Sustainable Development Goals – Assam

Section 1: Initiation of SDGs in Assam (2015–2016)

Sustainable Development Goals – Assam

On 25th September 2015, the United Nations General Assembly adopted 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), comprising 169 targets and 304 indicators, under the official agenda "Transforming Our World: the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development". The Government of India was one of the signatories to this resolution.

The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) provide an overall framework for monitoring progress across all aspects of development at all levels of governance. As the successors to the Millennium Development Goals (MGDs), the SDGs encompass a broader breadth of development trajectories by covering economic, social, and environmental aspects.

Recognizing that these goals represent a global consensus on actions required for the well-being of humanity, the Government of Assam acknowledged the profound impact these SDGs could have on the health, happiness, prosperity, and overall well-being of every citizen of Assam, as well as on the conservation and preservation of the State's unique biodiversity, which is vital for sustainable development and economic growth.

In line with this understanding, the Government of Assam decided to implement the SDGs in the State with effect from 1st January 2016, launching an initiative titled “Assam-2030 in light of SDGs”. Assam thus became the first Indian State to implement the SDGs, and initiate the process of integrating SDGs in the development of the state.
January 2016: The Transformation and Development (T&D) Department was appointed as the Nodal Department for implementing SDGs in the State. The task of developing a robust indicator framework for the state as well as districts aligned to the National Indicator Framework (NIF) was started by T&D Department in collaboration with Centre for Sustainable Development Goals (CSDG) and UNICEF. These consultations were very participatory adhering to the guidelines issued by Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI). The 300 indicators under Assam SIF included 169 exclusively from NIF (National Indicator Framework), 56 from Aspirational district indicators, 33 from NITI Aayog priority indicators, 15 from Global indicators and 27 from Assam Agenda 2030 indicators.

Downloads:

Circular on SDGs dated 28-12-2015.pdf

Notification of Govt of Assam on SDGs 1st March, 2016.pdf

Circular on SDGs Sabka Sath Sabka Vikash 4-03-2017.pdf

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Section 2: Vision Documents & Early Strategies (2016–2018)

Following the initiation of SDG implementation in Assam in January 2016, the Transformation and Development Department (T&D Dept.) led efforts to translate global SDG commitments into state-level vision and strategies.

In February 2016, the T&D Department released the “Assam Vision 2030”, a comprehensive document created through consultations with various government departments. This vision document outlined the State's approach toward inclusive and sustainable development, integrating SDG priorities with Assam’s unique socio-economic and ecological context.

Subsequently, in October 2016, the T&D Department released “Assam 2030: Our Dreams, Our Commitments”, which consolidated the State’s commitment to the SDGs, providing a roadmap for actionable interventions across key sectors. This document emphasized participatory governance, social inclusion, and prioritization of the most vulnerable populations, ensuring that no citizen is left behind in Assam’s developmental journey.

In January 2018, the T&D Department published “Assam Agenda 2030”, a comprehensive strategy document aimed at attaining the SDGs through concrete actions and coordinated monitoring. This document served as a blueprint for aligning departmental initiatives with SDG targets, providing a framework for cross-sectoral coordination, implementation, and evaluation.

Alongside these documents, the Government of Assam recognized the importance of policy-maker engagement. To this end, in February 2018, the Hon’ble Speaker of the Assam Legislative Assembly organized a two-day Interaction Session with the Hon’ble MLAs on 26th and 27th February in the Central Hall of the Assam Legislative Assembly. The sessions aimed to familiarize legislators with the concept, strategies, and implementation mechanisms of SDGs in Assam.

