Assessing block level performance under sustainable development goal 1 in the context of rural areas: a case of Dabugam, block, Nabarangapur district, Odisha/

Abstract

The existence of poverty does not have an only association with money. It is not just about having enough money to meet the basic needs. Instead, it is much more than just not having sufficient money. Apart from capital, poverty also includes the aspects of livelihood where people can barely afford to have basic food, shelter, education, and other infrastructural amenities like sanitation, drinking water, etc. The existence of poverty in our society has a significant impact on the livelihood of every other individual. India is one of the rural predominant and developing countries that face the issue of poverty in a much graver scenario. As per the statistics, a total of seven low-income states namely, Uttar Pradesh, Odisha, Jharkhand, Bihar, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and Chhattisgarh, house a total of 45% of India’s poor population. Also, out of the entire Indian population, 80% live in rural areas. Poverty in the Indian context primarily affects marginalized communities such as the SC/STs women and children. They are consistently vulnerable to multiple shocks in the form of gender discrimination and access to basic amenities. Several reports by various committees suggest that around 29.50% of people are poor in India. This crisis of poverty perpetuates among the backward communities over generations. The catastrophe of COVID has resulted in the worst scenario, forcing people to fall prey to poverty. The return migration and its impact on the overall rural economy have worsened the poverty crisis. To manage the poverty crisis effectively, the role of sustainable development goals (SDG) is irreplaceable. There are 17 goals of SDG which provide exclusive guidance for addressing the global challenges and preserving the opportunity for every individual to lead their life in a dignified manner. The United Nations has termed poverty as one of the most prominent challenges of humanity, and there is a need for an initiative that will lead the world to a more sustainable path. India is home to around 1/6th of the population and holds a significant contribution to the Sustainable development Goals. NITI Aayog has been monitoring the Sustainable development goal 1 through its indicators and categorizing the performance of every state. The state of Odisha has also been facing the issue of poverty for many years. Factors like high rate of migration, lack of infrastructure, socio economic exploitation, and low literacy rate are the significant factors contributing to the increased poverty rate. Thus, with the existing predicament of poverty, the role of sustainable development goals is being researched through this study. This study will help to understand the current situation and the performance level in the local context more precisely. A total of 14 indicators have been selected based on the NITI Aayog report, International SDG indicators, as well as the state level (Odisha) SDG framework. A detailed analysis of these indicators is carried out by undertaking the Dabugam Block of Nabarangapur district as a case study area. The concerned study area is one of the most backward districts of the state and thus, would give a detailed and precise scenario for alleviating poverty under Sustainable Development goal one. Further, there is a need for a constant monitoring cell to strengthen the existing policies and governance frameworks that would work for the holistic development of the rural communities. Such frameworks must include the elements of community participation and an inclusive approach that will further strengthen the growth prospects of these rural communities.