Igniting India’s Growth: Exploring The Impact of Sustainable Development Goals on Economy and Society
Deepti
Assistant Professor,
Faculty of Management and Commerce,
SRM University, Delhi-NCR,
Sonepat, Haryana
Email Id: kuhardeepti90@gmail.com
Pawan Kumar
Assistant Professor,
Faculty of Management and Commerce,
SRM University, Delhi-NCR,
Sonepat, Haryana
Email Id: pawan.p@srmuniversity.ac.in
Sushma Sharma
Associate Professor,
Faculty of Management and Commerce,
SRM University, Delhi-NCR,
Sonepat, Haryana
Email Id: sushma.s@srmuiversity.ac.in
Corresponding Author
Anju Rohilla
Assistant Professor,
Faculty of Management and Commerce,
SRM University, Delhi-NCR,
Sonepat, Haryana
Email Id: anjurohilla@srmuniversity.ac.in
Abstract
Addressing global issues across economic, social, and environmental dimensions serve as a benchmark for achieving sustainable development goals. This study analyses the conceptual framework of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and examine their influence on Indian economy and society from 2019 to 2024. India has made remarkable contribution toward achieving the SDGs, with significant improvements in poverty reduction, health, education, gender equality, and climate action. Key initiatives taken by government such as Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, Swachh Bharat Mission, and Ayushman Bharat, have played a crucial role in highlighting basic challenges which hinder socio-economic development. Additionally, the study also explores aspects manipulating the progress of the Indian economy, particularly in align with SDGs. Over the period of time, India has made significant contribution led to a drastic change in dropping poverty, improving access to education, and escalating health sector. At the same time, the country has also seen big developments in environmental sustainability, clean energy, infrastructure, and economic growth. However, challenges remain same due to the persistent effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and geopolitical disruptions, such as the Ukraine War, which have impacted energy access, food security, and climate action. Despite all, India’s SDG performance has continued to sustain, with outstanding progress in climate action, poverty reduction, and sustainable land use. SDGs has significantly impacted economic growth and societal progress in recent years. In this context, the SDGs India Index 2023-24 reports a notable improvement in the overall SDGs score. Because of this, the SDGs reflect the nation's national development goals. Moreover, India, agreed to participate in the 2017 High-Level Political Forum (HLPF) Voluntary National Reviews (VNRs), greetings the stress on "Eradicating poverty and boosting prosperity in a changing world”. Additionally, the adoption of SDGs with in policy framework shows the commitment to economic growth and societal progress. At global level, the expansion of the SDGs has focused on the growth necessities of emerging nations and the support that more advanced nations and the worldwide civic will be mandatory to deliver in order for them to reach the goals. Additionally, the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are designed to be worldwide in the sense that they characterize a broadly held comprehensive idea of growth toward a world that is safe, just, and sustainable, letting all individuals to succeed. All countries should be understood as sharing a shared responsibility to contribute to the understanding of the global and shared vision.
Hence, sustainable development is one way to solve all the issues that the world's population faces today. If sustainable development is continued, the goals of resource conservation, gender equality, and equitable economic distribution may be reached. These findings represent the necessity for inclusive policies to link developmental gaps and ensure sustainable progress across economic and social domains. Hence, the study emphasizes the role of SDGs in shaping India’s development path and highlights areas for future research, including regional disparities, role of local governance, and the influence of SDG-driven guidelines.
Keywords: Sustainable Development Goals, India, poverty reduction, climate action, government initiatives
Introduction
Prior to 1991, the clue of sustainability was restricted to the aim of conserving resources for fishing (Lt~lt~,1991). But it has stretched to include other aspects such as environmental preservation to protect the environment for future generations. For further improvement, sustainable development may be made sustainable by addressing global issues across economic, social and environmental dimensions at the global level (united Nation, 2015). In this direction, UNO has made significant contribution towards integrating SDGs into national development agenda (Government of India, 2020). Despite of this, achieving SDGs become challenging (Yu et al., 2019). However, government initiatives aligned with SDGs to highlight socio-economic challenges (Ministry of housing and Urban Affairs; Ministry of Family and health and family welfare, 2020). These efforts aim to eradicate poverty and ensure infrastructure development by aligning with SDGs (Niti Aayog, 2021). Because of this, challenges such as financial constraints and disparities hindering the achievement of sustainable development goals (Bhattacharya & Soni, 2021).
