Question

Which of the following indicator(s) is/are used by the NITI Aayog’s Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) India Index 2023-24 report to measure India’s performance towards SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities)?

• A. Percentage of seats held by women in Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs)
• B. Income inequality using Gini coefficient
• C. Unemployment rate in the age group of 15-59 years
• D. Annual growth rate of GDP per-capita at constant prices

Hint:

The Gini coefficient is one of the most important measures of income inequality. A lower Gini value indicates a more equal distribution of income in society.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B, C

Step 1: Understand the objective of SDG 10.
Sustainable Development Goal 10 focuses on

Reduced Inequalities.
The objective of this SDG is to reduce inequality within and among countries by promoting inclusive growth, equal opportunities, social inclusion, and fair distribution of income and resources.
The NITI Aayog SDG India Index uses various socio-economic indicators to measure progress toward this goal.

Step 2: Analyze option (A).
Option (A) refers to the percentage of seats held by women in Panchayati Raj Institutions.
This indicator primarily relates to gender participation, political empowerment, and inclusive governance.
Such indicators are generally associated with SDG 5, which focuses on

Gender Equality.
Therefore, this indicator is not primarily used for measuring SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities).
Hence, option (A) is incorrect.

Step 3: Analyze option (B).
The Gini coefficient is a widely used statistical measure of income inequality.
It measures how unevenly income is distributed among individuals or households in an economy.
A higher Gini coefficient indicates greater inequality, while a lower coefficient indicates more equal distribution.
Since SDG 10 directly deals with reducing inequalities, the Gini coefficient is an important indicator used for this purpose.
Hence, option (B) is correct.

Step 4: Analyze option (C).
Unemployment, especially among the working-age population, reflects unequal access to employment opportunities and income generation.
The unemployment rate in the age group 15--59 years is therefore relevant in assessing economic inclusion and inequality.
The SDG India Index considers labour market outcomes as part of measuring reduced inequalities.
Hence, option (C) is correct.

Step 5: Analyze option (D).
Annual growth rate of GDP per-capita measures overall economic growth and average income growth in the economy.
Although economic growth may indirectly affect inequality, GDP per-capita growth itself is mainly associated with SDG 8, which focuses on economic growth and decent work.
It does not directly measure inequality reduction.
Hence, option (D) is incorrect.

Step 6: Final conclusion.
The indicators used by the NITI Aayog SDG India Index 2023-24 to measure SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities) include income inequality using the Gini coefficient and unemployment rate in the age group 15--59 years.
Therefore, the correct answer is
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