Context:
Uttar Pradesh has moved from the ‘Performer’ to the ‘Front Runner’ category in the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Index, following a 25-point improvement in its score, from 42 in 2018-19 to 67 in 2023-24.
More on News:
- The state has climbed to 18th place nationally, up from 29th, making it the most improved performer among all states during this period.
- Uttar Pradesh has shown remarkable progress in achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), according to NITI Aayog’s 2023-24 report.
- In the baseline year 2018-19, UP had scored 42 points and was categorized as an ‘Aspirant’.
- This marks the most significant improvement in SDG performance by any state, as noted by a government official.
- Chief Minister of UP hailed it as a “landmark achievement”, crediting it to clear policy direction, effective implementation, and active public participation.
- He emphasized that UP’s consistent progress in all areas of sustainable development reflects real impact on the ground, especially for the most marginalized sections of society.
- UP has improved performance in key welfare schemes such as Har Ghar Jal, Har Ghar Bijli, Kanya Sumangala, Poshan Abhiyan, Mukhyamantri Arogya Yojana, Mission Shakti, Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, Mission Kayakalp, and One District One Product (ODOP).
- These initiatives played a major role in helping the state achieve better SDG scores at the grassroots level.
- UP’s best performance: In SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy, where it achieved a perfect score of 100.
- UP’s lowest performance: In SDG 5: Gender Equality, with a score of 42, placing it second to last among all states.
- The state’s performance in Gender Equality has declined since 2020-21, when it had scored 50 points.
- The Chief Minister reiterated the state government’s commitment to girls’ education, women’s safety, and empowerment, highlighting initiatives like Mission Shakti, which has helped raise social awareness across communities.
- Despite progress, UP still shows scope for improvement in several key SDG areas:
- SDG 1 (No Poverty): Scored 57, ranking fourth from the bottom among all states.
- SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-Being): Also ranked fourth last, indicating challenges in healthcare access and outcomes.
- SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth): Again, fourth lowest, pointing to the need for stronger employment and economic growth measures.
- On the positive side, notable improvements were seen in:
- SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities): Score increased from 41 to 66, reflecting efforts toward greater social and economic inclusion.
- SDG 13 (Climate Action): Score rose from 39 to 52, showing progress in environmental sustainability and resilience efforts.
- The Uttar Pradesh Government has directed officials to implement the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in mission mode at the grassroots level.
- Emphasis was placed on ensuring that information about all welfare schemes reaches gram panchayats, and their benefits are delivered to the intended beneficiaries.
- The government underscored that achieving SDG targets is a shared responsibility of every department, district, and panchayat.
- It also stressed the need for accurate and timely data collection, highlighting that reliable data is essential to measure real progress.