During the COVID-19 crisis, India supplied essential medicines to more than 80 countries. (Representative)
The United Nations:
India’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic, articulated through Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of an “Aatma Nirbhar Bharat”, does not imply a “self-sufficient or isolationist” India and the country remains favorable to the multilateral world economic order, as challenges presented by the pandemic can only be addressed by multilateralism and global solidarity, said NITI Aayog vice-president Rajiv Kumar.
India presented its second voluntary national review (VNR) on the Sustainable Development Goals on Monday during a virtual session of the High-Level Political Forum.
Introducing India’s VNR, Kumar said the Indian government’s response to the pandemic has been articulated through Prime Minister Modi’s vision of an “Aatma Nirbhar Bharat” or an autonomous India.
“This in no way implies a self-sufficient or isolationist India. On the other hand, we remain favorable to the multilateral world economic order, whose robust, resilient and rapid response capacities to major disturbances are undoubtedly established”, a said Mr. Kumar. said in his speech at the High Level Political Forum.
Mr. Kumar was accompanied by a NITI Aayog adviser, Sanyukta Samaddar during the presentation of the VNR.
He noted that the COVID-19 pandemic has created many new challenges for countries.
“All member countries also face several pressing challenges, including climate change, the scourge of dehumanizing poverty, human trafficking and natural disasters.
Stressing that the virus does not recognize any distinction, Mr. Kumar stressed that “we should all erase all the divisions and distinctions between us, and come together to try to convert the current situation into an opportunity to accelerate our progress towards the achievement of ODD “.
Kumar said India’s responses to the COVID-19-induced economic downturn have been operationalized through a $ 276 billion stimulus package, or 10% of India’s GDP, and includes several reforms and relief measures in all sectors to protect lives and livelihoods.
“There is no doubt that challenges remain. We are committed to meeting them effectively and quickly. Our second NRV highlights many of these good practices that have worked in the most difficult parts of our country. These examples can provide a basis for mutual learning between countries. The role of international cooperation is more critical than ever, “he said.
Referring to Prime Minister Modi’s articulation that “people, planet and profits are linked”, Kumar said nations must focus “seriously” on the triple bottom line of optimizing financial returns , social and ecological in everything they do. “We must continually strive to do good by doing good. It can be done,” he said.
Describing India’s significant progress towards the SDGs and the 2030 Agenda through various flagship and ambitious programs and initiatives, Mr. Kumar said that the country has successfully lifted 270 million people out of multidimensional poverty, the law on the right to education promises education for all and the Prime Minister’s housing program promises a roof over each head by 2025 and running water in every house.
He added that electricity has already reached all villages in India and that 80 million households have access to clean fuel, 110 million toilets have been built, 385 million new bank accounts have been opened and the government launched the world‘s largest health insurance program “Ayushman Bharat ” which covers 500 million citizens.
JAM Trinity (Jan-Dhan, Aadhaar and Mobile) has enabled the government to move all beneficiaries into nearly 480 direct benefit transfer schemes.
“Given our great diversity, our regional priorities and … our plurality, we have had to locate the SDGs. One size fits just not everyone,” said Kumar, adding that the government was actively working in partnership with state governments and union territories. for vertical and horizontal policy coherence to achieve the SDG targets.
Kumar told the high-level forum that the second process for preparing the NRV in India was “truly participatory” and included consultations with business, civil society organizations, universities, think tanks, professionals and startups.
“It is indeed an effort by all of society,” he said.
NITI Aayog has partnered with civil society organizations for a consultative process that has seen more than 50 national and subnational consultations led by civil society organizations from 14 population groups.
Kumar also highlighted India’s leadership in the International Solar Alliance and the Coalition for Disaster Resilience Infrastructure, the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification and the Paris Climate Agreement.
In addition, during the COVID-19 crisis, India expanded humanitarian assistance and provided essential medicines in more than 80 countries around the world.
“We may be physically far from each other, but we are staying connected … The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted our plans and deadlines. Therefore, we must double and triple our efforts to achieve the goal. ‘Agenda 2030’, he said. .
