Mizoram Excels in NITI Aayog’s SDG Index 2023-24; All Districts Ranked as ‘Front Runners’

Mizoram has emerged as one of the top-performing states in the NITI Aayog’s North Eastern Region Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Index 2023–24. All 11 districts of the state have earned the prestigious ‘Front Runner’ status, a significant achievement that reflects the state’s consistent progress in achieving the United Nations’ 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This places Mizoram in an elite group of northeastern states — alongside Sikkim and Tripura — where every district has achieved Front Runner status.

The SDG Index, which categorizes districts scoring between 65 and 99 as ‘Front Runners,’ serves as the first district-level monitoring tool developed by NITI Aayog for the Northeast. It is used to measure progress in critical developmental areas including health, education, gender equality, clean water, sanitation, and sustainable communities. According to an official statement, this accomplishment underlines Mizoram’s focused efforts and policy implementation in key sectors that contribute to holistic and inclusive growth.

Leading the chart is Hnahthial district, which secured the highest score across the entire northeastern region with an impressive 81.4. Champhai district followed closely with a score of 79.8, reinforcing Mizoram’s strong performance at the district level. These scores indicate that not only is Mizoram collectively performing well, but individual districts are also demonstrating leadership in sustainable development initiatives.

Despite the overall progress in the region, the NITI Aayog report noted minor setbacks in specific areas such as clean energy adoption, inequality reduction, and responsible consumption patterns. However, Mizoram’s steady performance has helped it maintain its standing as a regional leader in sustainable development. The state's ability to deliver consistently across all districts makes it a model for other northeastern states aiming to improve their developmental indices.

Mizoram’s accomplishment also highlights the importance of decentralised development and the effectiveness of state-level governance in aligning with national and global sustainability agendas. Its inclusion among the top three states in the region where all districts achieved Front Runner status is a testament to its commitment to inclusive growth and well-coordinated development strategies.

Meanwhile, at the national level, Uttarakhand has taken the lead. According to Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, the state has secured the number one position across India in the 2023-24 SDG Index released by NITI Aayog. Speaking at a public gathering in Haridwar, CM Dhami attributed the success to Uttarakhand’s balanced growth model and proactive governance. He noted that the state’s achievements in various areas of sustainable development were the result of integrated efforts and long-term planning.

The contrast between the regional and national performances offers insight into how both central and state governments are striving to localize SDG implementation. While Mizoram is setting benchmarks in the Northeast, Uttarakhand leads on a national scale. Together, these developments reflect the growing importance and impact of the SDG Index as a tool for measuring and encouraging sustainable progress throughout India.