In the year 2015,
the global leaders committed to an ambitious agenda of attaining the
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by the year 2030. SDGs aim to improve
economic, environmental and social aspects of the wellbeing of various
societies. SDGs include 17 goals, 169 targets and 306 national indicators.
Being the host to
the second largest pool of population, India played a prominent role in the
formulation of SDGs. Having committed to the SDGs, it is incumbent upon the
government, both national and state, that the national development agenda is
congruent with these Goals.
While a majority
of goals focus on making perceptible impact on the quality of life of underprivileged,
sustainable economic development is the key underlying theme. It is incumbent
upon the signatories to the charter of SGDs to ensure "decent employment
and economic growth", development of "industry, innovation and
infrastructure", development of "sustainable cities and
communities" and promoting "responsible consumption and
production".
Most of the
policies, programs and legislative changes made by our governments (center and
state) could be seen the context of SDGs. Move towards Universal Basic Income,
Food security, Ayushman Bharat and Jan Aushdhi, New Education Policy &
Establishing Centers of Excellence, statutory and procedural changes for gender
equality, Jal Shakti, Focus on renewable energy, Smart cities etc. are few
examples of the intentions to make sincere efforts in attaining the SDGs.
While we have
made decent progress on showing commitment to the attainment of SGDs, and
devising a multitude of plans, execution looks seriously lacking.
As per the latest
data available on NITI website, only three states (Kerala, Himachal Pradesh and
Tamil Nadu) and two Union territories (Chandigarh and Puducherry) have made
satisfactory progress on attaining SDGs. The most populated states of UP and
Bihar are at the bottom of the league with dismal performance. Incidentally the
track record of most BJP ruled states is not encouraging.
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More on this tomorrow.
