The pursuit of sustainability lies at the heart of the Public Affairs Centre's (PAC) mission, as evidenced by its extensive research endeavours and the unveiling of the Public Affairs Index - Governance in the States of India- 2021. This index, a testament to PAC's commitment, assesses the effectiveness of governance and progress towards India's Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
To achieve sustainability, the States and Union Territories (UTs) must adopt strategic approaches prioritizing responsible resource management, environmental conservation and socio-economic progress. Embracing renewable energy sources, promoting eco-friendly practices, and fostering community engagement are pivotal steps in curbing environmental degradation.
Encouraging sustainable agriculture practices, efficient water management, and waste reduction can bolster economic growth while preserving natural resources.
Furthermore, investing in quality education and healthcare ensures the well-being of citizens, addressing inequalities, and enhancing social inclusivity. Strengthening governance mechanisms, encouraging transparency, and fostering collaboration between Governments, industries, and communities can facilitate holistic development aligned with SDGs.
By taking cues from the PAC's research and insights from the Public Affairs Index (PAI), policymakers can craft targeted strategies that propel the States and UTs towards a sustainable future. Pursuing sustainability demands collective action, visionary leadership, and innovative solutions to build a resilient and prosperous nation for current and future generations.
Among its noteworthy contributions is unveiling the PAI - Governance in the States of India- 2021. This index serves as a crucial tool to assess and evaluate the effectiveness of governance in various Indian States. One of the pivotal pillars of analysis within this index is the sustainability pillar, which scrutinizes the utilisation of resources and their repercussions on the environment, economy, and society. The sustainability pillar encompasses two distinct themes and employs a set of seven indicators to gauge the Government's efforts in promoting sustainability.
Among the large States category, the consistent leaders in sustainability are Kerala and Tamil Nadu, maintaining their first and second positions from the previous year. Notably, Chhattisgarh has exhibited improvement by ascending one rank compared to the preceding year's assessment. In parallel, the bottom-performing States regarding sustainability remain the same as the previous year, with West Bengal, Bihar, and Uttar Pradesh securing the 16th, 17th, and 18th positions.
Within the small States category, the States that have demonstrated exemplary commitment to sustainability are Mizoram, Arunachal Pradesh, and Goa, securing the first, second, and third ranks, respectively. Conversely, Manipur, Uttarakhand, and Delhi find themselves at the bottom of the list, ranking 9th, 10th, and 11th, respectively. Mizoram has shown remarkable progress by advancing three places, while Arunachal Pradesh's impressive improvement of seven areas underscores its dedication to sustainability. However, Goa has encountered a setback by slipping two positions from the previous year. Manipur's decline by one rank and Uttarakhand's marginal advancement by one highlights their efforts in different directions. The most drastic change is observed in Delhi's position, plummeting from 5th to 11th place in a year, signalling a potential need for renewed focus.
Among the Union Territories (UTs), Puducherry emerges as the leader in the sustainability pillar, capturing the top spot this year. Jammu and Kashmir's unexpected rise to the second position marks a significant addition to the list. However, the Andaman and Nicobar Islands have slipped two ranks from their top position in the previous year's assessment, now securing third. On the other end of the spectrum, Lakshadweep ranks at the bottom of the sustainability pillar within the UT category.
The sustainability pillar plays a pivotal role in shaping the rankings of the States and UTs, particularly among the large States category, where high positive correlation coefficients underscore the close link between sustainability and overall development. To achieve a comprehensive and holistic approach to development, the States and UTs must prioritise factors such as pollution control and effective solid waste management, thereby enhancing the quality of life for their residents. The findings from this assessment provide valuable insights that can guide policymakers and stakeholders in their pursuit of a more sustainable and prosperous future for all citizens of India.
(Dr Tripathy is former Professor of Economics, Gokhale Institute of Politics and Economics, Pune, who is currently residing in Brahmapur)