The second edition of the North Eastern Region District SDG Index (2023-24) was released today by NITI Aayog, showcasing notable improvements across the eight northeastern states. The report reveals that 85% of the region’s 121 districts have improved their composite scores from the previous edition.
Hnahthial in Mizoram emerged as the best performing district in the region with a score of 81.43, while Longding in Arunachal Pradesh recorded the lowest score at 58.71. Notably, three districts from Nagaland have broken into the top 10 performers, a first for the state since the launch of the index.
The Index, developed by NITI Aayog and the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (MoDoNER) in collaboration with the UNDP, is a key tool for measuring progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) at the district level. It categorizes districts into four groups: Achiever, Front Runner, Performer, and Aspirant.
All districts in Mizoram, Sikkim, and Tripura have attained Front Runner status (scores between 65 and 99). Mizoram holds the highest-scoring district (Hnahthial), while Sikkim stands out for consistent performance, with just a 5.5-point gap between its best and lowest performing districts. Tripura follows closely with strong performances and minimal variation across its districts.
Nagaland, meanwhile, made headlines with Mokokchung scoring 78.43, the highest in the state, followed by other high performers, although Zunheboto scored the lowest at 63.36.
Key findings
· Good Health & Well-being indicators saw score improvements in 93 districts.
· All districts in Assam showed improvement in Zero Hunger, Quality Education, Clean Water and Sanitation, and Decent Work and Economic Growth.
· The overall score range for the region is 58.71 to 81.43, highlighting a marked narrowing of disparities between districts.
State-wise highest and lowest scores of districts within states:
Arunachal Pradesh: Lower Dibang Valley (73.36) to Longding (58.71)
Assam: Dibrugarh (74.29), South Salmara-Mankachar (59.71)
Manipur: Imphal West (73.21), Pherzawl (59.71)
Meghalaya: East Khasi Hills (73.00), East Jaintia Hills (63.00)
Mizoram: Hnahthial (81.43), Lawngtlai (67.71)
Nagaland: Mokokchung (78.43), Zunheboto (63.36)
Sikkim: Gangtok (76.64), Gyalshing (71.14)
Tripura: Gomati (78.79), Dhalai (72.29)
Officials stress on data-driven action
The report was officially launched by NITI Aayog Vice Chairman Suman Bery, CEO B.V.R. Subrahmanyam, MDoNER Secretary Chanchal Kumar, and Dr. Angela Lusigi, UNDP’s Resident Representative in India.
Calling the Northeast the “Ashta Lakshmi” of India, CEO Subrahmanyam underlined the importance of region-specific development as part of India’s march toward Viksit Bharat @2047.
Dr Lusigi emphasized the need to translate data insights into “meaningful action that advances human development.”
The SDG Index will serve as a critical planning tool, guiding resource allocation, evidence-based policymaking, and targeted interventions. Officials emphasized that with consistent monitoring and implementation of national flagship programs, the region is set to accelerate toward the SDGs by 2030, ensuring that no district is left behind.