SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS
SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS
Course code
18ME8X75
CIE Marks
50
Teaching Hours/Week (L:T:P)
(3:0:0)
SEE Marks
50
Total Hours
39
Credits
03
Course Learning Objectives:
Sustainable Development Goals is a 2016 United Nations officially released Agendas for Sustainable approach
environmental integrity, economic viability and a just society for present and future generations. It aims to provide
the knowledge, skills, attitudes and values necessary to address sustainable development challenges. They address
the global challenges we face, including poverty, inequality, climate change, environmental degradation, peace
and justice. Learn more and take action. This SDG program is organized in such a way to be research-led, applied
interdisciplinary program that considers sustainability in both developed and developing societies, and addresses
critical global challenges put forth by UN.
UNIT - I
The origin, development and idea of the SDGs
History and origins of the Sustainable Development Goals. What are the SDGs? What are their aims,
methodology and perspectives? How are they related to the Millennium Development Goals?
SDGs and Society: Ensuring resilience and primary needs in society
In-depth discussion and analysis of goals related to poverty, hunger, health & well-being and educatio
13 Hours
UNIT - II
SDGs and Society: Strengthening Institutions for Sustainability
In-depth discussion and analysis of goals related to gender equality, affordable and clean energy, sustainable
cities & communities, and peace, justice & strong institutions
SDGs and the Economy: Shaping a Sustainable Economy
In-depth discussion and analysis of goals related to work & economic growth, industry, innovation &
infrastructure, inequalities, responsible production & consumption13 Hours
UNIT - III
SDGs and the Biosphere: Development within Planetary Boundaries
In-depth discussion and analysis of goals related to clean water, climate, life below water and life on land
Realizing the SDGs: Implementation through Global Partnerships
In-depth discussion and analysis of SDG 17 which aims to implement the SDGs through partnerships, finance,
technology and the development of coherence between policies.
13 Hours
Unit 1
The origin, development and idea of the SDGs
History and origins of the Sustainable Development Goals.
What are the SDGs? What are their aims, methodology and perspectives?
How are they related to the Millennium Development Goals?
SDGs and Society: Ensuring resilience and primary needs in society
In-depth discussion and analysis of goals related to poverty, hunger, health & wellbeing and education
1. What is Sustainable Development & its Core Elements.
● ‘Development which meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability
of future generations to meet their own needs’.
● This most widely accepted definition of Sustainable Development was given by the
Brundtland Commission in its report Our Common Future (1987).
● Sustainable development (SD) calls for concerted efforts towards building an inclusive,
sustainable and resilient future for people and planet.
Core Elements of Sustainable Development : Three core elements of sustainable development
are economic growth, social inclusion and environmental protection. It is crucial to harmonize
them. Sustainable economic growth, achieving sustainable livelihood, living in harmony with
nature and appropriate technology are important for sustainable development.
Environmental Sustainability: It prevents nature from being used as an inexhaustible source of
resources and ensures its protection and rational use. Aspects such as environmental conservation,
investment in renewable energy, saving water, supporting sustainable mobility, and innovation in
sustainable construction and architecture, contribute to achieving environmental sustainability on
several fronts.
Social Sustainability: It can foster gender equality, development of people, communities and
cultures to help achieve a reasonable and fairly-distributed quality of life, healthcare and education
across the Globe.
Economic Sustainability: Focuses on equal economic growth that generates wealth for all, without
harming the environment. Investment and equal distribution of economic resources. Eradicating
poverty in all its forms and dimensions.
Figure: Core Elements of Sustainable Development
Describe the Sustainable Development Goals.
The Sustainable Development Goals agenda was accepted by all members of the United Nations
in 2012 at the Rio De Janeiro Council Meet with an aim to promote a healthy and developed future
of the planet and its people. It was in 2015 when the Sustainable Development Goals were
implemented after a successful fifteen-year plan of development called the Millennium
Development Goals.
2. What is the 2030 Agenda & it’s history?
The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, adopted by all United Nations Member States in
2015, provides a shared blueprint for peace and prosperity for people and the planet, now and into
the future. At its heart are the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which are an urgent call
for action by all countries - developed and developing - in a global partnership. They recognize
that ending poverty and other deprivations must go hand-in-hand with strategies that improve
health and education, reduce inequality, and spur economic growth – all while tackling climate
change and working to preserve our oceans and forests.
The SDGs build on decades of work by countries and the UN, including the UN Department of
Economic and Social Affairs
●
In June 1992, at the Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, more than 178 countries
adopted Agenda 21, a comprehensive plan of action to build a global partnership for
sustainable development to improve human lives and protect the environment.
●
Member States unanimously adopted the Millennium Declaration at the Millennium
Summit in September 2000 at UN Headquarters in New York. The Summit led to the
elaboration of eight Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) to reduce extreme poverty
by 2015.
●
The Johannesburg Declaration on Sustainable Development and the Plan of
Implementation, adopted at the World Summit on Sustainable Development in South
Africa in 2002, reaffirmed the global community's commitments to poverty eradication and
the environment, and built on Agenda 21 and the Millennium Declaration by including
more emphasis on multilateral partnerships.
●
At the United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development (Rio+20) in Rio de
Janeiro, Brazil, in June 2012, Member States adopted the outcome document "The Future
We Want" in which they decided, inter alia, to launch a process to develop a set of SDGs
to build upon the MDGs and to establish the UN High-level Political Forum on Sustainable
Development. The Rio +20 outcome also contained other measures for implementing
sustainable development, including mandates for future programmes of work in
development financing, small island developing states and more.
●
In 2013, the General Assembly set up a 30-member Open Working Group to develop a
proposal on the SDGs.
●
In January 2015, the General Assembly began the negotiation process on the post-2015
development agenda. The process culminated in the subsequent adoption of the 2030
Agenda for Sustainable Development, with 17 SDGs at its core, at the UN Sustainable
Development Summit in September 2015.
●
2015 was a landmark year for multilateralism and international policy shaping, with the
adoption of several major agreements:
●
Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction (March 2015)
●
Addis Ababa Action Agenda on Financing for Development (July 2015)
●
Transforming our world: the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development with its 17 SDGs
was adopted at the UN Sustainable Development Summit in New York in September 2015.
●
Paris Agreement on Climate Change (December 2015)
●
Now, the annual High-level Political Forum on Sustainable Development serves as the
central UN platform for the follow-up and review of the SDGs.