Sustainability Research
SDF as a Framework: SDGs serve as the basic framework to accomplish a supportable future for everyone. They stress on the worldwide issues that we face, together with those connected to hunger, disparity, environment, success, harmony and fairness. Aligning local governance, private sector and community engagement for long term sustainability will yield better outcome (Mishra & Tiwari, 2022).
Sustainability in Policies: in this context, sustainability is the only remedy to the global issues. It is crucial for achieving long term success without sacrificing the requirements of forthcoming generations (World Commission on Environment and Development, 1987). In India, government has integrated sustainability into national policies ensuring economic growth and social equity. Additionally, the adoption of SDGs with in policy framework shows the commitment to economic growth and societal progress (Niti Aayog, 2021). Although significant contribution has been made, challenges such as limited resources, and inadequate policies remain main hindrance to achieve sustainable goals. (Chaturvedi, 2020).
Economic and Social Dimensions: The economic dimension highlighted the need for growth is a necessity. In India, polices are focussed on industrialisation and enhancing financial inclusion, all of which are set to be a benchmark of sustainability (Kumar & Raghavan, 2022). Initiative such as ‘Make in India’ and ‘Atamnirbhar Bharat’ aim to uplift innovation, creating jobs and self-reliant through the advancement of ecofriendly technologies (Chakraborty and Parasad, 2021). On the societal front, SDGs agenda emphasizes the reduction of inequalities, guaranteeing access to education and promoting community engagement (Patel & Rao, 2022).
System Analysis: To fulfil the objectives of the study, secondary data has been retrieved from the Statistics Division of the Department of Economic and Social Affairs, United Nations and government reports of years 2019 to 2024. For clarity of the data, it has been presented in the form of tables and figures.
Figure 1: Key Notions in Accomplishing SDGs: A Word Cloud Image
Figure 1 displays the Key Notions in Accomplishing SDGs: A Word Cloud Image
Table No 1 displays the Key Insights in Sustainable Development Research
Table I: Key Insights in Sustainable Development Research
|
FIELD OF STUDY |
KEY TERMS |
REFERENCES |
|
SDGs as the Framework |
environmental degradation, Community Engagement and Long Term Sustainability |
(Mishra & Tiwari, 2022) |
|
Sustainability in Policies |
Economic Growth, societal Progress, limited Resources and Polices |
(World Commission on Environment and Development, 1987), (Niti Aayog, 2021) & (Chaturvedi & Vyas, 2020). |
|
Economic and Social Dimensions |
Make in India and Atamnirbhar Bharat, Ecofriendly Technologies |
(Kumar & Raghavan, 2022), (Chakraborty and Parasad, 2021) & (Patel & Rao, 2022). |
|
secondary data has been retrieved in System Analysis |
Tables and Figures |
the Statistics Division of the Department of Economic and Social Affairs, United Nations and government reports of years 2019 to 2024 |
Source: Compiled by Authors
Impact of Sustainable Development Goals on Indian Economy and Society
The SDGs have contributed significantly in societal progress and economic growth as shown in figure 2. SDG India Index 2023-24 shown progress, aligning with national development goals and its dedication to the 2017 HLPF Voluntary National Reviews on poverty eradication and success.
Figure 2: India’s SDG Score
Source: https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2032857
Figure 2 displays India’s SDG Score
The 2024 SDGs emphasizes that a set of 17 goals that were implemented by all 193 United Nations affiliates during the notable conference that held in New York on September 25, 2015 stressing the need for sustained efforts to achieve SDGs by 2030. Since the SDGs were approved in September 2015, India is known for its commitment in attaining SDGs. SDGs, which came into effect on January 1st, 2016, are predicted to evolving schedules in key zones like eliminating poverty and hunger, guaranteeing healthy lives and excellence in education, attaining gender equality, providing energy, nurturing sustainable economic growth, reducing inequality, etc. until the year 2030. The SDGs, also accepted as the 2030 Agenda for Development, seek to radically change peoples' lives and means of survival.
These 169 targets and 17 goals lay out a plan for justifiable expansion for all nations that promotes social presence, economic prosperity, and ecological protection. The plan now shifts from defining the goals to actually putting them into achievement.
Literature Review
The SDG, implemented by United Nations in 2015, serves as a framework to highlight worldwide challenges such as, environmental degradation, climate change, poverty and inequality. For India, the adoption of these goals directly contributes to sustainable development (Sachs et al., 2023).
