New Delhi, July 7, 2025: NITI Aayog, in collaboration with the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (MoDoNER) and with technical support from UNDP, released the second edition of the North Eastern Region (NER) District SDG Index 2023-24. The report showcases a significant upward trend in sustainable development performance across the eight northeastern states, with 85% of the 121 districts showing improvement in their composite scores.
Mizoram, Sikkim, and Tripura Shine
All districts of Mizoram, Sikkim, and Tripura have achieved "Front Runner" status, reflecting consistent progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Notably, Hnahthial district in Mizoram emerged as the best-performing district in the entire North Eastern Region, scoring 81.43, the highest composite score among all districts.
Nagaland also made remarkable strides, with three districts breaking into the top 10 performers. Meanwhile, Sikkim displayed the most consistent intra-state performance, with the narrowest gap (5.5 points) between its highest and lowest scoring districts, Gangtok and Gyalshing, respectively.
District-Level Progress Across States
Other key district-wise highlights include:
• Assam: All districts improved in Zero Hunger, Quality Education, Clean Water and Sanitation, and Decent Work and Economic Growth.
• Manipur: Imphal West topped with 73.21, while Pherzawl was the lowest at 59.71.
• Nagaland: Mokokchung led with 78.43, Zunheboto at the bottom with 63.36.
• Arunachal Pradesh: Lower Dibang Valley scored highest at 73.36; Longding was the lowest-performing district in the entire region with 58.71.
The Index uses NITI Aayog’s SDG India Index methodology and evaluates performance across multiple SDG indicators, categorizing districts as Achiever (100), Front Runner (65–99), Performer (50–64), and Aspirant (<50). No district scored in the Achiever or Aspirant categories in this edition.
Vice Chairman Suman Bery emphasized that achieving the SDGs by 2030 is essential to realizing the vision of Viksit Bharat @2047. CEO B.V.R. Subrahmanyam highlighted the Northeast’s strategic importance, calling the region “Ashta Lakshmi” as per the Hon’ble Prime Minister’s vision.
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A Tool for Policy Action
The NER SDG Index is expected to serve as a critical tool for evidence-based planning, efficient resource allocation, and progress monitoring. It also supports localizing national flagship programmes and identifying gaps at the grassroots.
Dr. Angela Lusigi of UNDP stated that the priority is to ensure every data point translates into meaningful action for human development outcomes.
The report is a major step forward in strengthening regional development monitoring and ensuring that no district is left behind in the Northeast’s development journey.?