Today,
the Division
for
Sustainable
Development
Goals
(DSDG) in
the
United
Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UNDESA) provides substantive support and
capacity-building
for
the
SDGs
and
their
related
including water, energy, climate, oceans, urbanization, transport, science
thematic
and
issues,
technology,
the Global Sustainable Development Report (GSDR), partnerships and Small Island Developing
States. DSDG plays a key role in the evaluation of UN systemwide implementation of the 2030
Agenda and on advocacy and outreach activities relating to the SDGs. In order to make the 2030
Agenda a reality, broad ownership of the SDGs must translate into a strong commitment by all
stakeholders to implement the global goals. DSDG aims to help facilitate this engagement.
3. What are the SDGs?
SDGs is the common acronym for the Sustainable Development Goals, also referred to as Global
Goals for Sustainable Development. The concept of the SDGs was agreed at the Rio+20 Summit
(United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development) in 2012. The Rio+20 Outcome
Document called for the SDGs to be “global in nature and universally applicable to all countries,
while taking into account different national realities, capacities and levels of development”.
After intense negotiations, 17 SDGs, together with their 169 targets, were adopted in September
2015. The 17 SDGs are integrated and indivisible, and balance environmental, social and economic
concerns. They build on past achievements and commitments, such as the Millennium
Development Goals, to address persistent issues and new challenges facing people and the planet.
The goals will stimulate action over the next fifteen years in areas of critical importance for
humanity and the planet, including: poverty eradication, food security, health, education, gender
equality, access to water, sanitation, clean energy, decent jobs, key infrastructure, strong
institutions, inequality reduction, sustainable urbanization, responsible production and
consumption patterns, climate change mitigation and adaptation, and ecosystem conservation.
4. What are the 17 Sustainable Development Goals?
The Sustainable Development Goals are a set of seventeen pointer targets that all the countries
which are members of the UN agreed to work upon for the better future of the country. It is an
important topic for candidates preparing for the UPSC 2021 exam.
The documentary screened at the Rio+20 conference – “Future We Want” presented the idea of a
post-2015 development agenda. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) is an intergovernmental
agreement formulated to act as post-2015 Development agenda, its predecessor being Millennium
Development Goals.
It is a group of 17 goals with 169 targets and 304 indicators, as proposed by the United Nation
General Assembly’s Open Working Group on Sustainable Development Goals to be achieved by
2030. Post negotiations, agenda titled “Transforming Our World: the 2030 agenda for Sustainable
Development” was adopted at the United Nations Sustainable Development Summit. SDGs is the
outcome of the Rio+20 conference (2012) held in Rio De Janerio and is a non-binding document.
The 17 goals under the Sustainable Development Goals are as mentioned below:
1. End poverty in all its forms everywhere
2. End hunger, achieve food security and improved nutrition and promote sustainable agriculture
3. Ensure healthy lives and promote well being for all at all stages
4. Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities
for all
5. Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls
6. Ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all
7. Ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all
8. Promote sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment
and decent work for all
9. Built resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialisation and foster
innovation
10. Reduce inequalities within and among countries
11. Make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable
12. Ensure sustainable consumption and production pattern
13. Take urgent actions to combat climate change and its impact
14. Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources
15. Protect, restore and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, sustainably managed
forests, combat desertification and halt and reverse land degradation and halt biodiversity loss
16. Promote peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, provide access to justice
for all and build effective, accountable and inclusive institutions at all levels
17. Strengthen the means of implementation and revitalise the global partnership for sustainable
development
5. Why is the environmental dimension so important to the success of the new Agenda?
Environment constitutes one of the three interrelated pillars of sustainable development.
Environmental protection, ecosystem management, resilient cities, clean energy, sustainable
production and consumption patterns, climate mitigation and adaptation are overarching objectives
of, and essential requirements for, sustainable development. A sustainably managed environment
is a prerequisite for socio-economic development and poverty reduction. The natural environment
provides direct sources of food and supplies ecosystem goods and services supporting human
health and well-being, incomes, job creation, poverty alleviation, safety nets and inequity
reduction. A poorly managed environment, together with the increased impacts of climate change,
could reverse years of hard-won development gains.
Environmental considerations are fully embedded in the 2030 Agenda and reflected in the set of
goals, targets and indicators both as a cross-cutting issue and as a development priority. More than
half of the SDGs have an environmental focus or address sustainability concerns, while over 86 of
the 169 targets directly concern the environment – including at least one in each of the 17
SDGs.This means that no single goal can progress significantly without particular attention to the
implementation of the environmental dimension.
6. Who implements the 2030 Agenda?
The primary actors in delivering the 2030 Agenda are governments, who need to modify policies
that account for their national realities and provide the regulatory and incentive structures to help
achieve the new goals. The 2030 Agenda and the SDGs address universal concerns, while
recognizing that each country starts with different challenges, needs, priorities and response
capabilities.
If governments are central to implementation, the new agenda calls for a global partnership under
which other players – including the UN system, but also other regional and international
institutions, non-governmental organizations, civil society and the private sector – will be essential
to support countries, especially ones with fewer resources and capacities, in achieving their goals.
In 2015, a final report was handed over to the UN, stating the positive impact of the Millennium
Development goal based on the eight factors and also on the maternal mortality rate. Once the 15year target of MDG was attained, the responsibility for the development based on the 17 targets
based Sustainable Development Goal.
7. Sustainable Development Goals in India, India’s record in implementing Sustainable
Development Goals
India, home to one-sixth of all humanity, holds the key to the success of the 2030 Agenda. India
in its second VNR has made a paradigm shift to a “whole-of-society” approach with Government
of India engaging sub-national and local governments, civil society organizations, local
communities, people in vulnerable situations and the private sector.
India’s commitment to the SDGs is reflected in its convergence with the national development
agenda as reflected in the motto of Sabka Saath Sabka Vikaas (Collective Efforts for Inclusive
Growth). Based on the evidence from the SDG India Index, which measures progress at the
subnational level, the country has developed a robust SDG localization model centered on
adoption, implementation and monitoring at the State and district levels.
The following narrative further encapsulates India’s progress across the SDGs.
Sashakt Bharat - Sabal Bharat (Empowered and Resilient India): India has successfully lifted more
than 271 million people out of multidimensional poverty through economic growth and
empowerment. Enhanced access to nutrition, child health, education, sanitation, drinking water,
electricity and housing, has led to reduced inequalities especially among people in vulnerable
situations.
