India is improving but facing SDG challenges

Source: The post India is improving but facing SDG challenges has been created, based on the article “SDGs: Challenges beyond financing” published in “Business Standard” on 28 March 2025. India is improving but facing SDG challenges.

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper2- Governance- Welfare schemes for vulnerable sections of the population by the Centre and States and the performance of these schemes; mechanisms, laws, institutions and Bodies constituted for the protection and betterment of these vulnerable sections.

Context:India’s SDG index score has improved from 57 in 2018 to 71 in 2023–24, reflecting notable progress. However, uneven state-level performance, funding gaps, and declining scores in key goals have raised concerns. These developments have triggered a closer examination of challenges in tracking and achieving Sustainable Development Goal targets.

For detailed information on India’s Sustainable Development Goals read this article here

India performed on the SDG Index overall and at the state level

1. Overall Performance: India’s performance on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Index has shown significant improvement, with the national index score rising from 57 in 2018 to 71 in 2023-24. This indicates a robust national commitment to achieving the UN SDGs.
2. State-Level Performance:

• There has been a noticeable improvement at the state level, with an average increase of five units in the composite index scores from 2020-21 to 2023-24. Some states have reported even higher increases, up to eight units.
• Kerala and Uttarakhand have excelled by scoring over 80% in eight goals each, marking them as top performers.
• Other states like Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, and West Bengal have achieved scores exceeding 80% in six goals.

3. Consistent Improvement: Punjab and West Bengal are notable for showing steady improvements across all goals, contrasting with some states where declines in scores have been observed in up to six goals.

Challenges in tracking and achieving SDG targets

1. Inadequate Funding: Developing countries require around $4 trillion annually to achieve SDG targets. India’s current spending may not be sufficient. Though some states like Odisha and Haryana allocate funds for SDGs, progress remains limited in key areas.
2. Uneven State Performance: Kerala and Uttarakhand have achieved high scores in eight goals each, while states like Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, and West Bengal have done well in six. However, some states reported a decline in scores for up to six goals.
3. Decline in Critical Goals: At least nine states have shown declining performance in Goal 1 (No Poverty), Goal 5 (Gender Equality), Goal 10 (Reduced Inequality), and Goal 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions), indicating persistent challenges in these areas.
4. Mismatch Between Spending and Outcomes: Despite significant spending, states like Odisha saw little progress in Goal 4 and Goal 10, Haryana in Goal 16, and Meghalaya in Goal 1 and Goal 4. This shows that higher spending does not always lead to better outcomes.
5. Measurement Limitations: Inadequate and delayed data hampers progress tracking. Improvements in the statistical system are underway, but current tools may not fully capture ground-level changes.
6. Unaccounted Goal Interactions: Trade-offs and synergies between goals are often overlooked. This can lead to inefficient interventions and poor coordination across sectors.

Conclusion:

India has made commendable progress on the SDG Index, both nationally and in several states. However, funding gaps, uneven development, and declining scores in critical goals highlight the need for focused policy action, better data systems, and coordinated efforts to ensure balanced and inclusive progress across all SDGs.

Question for practice:

Discuss the key achievements and challenges in India’s progress towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as reflected in the SDG Index.