Lucknow : In a historic achievement, Uttar Pradesh has jumped from the 29th to the 18th position in the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) India Index, reflecting significant improvement in development indicators across the state. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, while chairing a high-level review meeting, emphasized that this progress is “not just a number—it is a reflection of real change in the lives of citizens.”
The SDG India Index, developed by NITI Aayog, tracks states’ performance across 17 global development goals. In 2018–19, Uttar Pradesh scored 42 and was categorized as a ‘Performer’. In 2023–24, the state improved its score to 67, entering the ‘Front Runner’ category—an improvement of 25 points, the highest jump recorded by any state during this period.
Grounded Progress Through Flagship Schemes
The Chief Minister attributed this leap to clear policymaking, effective implementation, and active public participation. He highlighted several government schemes that have contributed to the improved SDG performance:
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Har Ghar Jal and Har Ghar Bijli for improved access to water and electricity
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Kanya Sumangala Yojana and Mission Shakti for women and child welfare
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PM Awas Yojana, Mukhyamantri Arogya Yojana, and Potsahan Abhiyan for housing, healthcare, and nutrition
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Mission Kayakalp and ODOP (One District, One Product) for local economic empowerment and education infrastructure
“These schemes have transformed lives at the grassroots, restoring public confidence in governance,” the CM said.
Data-Driven Governance: The Cornerstone
Emphasizing the importance of reliable data in policymaking, Yogi Adityanath said, “Right data is the foundation of right decisions. It’s not just a record—it shapes the roadmap of development. Inaccurate or incomplete data neither reflects the real situation nor supports the right course of action.”
He instructed officials to create district-wise SDG profiles and make them publicly accessible, adding that the implementation of SDGs must be carried out in mission mode, reaching every village panchayat, and ensuring timely impact at the last-mile.
Women’s Empowerment and Nutrition as Core Pillars
The CM reiterated the government’s strong commitment to education for girls and women’s safety and empowerment, citing the success of Mission Shakti in bringing about a shift in social awareness. He also underlined the state’s efforts in strengthening nutrition and health infrastructure, particularly in rural areas, calling it a crucial contributor to SDG gains.
A Collective Responsibility
“Achieving the SDG goals is a shared responsibility—from departments to districts to the last village. Everyone must work in unison,” the Chief Minister asserted.
From Performer to Front Runner
This transition from a ‘Performer’ to a ‘Front Runner’ in the SDG Index is being hailed as a turning point in Uttar Pradesh’s development story. With sustained focus on public welfare, infrastructure, education, and health, the Yogi-led government has managed to reverse the narrative around the state’s development trajectory.
This achievement places Uttar Pradesh as one of the fastest-improving states in India on the global sustainable development map—an accomplishment that the state leadership vows to build upon in the years ahead.
