agriculture).

Minister of State (Independent Charge), Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) and Ministry of Planning, Rao Inderjit Singh graced the occasion as Chief Guest of the event and addressed the participants through virtual mode.  Prof. Bimal Kumar Roy, Chairman, National Statistical Commission (NSC), Dr. G. P. Samanta, Chief Statistician of India & Secretary, MoSPI, Prof. Sanghamitra Bandyopadhyay, Director, Indian Statistical Institute also addressed the audience. The representatives of international agencies namely, Mr. Pietro Gennari, Chief Statistician, Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations; Ms. Renata Lok-Dessallien, UN Resident Coordinator, conveyed their message on the occasion. Senior officers of Central/ State/UT Governments, representatives of various National and International agencies etc., also joined the event.

During the event, the winners of the National awards instituted by the Ministry were announced and they were felicitated virtually. Prof. P. C. Mahalanobis National Award in Official Statistics-2021for the lifetime achievements was conferred upon Dr. R. B. Barman, Former Chairman, National Statistical Commission.  Prof. P. C. Mahalanobis National Award in Official Statistics-2021 in the category of in-service Official Statistician above 45 years of age, was conferred upon Dr. Sitabhra Sinha, Professor, Institute of Mathematical Sciences, Chennai. Prof. C.R. Rao National Award in Statistics for Young Statisticians-2021 was given to Dr. Kiranmoy Das, Associate Professor, Indian Statistical Institute, Kolkata. The winners of these National Awards also expressed their views during the occasion. The winners of ‘On the Spot Essay Writing Competition’ for Post-Graduate Students on the subject relevant to Statistics as organized by the Ministry at All India level were also felicitated during the event virtually.

A brief presentation was also made by the Ministry on the theme of the Statistics Day.  Further, as a part of celebrations of Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav, an initiative of the Government, Ministry also released Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) - National Indicator Framework (NIF)-Version 3.1, NIF Progress Report 2021, and Data Snapshot on SDGs’ NIF Progress Report 2021 (Version 3.1). 

19-Jun-2019: Climate change can trip SIDS to fail on SDGs

Many Small Island Developing States (SIDS) may fail to achieve several Sustainable Development Goals by 2030 because of increasing population and climate change risks, according to the United Nation’s report on World Population Prospects 2019.

While population growth is keeping all least developing nations from meeting the goals, the problem is compounded by climate change in SIDS. Several SIDS, including Comoros, Guinea-Bissau, Sao Tome and Principe, the Solomon Islands and Vanuatu, are experiencing a sharper population growth than they can handle. The challenge is bigger for these small countries because of their vulnerability to climate change, climate variability and sea-level rise.

They have higher population growth rate than the global average. While Comoros’ population grows 2.3 per cent per year, the global growth rate is 1.07 per cent. Similarly, Solomon Island’s population growth rate is 2 per cent, Sao Tome and Principe’s is 2.2 per cent and Guinea-Bissau’s population is increasing by 2.5 per cent every year. The total population of these countries is only 71 million, but growing fast: said to increase to 78 million by 2030 and 87 million by 2050.

SIDS are a group of small island countries that tend to share similar sustainable development challenges, including small but growing populations, limited resources, remoteness, susceptibility to natural disasters, vulnerability to external shocks, excessive dependence on international trade, and fragile environments.

Climate change affects the development of all nations, regardless of location or size of economy. Yet, no other group of nations is as vulnerable to its devastating effects as the SIDS, according to the United Nations Development Programme.

One-third of the entire population of SIDS lives on lands that are less than five metres below the sea level. This makes them highly vulnerable to sea-level rise, storm surge and coastal destruction. These countries contribute to only 1 per cent of global greenhouse gas emissions, and yet are among the first to experience the worst impacts of climate change.

Agricultural production, fisheries, and related sectors are declining as the climate changes, threatening livelihoods and economic growth. In addition, extreme weather spawned by climate change is destroying SIDS land, real estate and infrastructure, with economically catastrophic effects, highlighted UN Environment Programme in a report.

Tourism forms the foundation of many SIDS economies, and the impact that climate change is having and will have on the tourism industry is undeniable. Tourists are also discouraged from travelling to SIDS in the fear of violent and life-threatening storms.