The interaction included eight technical sessions, covering:

1. Strategies and actions for achieving SDGs and government initiatives.
2. SDG 1 (No Poverty) and SDG 2 (Zero Hunger) – policies to eliminate poverty and hunger.
3. SDG 3 (Good Health & Well-being) and SDG 6 (Clean Water & Sanitation) – health and sanitation initiatives.
4. SDG 4 (Quality Education) – promoting inclusive and quality education for all.
5. SDG 7 (Affordable & Clean Energy), SDG 8 (Good Jobs & Economic Growth), SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, & Infrastructure) – promoting growth, infrastructure, industrial development, and employment.
6. SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities & Communities) – building resilient and sustainable urban spaces.
7. SDG 12–15 (Sustainable Consumption & Production, Climate Action, Life Below Water, Life on Land) – environmental protection and climate response.
8. SDG 16 (Peace, Justice & Strong Institutions), SDG 5 (Gender Equality), SDG 10 (Reducing Inequalities), SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) – governance, social inclusion, and monitoring mechanisms.

Experts from national and international institutions participated, including:

• Shri Anurag Goel, IAS (Retd), SDGs Adviser to UNDP
• Dr. Usha Jumani, Management Consultant and Independent Research Scholar
• Dr. Devi Prashad Shetty, Narayana Health, Bangalore
• Dr. Mihir Kanti Chaudhury, Adviser to Govt. of Assam (Education) and former Vice Chancellor, Tezpur University
• Prof. Sebastian Morris, IIM Ahmedabad
• Dr. Navroz K Dubash, Senior Fellow, Centre for Policy Research, New Delhi
• Justice Hrishikesh Roy, Gauhati High Court
• Shri Ashok Lahiri, Chairman, Bandhan Bank Ltd
• Dr. Shiladitya Chatterjee, Adviser, Centre for SDGs, AASC

Additionally, all Additional Chief Secretaries, Principal Secretaries, Commissioners & Secretaries, and Secretaries participated as resource persons and panellists.

The Hon’ble Speaker delivered opening remarks, while the Hon’ble Minister for Finance and Transformation & Development Departments spoke on the importance of SDGs in the context of Assam. Shri V.K. Pipersenia, IAS, then Chief Secretary of Assam, explained the role of SDGs in the state’s development process, setting the foundation for subsequent policy, planning, and departmental alignment.

Downloads: Assam Vision 2030 | Assam 2030: Our Dreams, Our Commitments | Assam Agenda 2030 | Clustering of SDGs with Departments

Studies Relating to SDG's published in Assam Economic Survey:

Economic Survey Assam 2019-20 SDGs chapter on SDG India Index

Economic Survey -2018-19 SDGs chapter on Outcome Budgeting to Achieve Assam Agenda 2030

Economic Survey Assam 2017-18 SDG Chapter

2016-17 Economic Survey SDG Chapter

Section 3: Departmental Strategy Paper & Action Plan (SPAP) Conclaves – 2017

1. Corporate Conclave – Synergising CSR and SDGs

• Date: 11th May 2017
• Location: Guwahati
• Organizer: T&D Department, CSDGs, in collaboration with ONGC and UNDP
• Objective: Create linkages between current Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) activities and SDGs, and provide a platform for engagement and partnerships to advance SDG-related activities in Assam.
• Participants: Shri V.K. Pipersenia, Chief Secretary, delegates from UNDP China, Indonesia, India offices, representatives from NRL, TATA Group, MSMEs, NGOs, and other corporate stakeholders.

Download: Synergising corporate social responsibility .pdf

2. Departmental Conclave – Finalizing SPAPs for Goals 3 & 6

• Date: 24th April 2017
• Location: AASC, Khanapara, Guwahati
• Organizer: Health & Family Welfare Department (Goal 3), Public Health Engineering Department (Goal 6), T&D Department
• Objective: Develop departmental Strategy Papers & Action Plans (SPAPs) for:
  • Goal 3 – Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages.
  • Goal 6 – Ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all.
• Participants: Experts from Government of India, NGOs, international organizations, and state officials.
• Key Outcome: Focus on accountability, proper utilization of resources, and alignment with SDGs.

Download: Goal 3 or 6.pdf

3. Divisional Conclave – Disseminating SDGs to Districts

• Date: 1st June 2017
• Location: AASC, Khanapara, Guwahati
• Organizer: Lower Assam Divisional Commissioner, Kamrup Metro District, T&D Department, CSDGs, AASC
• Objective: Engage district-level officials to understand the functioning of SDGs at the departmental level and how their work relates to specific SDG targets.
• Participants: Shri V.K. Pipersenia, Chief Secretary, Shri Ahmed Hussain, Divisional Commissioner, LAD, district officials
• Key Outcome: First in a series of four divisional conclaves, establishing district-level ownership of SDGs.

Download: Divisional Conclave lower Assam Division .pdf

4. Conclave – Finalizing SPAPs for Goals 1 & 2

• Date: 8th June 2017
• Location: Guwahati
• Organizer: Panchayat & Rural Development Department (Goal 1), Agriculture Department (Goal 2)
• Objective: Finalize strategies and action plans for No Poverty (Goal 1) and Zero Hunger (Goal 2).
• Participants: Lead and supporting departments, district officials
• Key Outcome: Inputs assisted in formulating departmental and state action plans, ensuring alignment with SDG objectives.

Download: Goal 1 and 2.pdf

5. Conclave – Promoting SDG Goal 4 (Quality Education)

• Date: 16–17 June 2017
• Location: Guwahati
• Organizer: Education Department, in collaboration with UNICEF, CSDGs, T&D Department
• Objective: Finalize SPAP for quality education, ensuring all children in school and learning with quality within and outside school, including pre-primary, school, vocational, technical, and higher education.
• Participants: Education officials, UNICEF representatives, CSDGs, T&D Department
• Key Outcome: Group discussions and exercises ensured inclusive planning, with focus on marginalized and underserved areas.

Download: Goal 4 quality Education .pdf

6. Conclave – Climate Change and Environmental Protection (Goals 12–15)

• Date: 14–15 July 2017
• Location: Guwahati
• Organizer: Relevant line departments, T&D Department, CSDGs
• Objective: Address Sustainable Consumption and Production (Goal 12), Climate Action (Goal 13), Life Below Water (Goal 14), and Life on Land (Goal 15).
• Participants: External experts, multiple departments from Government of Assam
• Key Discussions: Carbon neutrality, pollution mitigation, climate-resilient communities, water and river conservation, soil and watershed management, waste reduction through reduce-reuse-recycle approaches
• Key Outcome: Departments instructed to assign ownership, map supporters, and strategize in a PPP (People-Project-Partnership) model.

Download: Goal 12,13,14 ,15.pdf

7. Conclave – Building Resilient, Inclusive, and Sustainable Urban Cities (Goal 11)

• Date: 9th August 2017
• Location: Guwahati
• Organizer: Urban Development Department, T&D Department, CSDGs
• Objective: Address challenges of rapid urbanization, including water supply, sewerage, sanitation, stormwater drainage, urban transport, housing, street lighting, public spaces, solar energy, and rainwater harvesting.
• Participants: Shri V.K. Pipersenia, Chief Secretary, department officials
• Key Outcome: Emphasis on citizen engagement, local self-governance, and better city planning, with recommendations made for sustainable urban development by 2030.

Download: Goal 11.PDF

Section 4: Legislative Engagement and Policy Familiarization – 2018

1. Interaction Sessions with Hon’ble MLAs on SDGs

• Date: 26–27 February 2018
• Location: Central Hall, Assam Legislative Assembly
• Organizer: Hon’ble Speaker, Assam Legislative Assembly
• Objective: Familiarize policy makers (MLAs) with the concept, implementation, and significance of SDGs in Assam.
• Structure:
  • Two-day sessions comprising ten technical sessions covering all 17 SDGs.
  • Topics:
    1. Strategies and actions for achieving SDGs in Assam, including government initiatives.
    2. Eliminating poverty and hunger in Assam (SDG 1 & 2).
    3. Ensuring good health and well-being (SDG 3 & 6).
    4. Promoting inclusive and quality education (SDG 4).
    5. Promoting growth, infrastructure, industrial development, and employment (SDG 7, 8 & 9).
    6. Building sustainable, resilient, and safe cities and communities (SDG 11).
    7. Ensuring sustainable future through environmental protection and climate change response (SDG 12–15).
    8. Developing peace, justice, good governance, and strong institutions (SDG 16).
    9. Reducing inequalities and promoting gender equality (SDG 5 & 10).
    10. Implementing SDGs through financial planning, monitoring, capacity building, and present state scenario (SDG 17).
• Participants:
  • Experts: Shri Anurag Goel (IAS, Retd, SDGs Adviser to UNDP), Dr. Usha Jumani (Management Consultant & Independent Researcher), Dr. Devi Prashad Shetty (Narayana Health, Bangalore), Dr. Mihir Kanti Chaudhury (Adviser to Govt. of Assam, Education), Prof. Sebastian Morris (IIM Ahmedabad), Dr. Navroz K Dubash (Centre for Policy Research, New Delhi), Justice Hrishikesh Roy (Gauhati High Court), Shri Ashok Lahiri (Chairman, Bandhan Bank), Dr. Shiladitya Chatterjee (Adviser, Centre for SDGs, AASC)
  • Government Officials: All Additional Chief Secretaries, Principal Secretaries, Commissioners & Secretaries, Secretaries – Resource Persons and Panellists
  • MLAs: Active participants in technical sessions
• Key Highlights:
  • Hon’ble Speaker delivered opening remarks emphasizing the importance of SDGs.
  • Hon’ble Minister, Finance & T&D Departments, highlighted the importance of SDGs in Assam.
  • Shri V.K. Pipersenia (then Chief Secretary) explained the role of SDGs in Assam’s development process.
  • MLAs actively engaged in discussions, ensuring policy-level understanding and commitment.
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Section 5: Northeast Regional SDG Initiatives and State-Level Monitoring – 2020–2022

1. NITI Aayog North-East Conclave – Preparing for District SDG Index

• Date: February 2020
• Organizer: NITI Aayog
• Objective: Engage officials from eight North-East states to disseminate understanding of SDG indicators, share methodologies, and build a framework for the North-East Regional (NER) District SDG Index.
• Assam’s Contribution:
  • Publication of State Indicator Framework (SIF) – 300 indicators
  • Publication of District Indicator Framework (DIF) – 100 indicators
• Significance: Precursor to NER District SDG Index, enabling comparative analysis, benchmarking, and evidence-based planning.

Downloads: NER-District-SDG Index Report-2023-24, NER District SDG Index & Dashboard 2021-22 | Localising SDGs

DIF- SDG ASSAM | District SDG manual

2. State-Level Seminar on Northeast Region District SDG Index and Dashboard

• Date: February 2022
• Location: Assam Administrative Staff College (AASC), Guwahati
• Organizer: Transformation & Development Department, Assam
• Objective: Present and discuss the Northeast Region District SDGs Index and Dashboard, enhance state and district officials’ understanding of SDG progress, and identify gaps for policy action.
• Participants: State and district officials, T&D Department, CSDGs
• Key Highlights:
  • Orientation on use of SIF and DIF dashboards for tracking indicators.
  • Discussions on aligning departmental actions with SDG targets.

Downloads: SIF- SDG ASSAM

3. Comprehensive Report and Executive Summary – SDG Implementation Assessment

• Date: April 2022
• Organizer: T&D Department, Assam
• Objective: Assess implementation and monitoring of SDGs in Assam, summarizing progress, gaps, and recommendations.
• Significance: Serves as a reference document for policy makers, departments, and implementing agencies, guiding strategic planning and resource allocation for achieving SDGs.
• Downloads: Implementation of SDGs in Assam - Activities Progress Report January 2016-June 2017 | SDG at Global, National and Local level | SDGs Implementation Status in Assam | SDGs 59 Indicators for Assam with Data Source
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Section 6: Strengthening Implementation, Monitoring, and Capacity Building – 2023–2025

6.1 PMU Engagement – E&Y LLP

In January 2023, the Transformation & Development Department engaged E&Y LLP as the Project Management Unit (PMU). The PMU provides technical and institutional support to enhance SDG implementation, monitoring, and coordination across departments and districts. Their role includes guiding departments in aligning initiatives with SDG targets, using data effectively, and building long-term institutional capacity.

6.2 Data-Driven Monitoring: State and District Indicator Frameworks

A cornerstone of Assam’s SDG implementation is the State Indicator Framework (SIF) and District Indicator Framework (DIF).

State Indicator Framework (SIF) 1.0: The SDG State Indicator Framework 2022 – 23 was the inaugural version of the State SIF. This report assesses the progress made in fulfilling the 2030 Agenda and is the first extensive state-level publication to scrutinize and appraise government initiatives covering 270 indicators across 37 State Departments. 

These evaluations are based on crucial National Indicators set by NITI Aayog, Global Indicators outlined by the United Nations, Aspirational District Indicators, and State-Specific Indicators. Our state is one of the most diverse and rapidly growing emerging market economies in the nation. The Assam SDG SIF 2022-23 is designed to provide a comprehensive overview of the state's social, economic, and environmental conditions.  

 Downloads: Assam SDG State Indicator Framework 1.0 (2022-23)

State Indicator Framework (SIF) 2.0 is the second iteration of SIF with an extended indicator set of 293 indicators. The report would be based on comprehensive data collection, several stakeholder consultations, and policy alignment.  

The SDG PMU and T&D Department conducted 20+ sensitization sessions, assisting departments in understanding their indicator composition and setting targeted goals for effective SDG implementation. 

Aggregated data from 20 departments till now and is currently being analyzed to measure progress since SIF 1.0, ensuring precise and reliable tracking. 

District Indicator Framework 1.0: The Assam District Indicator Framework (DIF) 1.0 is a data-driven system to track district-level SDG progress using 144 indicators across 27 departments. DIF would help identify gaps, driving interventions, and foster healthy competition through district-level scoring and ranking.

6.3 Capacity-Building Workshops (2023–2025)

To equip officials to use these frameworks effectively, the T&D Department, with support from the PMU, organized a series of capacity-building workshops:

• 2023: Initial workshops following PMU engagement focused on understanding SDG indicators, using dashboards, and departmental action planning.
• 2024–2025: Follow-up workshops strengthened analytical capacity, inter-departmental coordination, and integration of SDGs into ongoing schemes.
• Participants: State and district officials, departmental representatives, and PMU members.
• Outcome: Enhanced ability of departments to plan, monitor, and implement SDG-aligned initiatives at state and district levels.

6.4 Knowledge Dissemination – SDG Newsletters and Economic Survey

Assam has maintained a focus on transparency and stakeholder engagement through its SDG newsletters:

• SDG Dorpon: The initial newsletter highlighting key milestones, early conclaves, and initiatives.

Downloads: Newsletter August 2017, Newsletter September 2017, Newsletter October-December 2017

• SDG Barta: Current newsletter sharing updates on ongoing initiatives, workshops, progress tracking, and awareness campaigns. These newsletters ensure continuous communication, dissemination of best practices, and wider engagement with stakeholders.
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Download:  SDG Barta Edition 1, SDG Barta Edition 2, SDG Barta Edition 2

Economic Survey of Assam: Since 2016, a dedicated chapter on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) has been included in the Economic Survey of Assam each year. This chapter provides an annual update on the state’s progress towards achieving the SDGs, helping stakeholders understand how far Assam has advanced toward its targets and the direction of its development trajectory.