Col DPK Pillay (Retd)
INDIA, a nation of 1.4 billion people and a vibrant tapestry of cultures and traditions, is making significant strides in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through a unique and decentralised approach. Recognising the critical role of local action in achieving these global targets, India has made a conscious policy choice to institutionalise the SDGs, integrating them into the national development framework. This bold experiment is yielding promising results and offers valuable insights for other nations seeking to accelerate progress towards a more sustainable, equitable, and prosperous future.
The India Model
India’s SDG localisation model is built on four foundational pillars:
Institutional ownership Strong institutional mechanisms at all levels of Government, from the central Niti Aayog (the Government’s apex planning body) to state and local governments, drive SDG implementation. State governments have established dedicated SDG cells, and local governments have integrated SDG targets into their planning and budgeting processes. The Indian Constitution places much of the responsibility for SDG themes with subnational governments, recognising their pivotal role in delivering the agenda. This is underscored by the fact that their combined expenditure often surpasses that of the Central Government.
Competitive collaboration India fosters a spirit of ‘competitive federalism’, encouraging states to compete while collaborating on SDG achievement. This creates healthy competition, spurring innovation and knowledge sharing. The National Institution for Transforming India (Niti Aayog) plays a central role in facilitating this collaborative competition by regularly publishing comparative rankings on SDG progress, incentivising states to improve their performance.
Capacity building Recognising that local governments often lack the resources and expertise to tackle complex SDG challenges, India has invested significantly in capacity building at all levels. Training programmes, technical assistance, and knowledge exchange platforms equip local officials with the skills needed to design and implement effective SDG initiatives.
Whole-of-Society approach India’s approach extends beyond Government action, engaging civil society organisations, businesses, and citizens in a collective effort to achieve the SDGs. This inclusive approach acknowledges the diverse perspectives and contributions of all stakeholders and fosters a sense of shared responsibility for sustainable development.
Successes, challenges
India’s SDG localisation model has achieved notable successes. Several states have developed comprehensive SDG vision documents outlining their long-term goals and strategies. Some have even extended the SDG framework to the district and block levels, aligning their budgets with SDG targets.
Innovative programmes have emerged across the country, such as Kerala’s ‘Green Protocol’, which promotes sustainable practices at public events, and Sikkim’s transition to 100 per cent organic farming.
However, challenges remain. Data gaps, particularly for environmental indicators at the sub-national level, hinder effective monitoring and evaluation. Coordination among different levels of Government and stakeholders can be challenging. Limited capacity at the local level sometimes impedes the implementation of complex SDG initiatives.
Four key insights
The UNDP report, titled ‘Institutionalising SDG Localisation in Multi-Level Governance Settings: Lessons from India’, identifies four key insights from India’s experience:
A clear institutional architecture is a prerequisite for successful SDG localisation. Dedicated SDG units within Government departments facilitate coordination, advise on policy, and drive implementation.
Effective monitoring of the SDGs requires an interlinked monitoring framework at all levels, supported by reliable, disaggregated data. The SDG India Index and dashboards, developed by NITI Aayog, provide valuable tools for tracking progress and identifying priority areas for action.
By embracing a decentralised approach, empowering local actors, fostering collaboration, and investing in capacity building and data infrastructure, nations can accelerate progress towards a more sustainable and equitable future for all
Tagging budgets to the SDGs is necessary but not sufficient. Integrating SDG targets into budget allocation and decision-making processes is essential to ensure that resources are prioritised to close SDG gaps.
Investment in the capacities of the private sector and civil society organisations is critical for successful SDG localisation. A whole-of-society approach harnesses the diverse strengths and resources of all stakeholders, creating a more comprehensive and sustainable development pathway.
The road ahead
As India continues its journey towards achieving the SDGs, the country is exploring innovative approaches to address the remaining challenges. The state support mission launched by Niti Aayog aims to strengthen planning departments and promote integrated approaches to development. Efforts are also underway to bridge data gaps and improve coordination mechanisms. India’s experience in SDG localisation offers valuable lessons for other countries. By embracing a decentralised approach, empowering local actors, fostering collaboration, and investing in capacity building and data infrastructure, nations can accelerate progress towards a more sustainable and equitable future for all.
UNDP recommendations
Based on India’s experience, the following recommendations are offered by UNDP to policymakers at both national and international levels:
Prescriptive framework Utilise the SDGs as a guide for interconnected economic, social, and environmental approaches, prioritising a ‘leave no one behind’ lens. Institutionalise this framework through a whole-of-government approach, focusing on capacity building, evidence-based decisionmaking, partnerships, and budget allocation.
Data infrastructure Prioritise investment in data infrastructure and capacity building, including for citizengenerated data, to ensure evidence-based decision-making and identify appropriate solutions. Leverage new technologies like big data, AI, and machine learning, while integrating traditional data sources and considering ethical and human rights implications.
Pragmatic budgets Move beyond simply tagging budgets to SDGs. Integrate SDG targets into programmatic budgets for impact- and results-oriented budgeting mechanisms. Link SDG costing and financing gap analysis with investment opportunities, exploring expanded fiscal space and innovative financing tools.
Whole-of-Society approach Encourage broader partnerships, including South-South cooperation, to foster a whole-of-society approach. Invest in the capacities of the private sector and civil society organisations, especially those led by marginalised groups, to ensure their meaningful participation in SDG localisation efforts.
Conclusion
India’s bold experiment in SDG localisation is a testament to the power of local action and ownership in driving sustainable development. The country’s successes and challenges offer a roadmap for other nations seeking to achieve the SDGs in their unique contexts. As the world grapples with the urgent need to address climate change, poverty, inequality, and other pressing global challenges, India’s experience serves as a beacon of hope and a model for a more inclusive, equitable, and sustainable future
