Relevance of Public Policy in Achieving Sustainable Development Goals: The Indian Reality
Public policy is the framework of laws, regulations and actions governments implement to achieve social and economic goals. Public policy in India is influenced by the country’s Constitution based on the principles of democracy, equality and social justice. It is marked by profound impact on the lives of citizens, promoting economic development and social justice. Sustainability addresses the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs. Since 2018, India has realized notable development in goals, 3 (Good Health and Well-being), 6(Clean Water and Sanitation), 7(Affordable and Clean Energy), 9(Industry Innovation and Infrastructure) and11(Sustainable Cities and Communities). India's significant progress is also seen in other SDGs including 1) Poverty eradication: India has been working to eradicate poverty since its independence 2) Education: India has attained universal primary and secondary education. 3) Gender equality: Indian Constitution recognized gender equality in its Preamble, Fundamental Rights and Directive Principles of State Policy. Clean Water and Sanitation: India has achieved significant progress in provision of water and sanitation for all. Infrastructure: India has achieved significant progress in construction of infrastructure for its economic growth. Sustainable Industries: India has achieved significant progress in industrial development and innovation. The goals dealing with poverty elimination, providing descent work, economic growth, climate action registered growth at higher levels.
Consequently, India's national score on SDG index increased from 60 in 2019-20 to 66 in 2020-21 and 71 in 2023-24. India has set the goal of realizing all SDGs by 2030 in conformity with UN's goal of achieving the same. In addition, India has also fixed the target of achieving a fully developed country in 2047.The target of achieving the goal of all SDGs is also intensified through the time bound and target-based approach of achieving India as a developed country in 2047.