Odisha Emerges ‘Frontrunner’ In 9 Indicators Of SDG India Index 4.0

Bhubaneswar: Odisha has emerged as ‘Frontrunner’ in 9 indicators and ‘Performer’ in one indicator out of the 16 goals evaluated for SDG Index of 2020-21.

This was revealed by Development Commissioner Pradeep Kumar Jena at a consultative workshop on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) held between state government and NITI Ayog, here.

Stating that Odisha been ranked No-1 in SDG-13 (climate action) and SDG 14 (life below water), Jena said the state’s score in the SDGs has constantly improved from 58 in 2018 to 61 in 2021.

He also said the state’s performance against many indicators was not appropriately computed as achievements in state specific schemes were not taken into account. He harped on making the SDG India Index 4.0 more inclusive taking into account the states’ developmental efforts and outcomes in all schemes and programmes.

Addressing the workshop, chief secretary Suresh Chandra Mahapatra said the state government is committed to effect improvement in people’s quality of living through various schemes and programmes aligned to human development index (HDI) for achieving 2030 Agenda. “The developmental strategy of the state is to leave no one behind and reach all poor and vulnerable sections,” he added.

Mahapatra also asked all departments of the state government to submit their views and updated data against 115 indicators pertaining to 16 Goals for SDG India Index 4.0.

Sanyukta Samaddar, advisor, NITI Ayog along with Saumya Guha, SDG Officer presented different indicators taken up for SDG Index. “Odisha has been a state of reforms and innovations and NITI Ayog team has got valuable inputs from the state in making the SDG framework more accurate and robust,” Samaddar said.

Agriculture Production Commissioner Sanjeev Chopra along with additional chief secretaries, principal secretaries and secretaries of various departments participated in the deliberations.