24-Oct-2018: Cabinet approves National Monitoring Framework on Sustainable Development Goals

The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has approved the constitution of a High Level Steering Committee for periodically reviewing and refining the National Indicator Framework (NIF) for monitoring of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) with associated targets.

The High Level Steering Committee will be chaired by Chief Statistician of India and Secretary, Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI), with the Secretaries of data source Ministries and NITI Aayog as members and Secretaries of other related Ministries as special invitees, with function of reviewing of National Indicator Framework including refinement of the indicators from time to time.

Targets:

1. Measures to mainstream SDGs into on-going national policies, programmes and strategic action plans to address the developmental challenges.
2. Statistical indicators of NIF will be the backbone of monitoring of SDGs at the national and state level and will scientifically measure the outcomes of the policies to achieve the targets under different SDGs.
3. Based on statistical indicator, the MoSPI will bring out national reports on implementation of SDGs. The Report will facilitate assessment of progress, identify challenges and give recommendations for follow up at the national level.
4. High Level Steering Committee will review the National Indicator Framework on regular basis for its improvement.
5. Data source Ministries / Departments will be responsible for providing regular information to MoSPI on these indicators at required intervals and disaggregation for national and sub-national reporting of SDGs.
6. Advanced IT tools will be used for close and effective monitoring.

Major impact:

1. SDGs integrate economic, social and environmental dimensions of development. It intends eradicating poverty and promoting prosperity in a changing world with basic motto of 'Sabka Saath Sabka Vikash'.
2. SDGs with 17 Goals and 169 Targets intend for promotion of sustainable, inclusive and equitable economic growth, creating greater opportunities for all, reducing inequalities, raising basic standards of living, fostering equitable social development and inclusion, promoting integrated and sustainable management of natural resources and ecosystems.
3. NIF will help in outcome-based monitoring & reporting on progress on SDGs at National level.

There is no direct financial implication on implementation of the National Indicator Framework.  However, the respective Ministries will need to re-align and strengthen their data systems to facilitate monitoring of the SDG indicators.

SDGs are expected to bring change in the lives of people and the monitoring of progress of implementation of SDGs will benefit the entire nation.

Background: At the Millennium Summit held in 2000 at the UN Headquarters in New York, eight development goals known as the 'Millennium Development Goals' (MDGs) were adopted, which formed the blueprint for countries to pursue their national development strategies from 2000 to 2015. The MDGs comprised eight Goals and addressed various development issues. The MDGs targets were unevenly achieved across the countries and a need was felt to start fresh discussions to assess the usefulness of the MDGs and to explore possible successor to guide development cooperation in the world beyond 2015.

The UN General Assembly in its 70th Session considered and adopted the Sustainable Development Goals(SDGs) for the next 15 years. The 17 SDGs came into force with effect from 1stJanuary, 2016.Though not legally binding, the SDGs have become de facto international obligations and have potential to reorient domestic spending priorities of the countries during the next fifteen years. Countries are expected to take ownership and establish a national framework for achieving these Goals. Implementation and success will rely on countries' own sustainable development policies, plans and programmes. Countries would be responsible for follow-up and review at the national level, with regard to the progress made in implementing the Goals and targets. Actions at the national level to monitor progress under SDGs will require quality, accessible and timely data.

28-Sep-2018: NITI Aayog and United Nations in India sign Sustainable Development Framework for 2018-2022

NITI Aayog and United Nations in India signed the Sustainable Development Framework for 2018-2022. The agreement is a reflection of the commitment and efforts made by India towards attaining the Sustainable Development Goals. The Government of India-United Nations Sustainable Development Framework (UNSDF) for 2018-2022 was signed by the CEO, NITI Aayog, Amitabh Kant and United Nations Resident Coordinator in India Yuri Afanasiev, at a special signing ceremony presided over by Vice Chairperson, NITI Aayog, Dr. Rajiv Kumar. Members of NITI Aayog and Heads of UN agencies in India were present on this occasion.

Dr. Rajiv Kumar, Vice Chairperson of the NITI Aayog, emphasized that 2018-2022 will be a crucial phase in India’s development story since the year 2022 marks the 75 years of India’s independence. In this backdrop, partnership instruments such as the UNSDF assume even more significance to accelerate the pace towards building a New India by 2022, an India that is free of poverty and equal for all.