Swachh Bharat - Swasth Bharat (Clean and Healthy India): Through a nationwide initiative
triggered by the Clean India Campaign and the National Nutrition Mission, India achieved 100%
rural sanitation and sharp reduction in stunting and child and maternal mortality rates. Universal
health coverage has been institutionalized through Ayushmaan Bharat, the world’s largest health
protection scheme which provides an annual cover of USD 7,000 to 100 million families, covering
nearly 500 million individuals.
India is at the forefront in the call for joint global action to address the COVID-19 pandemic. The
country has extended medical assistance to several countries and has operationalized the SAARC
COVID-19 Emergency Fund with an initial contribution of USD 10 million. Domestically, India’s
response to the COVID-19 pandemic includes an initial USD 22.5 billion economic stimulus
package, comprehensive health coverage for front-line workers and direct cash transfers for the
most vulnerable.
Samagra Bharat - Saksham Bharat (Inclusive and Entrepreneurial India): Social inclusion is
pursued through universalizing access to nutrition, health, education, social protection, and
developing capabilities for entrepreneurship and employment. Financial inclusion through Jan
Dhan-Aadhaar-Mobile (JAM) trinity – near universal access to bank accounts aided by the Jan
Dhan Yojana (National Financial Inclusion Scheme); Aadhaar card (National unique identity
number) for over 90% of the population; and expansive access to mobile phones, has propelled
new avenues of credit, insurance, and Direct Benefit Transfers (DBT) to the poor, including to
over 200 million women, thereby accelerating their economic empowerment.
Satat Bharat – Sanatan Bharat (Sustainable India): India’s climate action strategies call for clean
and efficient energy systems, disaster resilient infrastructure, and planned eco-restoration. Acting
on its nationally-determined contributions, India has electrified 100% of its villages, reduced 38
million tonnes of CO2 emissions annually through energy efficient appliances, provided clean
cooking fuel to 80 million poor households, and set a target to install 450GW of renewable energy
and restore 26 million hectares of degraded land by 2030. Globally, India stands third in renewable
power, fourth in wind power, and fifth in solar power. India launched the Coalition for Disaster
Resilient Infrastructure and the International Solar Alliance to leverage global partnerships for
climate action and disaster resilience.
Sampanna Bharat- Samriddh Bharat (Prosperous and Vibrant India): India is one of the fastest
growing emerging market economies with a young population and burgeoning innovation and
business ecosystem. With a GDP of USD 2.72 trillion in 2018-19, India strives to become a USD
5 trillion economy by 2025, and pursue an inclusive and sustainable growth trajectory by
stimulating manufacturing, building infrastructure, spurring investments, fostering technological
innovation, and boosting entrepreneurship.
In the spirit of South-South Cooperation, for realizing the 2030 Agenda, India supports developing
countries through the USD 150 million India-UN Development Partnership Fund. In this spirit of
regional and global partnerships, and the country’s commitment to ‘leave no one behind’, India
steps into the Decade of Action, drawing confidence from its experience in addressing challenges.
Government of India will continue to work collaboratively with all domestic and global
stakeholders to accelerate efforts for a sustainable planet for future generations.
Examples of Planning:
Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MNREGA) is being implemented
to provide jobs to unskilled labourers and improve their living standards.
• National Food Security Act is being enforced to provide subsidized food grains.
• The government of India aims to make India open defecation free under its flagship programme
Swachh Bharat Abhiyan.
• Renewable energy generation targets have been set at 175 GW by 2022 to exploit solar energy,
wind energy and other such renewable sources of energy efficiency and reduce the dependence on
fossil fuels. (Read about International Solar Alliance in the linked article.)
• Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT) and Heritage City
Development and Augmentation Yojana (HRIDAY) schemes have been launched for improving
the infrastructure aspects.
• India has expressed its intent to combat climate change by ratifying the Paris Agreement.
For more information visit: https://sustainabledevelopment.un.org/memberstates/india
List the Targets of Sustainable Development Goal 3 to ensure healthy lives and promote
well-being for all at all ages
3.1. Maternal mortality
By 2030, reduce the global maternal mortality ratio to less than 70 per 100 000 live births.
3.2. Neonatal and child mortality
By 2030, end preventable deaths of newborns and children under 5 years of age, with all
countries aiming to reduce neonatal mortality to at least as low as 12 per 1000 live births and
under-5 mortality to at least as low as 25 per 1000 live births.
3.3. Infectious diseases
By 2030, end the epidemics of AIDS, tuberculosis, malaria and neglected tropical diseases, and
combat hepatitis, waterborne diseases and other communicable diseases.
3.4. Noncommunicable diseases
By 2030, reduce by one third premature mortality from noncommunicable diseases through
prevention and treatment, and promote mental health and well-being.
3.5. Substance abuse
Strengthen the prevention and treatment of substance abuse, including narcotic drug abuse and
harmful use of alcohol.
3.6. Road traffic
By 2020, halve the number of global deaths and injuries from road traffic accidents.
3.7. Sexual and reproductive health
By 2030, ensure universal access to sexual and reproductive health-care services, including for
family planning, information and education, and the integration of reproductive health into
national strategies and programmes.
3.8. Universal health coverage
Achieve universal health coverage, including financial risk protection, access to quality essential
health-care services, and access to safe, effective, quality and affordable essential medicines and
vaccines for all.
3.9. Environmental health
By 2030, substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and
air, water and soil pollution and contamination.
Goal 3 – Means of implementation for the targets
3.a. Tobacco control
Strengthen the implementation of the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control in all
countries, as appropriate.
3.b. Medicines and vaccines
Support the research and development of vaccines and medicines for the communicable and
noncommunicable diseases that primarily affect developing countries. Provide access to
affordable essential medicines and vaccines in accordance with the Doha Declaration on TRIPS
and Public Health, which affirms the right of developing countries to the fullest use of the
provisions in the Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS
agreement) regarding flexibilities to protect public health and, in particular, provide access to
medicines for all.
3.c. Health financing and workforce
Substantially increase health financing and the recruitment, development, training and retention
of the health workforce in developing countries, especially in least developed countries and small
island developing States.
3.d. Emergency preparedness
Strengthen the capacity of all countries, in particular developing countries, for early warning,
risk reduction and management of national and global health risks.
Target 3.8. Universal health coverage
This target can be seen as an overarching one that supports the achievement of the other targets.
It is derived from the Millennium Development Goals, the new targets and the means of
implementation.
