The state has improved its scores on indicators related to reducing poverty; good health and well-being
Karnataka has improved its ranking in NITI Aayog’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) India Index for 2020-21. The state has been able to improve its position to 72 from 66 last year and has been ranked third in the SDG India index 2020-2021.
The state improved its scores on indicators related to reducing poverty; good health and well-being; gender equality; affordable and clean energy; industry, innovation and infrastructure; sustainable cities and communication; responsible consumption and production; and peace, justice and strong institutions.
The state’s score improved in issues related to diseases and mortality rates. However, the score related to the number of physicians, nurses, and midwives per 10,000 people reduced from 72 in 2019-20 to 70 in 2020-21, which according to an expert is a matter of concern, particularly when the state is facing the COVID-19 pandemic.
The state government took a serious note and appointed committees for each SDGs. The whole effort was undertaken by Dr Shalini Rajneesh, Planning programme and statistical department, Government of Karnataka. Each of these committees was headed by retired senior bureaucrats with a track record of competence, the only exception being SDG3 which was chaired by Dr Alexander Thomas. Under the guidance of the chairman, Dr Thomas, who along with 35 healthcare and development experts from across the country, drafted the SDG 3 document specific for Karnataka. The inclusion of Ayush, involving Ayush experts, is one of the main highlights of SDG.
The scores declined in areas such as quality education; clean water and sanitation; decent work and economic growth; reduced inequality; climate action; and life on land indicators.
The draft report was sent to internationally renowned experts working in the field and their inputs were also incorporated. The recommendations in the SDG 3 report have been implemented and the results have shown a positive outcome as reflected in the third edition of the SDG India index which was released by NITI AAYOG recently.
The index since its launch in 2018 comprehensively documents and ranks the progress made by states and union territories towards achieving the SDGs.
The state government specifically focussed on children and pregnant mothers. The figures for anaemia in adolescents and pregnant mothers and malnourished children were disappointing though.
