NITI Aayog Presents India’s Third Voluntary National Review (VNR)

Syllabus: GS3/Economy

Context

• NITI Aayog presented India’s Third Voluntary National Review (VNR) Report on SDGs at the Ministerial Segment of the High-Level Political Forum (HLPF) on SDGs, convened by the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) of the United Nations.

About

• The VNR 2025, prepared under the stewardship of NITI Aayog and was developed through a wide-ranging consultative process involving state and Union Territory governments, civil society organisations, development partners, and the private sector.
• The report outlines India’s achievements over the past ten years across a wide spectrum of development indicators.
• This VNR marks India’s third submission to the HLPF, reaffirming the country’s sustained commitment to the UN 2030 Agenda for SDGs.

Major Highlights

• Poverty Alleviation: Around 248 million individuals estimated to have escaped Multidimensional Poverty (MPI).
• Food Security: PM Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana has ensured nutritional support for millions.
• Health and Nutrition: POSHAN Abhiyaan and Ayushman Bharat have expanded access to quality nutrition and healthcare.
• Clean Energy: Programs like the National Green Hydrogen Mission, PM-KUSUM, and PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana are strengthening India’s transition to clean energy.
• Innovation and Growth: India is now the third-largest start-up ecosystem in the world.
• Infrastructure and Industry: Schemes such as PM Gati Shakti, Make in India, and the National Industrial Corridor Development Programme are building next-generation infrastructure.

SDG Implementation in India

• India has made significant strides in localising Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through robust, data-driven governance frameworks. Tools such as the SDG India Index, the North-Eastern Region District SDG Index, and the National Multidimensional Poverty Index have enhanced monitoring and evaluation mechanisms at national and sub-national levels. 
• Flagship initiatives like the Aspirational Districts Programme (ADP) and the Aspirational Blocks Programme (ABP) further exemplify India’s commitment to ensuring last-mile delivery and saturation of essential government services, particularly in underserved and developmentally lagging regions.

United Nations’ High-Level Political Forum (HLPF)

• It is the foremost platform for international follow-up and review of the 2030 Agenda.
• It has been meeting annually since 2016 under the auspices of the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC).
• In the HLPF, UN member countries present their Voluntary National Review (VNR) on the implementation of SDGs.
  • The VNRs serve as a basis for the international review of the progress on the SDGs. 

Conclusion

• Agenda 2030 is aligned with India’s long-term vision of Viksit Bharat @2047 – a developed India by its 100th year of independence – underscoring an integrated development strategy grounded in inclusion, innovation, and institutional strength.

Source: PIB