8. Global issues Related to Sustainable Development
Inequitable growth of national economies (North-South Divide)
Loss of Biodiversity: Despite mounting efforts over the past 20 years, the loss of the world’s
biodiversity continues.
Climate Change: As a global problem, climate change requires a global solution. Within climate
change, particular attention needs to be paid to the unique challenges facing developing
countries.
Tackling climate change and fostering sustainable development are two mutually reinforcing
issues.
Intellectual Property Rights (IPRs): There is a need for welfare for all rich and poor to have
affordable access to the results of innovation that can lead to sustainable development.
Elucidate: “2020 has brought an unprecedented challenge to the fight against poverty”
Among the report’s findings are the following:
SDG 1: The global poverty rate is projected to be 7% in 2030, which would mean the target on
eradicating poverty will be missed;
SDG 2: On child malnutrition, 22% of children under 5 are stunted, 6.7% suffer from wasting, and
5.7% are overwfeight;
SDG 3: The pandemic has halted or reversed progress in health and shortened life expectancy;
SDG 4: 9% of children in grades 1-8 fell below minimum reading proficiency levels in 2020;
SDG 5: On women’s equal participation in decision making, only 25.6% of national
parliamentarians are women, 36.3% of local government representatives are women, and 28.2%
of managerial positions are occupied by women;
SDG 6: 2 billion people lack safely managed drinking water and 3.6 billion people lack safely
managed sanitation;
SDG 7: 2.6 billion people use dangerous and inefficient cooking systems;
SDG 8: The pandemic led to the loss of the equivalent of 255 million full-time jobs;
SDG 9: The manufacture of medium- and high-tech products fueled the economic recovery in late
2020;
SDG 10: In 2020, for every 100,000 persons, 311 are refugees;
SDG 11: Only half of the world’s urban population has convenient access to public transport
(defined as residing within 500 M walking distance of a bus stop/low-capacity transport system
and 1000 M of a railway or ferry terminal;
SDG 12: The global “material footprint” increased by 70% between 2000 and 2017;
SDG 13: In 202, the global average temperature was at 1.2o C above the pre-industrial baseline;
SDG 14: Dead zones (areas of water that lack sufficient oxygen to support marine life) have risen
from 400 in 2008 to 700 in 2019;
SDG 15: The world has lost 100 million hectares of forest between 2000-2020);
SDG 16: Child labor rose to 160 million in 2020, which represents the first increase in two decades;
and
SDG 17: Nearly half of global population (3.7 billion people) are still not online.
9. Progress and Challenges Ahead
Progress
As per the Sustainable Development Goals Report, 2019
Extreme poverty has declined considerably.
The under-5 mortality rate fell by 49 % between 2000 and 2017.
Immunizations have saved millions of lives.
The vast majority of the world’s population now has access to electricity.
Countries are taking concrete actions to protect our planet: marine protected areas have doubled
since 2010.
Countries are making concerted efforts to address illegal fishing.
186 parties have ratified the Paris Agreement on climate change, and almost all have
communicated their first nationally determined contributions.
About 150 countries have developed national policies to respond to the challenges of rapid
urbanization, and more than 70 countries and the European Union now have more than 300 policies
and instruments supporting sustainable consumption and production.
A wide range of other actors—international organizations, businesses, local authorities, the
scientific community and civil society—have engaged with the SDGs in a manner that generates
great hope for the coming decade.
Challenges
As per the Sustainable Development Goals Report, 2019
Increasing inequality among and within countries requires urgent attention.
3 out of every 4 stunted children live in Southern Asia and sub-Saharan Africa.
Young people are more likely to be unemployed than adults.
Barriers in achieving gender equality.
Global hunger has been on the rise after a prolonged decline.
Extreme poverty declined from 36% in 1990 to 8.6% in 2018, but the pace of poverty reduction is
starting to decelerate as the world struggles to respond to entrenched deprivation, violent conflicts
and vulnerabilities to natural disasters.
Extreme poverty is three times higher in rural areas than in urban areas.
2018 was the fourth warmest year on record. Levels of CO2 concentrations continued to increase
in 2018.
Natural environment is deteriorating at an alarming rate.
Sea levels are rising.
Ocean acidification is accelerating. Ocean acidity is 26% higher than in pre-industrial times.
1 million plant and animal species are at risk of extinction.
Land degradation continues unchecked.
10.
Illustrate SDG’s related to poverty and India’s role.
seventeen Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and 169 targets were announced in 2015 at the
UN summit. They indicate the scale and ambition of this new universal Agenda. These goals
pursue to build on the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and complete what these did not
achieve. All the 17 goals are inter related but we concentrate here on goal 1 on poverty.
There are 5 targets under the SDG goal on poverty as given below.
1.1. By 2030, eradicate extreme poverty for all people everywhere, currently measured as people
living on less than $1.25 a day
1.2. By 2030, reduce at least by half the proportion of men, women and children of all ages living
in poverty in all its dimensions according to national definitions.
1.3. Implement nationally appropriate social protection systems and measures for all, including
floors, and by 2030 achieve substantial coverage of the poor and the vulnerable.
1.4. By 2030, ensure that all men and women, in particular the poor and the vulnerable, have equal
rights to economic resources, as well as access to basic services, ownership and control over land
and other forms of property, inheritance, natural resources, appropriate new technology and
financial services, including microfinance.
1.5. By 2030, build the resilience of the poor and those in vulnerable situations and reduce their
exposure and vulnerability to climate-related extreme events and other economic, social and
environmental shocks and disasters" (UN)
Apart from these five, two sub-targets refer to resources, cooperation and policies.
Regarding India's poverty, there are two conclusions on trends in poverty in pre and post-reform
period. First one is that that poverty declined by 1.36 per cent points per annum in post-1991
reform period as compared to that of 0.44 per cent points per annum in pre-reform period. Second
conclusion is that within post-reform period, poverty declined faster in 2000s than in 1990s. The
official estimates based on Tendulkar poverty lines show that poverty declined only 0.74
percentage points per annum during 1993-94 to 2004-05. But poverty declined by 2.2 percentage
points per annum during 2004-05 to 2011-12.
As a result, under MDGs, India is an early achiever in reducing income poverty and achieving the
goal. India can achieve SDG targets provided appropriate policies are undertaken. Although World
Bank estimates show that India has 12 per cent poverty ratio, the estimates based on national
poverty lines are much higher. The country still has nearly 300 million people below poverty line.
