Uttarakhand: Following the Chief Minister’s instructions, a system for ranking districts based on development parameters has been initiated. Champawat district secured the first position in the monthly ranking based on SDG indicators

Following instructions from Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, a system has been implemented in the state to evaluate and rank districts monthly based on their performance against development targets identified under the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). In the initial monthly ranking, Champawat district secured the first position.

The Chief Minister had directed that districts be ranked based on SDG indicators to assess their performance on the development front. In compliance with this directive, the Planning Department’s Centre for Public Policy and Good Governance (CPPGG) has initiated a district-wise ranking system based on identified indicators that can be monitored monthly, in accordance with the SDG framework. For this purpose, the CPPGG collected data on a total of 39 indicators across 11 Sustainable Development Goals from April to October of this year and has released the first-ever district rankings based on these contemporary targets.

Based on the monthly ranking, Champawat district secured the first position with 96 points, Bageshwar district came in second with 94 points, and Nainital district secured the third position with 92 points. Amit Punetha, Special Officer of CPPGG, stated that districts lagging in the ranking are expected to achieve the set targets in all SDGs during the remaining period of the financial year. He added that in addition to the 39 indicators identified for the ranking, other indicators may be included in the future as needed to monitor schemes against contemporary targets.

Uttarakhand’s Committed Efforts Towards SDGs: A Distinct Identity at the National Level

The Sustainable Development Goals, aimed at realizing the vision of a world free from poverty, hunger, disease, and deprivation by 2030, were adopted by 193 member states of the United Nations in September 2015. The SDGs have four main dimensions: social equity; inclusive economic growth; environmental protection; and peaceful and inclusive societies. Serious and effective efforts are being made in the state of Uttarakhand to achieve these ambitious goals. As a result, Uttarakhand has emerged as a leader in various development sectors and has created a distinct identity for itself at the national level. In the SDG India Index 2023-24 released by NITI Aayog, Uttarakhand secured the first position, proving the effectiveness of its committed efforts towards sustainable development.

Identified Sustainable Development Goals:

1. SDG No. 1: No Poverty
2. SDG No. 2: Zero Hunger
3. SDG No. 3: Good Health and Well-being
4. SDG No. 4: Quality Education
5. SDG No. 6: Clean Water and Sanitation
6. SDG No. 7: Affordable and Clean Energy
7. SDG No. 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
8. SDG No. 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
9. SDG No. 10: Reduced Inequalities
10. SDG No. 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
11. SDG No. 15: Life on Land

To rapidly achieve the Sustainable Development Goals in the state, an effective action plan has been formulated for better planning and successful implementation of schemes. This will enable us to improve the living standards of the common man and realize the vision of overall development of the state. In this regard, all departments and District Magistrates are expected to work towards achieving the defined SDG targets in a time-bound manner, according to the prescribed standards. Congratulations to Champawat district, which secured the first position in the first ranking of districts, and to other districts that performed well. All districts should continue to strive for better performance. Special attention should be given to the goals and indicators where improvement is needed.
– Pushkar Singh Dhami, Chief Minister