SDG Localization and Lessons from India: Role of NITI-Aayog

This chapter looks at the localization of SDGs in India and how this has helped with strengthening and streamlining India’s performance to meet SDG targets by 2030. It specifically looks at the NITI-Aayog (an apex public policy think tank of the Government of India) and the role it plays in localization of targets at the state level. The NITI-Aayog has a 3-phase plan for the localization of SDGs and follows this up with annual monitoring and evaluation, including state rankings by Goal. The annual reports are accompanied by state-wise dissemination of results and a review of the work done toward achieving the SDGs. As a result, states are aware of sectors that need allocation of resources, of regions lagging behind target achievement, and can effectively integrate these findings with policymaking. We find the formation of an effective feedback loop and monitoring and evaluation at the national level, without the creation of an additional level of bureaucracy. The NITI-Aayog also functions as an independent advisory agency yet is still part of governance – lending it legitimacy. This chapter analyses the factors of efficiency and success of the NITI-Aayog concerning the Sustainable Development Goals, and how these learnings can be replicated in other developing nations.