INDIA'S SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT: THE CURRENT STATE AND THE PATH AHEAD

Abstract

In 2015 the United Nations Organization adopted a new set of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to be implemented by 2030. India, along with other countries signed this agreement consisting of seventeen SDGs. India, which is the home of one-sixth of the world population holds the key to the success of the 2030 Agenda of the Sustainable Development Goals. India, in its second Voluntary National Review (2020) has made a paradigm shift to an inclusive approach to achieve the SDGs. The Government of India has involved governments at sub-national, local and district levels to work together to achieve the SDGs by 2030. Moreover, the civil society organisations and the private sector are expected to play key roles in successful implementation of SDGs in India. India’s commitment to SDGs is reflected in her zeal to achieve the target of Sabka Saath Sabka Vikas which indicates Collective Efforts for Inclusive Growth. India, so far, has successfully tackled the problems of poverty, sanitation, nutrition and education in an efficient manner. Moreover, policy actions on infrastructure development, manufacturing, innovation and entrepreneurship deserve special mention. Currently, in the post Covid-19 pandemic situation, India, like all other countries is facing serious threats to sustainable development. However, amidst this crisis also Indian Government has come up with various economic relief packages and health care packages for frontline workers, the poorest and most vulnerable sections of the society. The Indian Government has come forward to provide medical as well as financial assistance to several countries. In future, Indian Government is likely to continue to collaborate with global leaders to accelerate the pace of progress of sustainable development. In this paper we discuss the progress in achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals in India and the path ahead.