Implementing the SDGs in India: Poverty, Hunger and Gender

During this webinar, the Report titled “Implementing the SDGs in India: Poverty, Hunger and Gender” was presented by Dr. Tandon and then a discussion followed, focusing on SDG 1 (No Poverty), SDG 2 (Zero Hunger), and SDG 5 (Gender Equality).

Dr. Tandon began by questioning why between 2001 and 2020, India’s Rank for the Human Development Index had increased from 127 to 131, while its GDP had risen exponentially since the time.

One of the reasons is that the planning framework in this country is inadequate. Although only one entity in India which is the District Planning Committee has constitutional legitimacy for implementing SDGs, it is not empowered enough, nor does it have any powers or resources.

Training and capacity building of government officials needs to be improved in quality and scale, as the purpose of training currently is not learning. Ironically, India has the largest number of professionally trained housewives.

The system of governance is the heart of the problem in India, and for addressing SDG 1, 2 and 5, challenges need to be approached from the bottom of the hierarchy.