In which category has Haryana been in the "SDG India Index-3.0" report?

Question

Accepted Answer

The correct option is 2:

The SDG India Index, published by NITI Aayog, is a crucial tool for monitoring the progress of Indian states and Union Territories towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The index categorizes states based on their composite score: Aspirant (0–49), Performer (50–64), Front Runner (65–99), and Achiever (100). The specific report in question, "SDG India Index 3.0" (released in June 2021 for the reference year 2020-21), is the third edition of this index. In this report, the state of Haryana was awarded a score that placed it squarely in the Front Runner category (65–99). States in this category demonstrate strong overall progress and are very close to achieving the SDG goals, indicating successful policy implementation and significant development across multiple sectors.

The incorrect option is 1 (Achiever (100)):
The Achiever category is reserved for states that have already attained the target score of 100, meaning they have fully accomplished all the listed SDG goals. Achieving a score of 100 is exceptionally difficult and usually signals world-class performance across all 17 goals. While Haryana performed very well, achieving a score in the mid-to-high 60s, it did not reach the perfect score of 100 required for the Achiever status in the SDG India Index 3.0.

The incorrect option is 3 (Performer (50-64)):
The Performer category denotes states and UTs that are showing decent progress but still have substantial ground to cover to reach the Front Runner status. In the SDG India Index 3.0, the score of Haryana was higher than the maximum score of 64 designated for the Performer category. Therefore, classifying Haryana as a Performer would underestimate its achievements and progress in meeting the Sustainable Development Goals during the reference period.

The incorrect option is 4 (Aspirant (0-49)):
The Aspirant category is assigned to states and UTs at the beginning stage of SDG implementation, showing the lowest scores (below 50). These states require the most targeted intervention and accelerated progress to meet the 2030 targets. Haryana's performance, as reflected in its score in the SDG India Index 3.0, was significantly higher than the 0-49 range. Hence, placing Haryana in the Aspirant category is factually incorrect and misrepresents its overall development status.