The UNSDF outlines the development cooperation strategy between the Government of India and the United Nations Country Team in India, in support of the achievement of India’s key national development priorities and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The UNSDF was framed following a highly participative process, in consultation with government entities, civil society representatives, academia, and the private sector. The focus areas include poverty and urbanization; health, water, and sanitation; education; nutrition and food security; climate change, clean energy, and disaster resilience; skilling, entrepreneurship, and job creation; and gender equality and youth development. Across outcome areas, the UN will support the Government of India on south-south cooperation, in partnership with the Ministry of External Affairs. The total planned budget outlay for the implementation of the UNSDF 2018-2022 is approximately INR 11000 crore, of which 47 percent is planned to be mobilized through the course of implementation from multiple sources, including the private sector and the government.

CEO, NITI Aayog, Amitabh Kant, highlighted the need to promote innovation in meeting India’s development challenges and bringing on board the power of social entrepreneurs and the private sector to act on scale.

The UNSDF is underpinned by the overarching principle of the SDGs to leave no one behind, echoing the Government of India’s message of Sabka Saath Sabka Vikas (development for all). The programmatic work outlined in the UNSDF targets the seven low-income states (Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, MP, Odisha, Rajasthan, UP), the North-East region, and the aspirational districts identified earlier this year by the NITI Aayog. Work will focus on improving the lives of the most marginalized, poor, and vulnerable communities and people in the country, especially women and girls.

UN Resident Coordinator, Mr. Yuri Afanasiev, said that “The United Nations in India is committed to provide full support to the Government of India’s development priorities, ensuring that the UNSDF outcomes are achieved. The solutions we find together can catalyze action across the global south- just as solutions from elsewhere in the world will be adapted to India. He added that together, the India-UN team will ensure that poor, vulnerable, and marginalized communities participate in and benefit from the country’s robust growth trajectory.”

The UNSDF also includes a set of UN flagship programs that are aligned with major government schemes. The flagship programs will be scalable innovative, multi-sectoral solutions to some of the most pressing development challenges that India faces, while also serving as catalysts for increased investment of development finance. The programmes range from affordable housing for the poor to increasing access to clean energy in rural off-grid areas; from protecting all children from vaccine-preventable diseases to quality education for all children and skilling for young people, especially young girls; and from ending stunting to improving the child sex ratio.

23-Sep-2018: United Nations Announces Global Media Compact

Speaking at the launch at UN Headquarters on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly on behalf of more than 30 founding media organizations – encompassing more than 100 media and entertainment outlets – Olusola Momoh, Chairwoman, Channels Media Group-Nigeria introduced the Compact to UN Secretary-General António Guterres: “I am proud to present you the SDG Media Compact. We are an alliance of news and entertainment media and we are committing to work with the United Nations to foster public discourse and spur action on the Sustainable Development Goals. We will increase our content on the issues spelled out in the 2030 Agenda and discuss solutions. Where necessary, we will hold Governments to account for the bold promise they have made to their people and to the world.”

Collectively, the founding members of the SDG Media Compact already comprise an audience in the billions spanning over 80 countries on 4 continents and many more companies are expected to join. “Together, we commit to playing our part to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals”.

“Achieving the Goals by 2030 will require concerted actions by everyone. By telling stories, news and entertainment media have a critical role in multiplying messages and propagating new ways of behaving,” said Under-Secretary-General for Global Communications Alison Smale at the launch event. “As major players in fostering the SDG discourse, they are also key in holding governments accountable.”

The SDG Media Compact is inclusive and aims to embrace media companies from all regions and all platforms. Participating organizations will have the opportunity to create content partnerships with the United Nations, whereby the organization will increase its efforts to source and share high-value media content and newsworthy opportunities relating to the SDGs. Regular monitoring and review meetings will gauge engagement.

The Compact is an initiative of the United Nations, in collaboration with the UN Foundation and with the support of Fleishman Hillard.

