SDG stands for Sustainable Development Goals. These are a collection of 17 interlinked global goals designed to be a "blueprint to achieve a better and more sustainable future for all."
- They were adopted by all United Nations Member States in 2015 as part of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
- India is deeply committed to achieving the SDGs by 2030, aligning its national policies and flagship programs to address these global targets. NITI Aayog serves as the nodal agency for coordinating and monitoring SDG progress in the country, actively releasing the SDG India Index to foster competitive federalism among states and union territories.
The 17 Sustainable Development Goals
SDG 1: No Poverty
- Focus: Eradicating extreme poverty and reducing the proportion of people living in poverty by half.
- India's Initiatives: The Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA).
SDG 2: Zero Hunger
Focus: Ending hunger, achieving food security, improving nutrition, and promoting sustainable agriculture.
India's Initiatives: PM Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana, National Food Security Act (NFSA), and Mid-Day Meal Scheme are crucial.
SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
SDG 4: Quality Education
Focus: Ensuring inclusive and equitable quality education and promoting lifelong learning opportunities.
India's Initiatives: The Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan and Right to Education Act emphasise universal primary education. The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 aims to provide quality early childhood development, improve learning outcomes, and ensure equal access to vocational, technical, and tertiary education. Initiatives also focus on eliminating gender disparities and providing child-friendly, disability-sensitive learning environments.
SDG 5: Gender Equality
Focus: Achieving gender equality and empowering all women and girls.
India's Initiatives: Programs like Beti Bachao Beti Padhao and Mission Shakti work towards ending discrimination, eliminating violence against women and girls, and promoting their participation and leadership in all spheres.
SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation
Focus: Ensuring availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all.
India's Initiatives: The Swachh Bharat Abhiyan aims to end open defecation and improve sanitation facilities. The Jal Jeevan Mission focuses on providing a piped water supply to every household.
SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy
Focus: Ensuring access to affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy for all.
India's Initiatives: The Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana aims to provide clean cooking fuel. The National Solar Mission and FAME(Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Electric Vehicles) India Scheme promote renewable energy expansion and energy efficiency.
SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
Focus: Promoting sustained, inclusive, and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment, and decent work for all.
India's Initiatives: The Skill India program, launched in 2015, aims to create skilled manpower.
SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
Focus: Building resilient infrastructure, promoting inclusive and sustainable industrialisation, and fostering innovation.
India's Initiatives: Significant investments are being made in transport infrastructure (roads, railways, shipping, aviation) and in developing new ports. The Smart City Mission aims to leverage digital technologies for improved urban services. Initiatives like the Delhi-Mumbai Industrial Corridor also focus on industrial development.
SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
Focus: Making cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable.
India's Initiatives: The Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY) focuses on affordable housing. Programs like the Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT) upgrade urban infrastructure. The Smart City Mission aims to develop sustainable and livable cities through technology.
SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
SDG 13: Climate Action
SDG 14: Life Below Water
Focus: Conserving and sustainably using the oceans, seas, and marine resources.
India's Initiatives: Given its long coastline, India emphasises the protection of shared marine spaces through concepts like the Blue Economy. Schemes like the Blue Revolution and Fisheries and Aquaculture Infrastructure Development Fund (FIDF) promote sustainable fisheries and aquaculture.
SDG 15: Life on Land
SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions
SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals
