In pursuance of the Niti Ayog suggestions, the State Government has begun working on identifying Nodal Officers in various departments to help achieve Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) set by the United Nations.
Development Commissioner-cum-Additional Chief Secretary, Finance, Amit Khare, has written to Principal Secretaries and Secretaries of nodal departments to appoint joint /deputy secretary rank officers as nodal officers for the purpose.
In the United Nations Sustainable Development Conference on September 25, 2015, nations of the world had identified 17 Sustainable Development Goals to be achieved by the year 2030. The Niti Ayog has also made a detailed work plan for poverty alleviation, fight against discrimination, tackling the ill effects of climate change among other SDGs. The Niti Ayog has instructed the State Governments to also start work in the direction and the Government of Jharkhand has begun work on the same lines.
To 'End poverty in all its forms everywhere' the Rural Development department has been made nodal department, whereas to 'End hunger, achieve food security and improved nutrition and promote sustainable agriculture' the Agriculture, Animal Husbandry and Cooperatives department has been chosen as the nodal department.
Similarly, to 'Ensure healthy lives and promote well being for all at all ages' the Health, Medical Education and Family Welfare department has been made the nodal department. To 'Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all' the School Education and literacy has been made nodal department. To 'Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls' Women, Child Development and Social Security department has been chosen as the nodal department.
And, to 'Ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all' the Water Resources department has been made the nodal department.
The nodal departments will choose a joint/deputy secretary rank officer and inform the Planning and Finance department. The Nodal officers will be known as the 'Nodal Officer of the SDG'. Also, participatory departments will choose a joint/deputy secretary rank officer and notify the Planning and Finance department. These officers will be known as the 'link Officer of the SDG'.
The letter of the Development Commissioner mentions that a meeting on the execution points of the SDG-2030 will soon be convened by the Planning department, where the nodal officers and link Officers will take part. The departments have to prepare road map and execution plan for achieving the SDG 2030.