NITI Aayog is developing a comprehensive SDG India Index comprising a set of indicators for measuring performance of States/UTs on SDGs. A dynamic national dashboard on SDGs is also being created to continuously monitor the progress on SDGs in the country.

1. Agricultural Marketing and Farmer Friendly Reforms Index:

NITI Aayog developed the first ever ‘Agriculture Marketing and Farmer Friendly Reforms Index’ to sensitise States about the need to undertake reforms in three key areas of agriculture market, land lease and forestry on private land (felling and transit of trees). The aim of the index is to induce healthy competition between States.

2. Other monitoring indices

NITI Aayog has developed the ‘Healthy States, Progressive India’ Report also known as the ‘Health Index’ in February 2018. The Composite Water Management Index was also launched in June 2018. The ‘School Education Quality Index (SEQI)’, ‘SDG India Index’ and the ‘Digital Transformation Index’ (DTI) which will measure states’ progress in respective sectors are in the works.

3. Ek Bharat Shrestha Bharat 

EBSB was conceptualized to make our country united, strong and promote excellence in all walks of life by means of long-term inter-state engagements through cultural exchanges and education. MoUs were entered with six paired States/UTs. Dept. of Higher Education, MHRD continued the initiative.

Towards further integration, 100 commonly used conversational sentences throughout India were identified, translated into 22 Indian languages, compiled in a form of book and widely disseminated.

4. Transforming of 115 identified Aspirational Districts

To realise the vision of ‘SabkaSaath, SabkaVikas’, and ensure that India’s growth process remains inclusive, the ‘Aspirational District Programme (ADP)’ was launched by the Prime Minister on January 5, 2018. It is a special initiative to rapidly transform 115 identified districts that have shown relatively lesser progress in key social areas and have emerged as pockets of under-development, thereby posing a challenge to ensure balanced regional development.

Under ADP, 49 Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) have been identified across such sectors with the aim to improving ease of living, as well as enhancing the economic productivity of citizens residing in these districts. Health and nutrition, education, agriculture and water resources, financial inclusion and skill development and basic infrastructure are main sectors where rapid transformation is envisaged.

On April 1, 2018, NITI Aayog released the baseline ranking of these districts from which the districts can ascertain their status in these sectors, and work to becoming the best district in the State and eventually the best in the country. To realise this vision, district teams have finalised district action plans, following the principle of convergence of efforts of the State and Central government. In addition, the ADP offers a unique platform for different segments of population as well as institutions like civil service organisations, private sector foundations, philanthropies etc.to come together and work with the State and central government to contribute to this important initiative of inclusive development.

An Aspirational Districts Dashboard has been developed, called ‘Champions of Change’, which captures real-time data and ranking across all indicators. The District Collectors/ Magistrates are providing self-reported data through this dashboard to capture progress

5. Three Year National Action Agenda and the Strategy for New India @75

NITI Aayog prepared a Three-Year Action Agenda covering the period from 2017-18 to 2019-20. The Action Agenda framework allows better alignment of the development strategy with the changed reality of India.

Strategy document for India’s 75^th year of independence covering the period 2017-18 to 2022-23 is being prepared by NITI Aayog.  It presents goals for 2022-23 as well as a way forward on how to achieve them and shall be launched soon.

6. NITI Forum for North East

It is the first ever regional forum constituted by NITI Aayog with representation from all the NE States and the concerned Central Ministries/Departments. This forum was constituted to identify various constraints in the way of accelerated, inclusive but sustainable economic growth in the Northeast Region of our country, and also to recommend suitable interventions for addressing the identified constraints. The forum also has eminent experts and reputed institutions (IIT, IIM, NERIST, RIS, RFRI etc.) as members.

7. Holistic Development of Islands

NITI Aayog has been mandated to steer the process of holistic development of identified islands as unique models of sustainable development. Accordingly, in consultation with key stakeholders, NITI Aayog has shortlisted 10 islands in the first phase. Final Site Potential Development Reports have been prepared for all the Islands. Carrying capacities of these islands have been determined and environmental zoning have been carried out to ensure sustainable development.  A Global Investor’s Conference was held in August 2018 to showcase Lakshadweep and Andaman & Nicobar Islands as hubs for self-sustaining eco-tourism projects, provide fillip to local employment and grow maritime economy.

ISLAND DEVELOPMENT AGENCY (IDA): The IDA was set up in June 2017 under the Chairmanship of the Home Minister of India, with the CEO, NITI Aayog as the Convener. It undertakes reviews on the progress relating to holistic development of identified islands. So far, three meeting of the IDA have been held. The last meeting of the IDA was held on 24th April 2018.

POSHAN ABHIYAAN

The POSHAN Abhiyaan has been launched with the aim of improving nutrition outcomes in India in the next three years. The National Council responsible for steering of the programme is anchored in NITI Aayog and is chaired by the Vice-Chairman, NITI Aayog. September 2018 was designated as the POSHAN MAAH, a massive awareness and outreach campaign launched across the country to make nutrition a true Jan Andolan.