A regional workshop focusing on strengthening the implementation of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) at the district level was held on February 12, 2026, at the Assam Administrative Staff College in Guwahati. The workshop, titled “North-Eastern Region Workshop on Enhancing SDG Outcomes at the District Level,” was jointly organized by NITI Aayog, the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (MDoNER), and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). The event brought together officials from several northeastern states to discuss practical ways to accelerate development progress across districts.
Discussions during the workshop highlighted the need to move beyond monitoring progress and focus more strongly on implementation. Experts stressed that district administrations must identify development gaps accurately and prepare targeted, time-bound action plans that match local priorities. Participants agreed that localized planning, backed by reliable data and regular review mechanisms, is essential for achieving long-term SDG outcomes in the region.
A delegation from the Government of Sikkim took part in the programme. The delegation included Secretary-cum-Director General of the Directorate of Economics, Statistics, Monitoring and Evaluation (DESM&E), Smt. Devika S. Chhetri; Additional District Collector (ADC) of Gangtok, Mr. Tshering Norgyal Theengh; ADC of Soreng, Mr. D.R. Bista; and Assistant Director of DESM&E, Mr. Nabin Sharma. The Sikkim delegation shared experiences related to planning, monitoring, and district-level data systems that support development programmes.
During a technical session titled “SDG Localisation in the North Eastern Region – From Evidence to Action,” Smt. Devika S. Chhetri served as a key panellist and presented Sikkim’s experience in achieving strong SDG performance. She highlighted the state’s approach of using evidence-based planning, coordinated monitoring systems, and active district participation to improve development indicators. Participants noted that the state has consistently maintained a strong position in regional SDG rankings.
NITI Aayog representatives appreciated Sikkim’s performance, particularly its achievements in the Multidimensional Poverty Index. According to the 2023-24 North Eastern Region District SDG Index report, all six districts of Sikkim have been classified as “Front Runner” districts. Among them, Gangtok district secured the 8th position out of 121 districts assessed across the northeastern region. The ranking was based on 84 indicators mapped to 50 SDG targets, reflecting performance across sectors such as education, health, infrastructure, and social welfare.
The workshop also acknowledged the proactive role played by the Directorate of Economics and Statistics of Sikkim in developing a strong data ecosystem that supports district-level planning and evaluation. Officials from different states expressed interest in adopting similar data-driven approaches to improve monitoring and implementation of development programmes.
Participants concluded that stronger coordination among central agencies, state governments, and district administrations would be essential for translating SDG commitments into measurable results on the ground. The workshop ended with a shared understanding that targeted local action, supported by reliable data and regular performance reviews, will play a key role in accelerating sustainable development across the northeastern region.