Hnahthial in Mizoram tops the rankings; Longding in Arunachal scores lowest
New Delhi – The second edition of the North Eastern Region (NER) District Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Index Report 2023–24 has been officially released by NITI Aayog, in collaboration with the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (MoDoNER) and technical partner UNDP. The report measures district-level performance on the SDGs across all eight northeastern states.
The Index, launched during a special event attended by senior officials including NITI Aayog Vice Chairman Shri Suman Bery and CEO Shri B.V.R. Subrahmanyam, is a key step in strengthening data-driven policy for the region. It builds on the first edition of the index released in August 2021.
Commitment to Regional Equity and Development
Speaking at the launch, Shri Bery highlighted the importance of tracking intermediate milestones like the SDGs by 2030, as India progresses toward Viksit Bharat @2047. CEO Shri Subrahmanyam reiterated the significance of the region, calling it India’s “Ashta Lakshmi” and underscoring its crucial role in national growth.
MoDoNER Secretary Shri Chanchal Kumar described the Index as a critical tool for identifying development gaps, guiding interventions, and ensuring efficient resource allocation. UNDP Resident Representative Dr Angela Lusigi added that each data point must lead to real-world progress in human development.
Key Findings of the Report
The report ranks 121 districts based on their SDG performance, using the SDG India Index methodology. Districts were grouped into four categories:
- Achiever (score = 100)
- Front Runner (65–99)
- Performer (50–64)
- Aspirant (below 50)
There were no Achiever or Aspirant districts this year. All districts in Mizoram, Sikkim, and Tripura achieved Front Runner status, indicating consistent progress.
- Top scoring district: Hnahthial (Mizoram) – 81.43
- Lowest scoring district: Longding (Arunachal Pradesh) – 58.71
Sikkim showed the most consistent performance across districts, with just a 5.5-point range between the highest and lowest scoring districts.
State-wise Highest and Lowest Scoring Districts
- Arunachal Pradesh: Lower Dibang Valley (73.36) / 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)
Index as a Policy Tool
The NER District SDG Index provides a granular view of development performance and is designed to support evidence-based planning and resource deployment. It complements central programmes like the Aspirational Districts Programme and promotes the localisation of SDGs.
This report is expected to serve as a foundation for targeted strategies and collaborative actions, ensuring inclusive and sustainable development across the North Eastern Region.