Moreover poverty is concentrated in few states such as Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand,
Chhattisgarh and Orissa. It is also concentrated in a few social groups such as Scheduled Castes
and Scheduled Tribes. SDG approach in India should be not only to reduce the goal on national
poverty but lessen poverty in some of the poorer states and SCs and STs and provide equality of
opportunity.
The Government of India has conducted Socio Economic and Caste Census (SECC) in 2011.
SECC used multi-deprivation criterion for identifying the poor. According to SECC data out of
17.97 crore rural households after accounting for automatic exclusion and automatic inclusion,
8.72 crores households had at least one deprivation. In other words, 48.53 per cent were estimated
as poor in rural areas if we consider SECC 2011 data. Thus, SECC data shows much higher poverty
ratios than those of Tendulkar and Rangarajan Committees. State level rural poverty estimates
based on SECC data for the households with at least one deprivation out of the seven deprivations
show that poverty was the highest for Chhattisgarh (70.0 per cent), followed by Odisha (66.0 per
cent), West Bengal (63.8 per cent), Bihar (60.1 per cent), M.P. (59.8 per cent), Jharkhand (53.4
per cent). Thus, India has lot of challenges if we consider SECC data.
What are the policy challenges for reduction in poverty? Policy makers must continue to follow
the two-fold strategy of achieving high economic growth and direct attack through social
protection programmes. Focus should also be given to increase in urban growth and incomes as
urban poverty will rise with urbanization. Some of the determinants of poverty reduction are
agriculture and wages, productive and quality employment, low food prices, social protection and
reduction in inequality.
One of the targets under SDG goal on poverty indicates that countries should have social protection
programmes. India has many programmes like MGNREGA, public distribution system, mid-day
meals for school children, integrated child development services (ICDS), old age pensions etc.
These are important to take care of risks of the poor. There will be also risks due to climate change.
One needs to have programmes, which can provide resilience to climate change and natural
disasters.
The Economic Survey 2016-17 discusses about Universal Basic Income (UBI). The idea is to give
everyone a basic amount to spend and let them do what they will with it. However, we have to see
whether India can afford to spend 4 to 5 per cent of GDP on UBI.
There can be several solutions, but let's focus here on the two important measures: creating
productive employment and providing quality education for reduction in poverty. There is a feeling
that we should have some flagship programmes like MGNREGA to reduce poverty. No doubt
these programmes are important for protecting the poor. But productive inclusion in terms of
generating quality employment should be the focus of any poverty reduction approach. Studies
have shown that agricultural growth leads to reduction in poverty twice as that of non-agriculture.
We need more diversified agriculture for raising the income of farmers. However, future
employment has to be created in manufacturing and services. In this context, the Make in India
initiative, focus on start-ups, Mudra, financial inclusion, etc., are steps in the right direction.
Equally, service sector employment has to be promoted. Over time, the share of the organized
sector has to be raised while simultaneously improving productivity in the unorganized sector. We
have been witnessing agitations for reservations by Marathas in Maharashtra, Patedars in Gujarat,
Jats in Haryana and Kapus in Andhra Pradesh. Youth unemployment is high. This is one reason
for unrest and social tensions. The need for skill development and productive jobs to reap the
demographic dividend is obvious.
The importance of education is well known. Equality of opportunity is important for reducing
poverty and many other forms of inequalities. Access to quality education is an important indicator
of equality of opportunity. Recently, the Deputy Prime Minister of Singapore cautioned about
school education in India. He says "schools are the biggest crisis in India today and have been for
a long time. Schools are the biggest gap between India and East Asia. And it is a crisis that cannot
be justified". Equity in quality education is the key for raising human development and reduction
in inequalities in labour market and reduction in poverty. Gender equality in all its forms is equally
important to reduce poverty
The new generation wants equality of opportunity rather than redistributive measures. Everyone
irrespective of caste, class and gender should have equal opportunities in education, health,
employment and entrepreneurship. Economic and employment opportunities improve with
education and skills.
To conclude, India has challenges of significant regional and social disparities in poverty and in
achieving improvement in quality of employment and education particularly for the poor and,
efficient social protection programmes along with gender empowerment. All targets of SDG goal
on poverty can be achieved if India can work towards fulfilling these challenges. The roles of both
central and state governments are important in achieving these objectives.
SDG 2 Zero Hunger: Food Waste
The Big Picture
Food waste occurs along the entire spectrum of production, from the farm to distribution to
retailers to the consumer. Reasons include losses from mold, pests, or inadequate climate control;
losses from cooking; and intentional food waste. [1]
This waste is categorized differently based on where it occurs:
●
Food “loss” occurs before the food reaches the consumer as a result of issues in the
production, storage, processing, and distribution phases.
●
Food “waste” refers to food that is fit for consumption but consciously discarded at the retail
or consumption phases.
Wasted food has far-reaching effects, both nationally and globally. In the U.S., up to 40% of all
food produced goes uneaten [2], and about 95% of discarded food ends up in landfills [3]. It is
the largest component of municipal solid waste at 21%. [1] In 2014, more than 38 million tons of
food waste was generated, with only 5% diverted from landfills and incinerators for composting.
[3] Decomposing food waste produces methane, a strong greenhouse gas that contributes to
global warming. Worldwide, one-third of food produced is thrown away uneaten, causing an
increased burden on the environment. [4] It is estimated that reducing food waste by 15% could
feed more than 25 million Americans every year. [5]
Benefits of Less Food Waste
●
Cost savings on labor through more efficient handling, preparation, and storage of food that
will be used.
●
Cost savings when purchasing only as much food as needed, and avoiding additional costs of
disposal.
●
Reduced methane emissions from landfills and a lower carbon footprint.
●
Better management of energy and resources, preventing pollution involved in the growing,
manufacturing, transporting, and selling of food.
●
Community benefits by providing donated, untouched, and safe food that would otherwise be
thrown out. [6]
Proposed Solutions to Food Waste
Globally, reducing wasted food has been cited as a key initiative in achieving a sustainable food
future. Sustainable Development Goal 12 addresses responsible consumption and production,
which includes two indicators to measure (in order to ultimately reduce) global food loss and
food waste. [7]
In the U.S, on June 4, 2013, the Department of Agriculture and Environmental Protection
Agency launched the U.S. Food Waste Challenge, calling on entities across the food chain,
including farms, agricultural processors, food manufacturers, grocery stores, restaurants,
universities, schools, and local governments. [1] The goals are to:
●
Reduce food waste by improving product development, storage, shopping/ordering,
marketing, labeling, and cooking methods.
