Workshop on SDG Monitoring in Tripura

Summary of the Capacity Building Workshop: "Strengthening Sub-National SDG Monitoring"

A one-day capacity-building workshop titled “Strengthening Sub-National SDG Monitoring” was conducted on August 22, 2025, in Agartala, Tripura. This initiative was a collaborative effort of the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI), the Government of Tripura, and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). The purpose of the workshop was to enhance the capacity of States and Union Territories that are in the early stages of developing their own frameworks for monitoring the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Key Highlights:

• Objective:

  • Strengthen the frameworks for monitoring SDGs at sub-national levels.
  • Align State and District Indicator Frameworks (SIFs/DIFs) with national priorities.

• Participation:

  • Attendees included representatives from various States and Union Territories currently developing their SDG frameworks.

• Statements and Emphasis:

  • Shri Bikash Debbarma, Minister for Planning (Statistics) in Tripura, stressed the adoption of a "whole-of-government" approach to utilize SDGs as tools to enhance socio-economic conditions, particularly focusing on vulnerable groups such as women and children.
  • Shri S.C Malik, Additional Director General of MoSPI, highlighted localized actions and ongoing monitoring efforts as vital for the achievement of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. He underlined the importance of obtaining high-quality, timely, and detailed data, asserting that monitoring frameworks aim to enhance developmental outcomes and inclusivity.
  • Shri Rajiv Sen, Senior Advisor at NITI Aayog, discussed the necessity of strengthening institutions and effective scheme implementation through robust SDG monitoring.

• Framework Development:

  • MoSPI has developed the National Indicator Framework (NIF) and provided guidelines for States/UTs to formulate their own frameworks. Updated guidelines were published in March 2022.
  • Attendees participated in technical sessions that included group exercises to identify indicators for monitoring each SDG goal. This exercise aimed to create draft frameworks and assign responsibilities for implementation while incorporating gender and climate concerns into these frameworks.

• UNDP Commitment:

  • The representative from UNDP, Mr. Jaimon Uthup, reaffirmed support for the Indian Government and local bodies in building strong data systems, enhancing technical capacities, and implementing inclusive monitoring mechanisms.

• Outcomes and Action Points:

  • The workshop concluded with a renewed commitment from all participating entities to bolster their sub-national SDG monitoring frameworks in alignment with the NIF. It fostered commitment towards evidence-based policymaking, with the ultimate aim to meet the objectives set forth in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

Important Points:

• The workshop was held on August 22, 2025, in Agartala, Tripura.
• Involvement of MoSPI, UNDP, and the Government of Tripura.
• Emphasized a whole-of-government approach for SDGs focusing on socio-economic improvement.
• High-quality and granular data fundamental to monitoring outcomes.
• MoSPI issued guidelines for developing State and District Indicator Frameworks, with updates in March 2022.
• Discussions on global best practices for SDG monitoring.
• Call to action for States/UTs to strengthen sub-national monitoring frameworks.
• Focus on inclusivity and cross-cutting issues, especially gender and climate considerations.

This workshop represents a significant step towards enhancing SDG monitoring capabilities in India, paving the way for effective policy implementation and improved socio-economic outcomes.