Conceptual Framework of Sustainable Development Goals
The Sustainable development goals (SDGs) aim to fit in economic, environmental and social dimensions of sustainability, with mutuality across various targets. Le Blank (2015) initiated early insights into SDGs, stressing the necessity for policy coherence. Current studies have lengthened this understanding in Indian Context. Singh and Verma (2021) analyzed Indian National framework, which align SDGs with national priorities. Similarly, Niti Aayog (2023) India has made significant contribution in SDGs Indicators, including poverty alleviation (SDG 1), Gender Equality (SDG 5), and clean energy (SDG 7). Therefore, these goals have Catalyzed policy interventions aimed at nurturing economic growth and societal progress. In a similar vein, (Devi, 2021) highlighted that sustainable development entails a poise among economic growth and ecological safety. Therefore, there is a need to develop connection between social, economic, and environmental growth to achieve sustainability (Chauhan et al., 2020).
Impact of SDG on Economic Growth and Societal Growth
Sustainable development goals have catalyzed economic growth in India by inspiring investment in clean energy, Infrastructure, and sustainable industries. Research by Sahu et al. (2020) noted that India commitment to SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean energy) has contributed to Foreign Direct Investment in renewable energy. By 2023, India emerged as one of the top three countries globally for renewable energy growth (IEA, 2023). Additionally, ‘Make In India’ initiative have aligned with SDG 8(Decent work and Economic Growth).
In the societal dimension, SDG have initiatives aimed at improving education, reducing inequality, and promoting gender equality. For instance, programs like Shiksha Abhiyan have enhanced quality education in rural areas (Raj and Sharma, 2023). In a similar manner, Beti Bachao and Beti Padhao has significantly contributed to SDG 5(Gender Equality), in Northern states, buy improving female literacy (Kumar and Singh, 2021). Reforms in healthcare sector have aligned with SDG 3 (Good Health and Wellbeing) have also upgraded societal outcomes.
Similarly, research by Bhattacharya et al. (2022) emphasized on the contribution of the Ayushman Bharat Scheme for minimizing healthcare costs for sidelined population.
Research by Bhattacharya et al. (2022) highlighted the role of the Ayushman Bharat Scheme in reducing healthcare costs for marginalized populations, ensuring better access to essential medical services.
Challenges in Achieving SDGs in India
Despite of considerable progress, some challenges hinder the progress in achieving SDGs. Land acquisition issues for renewable energy projects remain argumentative. Mehta and Rao (2023) found that local community issues related to compensation, often delays infrastructure projects. Moreover, financial constraints and limited technology present obstacle in achieving SDGs. Also, studies by Lyer et al. (2023) represent that improper disposal of electronic waste threatens environmental sustainability.
Research Gap
A substantial gap exists in analyzing the overall impact of SDGs on both economic and societal growth in India, particularly in understanding the relationship among SDGs and its outcomes. While current studies focus on individual goals and specific sectors, there is a limited studies on their combined influence on socio-economic framework. This gap emphasized the necessity for a holistic enquiry to assess how SDGs implementation aligns with India challenges and opportunities. However, challenges such as land disputes, equitable growth and waste management remains same. Policy intervention will be crucial to ensure that India’s SDGs agenda not only quickens nation development but also contribute to global sustainability as shown in figure 3.
Figure 3: Progress on the SDGs from 2018-2024
Source: https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2032857
Figure 3 displays the Progress on the SDGs from 2018-2024
Research Methodology
The objective of this study is to discover the theoretical framework of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, aiming to understand the foundational principles and strategies that guide global sustainability efforts. In addition, the study seeks to observe the influence of these SDGs on India's economic and societal growth, focusing on the period from 2019 to 2024. To attain the objectives of the study, secondary data has been retrieved from the Statistics Division of the Department of Economic and Social Affairs, United Nations and government reports of years 2019 to 2024. For comprehensibility of the data, it has been presented in the form of tables and figures.
Analysis and Findings
This section covers the outcome of data analysis. The key purpose of the study is to examine the impact of SDGs on Indian economic growth and social factors from 2019-2024. It is analysed by using secondary research consist of reports from Statistics Division of Department of Economic and Social Affairs, United Nations and Government of India report from year 2019 to 2024.