●
Recover food waste by connecting potential food donors to hunger relief organizations like
food banks and pantries.
●
Recycle food waste to feed animals or to create compost, bioenergy, and natural fertilizers.
On September 16, 2015, both agencies also announced for the first time a national food loss and
waste goal, calling for a 50% reduction by 2030 to improve overall food security and conserve
natural resources.
The National Resources Defense Council issued a summary paper providing guidelines on how
to reduce waste throughout the food production chain. [2] The following are some focal points:
●
State and local governments can incorporate food waste prevention and education
campaigns, and implement municipal composting programs. Governments can provide tax
credits to farmers who donate excess produce to local food banks. Proposed bills are currently
in place in California, Arizona, Oregon, and Colorado.
●
Businesses such as restaurants, grocery stores, and institutional food services can
evaluate the extent of their food waste and adopt best practices. Examples include
supermarkets selling damaged or nearly expired produce at discounted prices, or offering
“half-off” promotions instead of “buy-one-get-one-free” promotions. Restaurants can offer
smaller portions and donate excess ingredients and prepared uneaten food to
charities. Schools may experiment with concepts that allow children to create their own meals
to prevent less discarded food, such as with salad bars or build-your-own burritos.
●
Farms can evaluate food losses during processing, distribution, and storage and adopt best
practices. Farmers markets can sell “ugly” produce, which are discarded, misshapen fruits and
vegetables that do not meet the usual standards for appearance. Farms can sell fresh but
unmarketable produce (due to appearance) to food banks at a reduced rate.
●
Consumers can learn when food is no longer safe and edible, how to cook and store food
properly, and how to compost. See Tackling Food Waste at Home.
The Environmental Protection Agency provides the “Food Recovery Hierarchy” graphic
to explain ways to handle excess food. [8] From the most preferred at the top of the pyramid to the
least preferred at the bottom tip, the methods include:
1. Source reduction: Earliest prevention by reducing the overall volume of food produced
2. Feed hungry people: Donating excess food to community sites
3. Feed animals: Donating food scraps and waste to local farmers who can use them for animal
feed
4. Industrial uses: Donating used fats, oils, and grease to make biodiesel fuel
5. Composting: Food waste that is composted to produce organic matter that is used to fertilize
soil
6. Landfill/Incineration: A last resort for unused food
Explain the Target 2.2: End all forms of malnutrition:
Definitions, as per World Health Organization
Stunting is defined as low height-for-age, and is an outcome of gross undernutrition and
persistent infection in the first 1000 days of a child’s life.
Wasting is defined as low weight-for-height, and often indicates recent and severe weight
loss, although it can also persist for a long time.
•Underweight refers to children with low weight-for-age. A child who is underweight may be
stunted, wasted, or both.
Overweight/Obesity: Overweight and obesity are defined as abnormal or excessive fat
accumulation that may impair health. It is measured as excessive weight-for height (for
children under 5) or as raised BMI for age (for children over 5 years, adolescents and adults)
The full title of Target 2.2 is: "By 2030 end all forms of malnutrition, including achieving by 2025
the international agreed targets on stunting and wasting in children under five years of age, and
address the nutritional needs of adolescent girls, pregnant and lactating women, and older
persons."It has two indicators:
Indicator 2.2.1: Prevalence of stunting (height for age <-2 standard deviation from the median of
the World Health Organization (WHO) Child Growth Standards) among children under 5 years of
age)".
Indicator 2.2.2: Prevalence of malnutrition (weight for height >+2 or <-2 standard deviation from
the median of the WHO Child Growth Standards).
World map for indicator 2.2.1 in 2016: Share of children who are stunted
Stunted children are determined as having a height which falls below the median height-for-age of
the World Health Organization's Child Growth Standards. A child is defined as "wasted" if their
weight-for-height is more than two standard deviations below the median of the WHO Child
Growth Standards. A child is defined as "overweight" if their weight-for-height is more than two
standard deviations above the median of the WHO Child Growth Standards.
Stunting is an indicator of severe malnutrition. The impacts of stunting on child development are
considered to be irreversible beyond the first 1000 days of a child's life. Stunting can have severe
impacts on both cognitive and physical development throughout a person's life. Child stunting
portrays linear growth and measures long-term growth faltering. According to the 2017 High-level
Political Forum on Sustainable Development (HLPF) Thematic review of SDG 2, there will be
130 million stunted children by 2025 if this trend continues. Furthermore, about 30 million will be
above the global target, which is a 40% reduction in numbers of stunted children compared to a
baseline of 165 million in 2012. Currently, there are: "59 million children that are stunted in Africa,
87 million in Asia, 6 million in Latin America, and the remaining 3 million in Oceania and
developed countries."
The prevalence of overweight and obesity is rapidly growing particularly in low- and middleincome countries, with a small difference between the richest and poorest in most countries. It is
believed that most overweight children under 5 live in low- and middle-income countries, and the
increase in overweight prevalence extends to adults, with maternal overweight reaching more than
80 percent in some high-burden countries.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, wasting (low weight for height)—which is a manifestation of
acute malnutrition—is spiking in 2020
Wasting and stunting
The terms wasting and stunting were introduced by Waterlow to differentiate among underweight
children those with a low weight-for-height (wasted) from those with a low height-for-age
(stunted). Wasting is often called acute malnutrition and stunting chronic malnutrition but these
terms may be misleading, and may just reflect that it takes a longer time to diagnose linear growth
retardation.
These two forms of malnutrition are associated with changes in body composition with a reduced
muscle mass but usually a normal brain size in relation to body weight. These changes are more
pronounced but more easily corrected in wasting. The reduced muscle mass present in stunting
may persist into adult life and may be associated with an increased fat mass. Muscle is the main
store of amino-acids and other essential nutrients needed for the body’s immune response and is a
major determinant of survival in infections.
The low muscle mass observed in both stunting and wasting is likely to explain the association
between these two conditions and increased mortality. Hence, health and nutrition programmes
aiming to reduce mortality need to prevent both wasting and stunting, especially in young children
who have a low muscle ass to start with. Children having an insufficient food intake lose weight
and become wasted but also stop growing in height, becoming stunted if untreated. Growth in
height resumes only after wasting has been at least partially corrected. Hence detecting and treating
wasting in a timely fashion also helps to prevent stunting.
