NITI Aayog’s SDG Index Out: Kerela Again on Top, Bihar Remains Worst Performer

After a delay of over 3 months, NITI Aayog’s SDG Index is finally out. The third rendition of the index was launched by Vice-Chairman Rajiv Kumar on Thursday. It was scheduled to be launched on 10 March 2021 but postponed due to the Model Code of Conduct in West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Assam, and Puducherry. It is titled “SDG India Index & Dashboard, 2020-21: Partnerships in The Decade of Action”.The index's design and methods reflect the key goals of assessing and evaluating States' and UTs' performance on the SDGs, assisting States and UTs in identifying areas that need greater attention and encouraging healthy competition among them.The index is calculated using data from indicators for the first 16 goals, as well as a qualitative assessment of Goal 17 i.e. “partnership for the goals”.13 goals, 39 targets, and 62 indicators were covered in 2018-2019 in contrast with 17 goals, 70 targets and 115 indicators covered in the third edition.

Kerela with a score of 75 retained its top spot followed by Himachal Pradesh and Tamil Nadu with a score of 74 each. Bihar, with a score of 52, remains at bottom of the table. Jharkhand and Assam with a score of 56 and 57 also remain among the worst performers. Chandigarh was titled as the best performer among the Union Territories with a score of 79 followed by Delhi(68) and Lakshadweep(68).

Mizoram gained most of the points as compared to the previous version of the index (12 points). Haryana gained 10 points while Uttarakhand gained 8 points. According to the report, Kerela as well as Chandigarh did commendable work in the field of education. Best performance in the health sector was marked by Gujarat and Delhi. Delhi also witnessed a growth of per capita among its residents.

Our efforts to track SDGs through the SDG India Index and Dashboard have been extensively recognized and praised around the world. Mr. Kumar stated that constructing a composite index on the SDGs to rank our states and union territories is a rare data-driven endeavor.

While a communist-ruled state retained its top position, this may prove to be a head-scratcher for BJP ruled states.