Breaking Down SDGs in India: Opportunities and Obstacles

The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are a set of 17 global goals adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in 2015 as part of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The SDGs aim to end poverty, protect the planet, and ensure peace and prosperity for all people by 2030.

India is committed to achieving the SDGs and has made significant progress towards many of the goals. Here are some examples:

1. Goal 1: No Poverty – India has made progress in reducing poverty rates in recent years. According to the World Bank, the poverty rate in India fell from 21.6% in 2011 to 9.2% in 2019.
2. Goal 2: Zero Hunger – India has made progress in reducing hunger and improving food security. The prevalence of undernourishment has fallen from 17.9% in 2004-06 to 14.0% in 2017-19.
3. Goal 3: Good Health and Well-being – India has made significant progress in improving maternal and child health. The maternal mortality rate in India has declined from 167 deaths per 100,000 live births in 2011-13 to 113 deaths per 100,000 live births in 2016-18.
4. Goal 4: Quality Education – India has made significant progress in increasing access to education. The literacy rate in India has increased from 74.0% in 2011 to 77.7% in 2019.
5. Goal 5: Gender Equality – India has made some progress in improving gender equality, including increasing the percentage of women in the workforce and increasing access to education for girls. However, the country still faces significant challenges related to gender-based violence, child marriage, and unequal access to resources and opportunities.
6. Goal 6: Clean Water and Sanitation – India still faces significant challenges in providing access to clean water and sanitation, particularly in rural areas. The government has launched initiatives such as the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan (Clean India Mission) to address these issues.
7. Goal 7: Affordable and Clean Energy – India is making significant strides in increasing access to clean energy. India is the world’s third-largest producer of renewable energy, and the country aims to generate 175 GW of renewable energy by 2022.
8. Goal 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth – India is working to promote inclusive economic growth and create more job opportunities. The country has launched initiatives such as Skill India and the National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (NREGA) to improve employment prospects, particularly for marginalized populations.
9. Goal 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure – India has made significant progress in building infrastructure and fostering innovation. The country has launched initiatives such as Make in India, Digital India, and Startup India to promote innovation and entrepreneurship.
10. Goal 10: Reduced Inequalities – India still has significant income inequality, and marginalized populations such as Dalits and Adivasis continue to face discrimination and exclusion. The government has launched initiatives such as the Jan Dhan Yojana (Financial Inclusion Scheme) and the Ayushman Bharat health insurance program to improve access to resources and opportunities for marginalized populations.
11. Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities – India is working to promote sustainable urbanization and improve access to basic services in cities. The country has launched initiatives such as the Smart Cities Mission and AMRUT (Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation) to address these issues.
12. Goal 12: Responsible Consumption and Production – India is working towards promoting sustainable consumption and production patterns. The country has launched initiatives such as the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan (Clean India Mission) and the National Mission for a Green India to promote sustainable waste management and conservation of natural resources.
13. Goal 13: Climate Action – India has taken significant steps to combat climate change. The country aims to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions intensity by 33-35% below 2005 levels by 2030.

14. Goal 14: Life Below Water – India is working towards protecting marine ecosystems and promoting sustainable use of ocean resources. The country has launched initiatives such as the Blue Revolution and the National Plan for Conservation of Aquatic Ecosystems to address these issues.
15. Goal 15: Life on Land – India is working towards conserving terrestrial ecosystems and promoting sustainable land use practices. The country has launched initiatives such as the National Mission for Green India and the National Biodiversity Act to address these issues.
16. Goal 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions – India is working to promote peace and justice, including through initiatives such as the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) and the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB). However, the country still faces significant challenges related to corruption, discrimination, and human rights violations.
17. Goal 17: Partnerships for the Goals – India recognizes the importance of global partnerships in achieving the SDGs. The country has launched initiatives such as the International Solar Alliance and the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure to promote international cooperation on issues related to sustainable development.

Overall, India’s efforts toward achieving the SDGs are multidimensional and span across various sectors. The country faces significant challenges, but its commitment to the SDGs and the progress made so far are promising signs for the future.

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NITI Aayog Annual Report(Hindi) 2021 – 2022

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Know more: Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): Building a Better World for All