Sustainable Development Goals: Assam’s Experience from Quantitative to Qualitative Development

Abstract

Integrated approach is the key to the success of the SDGs. The chapter seeks attention to the issues of decentralisation towards sustainability by drawing upon the attention for managing resources, capacity development and accountability mechanism at the local level in India. Assam was the first state to adopt a state plan for SDGs, namely, ‘Vision Assam 2030’ and set an example for others in terms of decentralised management of SDGs. The chapter discusses its rationale, challenges and draws a roadmap to create awareness, evaluate performance, and improve transparency and inclusion at local governance. Elected representatives and even judiciary have also been mobilised for actualising implementation of SDGs in the State. The chapter suggests, as way forward for localisation of the SDGs at the grassroots level, developing partnership with non-government players, mobilising all kinds of resources and creating an effective monitoring system for SDG implementation.