Table No: 2 displays the Impact of SDGs on Indian Economy from 2019-2024
Table 2: Impact of SDGs on Indian Economy from 2019-2024
|
SDGs |
2019-2020 |
2020-2021 |
2021-2022 |
2022-2023 |
2023-2024 |
CONTRIBUTING FACTORS |
|
SDG 1 - No Poverty |
8.40% |
9.50% |
12% |
11.28% |
8% |
Reduction in multidimensional poverty, employment under MGNREGA, health insurance coverage. |
|
SDG 2 - Zero Hunger |
12% |
18% |
25% |
20% |
18% |
National Food Security Act (NFSA), improved agricultural productivity, Gross Value Added in agriculture. |
|
SDG 3 - Good Health and well being |
20% |
47% |
50% |
55% |
60% |
Improved health outcomes, reduced mortality rates, immunization coverage, TB case notifications. |
|
SDG 4 - Quality Education |
45% |
25% |
21% |
22% |
23% |
Increase in enrollment, improved pupil-teacher ratio, gender parity in higher education. |
|
SDG 5 - Gender equality |
4% |
5.50% |
7% |
8% |
10% |
Improved gender parity, increase in female workforce participation, family planning needs. |
|
SDG 6 - Clean water and Sanitization |
67.30% |
70.70% |
72.10% |
73% |
75% |
ODF districts, improved drinking water sources, functional toilets for girls in schools. |
|
SDG 7 - Affordable and clean energy |
3.60% |
2.60% |
2.40% |
3% |
4% |
100% electricity access, improvement in clean cooking fuel connections. |
|
SDG 8 - Decent work and Economic Growth |
5.00% |
1.20% |
1.23% |
2% |
3% |
GDP growth, reduced unemployment, increased labor force participation, PMJDY accounts. |
|
SDG 9 - Industry, innovation and infrastructure |
8.70% |
12.00% |
9.63% |
11% |
12% |
Improved infrastructure, mobile phone ownership, 3G/4G coverage in villages. |
|
SDG 10 - Reduced inequalities |
0.50% |
-3.80% |
1.02% |
2% |
3% |
Increased representation of women and marginalized groups in governance. |
|
SDG 11 - Sustainable cities and community |
24% |
35% |
39% |
41% |
45% |
Improved waste processing, door-to-door waste collection, sewage treatment, and source segregation. |
|
SDG 12 - Responsible consumption and production |
40% |
81.29% |
84% |
85% |
86% |
Biomedical waste treatment, hazardous waste recycling and utilization. |
|
SDG 13 - Climate action |
79.60% |
85.62% |
87.01% |
88% |
90% |
Increased renewable energy generation, improved disaster preparedness, environmental standards compliance. |
|
SDG 14 - Life below water |
8.01% |
8.19% |
8.20% |
8.5% |
9% |
Efforts on reducing marine pollution, wastewater treatment, protection of marine biodiversity. |
|
SDG 15 - Life on land |
1.06% |
-2.60% |
0.69% |
0.5% |
1% |
Forest cover conservation, carbon stock increase, biodiversity protection efforts. |
|
SDG 16 - Peace, justice and strong institutions |
8% |
18% |
25% |
30% |
35% |
Improved institutional accountability, Aadhaar coverage, crime charge sheeting rates. |
|
SDG 17 - Partnership for the Goals |
50% |
67% |
75% |
80% |
85% |
Strengthened international partnerships, collaborations for sustainable development. |
Source: Compiled by Authors
The Table No: 2 presents the progress of various Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) over five years, from 2019-2020 to 2023-2024, alongside the contributing factors for each SDG. SDG 1 No Poverty shows a steady increase in progress, moving from 8.4% in 2019-2020 to 12% in 2021-2022. For the subsequent years, it slightly decreased to 10% in 2022-2023 and 8% in 2023-2024.
Gender Equality experienced moderate progress, increasing from 4% in 2019-2020 to 7% in 2021-2022. It rose to 8% in 2022-2023 and reached 10% by 2023-2024. Increased gender parity, higher female workforce participation, and family planning measures were important contributing factors. Clean Water and Sanitation showed consistent progress, increasing from 67.3% in 2019-2020 to 72.1% in 2021-2022. By 2022-2023, it reached 73% and further improved to 75% in 2023-2024.
Affordable and Clean Energy showed a slight decline, from 3.6% in 2019-2020 to 2.4% in 2021-2022. However, it improved to 3% in 2022-2023 and 4% by 2023-2024, thanks to 100% electricity access and the increased availability of clean cooking fuel connections. Decent Work and Economic Growth showed a sharp decrease, from 5% in 2019-2020 to 1.23% in 2021-2022. However, it recovered slightly, reaching 2% in 2022-2023 and 3% in 2023-2024.
Reduced Inequalities showed mixed results, starting at 0.5% in 2019-2020, dropping to -3.8% in 2020-2021, and then recovering to 1.02% in 2021-2022. By 2022-2023, it increased to 2%, with a further rise to 3% in 2023-2024.