The recent discovery that bone and body fat are both endocrine organs interacting with each other
and that bone regulates energy metabolism through osteocalcin (a hormone produced by bone)
may explain these observations. Stunting can also occur in the absence of wasting. A possible
explanation is that linear growth requires synthesis of cartilage and bone tissues, which contain
more phosphorus, calcium, magnesium and sulphur than other lean tissues.
Therefore these nutrients may be required in the diet to prevent stunting. Dairy products can also
have an effect on hormonal profile and growth. Fat can be laid down even if nutrients needed for
lean tissue synthesis are lacking and may explain the increased fat mass often associated with
stunting. Nutrient dense diets are therefore needed to prevent stunting and wasting, promote
muscle growth and prevent excessive fat mass.
Detect – Treat – Prevent – Build” (DTPB)
Tuberculosis (TB) is caused by bacteria (Mycobacterium tuberculosis) that most often affect the
lungs. Tuberculosis is curable and preventable. TB is spread from person to person through the
air. When people with lung TB cough, sneeze or spit, they propel the TB germs into the air. A
person needs to inhale only a few of these germs to become infected. About one-quarter of the
world's population has a TB infection, which means people have been infected by TB bacteria but
are not (yet) ill with the disease and cannot transmit it.
•
Continuation of prior efforts have yielded inadequate declines, and will not accelerate the
progress towards ending TB.
•
New, comprehensively-deployed interventions are required to hasten the rate of decline of
incidence of TB many fold, to more than 10-15% annually.
•
The requirements for moving towards TB elimination have been integrated into the four
strategic pillars of “Detect – Treat – Prevent – Build” (DTPB).
SDG 3
Ayushman Bharat Yojana
Ayushman Bharat or “Healthy India” is a national initiative launched by Prime Minister Narendra
Modi as the part of National Health Policy 2017, in order to achieve the vision of Universal Health
Coverage (UHC). This initiative has been designed on the lines as to meet SDG and its underlining
commitment, which is “leave no one behind”.
AyushmanBharat is an attempt to move from sectoral and segmented approach of health service
delivery to a comprehensive need-based health care service. Ayushman Bharat aims to undertake
path breaking interventions to holistically address health (covering prevention, promotion and
ambulatory care), at primary, secondary and tertiary level.
Ayushman Bharat adopts a continuum of care approach, comprising of two inter-related
components, which are Establishment of Health and Wellness Centres
Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY)
1. Establishment of Health and Wellness Centres–The first component, pertains to creation
of 1,50,000 Health and Wellness Centres which will bring health care closer to the homes
of the people. These centres will provide Comprehensive Primary Health Care (CPHC),
covering both maternal and child health services and non-communicable diseases,
including free essential drugs and diagnostic services.
2. Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY) –PM-JAY is one significant step
towards achievement of Universal Health Coverage (UHC) and Sustainable Development
Goal - 3 (SDG3).It aims to provide health protection cover to poor and vulnerable families
against financial risk arising out of catastrophic health episodes.
Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY) will provide financial protection (Swasthya
Suraksha) to 10.74 crore poor, deprived rural families and identified occupational categories of
urban workers’ families as per the latest Socio-Economic Caste Census (SECC) data (approx. 50
crore beneficiaries). It will have offer a benefit cover of Rs. 500,000 per family per year (on a
family floater basis).
PM-JAY will cover medical and hospitalization expenses for almost all secondary care and most
of tertiary care procedures. PM-JAY has defined 1,350 medical packages covering surgery,
medical and day care treatments including medicines, diagnostics and transport.
To ensure that nobody is left out (especially girl child, women, children and elderly), there will be
no cap on family size and age in the Mission. The scheme will be cashless & paperless at public
hospitals and empaneled private hospitals. The beneficiaries will not be required to pay any
charges for the hospitalization expenses. The benefit also includes pre and post-hospitalization
expenses. The scheme is an entitlement based, the beneficiary is decided on the basis of family
being figured in SECC database. When fully implemented, the PM-JAY will become the world’s
largest government funded health protection mission.
Benefits of PM-JAY
Beneficiary Level ●
Government provides health insurance cover of up to Rs. 5,00,000 per family per year.
●
More than 10.74 crore poor and vulnerable families (approximately 50 crore beneficiaries)
covered across the country.
●
All families listed in the SECC database as per defined criteria will be covered. No cap on
family size and age of members.
●
Priority to girl child, women and and senior citizens.
●
Free treatment available at all public and empaneled private hospitals in times of need.
●
Covers secondary and tertiary care hospitalization.
●
1,350 medical packages covering surgery, medical and day care treatments, cost of
medicines and diagnostics.
●
All pre-existing diseases covered. Hospitals cannot deny treatment.
●
Cashless and paperless access to quality health care services.
●
Hospitals will not be allowed to charge any additional money from beneficiaries for the
treatment.
●
Eligible beneificiares can avail services across India, offering benefit of national
portability. Can reach out for information, assistance, complaints and grievances to a 24X7
helpline number - 14555
Health System –
●
Help India progressively achieve Universal Health Coverage (UHC) and Sustainable
Development Goals (SDG).
●
Ensure improved access and affordability, of quality secondary and tertiary care services
through a combination of public hospitals and well measured strategic purchasing of
services in health care deficit areas, from private care providers, especially the not-for
profit providers.
●
Significantly reduce out of pocket expenditure for hospitalization. Mitigate financial risk
arising out of catastrophic health episodes and consequent impoverishment for poor and
vulnerable families.
●
Acting as a steward, align the growth of private sector with public health goals.
●
Enhanced used to of evidence-based health care and cost control for improved health
outcomes.
●
Strengthen public health care systems through infusion of insurance revenues.
●
Enable creation of new health infrastructure in rural, remote and under-served areas.
●
Increase health expenditure by Government as a percentage of GDP.
●
Enhanced patient satisfaction.
●
Improved health outcomes.
●
Improvement in population-level productivity and efficiency
●
Improved quality of life for the population
SDG 4
Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong
learning opportunities for all
SDG 4 has ten targets which are measured by 11 indicators. The seven "outcome-oriented
targets"
•
SDG 4 aims to provide children and young people with quality and easy access to education
plus other learning opportunities. One of its targets is to achieve universal literacy and
numeracy. A major component in acquiring knowledge and valuable skills in the learning
environment.
•
Hence, the urgent need to build more educational facilities and also upgrade the present
ones to provide safe, inclusive, and effective learning environments for all.
•
The prevalence of extreme poverty, insurgency, communal conflicts, and other factors has
significantly reduced the progress in many developing countries. Children from poor
households have a higher probability of dropping out of school than their counterparts from
rich backgrounds.
