Performance measures of sustainable development goals using SWI MCDM methods: a case of the Indian states

Abstract

Agenda 2030, also known as the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), is a set of global goals adopted by all United Nations Member States in 2015 through the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The SDGs provide a framework to tackle one of the world's most critical challenges: climate change. The 17 interconnected goals address a broad spectrum of social, economic, and environmental issues. The Government of India has embraced “Agenda 2030,” encompassing 17 SDGs alongside various indicators and targets within the sustainable framework. These indicators were instrumental in assessing the current status of the state concerning SDG attainment. Our primary contribution to this research lies in adopting the prescribed methodology to examine the current status of the SDG India Index 3.0. We focused on evaluating major objectives across Indian states, rating them based on their performance. This study proposes a novel approach utilizing the sum‐weighted information (SWI) multicriteria decision analysis/making (MCDA/M) framework to assess the progress of Indian states toward achieving the SDGs based on information measures. By integrating quantitative and qualitative indicators, this method offers a comprehensive evaluation of various aspects. The SWI MCDA/M framework enables policymakers and stakeholders to identify key strengths and weaknesses, prioritize areas for improvement, and formulate targeted strategies to accelerate progress toward the SDGs at the state level in India. Through empirical analysis and case studies, this research contributes to enhancing the effectiveness of SDG implementation efforts, fostering development practices, and promoting inclusive growth across Indian states. The findings indicate that Kerala achieved the first rank, with a 4.516 bits information score and Bihar ranks lowest among states in meeting the standards outlined in “Agenda 2030,” with a 5.530 bits information score.