NITI Aayog Releases 2nd SDG Index for North East Districts

NITI Aayog, in partnership with the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (MoDoNER) and UNDP, released the second edition of the North Eastern Region District SDG Index (2023-24) on July 7, 2025, in New Delhi. The index shows how 121 districts from eight North East states are performing on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This is important because it helps track progress and plan better development in these states.

About the SDG Index and Its Purpose

The NER District SDG Index is a tool to measure how well different districts in North East India are doing in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). These goals focus on areas like health, education, clean water, hunger, jobs, and equality. The first edition of the index was launched in August 2021. The latest 2023-24 edition helps identify which districts are doing well and where improvements are needed. It supports planning, better use of resources, and targeted development.

Key Highlights of the 2023-24 Report

85% of districts improved their overall SDG scores compared to the last report.

All districts in Mizoram, Sikkim, and Tripura achieved Front Runner status, meaning they scored between 65 and 99 points.

Hnahthial (Mizoram) is the best performing district with a score of 81.43, while Longding (Arunachal Pradesh) scored the lowest at 58.71.

Nagaland had three districts among the top 10 performers.

Sikkim showed the most consistent performance across its districts, with scores close to each other.

Districts were grouped into 4 categories

• Achiever (Score = 100)
• Front Runner (Score 65–99)
• Performer (Score 50–65)
• Aspirant (Score < 50)

No district fell into Achiever or Aspirant categories this year.

Statements by Key Leaders

The index was released in New Delhi by senior officials including,

Shri Suman Bery, Vice Chairman, NITI Aayog

Shri B.V.R. Subrahmanyam, CEO, NITI Aayog

Shri Chanchal Kumar, Secretary, MoDoNER

Dr. Angela Lusigi, Resident Representative, UNDP India

Suman Bery said achieving the SDGs by 2030 is key for building a Viksit Bharat @2047 (a developed India by 2047).
Subrahmanyam highlighted the importance of the North East, calling it the “Ashta Lakshmi” or eight jewels of India.
Chanchal Kumar stressed the index helps find gaps and improve planning.
Dr. Lusigi noted that data must lead to real change for people’s lives.

State-wise Performances and Observations

Sikkim and Tripura showed steady and high-level performances with small score differences between districts.

Mizoram and Nagaland had both very high and relatively lower scoring districts, showing more variation.

All districts in Assam improved in areas like Zero Hunger, Clean Water, Education, and Jobs.

Top and bottom performers in some states,

• Arunachal Pradesh: Lower Dibang Valley (73.36) and Longding (58.71)
• Assam: Dibrugarh (74.29) and South Salmara-Mankachar (59.71)
• Manipur: Imphal West (73.21) and Pherzawl (59.71)
• Meghalaya: East Khasi Hills (73.00) and East Jaintia Hills (63.00)

This index supports efforts like the Aspirational Districts Programme and encourages evidence-based planning to ensure no district is left behind.