•
Disparities between rural and urban areas remain high. In Western Asia and North Africa,
the ongoing armed conflict has seen an increase in the number of children who are not
attending school.
•
Sub-Saharan Africa made the greatest progress in primary school enrolment among all
developing regions – from 52 percent in 1990, up to 78 percent in 2012, but large disparities
still remain.
TARGETS
Target 4.1: By 2030, ensure that all girls and boys complete free, equitable and quality primary
and secondary education leading to relevant and effective learning outcomes
Target: 4.2: By 2030, ensure that all girls and boys have access to quality early childhood
development, care and pre-primary education so that they are ready for primary education
Target: 4.3: By 2030, ensure equal access for all women and men to affordable and quality
technical, vocational and tertiary education, including university
Target: 4.4: By 2030, substantially increase the number of youth and adults who have relevant
skills, including technical and vocational skills, for employment, decent jobs and entrepreneurship
Target 4.5: By 2030, eliminate gender disparities in education and ensure equal access to all levels
of education and vocational training for the vulnerable, including persons with disabilities,
indigenous peoples and children in vulnerable situations
Target :4.6 By 2030, ensure that all youth and a substantial proportion of adults, both men and
women, achieve literacy and numeracy
Target 4.7: By 2030, ensure that all learners acquire the knowledge and skills needed to promote
sustainable development, including, among others, through education for sustainable development
and sustainable lifestyles, human rights, gender equality, promotion of a culture of peace and nonviolence, global citizenship and appreciation of cultural diversity and of culture’s contribution to
sustainable development.
How can India achieve universal literacy as per the UN’s Sustainable Development Goal 4?
In India, the new National Education Policy and Sustainable Development Goal 4 aims at
providing universal quality education and lifelong learning.
In India, the new National Education Policy and Sustainable Development Goal 4 aims at
providing universal quality education and lifelong learning.
Attaining quality education is the key factor that can break the cycle of poverty. It plays a vital
role in developing a human personality. It renders the mind to build thoughts and broaden its
capacity to gain knowledge. Moreover, it constructs self-reliance by enhancing the quality of
lifestyle and livelihood. It promotes sustainable development by contributing to the overall success
and economic growth. Therefore, to support and accelerate the functioning of the other SDGs,
acquiring quality education becomes prime.
n India, the new National Education Policy and Sustainable Development Goal 4 aims at
providing universal quality education and lifelong learning.
How can India achieve universal literacy with SDG 4
India is already playing an essential role in achieving the targets set by SDG 4. Various
initiatives and projects are already in place to provide quality education to all. SGD 4 is built on
ten goals.
Let’s see how India is achieving these goals with the help of various policies.
Padhe Bharat, Badhe Bharat
As per the Ministry of Education, ‘Padhe Bharat, Badhe Bharat’ is created to enable children to
become motivated, independent, and engaged.
Beti bachao, beti padhao
Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao initiative was launched in the year 2015 in Panipat, Haryana. Its main
objective is to address various discrimination girls face in society and change the negative
mindset related to girls.
The Rashtriya Avishkar Abhiyan
This project was also initiated in 2015 by the former president of India, Late A.P.J Abdul Kalam.
It aims to motivate children to learn Science, Mathematics, and Technology from observations
and experiments.
Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan
The flagship government scheme, Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan, aims to achieve universal quality
education for all Indians and is complemented in this effort by targeted schemes on nutritional
support, higher education, and teacher training.
There are many such schemes implemented in India; however, if we need to progress towards
SDG 4, we need to examine the key issues that affect the quality of education in India today.
Some of these significant challenges are highlighted below:
Lifelong learning
The employment trends and patterns are constantly changing. Thus, lifelong learning is essential
to cope up with the evolving demands of employment.
We need educational policies with a contextual and holistic approach that perceive education as a
lifelong process and focuses on educating the youth with technical and vocational skills.
Critical thinking
Critical thinking skills are needed, particularly among our youth, to help them make better
decisions, solve problems, and be focused on their goals. Schools, colleges, and other
educational institutions must avoid the old rote learning methodology. Students need to
understand, analyze and learn various concepts. Students must be encouraged to ask questions,
use real-life examples and interact with their peers.
Gender disparity
Investing in the education of girls can have a profound impact on everyone. Educated girls earn
higher incomes, have an active role in decision-making, and build a better future for their
families.
However, many girls have to drop out of school early because of the widespread gender disparity
prevalent in our country. Thus, as children begin to understand the difference each gender plays,
it is vital, especially for the teachers, to interact with them and help them understand the
importance of gender equality. As simple as using a gender-neutral language can help a lot to
maintain gender equality.
Digital technology
Educational processes have radically changed due to the emergence of digital modes. Through
the use of smartphones and laptops, learning has become more personal and pervasive. However,
while this enhances computer and technological skills, the focus must also be given to basic
skills required to build an entrepreneurship mindset amongst students.
Financing education
Government spending on education is reducing while parents spending on education is rising; the
quality of education is deteriorating while a majority of the students are dependent on private
coaching. Adequate funding from both central and state governments is the need of the hour to
provide quality education, especially for adult education.
In India, significant progress has been made towards the achievement of SDG4. Basic literacy
skills across the country have improved tremendously, yet bolder schemes and efforts with
regards to digital technology and financing education are needed to achieve universal education
goals.
Questions
1. Briefly describe the Core Elements of Sustainable Developments.
2. Illustrate India’s record in implementing Sustainable Development Goals, list and
illustrate few of India’s Initiative for any two goals
3. List the facts figures and targets to achieve Goal 1.
4. Describe the targets set by UN to achieve SDG Goal one.
5. How can India achieve universal literacy as per the UN’s Sustainable Development Goal
4?
6. Elucidate: “2020 has brought an unprecedented challenge to the fight against poverty”
7. Briefly describe Stunted & wasted growth with examples or case studies.
8. List the types of malnutrition and its Definitions, as per World Health Organization also
give a basic sketch. Describe the goal and targets the issue is addressed to.
9. Draw diagrams and Explain the SDG which deals issues regarding malnutrition.
10. Give solutions to food waste & Explain the food recovery Hierarchy
11. Illustrate Detect – Treat – Prevent – Build” (DTPB). Which SDG does it deal with? Give
the statement.
12. How can India achieve universal literacy as per the UN’s Sustainable Development Goal
4?
13. Discuss the targets to “ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote
lifelong learning opportunities for all.”