Strengthening Inter-Departmental Coordination in Bihar for Achieving SDG Targets

Patna, 4 November (ABN) – The Department of Planning and Development of the Bihar government, with technical support from UNICEF, conducted a one-day capacity building workshop for the nodal officers of the SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals). The workshop was inaugurated by the department’s Additional Chief Secretary Dr. N. J. Lakshmi and Secretary K. Tanush. The primary objective of the workshop was to strengthen coordination among various departments for achieving the SDGs by 2030 and to review the State Indicator Framework (SIF) and update it to align with the latest needs. On this occasion, Dr. N. J. Lakshmi stated that every department plays a crucial role in achieving the SDG targets by 2030. She instructed that departments should prepare success stories from indicators showing positive progress and development, so that they can be integrated with the policy agenda. She also mentioned the improved national status of the inland fisheries sector in Bihar and suggested considering the inclusion of relevant indicators related to SDG‑14 (Life Below Water) in the State Indicator Framework. The technical sessions of the workshop examined the usefulness of indicators from various departments, the feasibility of measurement, and the availability of data.

During this time, suggestions were also received regarding the inclusion of new indicators as needed, modification of existing indicators, and removal of unnecessary indicators.