Climate Action showed significant improvement, from 79.6% in 2019-2020 to 87.01% in 2021-2022. By 2022-2023, it reached 88%, and 90% by 2023-2024. Life Below Water showed modest progress, increasing slightly from 8.01% in 2019-2020 to 8.2% in 2021-2022. It reached 8.5% in 2022-2023 and 9% in 2023-2024. Life on Land showed mixed results, starting at 1.06% in 2019-2020, dropping to -2.6% in 2020-2021, then recovering to 0.69% in 2021-2022. By 2022-2023, it reached 0.5%, and 1% in 2023-2024, with ongoing efforts in forest cover conservation, carbon stock increase, and biodiversity protection.
Figure 4 displays the SDGs Goal wise India’s Performance
Figure 4: SDGs Goal wise India’s Performance
Source: https://pib.gov.in
GOAL WISE ANALYSIS
India has made noteworthy involvement in attaining the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), as demonstrated by substantial improvements in various sectors. Begin with poverty reduction to climate action, considerable progress has been made across all 17 goals. Targeted government initiatives have committed to advancing socio-economic development, improving health, education, and gender equality, and fostering sustainable growth. This comprehensive progress emphasizes India's commitment to creating a more equitable and sustainable future.
Goal 1 – No Poverty
India has contributed for eliminating poverty, with the goal refining by 12 points, progressing from the Performer category to the Front Runner category in the SDG India Index from 2020-21 to 2023-24. Multidimensional poverty has nearly halved from 24.8% in 2015-16 to 14.96% in 2019-21, with further likely reduction to 11.28% in 2022-23. Additionally, 99.7% of those demanding employment under MGNREGA were provided with work in 2023-24.
Figure 5: No Poverty Score
Source: https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2032857
Figure 5 displays No Poverty Score
Goal 2 – Zero Hunger
India's score for Goal 2, "Zero Hunger," has enhanced from the Contender to the Executor category in the SDG India Index, reflecting progress in food security and agricultural productivity. The National Food Security Act (NFSA), 2013, covered 99.01% of beneficiaries.
Goal 3 – Good Health and Well-being
India’s health sector saw substantial improvement, with the overall score for Goal 3 increasing from 52 in 2018 to 77 in 2023-24. The Maternal Mortality Rate has dropped to 97 per 1,00,000 live births. The under-5 mortality rate reduced from 36 in 2016-18 to 32 in 2018-20.
Goal 4 – Quality Education
India has made notable progress in education, with the Adjusted Net Enrolment Rate (ANER) for elementary education rising to 96.5% in 2021-22, up from 87.26% in 2018-19. The Pupil-Teacher Ratio improved to 18 in 2021-22, achieving the target of 30. Access to infrastructure in schools also improved, with 88.65% of schools having both electricity and drinking water.
Goal 5 – Gender Equality
India has made significant strides in gender equality, with the overall score improving from 36 in 2018 to 49 in 2023-24. The sex ratio at birth stands at 929 females per 1,000 males. The female-to-male earnings ratio for regular salaried employees improved from 0.74 in 2018-19 to 0.76 in 2022-23, while the female-to-male Labour Force Participation Rate (LFPR) increased from 0.33 to 0.48.
Goal 6 – Clean Water and Sanitation
India has made remarkable progress in providing clean water and sanitation, with the score for Goal 6 rising from 63 in 2018 to 89 in 2023-24. Under the Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM), all individual household toilets have been constructed, and all districts have been verified as Open Defecation Free (ODF).
Goal 7 – Affordable and Clean Energy
India has made exceptional progress in energy access, with the maximum score among all SDGs, refining from 51 in 2018 to 96 in 2023-24. The Saubhagya Scheme ensured that 100% of households now have access to electricity.
Goal 8 – Decent Work and Economic Growth
India's economic growth showed an encouraging trend, with a 5.88% annual growth rate in GDP per capita in 2022-23. The being without a job rate reduced from 6.2% in 2018-19 to 3.4% in 2022-23. The Labour Force Participation Rate increased from 53.6% in 2018-19 to 61.6%.
Goal 9 – Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
India has shown improvement in infrastructure and innovation, with the score rising from 41 in 2018 to 61 in 2023-24. Nearly 100% of targeted habitations are now allied with all-weather roads under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY), a notable increase from 47.38% in 2017-18.
Goal 10 – Reduced Inequalities
Progress in reducing inequalities is evident, with 45.61% of seats in Panchayati Raj Institutions held by women. Symbol of Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST) in state legislative assemblies increased to 28.57%.
