Envisioning the Future: The Role of Sustainable Development Goals 2030 in Bihar

The seminar entitled “Envisioning the Future: The Role of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 2030 in Bihar” was a collaborative initiative of Ram Dayalu Singh Sustainable Foundation (RDSSDF) in New Delhi and Prem Youth Foundation (PYF) in Patna, Bihar. The objective of the seminar was to explore the implementation of the SDGs in Bihar and to foster partnerships for sustainable development initiatives.

Overview of Sustainable Development Goals 2030 in India:

The seminar provided a comprehensive overview of all 17 SDGs, their respective targets, and indicators, highlighting their relevance to the Indian context. The discussion delved into the Sustainable Development Index (SDI) and its implications for measuring progress.

Overview of Sustainable Development Goals in Bihar:

A specific focus was placed on the alignment of the 17 SDGs with the development priorities of Bihar, including the targets and indicators pertinent to the state’s unique challenges and opportunities.

Welfare and Inclusive Schemes and Programmes:

An update on the various welfare and inclusive schemes and programs of the Government of India that complement the accomplishment of SDG targets was presented. Similarly, the schemes and programs of the Government of Bihar that contribute to achieving the 17 SDGs were discussed.

Contribution of CSR Projects:

The seminar highlighted the significance of corporate social responsibility (CSR) projects in supporting the achievement of the 17 SDGs in Bihar, emphasizing the positive impact of CSR initiatives on the state’s development.

Roles and Responsibilities of Governments and NGOs:

Furthermore, the roles and responsibilities of different departments of the Government of India and the Government of Bihar in advancing the SDGs were elaborated. The crucial role of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in facilitating social, economic, and environmental benefits to realize a harmonious and equitable future was also underscored.

Concluding Remarks:

The seminar attracted active participation from social scientists, NGO professionals, youth leaders, and specialists from diverse fields. The collaborative spirit was evident as several NGOs expressed their commitment to forming a consortium to further the agenda for sustainable development at the district and block levels in Bihar.

In conclusion, the seminar encapsulated a shared vision for advancing the SDGs in Bihar, culminating in a collective commitment to interdisciplinary collaboration and concerted action. The momentum generated at the seminar sets the stage for a dynamic and inclusive approach to sustainable development in Bihar, with a focus on fostering meaningful partnerships and driving positive change.

Satish Chandra (RDSSDF): The 17 Global Goals, also known as the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), were established by the United Nations in 2015 to address global challenges and create a more sustainable future by 2030. Each goal has specific targets and indicators to measure progress. I’ll provide a brief overview of the SDGs and then focus on the context of India, with a specific look at Bihar.

No Poverty: End poverty in all its forms everywhere.
Zero Hunger: End hunger, achieve food security, and improve nutrition.
Good Health and Well-being: Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all ages.
Quality Education: Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities.
Gender Equality: Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls.
Clean Water and Sanitation: Ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all.
Affordable and Clean Energy: Ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy for all.
Decent Work and Economic Growth: Promote sustained, inclusive, and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment, and decent work for all.
Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure: Build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization, and foster innovation.
Reduced Inequality: Reduce inequality within and among countries.
Sustainable Cities and Communities: Make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable.
Responsible Consumption and Production: Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns.
Climate Action: Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts.
Life Below Water: Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas, and marine resources for sustainable development.
Life on Land: Protect, restore, and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, sustainably manage forests, combat desertification, and halt and reverse land degradation and halt biodiversity loss.
Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions: Promote peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, provide access to justice for all, and build effective, accountable, and inclusive institutions at all levels.
Partnerships for the Goals: Strengthen the means of implementation and revitalize the global partnership for sustainable development.

In the context of India and specifically Bihar, each goal and its associated targets and indicators are essential for addressing the specific challenges faced by the region. For example, in Bihar, achieving Zero Hunger (Goal 2) could involve increasing agricultural productivity, providing support for smallholder farmers, and improving access to nutritious food. Similarly, ensuring Good Health and Well-being (Goal 3) in Bihar may involve reducing maternal and child mortality rates, improving healthcare infrastructure, and enhancing access to sanitation facilities.

To effectively address these goals, it is crucial to involve local communities, governments, and organizations in developing and implementing tailored strategies and initiatives. This could include promoting sustainable agriculture practices, improving access to clean water and sanitation, enhancing education and vocational training opportunities, and supporting women’s empowerment.

By aligning efforts with the SDGs, especially within the context of India and Bihar, it is possible to make significant progress in addressing poverty, promoting sustainable development, and creating a better future for all.

Bihar, India has made progress in the implementation of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) across various sectors. The state government has been actively working towards achieving the goals set out by the United Nations. Here are some key areas of progress:

Poverty Alleviation: The state has been focusing on poverty alleviation programs such as employment generation, skill development, and social welfare schemes to lift people out of poverty.

Education: Bihar has been working to improve access to quality education, particularly for girls. Initiatives like strengthening school infrastructure and providing scholarships have helped in increasing school enrollment and educational outcomes.

Healthcare: The state has made efforts to improve healthcare facilities and services, especially in rural areas. Initiatives such as the Janani Shishu Suraksha Karyakram (JSSK) have been implemented to ensure free maternal and child health services.

Gender Equality: Bihar has taken steps to address gender disparities through programs aimed at women’s empowerment, reducing gender-based violence, and increasing women’s participation in decision-making processes.

Clean Energy: The state has been promoting clean energy initiatives, including the use of solar power and promoting energy-efficient practices to reduce carbon emissions and combat climate change.

