Brief Context
Context NITI Aayog presented India’s Third Voluntary National Review (VNR) Report on SDGs at the Ministerial Segment of the High-Level Political Forum (HLPF) on SDGs, convened by the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) of the United Nations. About The VNR 2025, prepared under the stewardship of NITI Aayog and was developed through a wide-ranging consultative process involving state and Union Territory governments, civil society organisations, development partners, and the private sector. The re
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Syllabus: GS3/Economy
Context
- NITI Aayog presented India’s Third Voluntary National Review (VNR) Report on SDGs at the Ministerial Segment of the High-Level Political Forum (HLPF) on SDGs, convened by the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) of the United Nations.
About
- The VNR 2025, prepared under the stewardship of NITI Aayog and was developed through a wide-ranging consultative process involving state and Union Territory governments, civil society organisations, development partners, and the private sector.
- The report outlines India’s achievements over the past ten years across a wide spectrum of development indicators.
- This VNR marks India’s third submission to the HLPF, reaffirming the country’s sustained commitment to the UN 2030 Agenda for SDGs.
Major Highlights
- Poverty Alleviation: Around 248 million individuals estimated to have escaped Multidimensional Poverty (MPI).
- Food Security: PM Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana has ensured nutritional support for millions.
- Health and Nutrition: POSHAN Abhiyaan and Ayushman Bharat have expanded access to quality nutrition and healthcare.
- Clean Energy: Programs like the National Green Hydrogen Mission, PM-KUSUM, and PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana are strengthening India’s transition to clean energy.
- Innovation and Growth: India is now the third-largest start-up ecosystem in the world.
- Infrastructure and Industry: Schemes such as PM Gati Shakti, Make in India, and the National Industrial Corridor Development Programme are building next-generation infrastructure.
SDG Implementation in India
- India has made significant strides in localising Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through robust, data-driven governance frameworks. Tools such as the SDG India Index, the North-Eastern Region District SDG Index, and the National Multidimensional Poverty Index have enhanced monitoring and evaluation mechanisms at national and sub-national levels.
- Flagship initiatives like the Aspirational Districts Programme (ADP) and the Aspirational Blocks Programme (ABP) further exemplify India’s commitment to ensuring last-mile delivery and saturation of essential government services, particularly in underserved and developmentally lagging regions.
United Nations’ High-Level Political Forum (HLPF)
- It is the foremost platform for international follow-up and review of the 2030 Agenda.
- It has been meeting annually since 2016 under the auspices of the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC).
- In the HLPF, UN member countries present their Voluntary National Review (VNR) on the implementation of SDGs.
- The VNRs serve as a basis for the international review of the progress on the SDGs.
Conclusion
- Agenda 2030 is aligned with India’s long-term vision of Viksit Bharat @2047 – a developed India by its 100th year of independence – underscoring an integrated development strategy grounded in inclusion, innovation, and institutional strength.
Source: PIB