Goal 11 – Sustainable Cities and Communities
India has made substantial progress in making cities more sustainable, with the score improving from 39 in 2018 to 83 in 2023-24. Additionally, the percentage of municipal solid waste processed rose from 68% in 2020 to 78.46% in 2024.
Goal 12 – Responsible Consumption and Production
India has made notable strides in responsible consumption and production, with 91.5% of biomedical waste preserved in 2022. The recycling and utilization of hazardous waste also improved, increasing from 44.89% in 2018-19 to 54.99% in 2022-23.
Goal 13 – Climate Action
India made remarkable progress in addressing climate change, with the score for Goal 13 improving by 13 points, from 54 in 2020-21 to 67 in 2023-24.
India has made notable progress towards the maintenance and justifiable use of oceans, seas, and marine possessions under SDG 14. The country’s efforts to combat marine pollution, overfishing, and habitat destruction have led to a significant improvement in its performance.
Goal 15 – Life on Land
India’s score for Goal 15 upgraded from 66 in 2020-21 to 75 in 2023-24. Approximately 25% of the geographical area is under forests and tree cover, as reported in the India State of Forest Report 2021. There was a 1.11% rise in carbon stock in forest cover, further enhancing the nation's efforts towards conservation.
Goal 16 – Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions
India has made progress in strengthening institutions, with 95.5% of the population covered by Aadhaar as of March 2024. The birth registration rate for children under five years reached 89%, and the charge sheeting rate for IPC crimes stood at 71.3% as per NCRB 2022, indicating improved access to justice in institutions.
SDG 17 - Partnership for the Goals
In India, SDG 17 is critical given the country's vast socio-economic diversity and the need for collaborative efforts across sectors. Public-private partnerships, international cooperation, and multi-stakeholder involvement have been pivotal in highlighting challenges like poverty, healthcare, and climate change.
Discussions
The execution of SDGs in India has contributed a lot, yet challenges continue in achieving sustainable growth. For instance, SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean energy) has carried remarkable growth (Sharma et al. 2022). However, SDG 12 (responsible Consumption and Production) remains a big problem in achieving sustainable growth because of mismanagement of resource efficiency (Mehta & Gupta, 2023).
In the societal domain, SDG 5 (Gender Equality) has viewed improvement with female involvement in education and employment, supported by government initiatives like Skill India. Though, cultural barriers still limit gender parity in rural areas (Verma et al., 2023). Likewise, SDG 4 (Quality Education) has upgraded literacy rates and digital learning access through schemes like PM eVidya, so far educational gaps remain for disregarded communities (Rao & Pillai, 2022). However, there have been notable improvements in Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure, particularly driven by the COVID-19 pandemic, which faster the digital transformation across industries worldwide. The pandemic nurtured innovation, and digital infrastructure has succeeded, contributing to global connectivity.
Conclusion
India has made significant contribution across various sectors in align with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. The country’s commitment to address crucial matters such as gender equality, health, climate change, and hunger is obvious through targeted interventions. The reduction in poverty, improved means to value education and healthcare, and advancements in gender equality reflect the country's perseverance to foster inclusive growth. India’s remarkable progress in clean energy, economic growth, and infrastructure development showcases its efforts toward sustainable development. Additionally, environmental conservation, particularly through forest cover expansion and marine ecosystem protection, highlight India's obligation to protect its natural resources. The progress in governance and strengthening institutions ensures that the benefits of sustainable development reach all citizens. These achievements demonstrate India's determination to create a more equitable, sustainable, and resilient future, positioning it as a universal leader in sustainable development initiative.
Relevance of the Study
This study has great importance which lies in its investigation of India’s growth towards achieving the SDGs and its influence on societal and economic growth. As India continues to appear as a global economic power, understanding how the SDGs interconnect with national development policies is crucial for shaping future.
Future Research Direction
Forthcoming research in this area can discover several opportunities to develop the understanding of India’s evolution on the road to the United Nations SDGs. One possible direction is to examine the long-term socio-economic impacts of key government initiatives, such as the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, Ujjwala, and Ayushman Bharat, with a focus on their sustainability and effectiveness in reaching marginalized communities. Further research might observe the role of state-level differences in SDG performance and identify best practices for fostering regional equity. Additionally, exploring the link between climate change resilience and SDG progress could provide insights into how environmental sustainability initiatives interconnect with economic and social development.
Disclosures:
The authors declare no conflict of interest related to this study
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