While progress has been made, challenges remain in the implementation of SDGs in Bihar. Issues such as infrastructure development, environmental conservation, and sustainable agriculture still need attention. Additionally, factors like population growth, social inequalities, and governance issues continue to pose challenges to the state’s sustainable development efforts.

Overall, Bihar is making significant strides in implementing the SDGs, but continued efforts and collaboration between the government, civil society, and private sector are crucial to fully achieve the ambitious targets set by the SDGs.

Bihar has undertaken several key initiatives to promote gender equality in the state. Some of the prominent initiatives include:

Mukhyamantri Nari Shakti Yojana: This scheme aims to empower women by providing them with opportunities for skill development, entrepreneurship, and economic independence. It also promotes women’s participation in decision-making processes at the community level.

Kanya Uthan Yojana: This initiative focuses on ensuring education, health, and nutrition for girls. It includes schemes such as bicycle distribution to girls to facilitate their access to education and financial incentives for the successful completion of schooling.

Campaign Against Dowry and Child Marriage: The state government has been actively involved in campaigns to raise awareness about the harmful effects of dowry and child marriage. These efforts aim to change social perceptions and eliminate these harmful practices.

Implementation of the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act: Bihar has been working to enforce legislation aimed at preventing child marriage and protecting the rights of young girls.

Women’s Safety and Security: Bihar has implemented measures to enhance the safety and security of women, including the establishment of women’s helplines and the promotion of community policing to address gender-based violence.

Reservation in Local Governance: The state has provided reservation for women in local governance bodies, such as panchayats and municipal corporations, to ensure their participation in decision-making and leadership roles.

These initiatives reflect the commitment of the Bihar government to address gender disparities and empower women across various aspects of life, including education, healthcare, economic independence, and political participation.

Despite these initiatives, challenges related to gender equality persist in the state, including issues of women’s health, safety, and access to resources. Continued efforts to eliminate gender-based discrimination and empower women through comprehensive policies and programs are essential to achieving true gender equality in Bihar.

The Mukhyamantri Nari Shakti Yojana in Bihar is a significant initiative aimed at empowering women by providing them with various opportunities for skill development, entrepreneurship, and economic independence. The key components and features of the Mukhyamantri Nari Shakti Yojana include:

Skill Development and Training: The Yojana focuses on providing women with skill development and training programs to enhance their employability and entrepreneurship prospects. This includes training in various fields such as agriculture, handicrafts, small-scale industries, and services sectors.

Financial Assistance: The scheme offers financial assistance and support to women entrepreneurs and self-help groups to launch and sustain their business initiatives. This assistance may come in the form of grants, subsidies, or low-interest loans to support women in starting and expanding their enterprises.

Market Linkages and Networking: The Yojana facilitates market linkages by connecting women entrepreneurs with potential buyers, government procurement programs, and other market opportunities. It also promotes networking and collaboration among women-led businesses to foster growth and sustainability.

Empowerment and Leadership Development: The initiative aims to build the leadership and decision-making capabilities of women by providing training and mentorship opportunities. It also encourages women’s participation in community-level decision-making processes and governance structures.

Awareness and Sensitization: The scheme includes efforts to raise awareness about women’s rights, gender equality, and the importance of women’s empowerment. This involves educational campaigns and outreach programs to change social perceptions and foster a more supportive environment for women’s economic and social participation.

The Mukhyamantri Nari Shakti Yojana reflects the state government’s commitment to promoting women’s empowerment and gender equality by addressing economic and social barriers that hinder women’s progress. By providing targeted support and opportunities for women to develop their skills, access financial resources, and connect with markets, the Yojana aims to create an enabling environment for women to thrive as entrepreneurs and leaders in various sectors of the economy.

Overall, the Mukhyamantri Nari Shakti Yojana plays a crucial role in advancing the economic and social status of women in Bihar, contributing to the broader goal of gender equality and inclusive development in the state.

The Mukhyamantri Nari Shakti Yojana in Bihar aims to economically empower women across various sectors, including agriculture. While specific details may vary, it’s likely that the subsidies and financial assistance provided under the Yojana encompass support for women engaged in agriculture-related businesses. These may include provisions for equipment, training, marketing support, and other resources that can benefit women entrepreneurs in the agricultural sector. To gain precise information on the scope of subsidies for agriculture-related businesses under the Yojana, considering reaching out to the designated authority or visiting the official website for comprehensive details. Additionally, they can provide tailored guidance to ensure that you can leverage the available support for your specific agricultural enterprise. I encourage you to seek clarification directly from the authorities to fully understand the opportunities available for your agriculture-related business under the Yojana.

Dear Shri Prem Ji – I have attempted to develop the first draft of the Seminar Report, which needs to be reviewed by Dr. Avinash CA Manoj Jha, CA Puneet Ji, Shri Arvind Sinha, Social Scientist, Journalists, and other professionals.

The summary may include the Proposal for setting up the RDS – Indian Institute of Sustainable Development ( RDSIISD). Since I shall return to Delhi on January 7th, we may remain in touch via virtual mode and plan webinars in the coming months. Thank you for your kind support and for introducing RDSSDF to the broader group of stakeholders in Bihar.

I am hugely obliged to Shri Arvind Sinha Ji, but for his endeavours, the dream to launch the RDSSDF and furtherance the agenda for developing Bihar through SDG wouldn’t have been a reality.

Please accept my gratitude and prayers for your help and support. I wish all my fellow state citizenry and organizations, including the representatives of Youth Hostel, to chart pathways in lifting the Sustainable Development Goal Index of Bihar during 2024-2025.

I wish you all a Happy New Year for all those who supported or remotely blessed us in pursuit of the cause of SDG 2030.