North East gets focused on SDG tracking
SDG Progress Boost in North East India: On July 7, 2025, NITI Aayog, in collaboration with the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (MoDoNER) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), released the second edition of the North Eastern Region District SDG Index (2023–24). The launch took place in New Delhi and highlighted the performance of 121 districts from eight North East states on various Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
What the index aims to do
The SDG index tracks progress on goals such as health, education, clean water, employment, hunger elimination, and gender equality. It categorizes districts into four tiers based on their scores: Achiever, Front Runner, Performer, and Aspirant. This edition saw no districts in the top (Achiever) or bottom (Aspirant) categories, indicating a healthy middle-zone performance.
Static GK fact: The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are a UN-adopted global agenda of 17 goals to be achieved by 2030, aimed at inclusive and sustainable growth.
Highlights from the 2023–24 edition
A significant 85% of districts improved their scores from the previous report. Hnahthial (Mizoram) emerged as the best performing district with a score of 81.43, while Longding (Arunachal Pradesh) scored the lowest at 58.71.
Notably, all districts in Mizoram, Sikkim, and Tripura secured the Front Runner status (scores between 65 and 99), reflecting strong performance.
Static GK Tip: The first edition of the NER SDG Index was launched in August 2021 and was a pioneering attempt at district-level SDG mapping in India.
State-wise insights
Sikkim had the most consistent district performance, with very narrow score differences across its regions. Nagaland featured three districts in the top 10 list, showing positive strides despite internal disparities.
In Assam, all districts showed improvement in Zero Hunger, Clean Water, and Quality Education — key indicators for long-term development.
Here are some top and bottom district performers by state:
- Arunachal Pradesh: Lower Dibang Valley (73.36) vs. Longding (58.71)
- Assam: Dibrugarh (74.29) vs. South Salmara-Mankachar (59.71)
- Manipur: Imphal West (73.21) vs. Pherzawl (59.71)
- Meghalaya: East Khasi Hills (73.00) vs. East Jaintia Hills (63.00)
Voices behind the index
Suman Bery, Vice Chairman of NITI Aayog, said achieving SDGs is vital for Viksit Bharat @2047, India’s vision for a developed nation.
B.V.R. Subrahmanyam, CEO of NITI Aayog, called the North East the “Ashta Lakshmi” or eight jewels of India, underlining its strategic and cultural importance.
Chanchal Kumar, Secretary of MoDoNER, emphasized how the index uncovers development gaps, helping governments plan better.
Dr. Angela Lusigi, UNDP India representative, urged that data should lead to action, improving real lives and not just scores.
Static Usthadian Current Affairs Table
SDG Progress Boost in North East India:
| Topic | Detail |
| Release Date | July 7, 2025 |
| Organizers | NITI Aayog, MoDoNER, UNDP |
| Index Type | SDG Index for North Eastern Districts |
| Coverage | 121 districts across 8 North East states |
| Top Performer | Hnahthial (Mizoram) – Score: 81.43 |
| Lowest Performer | Longding (Arunachal Pradesh) – Score: 58.71 |
| Best Performing States | Mizoram, Sikkim, Tripura |
| First Edition Released | August 2021 |
| Goal of Index | Track SDG progress at district level |
| Development Vision | Supports Viksit Bharat @2047 |
