Although Arunachal Pradesh has scored 60 points out of a total of 100 in the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Index 2020-21 prepared by NITI Aayog which is an improvement by 7 points vis-à-vis last fiscal, from the 190-page report that gives insightful details of performance of 28 states and 8 UTs, it’s evident that when it comes to poverty alleviation, there is still a lot to be done. During the virtual workshop organised jointly by the state’s Finance, Planning and Investment Department and NITI Aayog, the latter being the national think-tank in drawing and facilitating implementation of developmental goals, while pin-pointing the deficiencies has urged the state government to work more in addressing these issues. Among the many revelations the document makes, it has clearly emerged that despite availability of enormous natural resources and existence of a myriad of developmental plans and policies, fruits of development are not percolating to the last strata of intended beneficiaries.
For any state or UT, the NITI Aayog SDGs Index carries enormous significance since it not only mirrors where they stand currently in terms of developmental achievements, but also underlines the drawbacks needing immediate attention. Incorporating as many as 16 parameters or goals that include No Poverty, Zero Hunger, Quality Education, Gender Equality, Decent Work & Economic Growth, Industry, Innovation & Infrastructure etc., the index is a comprehensive report card of a state/UT’s performance in attaining overall development. While all the above parameters are vital in measuring development, SDG 1 i.e. ‘No Poverty’ will receive maximum focus due to obvious reasons. Even though Arunachal Pradesh has been positioned at number 18 among 28 states with a Multidimensional Poverty Index score of 0.108, a headcount ratio of 24.39 % and a 44.22 % poverty intensity, as a whole it actually ranks 21 with a score of 54 and as per categorization is a Performer State. However, the findings of SDG 2 i.e. Zero Hunger show that Arunachal has performed better compared to SDG 1 and its national ranking is 6 with a score of 66, earning a Front Runner state status. A major fault line that shouldn’t escape attention is the non-availability of previous fiscal’s data of the state across many parameters that makes the task of comparing in terms of improvements or slips virtually impossible. It’s a crucial area that needs urgent attention.
Arunachal must devote itself with extra seriousness in improving its SDG rankings and the process must begin through hitting the ‘chronic ailments’ first- timeline and cost overruns of projects, alleged misappropriation of funds, special and sustained initiatives to reach out to people in remote areas, among many. NITI Aayog must also tutor the state appropriately. However, a stronger political will is needed.

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Kenter Joya Riba

(Managing Editor)
      She is a graduate in Science with post graduation in Sociology from University of Pune. She has been in the media industry for nearly a decade. Before turning to print business, she has been associated with radio and television.
Email: kenterjoyaz@easternsentinel.in / editoreasternsentinel@gmail.com
Phone: 0360-2212313

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