Founding Compact members: Al Jadeed TV-Lebanon, Aljoumhouria Newspaper-Lebanon, Annahar Newspaper-Lebanon, The Asahi-Shimbun-Japan, Asia-Pacific Institute for Broadcast Development, Association of Commerical TV in Europe, Association for International Broadcasting, Athina 9.84 Radio station-Greece, Channels Media Group-Nigeria, China Media Group, Daily Star Newspaper-Lebanon, Daily Tribune-Philippines, Deutsche Welle-Germany, Discovery, Inc., Eurasia-Azerbaijan, European Broadcasting Union, Kathimerini-Greece, LBCI TV-Lebanon, Lebanon Files News, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting-India, Naharnet News-Lebanon, National Union of Tunisian Journalists-SNJT, Nikkan Kogyo Shimbun-Japan, Nippon TV-Japan, RLL Radio-Lebanon, RRI – Radio Republic of Indonesia, Sound Diplomacy, Tass-Russia, This Day-Nigeria, TVC-Communications-Nigeria, TV-BRICS-Russia, VDL Radio-Lebanon, Ziff Davis.

About the SDGs: The 17 Sustainable Development Goals were adopted by world leaders at the historic Sustainable Development Summit in September 2015. Encompassing everything from health, to gender equality, and education, the Goals will mobilize efforts around the world to end all forms of poverty, fight inequalities and tackle climate change, while ensuring that no one is left behind.

13-Jul-2017: India ranks 116 out of 157 nations on 2017 SDG index.

The SDG index, that assesses the performance of countries towards achieving the ambitious sustainable development goals (SDGs), has been released for the year 2017.

The SDG Index and Dashboards Report produced by the Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN) and the Bertelsmann Stiftung shows that world leaders need to strengthen their joint efforts to realise the 17 global goals.

The SDG Index and Dashboard collect available data for 157 countries to assess where each country stands in 2017 with regard to achieving the SDGs. The SDG Index ranks countries based on their performance across the 17 Sustainable Development Goals.

Sweden leads the list, followed by Denmark and Finland. Among the G7 countries, only Germany and France can be found among the top ten performers. The United States ranks 42nd on the Index, while Russia and China rank 62nd and 71st respectively.

India is ranked 116th on the index with a score of 58.1, behind countries such as Nepal, Iran, Sri Lanka, Bhutan and China. Pakistan is ranked 122.

The countries which are closest to fulfilling the goals are not the biggest economies but comparably small, developed countries.

Many of the richest countries in the world are nowhere near achieving the global policy objectives but also deteriorate the implementation process for poorer countries because of negative spillover effects. One of the greatest obstacles to achieving the global goals for high-income countries are poor performances regarding sustainable consumption and production. All countries that score lowest on electronic-waste generation, for example, are high-income countries.

Not only does a rising trend of nationalism and protectionism impede the implementation of the goals, but as the report shows, industrialised countries are not serving as role models.

21-Jun-2017: Panel to oversee progress in UN’s SDG

The Centre will soon set up a high-level committee headed by Chief Statistician of India to oversee the country’s progress towards UN’s Sustainable Development Goals aimed at ending poverty, fighting inequalities and tackling climate change.

A dashboard is also being developed with technical support from the UN Development Programme (UNDP) to “strengthen the mechanism” for monitoring progress on these global goals. Data collected by private agencies may be considered for monitoring the SDGs, particularly since a number of the goals are not directly linked to the Centre’s provision of public services.

The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation has already developed a list of draft national indicators to measure progress of SDGs. These draft indicators have been put out in public domain. Based on the inputs received, national-level indicators will be finalised. India will hold bi-annual reviews with the State governments for identifying good practices and challenges. There is an emphasis on assessing and improving the availability of data and putting in place a transparent monitoring system

The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), officially known as Transforming our world: the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development is a set of 17 “Global Goals” with 169 targets between them. Spearheaded by the United Nations through a deliberative process involving its 193 Member States, as well as global civil society the Resolution is a broader intergovernmental agreement that acts as the Post 2015 Development Agenda (successor to the Millennium Development Goals).

The SDGs build on the Principles agreed upon under Resolution A/RES/66/288, popularly known as the Future We Want it is a non-binding document released as a result of Rio+20 Conference held in 2012 in Rio de Janeiro in Brazil. These SDGs include ending poverty and hunger, improving health and education, making cities more sustainable, combating climate change, and protecting oceans.