A recent report of the NITI Aayog, an economic advisory body of the Government of India, states that India’s composite score for achieving SDGs has improved from 57 in 2018 to 71 in 2023-24. It applauds the ‘significant progress’ in reducing poverty, promoting decent work, economic growth, and climate action. Besides, the report highlights ‘substantial progress’ in other areas such as providing clean water, sanitation, and good health and well-being. A slew of welfare schemes unveiled by the Indian government seems to lend credence to these claims. The dismal ground realities, however, tell a different story. Dispassionate studies from Harvard University and other institutions have debunked India’s assertion that it is on target to meet the SDGs by 2030.
