Sikkim leads in SDG index, sets example for Northeast with balanced growth

Sikkim has been ranked as one of the best-performing states in the North Eastern Region (NER) District Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Index 2023-24. The index, prepared by NITI Aayog in collaboration with the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (MoDoNER) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), was released on July 7, 2025.

Under the leadership of Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang (Golay), all four districts of Sikkim—Gangtok, Gyalshing, Mangan, and Pakyong—have been recognised as ‘Front Runners’. This puts Sikkim in a select group of only three northeastern states to receive such a distinction, alongside Mizoram and Tripura.

What sets Sikkim apart is not just the high scores, but how close the scores are between its districts. Gangtok scored 76.64 while Gyalshing scored 71.14, showing a small difference of just 5.5 points. This means that development in Sikkim is happening in a balanced way across all districts, without large gaps.

This balanced growth is seen as a direct result of Chief Minister Tamang’s vision of inclusive and sustainable development. His administration has worked to align Sikkim’s policies with both national and global SDG goals. From improving health care and education to environmental conservation and rural upliftment, the state has made sure that no area or community is left behind.

In contrast, Mizoram’s top-performing district, Hnahthial, scored 81.43—the highest in the region—but there is a bigger gap of 13.72 points between its best and least performing districts. Tripura also posted strong numbers with Gomati at 78.79 and Dhalai at 72.29, but Sikkim remains the most consistent across all regions.

The index was released by top officials including NITI Aayog Vice Chairman Suman Bery, CEO B.V.R. Subrahmanyam, MoDoNER Secretary Chanchal Kumar, and UNDP India Resident Representative Dr. Angela Lusigi. They were joined by Programme Director (SDGs) Rajib Kumar Sen and other senior dignitaries.

Speaking at the launch, NITI Aayog’s Vice Chairman Suman Bery said that achieving the SDGs by 2030 is crucial for fulfilling Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s larger goal of a developed India by 2047—referred to as “Viksit Bharat @2047.” CEO Subrahmanyam also emphasized the importance of the “Ashta Lakshmi” states (eight northeastern states) in shaping India's development story.

The SDG Index is more than just a ranking. It helps governments plan better, allocate funds smartly, and keep track of district-level progress. Sikkim’s performance is a result of its focus on planning at the grassroots level, delivering programs that work, and keeping people at the centre of development.