Implementation of Sustainable Development Goals in India: Progress and Challenges

The philosophy of Mahatma Gandhi, the vision of Nehru, and the approach of Amartya Sen toward humanity are encapsulated in Agenda 2030, a set of goals to make a new humane world. Sustainable development goals (SDGs) are a step forward to redeem the idea of freedom, envisaged by great leaders of Indian independence. The world has travelled halfway towards SDGs and it is becoming evident that the success of SDGs to some extent depends on the progress that India makes. India, the world’s most populated country is home to 1.4 billion people. One-sixth of humanity lives in India, comprising 18% of the global youth population. The massive economic growth of India, especially in the post-reform era has left an impressive mark on the global economy. India is experiencing the largest ever population of adolescents and youth, one in every five persons is an adolescent under the age of 10–19 years and nearly 370 million people, one in every three persons is a young person in the age group 10–24 years. India is experiencing a ‘youth bulge’, a demographic window opportunity that will continue till 2025. However, only half of the youths are employable. Nearly, one in every three children (under 5 years of age) in India are stunting. Further advancement of India depends on transforming its quantity (large youth population) into quality (human capital). This chapter will discuss the progress achieved in the first three years of SDGs implementation. It explores the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on SDGs in India. It also deciphers the gap between stimulus packages and needs on the ground. Further, it asses the efficacy of the government’s intervention in the advancement of SDGs. And lastly, it attempts to propose a way forward. This chapter identifies no poverty, zero hunger, health, quality education, gender equality, water and sanitation, inequality, and decent jobs for further discussion.