Uttar Pradesh has marked a historic milestone in its journey toward sustainable development, rising from Rank 29 to Rank 18 in the NITI Aayog SDG India Index 2023-24, the biggest leap by any state in recent years. Now categorized as a ‘Front Runner’, the state has seen a remarkable improvement of 25 points since the baseline year of 2018-19, when it had scored 42. With a current score of 67, this progress highlights the Yogi Adityanath government’s focused efforts on inclusive development, clean and affordable energy, poverty alleviation, and the effective delivery of welfare schemes. This leap not only reflects measurable progress but also underscores UP’s strong commitment to achieving the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030 with real change reaching grassroots communities across the state.
🚀 Uttar Pradesh sets a new benchmark in sustainable development!
From Rank 29 to Rank 18 in the SDG India Index; the biggest leap by any state in recent years.
UP CM @myogiadityanath calls it not just a number, but a transformation in every citizen’s life.
Transforming UP… pic.twitter.com/re2RIId9Te
— Transforming UP (@transforming_up) July 8, 2025
A senior government official described this as the “most significant improvement by any state” in SDG rankings across the country. UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath hailed the achievement as “landmark”, attributing the progress to a clear policy direction, effective implementation of welfare schemes, and active public participation. “This is not just about scores. This reflects real impact on the ground, where benefits have reached the last mile,” he said.
The Chief Minister attributed the state’s improved Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) score to the effective implementation of several flagship schemes aimed at inclusive growth and better quality of life. Among these, the Har Ghar Jal initiative has played a crucial role in ensuring tap water reaches every household, while Har Ghar Bijli has brought electricity to homes across the state. The Kanya Sumangala Yojana has focused on the welfare and development of the girl child, providing financial assistance at key stages of her life.
To combat malnutrition, the Poshan Abhiyan has played a key role in enhancing the nutritional status of women and children. Healthcare access for the underprivileged has been strengthened through the Mukhyamantri Arogya Yojana, offering free health insurance coverage. Women’s safety and empowerment have been addressed under Mission Shakti, creating a more secure and supportive environment for women.
Housing needs are being met through the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, which ensures affordable housing for all. Education infrastructure has seen significant upgrades under Mission Kayakalp, which focuses on revitalizing government school facilities. Additionally, the One District One Product (ODOP) scheme has promoted local entrepreneurship, creating jobs and boosting rural economies by focusing on district-specific products. Together, these schemes reflect a comprehensive and people-centric approach that is driving sustainable development across the state.
Among the 17 SDGs, SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy) emerged as the best-performing area for Uttar Pradesh, where the state scored a perfect 100. However, SDG 5 (Gender Equality) remains a challenge, with the state scoring only 42, making it the second last in India. Notably, the state has witnessed a decline in gender equality scores compared to 2020-21, when it had scored 50.
In response, CM Yogi Adityanath emphasized ongoing efforts to strengthen girls’ education and women’s safety. He highlighted Mission Shakti as a transformative initiative that not only empowered women and girls but also increased public awareness and strengthened institutional support for their safety and development.
Areas with Scope for Improvement
Despite the overall progress, the report points out several areas that require immediate and focused attention. SDG 1: No Poverty remains a significant concern, with a score of 57, placing the state among the bottom four in the country. Similarly, SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being and SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth also reflect poor performance, both ranking within the bottom four states. These low scores highlight persistent challenges in healthcare access, employment opportunities, and poverty reduction.
On a positive note, there have been commendable improvements in other key areas. SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities saw a notable increase in score from 41 to 66, indicating progress toward a more inclusive society. Additionally, SDG 13: Climate Action improved from a score of 39 to 52, reflecting growing efforts in environmental sustainability and climate resilience. These gains suggest a positive shift toward more balanced and inclusive development, even as critical gaps remain to be addressed.
CM Yogi has directed state officials to implement SDG-related programmes in mission mode, especially at the panchayat and district levels. He highlighted the need for reliable data and directed all departments to release district-wise SDG profiles. He noted that sound policymaking depends on accurate data, and warned that any inaccuracies or gaps can misrepresent the real situation and undermine effective planning.
