On July 9, 2024, Niti Aayog released the fourth edition of the SDG India Index for 2023-24, which assesses the progress of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) across 36 states and Union Territories (UTs) in India. This comprehensive index employs 113 indicators mapped across 16 SDG Goals to evaluate performance. In this latest report, Nagaland’s overall composite score has risen from 61 in 2020-21 to 63 in 2023-24, placing it 25th among the states, alongside Meghalaya. The state is classified under the ‘Performer’ category, reflecting its notable progress.
Nagaland stands out for its achievement in SDG 5 (Gender Equality), where it has secured the top position. The state is classified as a Frontrunner in six SDG categories, including Gender Equality, Clean Water & Sanitation, Decent Work and Economic Growth, Climate Action, Life on Land, and Peace, Justice & Strong Institutions. It also performs as a Performer in seven SDGs, which encompass No Poverty, Zero Hunger, Good Health & Well-Being, Affordable & Clean Energy, Industry, Innovation & Infrastructure, Reduced Inequality, and Sustainable Consumption and Production. Additionally, Nagaland is identified as an Aspirant in Quality Education and Sustainable Cities & Communities.
Significant strides have been made in various areas. For SDG 2, Nagaland, together with Lakshadweep, has achieved the target for reducing anaemia among pregnant women, recording a rate of 22.2%, surpassing the target of 25.2%. The state also excels in SDG 5, being one of only five states and UTs in the Frontrunner category with a score of 74. In SDG 6, Nagaland attained the highest score of 86, with 100% of its rural population having access to an improved source of drinking water. Furthermore, the state has met the 100% target for household electrification under SDG 7.
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In terms of economic and social development, Nagaland has achieved a Frontrunner status in SDG 8 with a score of 76. The Labour Force Participation Rate (LFPR) for those aged 15-59 is 74.4%, which exceeds the national value of 61.6% and the national target of 66.9%. Additionally, 55% of women hold accounts under the Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY), surpassing the national target of 50%. For SDG 12, Nagaland has achieved a 100% treatment rate for biomedical waste, and in SDG 13, it has met the national target with all industries complying with environmental standards.
Despite these achievements, the state faces challenges due to Niti Aayog’s reliance on secondary data, which may sometimes be flawed or not entirely reflective of the state’s actual situation. The state government is actively addressing these issues with Niti Aayog, emphasising the need for more accurate data collection and monitoring processes to ensure a clearer representation of Nagaland’s progress.
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