India’s ranking and the Sustainable Development Report:

India has been ranked among the top 100 countries in the Sustainable Development Report for the first time since this data began to be published by the Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN) in 2016.

Economic and Social Development

• Poverty Reduction (SDG 1): India has made significant strides in poverty reduction, improving its SDSN ranking from 110th in 2016 to 99th in 2023 among 167 nations. Proxy data indicate a substantial decline in poverty, nearly halving from 22% in 2012 (NSSO data) to 12% in 2023 (World Bank estimates).
• Zero Hunger (SDG 2): Despite progress in poverty alleviation, achieving zero hunger remains a challenge. The National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5, 2019-21) reports stunting at 35.5%, a marginal improvement from 38.4% (NFHS-4, 2015-16), and wasting reduced from 21.0% to 19.3%. It also reveals the wide disparity between income groups and rural and urban areas in access to a nutritious diet.
• Rising Obesity Concerns: Obesity in the working age population (15-49 years) has almost doubled between 2006 and 2021, and is concentrated in wealthier urban areas. This trend highlights the dual burden of malnutrition, where undernutrition coexists with overnutrition, necessitating targeted public health interventions.

Infrastructure and Technological Advancements

• Electricity Access (SDG 7): India has achieved near-universal household electrification over the past two decades, a significant milestone under SDG 7. However, the quality of power and duration vary vastly based on regions and urban/rural fault lines.
• Renewable Energy Growth: India ranks as the fourth-largest deployer of renewable energy, primarily solar and wind, reflecting its commitment to sustainable energy.
• Digital and Financial Inclusion (SDG 9): Infrastructure development under SDG 9 has been bolstered by rapid mobile penetration and financial inclusion through UPI-linked digital payment systems. However, the COVID-19 pandemic exposed significant gaps in rural internet connectivity.

Governance and Institutional Challenges

• Governance and Rule of Law (SDG 16): India’s performance in governance and the rule of law (SDG 16) has been a weak link throughout the Modi years. Persistent challenges in ensuring transparent and accountable governance structures limit progress in sustainable development.
• Press Freedom: It is a critical component of SDG 16, and remains under strain. Declining indicators in this area highlight the need for reforms to protect media independence and foster an environment conducive to open discourse.
• Institutional Independence: The lack of strong and independent institutions further hampers India’s progress under SDG 16. Strengthening institutional frameworks is essential to sustain and accelerate advancements in other SDGs, ensuring long-term developmental stability.

Practice question:

Q. India has made notable progress in poverty reduction and infrastructure development under the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), yet challenges persist in achieving zero hunger and ensuring equitable access to quality services. Critically Analyse.