The second edition of the North Eastern Region (NER) District Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Index Report (2023-24) was released today by NITI Aayog. The Index is developed by NITI Aayog and the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (MoDoNER), with technical support from UNDP. The Index, which builds upon the momentum of the first edition released on 26 August 2021, measures the performance of districts across eight North Eastern States on the SDGs.

The (2023-24) Index is a major milestone in improving monitoring at the regional level. The index reflects the commitment to address development challenges across social, economic, and environmental dimensions while ensuring that no one is left behind in the NER. Based on NITI Aayog's SDG India Index methodology, it serves as a key tool for monitoring development related progress at the district level in the region to inform decision making.

Suman Bery, Vice Chairman, NITI Aayog; B.V.R. Subrahmanyam, CEO, NITI Aayog; Chanchal Kumar, Secretary, Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region; and Dr. Angela Lusigi, UNDP Resident Representative, India; launched the report in the presence of Shri Rajib Kumar Sen, Programme Director (SDGs), NITI Aayog, and other senior officials.

In the true spirit of cooperative federalism, this initiative brings together the eight North-Eastern States, NITI Aayog, and MDoNER in a unified pursuit of sustainable and inclusive development.

In his remarks, NITI Aayog’s Vice Chairman, Shri Suman Bery, emphasised that as India advances towards the vision of Viksit Bharat @2047, the achievement of intermediate milestones like the SDGs by 2030 is considered critical.

B. V. R. Subrahmanyam, CEO, NITI Aayog, cited the Prime Minister calling the region, Ashta Lakshmi of eight states and highlighted the importance of their growth and progress.

Chanchal Kumar, Secretary, MDoNER emphasised the role of the index as a tool for identifying gaps, offer actionable insights to guide interventions and efficient resource deployment.

Dr. Angela Lusigi, Resident Representative, UNDP stated that the ultimate priority is to ensure every data point translates into meaningful action that advances human development outcomes.

All districts in Mizoram, Sikkim and Tripura have achieved Front Runner status, with no districts falling in the Aspirant or Achiever categories. Mizoram has the highest-scoring district in the entire Northeast region (Hnahthial at 81.43) and Arunachal Pradesh has the lowest-scoring district in the entire region (Longding at 58.71).

Sikkim has the narrowest range (5.5 points) in terms of the score of the highest and lowest district, showing the most consistent performance across its districts. Tripura has the distinction of having some of the highest-scoring districts with minimum intra-state variation (6.5 points). Mizoram and Nagaland have some of the highest-scoring districts but also exhibit variation (ranges of 13.72 and 15.07, respectively).

State-wise Highest and Lowest Scores of Districts within states:

Arunachal Pradesh: Lower Dibang Valley (73.36) to Longding (58.71)

Assam: Dibrugarh (74.29), South Salmara-Mankachar (59.71)

Manipur: Imphal West (73.21), Pherzawl (59.71)

Meghalaya: East Khasi Hills (73.00), East Jaintia Hills (63.00)

Mizoram: Hnahthial (81.43), Lawngtlai (67.71)

Nagaland: Mokokchung (78.43), Zunheboto (63.36)

Sikkim: Gangtok (76.64), Gyalshing (71.14)

Tripura: Gomati (78.79), Dhalai (72.29)

The NER District SDG Index 2023-24 serves as a critical policy tool for evidence-based planning, resource allocation, and monitoring of developmental efforts. The significant improvement in district performance reflects the impact of national flagship schemes coupled with localisation efforts through initiatives like the Aspirational Districts Programme. The index report provides detailed district-level analysis and recommendations for accelerating progress towards achieving the SDGs by 2030, ensuring that no district is left behind in the region's development journey.