New Delhi: NITI Aayog, in collaboration with the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (MoDoNER) and with technical support from UNDP, has released the second edition of the North Eastern Region District SDG Index 2023-24. The index measures district-level progress across the eight North Eastern states using NITI Aayog’s SDG India Index methodology and offers a key tool for data-driven policy and planning.
The index scores 121 districts, with Hnahthial in Mizoram emerging as the top performer with a score of 81.43, and Longding in Arunachal Pradesh ranking lowest at 58.71. Encouragingly, 85% of districts recorded an increase in their composite SDG scores compared to the previous edition released in August 2021. All districts in Mizoram, Sikkim, and Tripura have attained Front Runner status. Sikkim displayed the most consistent performance across all its districts, with only a 5.5-point difference between the highest and lowest scoring districts.
The index categorises districts into four groups based on their scores: Achiever (100), Front Runner (65–99), Performer (50–65), and Aspirant (below 50). No district has yet achieved the ‘Achiever’ status, and none are in the ‘Aspirant’ category. Nagaland registered a breakthrough with three of its districts entering the top 10.
On thematic indicators, 93 districts improved scores under Good Health & Well-being. All districts in Assam recorded gains in Zero Hunger, Quality Education, Clean Water and Sanitation, and Decent Work and Economic Growth.
The launch event in New Delhi featured remarks from NITI Aayog Vice Chairman Suman Bery, CEO B V R Subrahmanyam, MDoNER Secretary Chanchal Kumar, and UNDP India Resident Representative Angela Lusigi. They stressed the importance of using the index for tracking outcomes and ensuring that “no one is left behind.”
The SDG Index aims to support localised planning and implementation by helping identify gaps, track progress, and inform targeted interventions. With the 2030 SDG deadline approaching, the report underscores the urgency of continued efforts to close development gaps and promote inclusive growth in the North Eastern Region.
BI Bureau
