Najma Heptulla, the Union Minister of Minority Affairs released the UN Secretary General’s Global Millennium Development Goals (MDG) Report 2014. Speaking on the occasion Najma said that human development was an essential component of Mahatma Gandhi’s thoughts.
His touchstone for validity of any action was the impact it had on the poorest of poor. Despite paying lip-service to Mahatma Gandhi, India has been unable to fulfill his aspiration. She also added that the government has inherited this challenge and is committed to fulfilling it.
The minister said that the four references to India in synopsis of report being released pertain to poverty, infant deaths, maternal deaths and sanitation. None of these references are flattering. Even before this report, several challenges including those mentioned in report had been identified. The minister underlined that PM has given special emphasis on bringing some agendas on high priority especially for the disadvantaged. These are adequate sanitation, safe drinking water and maternal and child care. She hoped that India will present a different and upbeat picture when the 15-year review of sustainable development goals is undertaken in year 2030.
UN’s annual report on MDGs is published each year tracking the progress made around the world in reaching these goals. This year’s report is one of the last before the MGDs expire in 2015. In a global summit in September 2015 world leaders will hopefully adopt a new expanded framework.