Why in News? 

NITI Aayog, Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (MoDoNER), and United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) released the second edition of the North Eastern Region District SDG Index (2023–24) in New Delhi. 

About the Index 

• It measures SDG performance of 121 districts across 8 North Eastern states. 
• Covers key goals like health, education, water, jobs and equality. 
• The first edition was launched in August 2021. 
• Helps identify gaps and guide targeted regional development. 

Key Highlights (2023–24 Report) 

• 85% districts improved SDG scores since the previous edition. 
• All districts in Mizoram, Sikkim, and Tripura reached Front Runner status (Score: 65–99). 
• Hnahthial (Mizoram): Top performer (Score: 81.43). 
• Longding (Arunachal Pradesh): Lowest score (58.71). 
• Nagaland: 3 districts in Top 10 performers. 
• Sikkim showed the most consistent district performance. 

About NITI Aayog 

NITI Aayog was established on 1st January 2015, replacing the Planning Commission. It promotes a ‘bottom-up’ approach to governance, aiming for ‘Maximum Governance, Minimum Government’ and fostering the spirit of Cooperative Federalism. 

Composition of NITI Aayog 

• Chairperson: The Prime Minister of India. 
• Vice-Chairperson: Appointed by the Prime Minister. 
• Governing Council: Comprises all Chief Ministers and Lieutenant Governors of Union Territories. 
• Regional Councils: Formed to tackle regional issues; chaired by the Prime Minister or a nominated representative. 
• Ad-hoc Members: Subject experts from research institutions, selected on a rotational basis. 
• Ex-Officio Members: Up to four Union Ministers, nominated by the Prime Minister. 
• Chief Executive Officer (CEO): Appointed by the Prime Minister. 
• Special Invitees: Experts and specialists from various fields, nominated by the Prime Minister. 

Functions of NITI Aayog 

• Policy Formulation: Designs strategic and sector-wise policies for national development. 
• Monitoring & Evaluation: Assesses the progress and effectiveness of government schemes and initiatives. 
• Promoting Cooperative Federalism: Facilitates collaboration between the Centre and State governments. 
• Advisory Think Tank: Provides expert knowledge, insights and innovative solutions to support effective governance.