Framework to align National, State, ESG, and CSR indicators for evidence-based policymaking and sustainable growth
Ziraat Times Team Report
New Delhi: In a major step toward strengthening India’s sustainable development agenda, the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Indian Institute of Corporate Affairs (IICA) to develop a Comprehensive SDG Alignment Framework integrating National, State, ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) and CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) indicators.
The MoU, signed on October 31, 2025, aims to promote evidence-based policymaking, encourage sustainable corporate participation, and advance the government’s vision of Viksit Bharat.
Framework to Integrate National and Corporate Sustainability Goals
The partnership seeks to build upon the existing National Indicator Framework (NIF) — the primary tool for monitoring India’s progress on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) — by aligning it with state-level indicators and corporate sustainability standards.
The proposed framework will create a harmonized system linking national, state, and corporate initiatives, ensuring that ESG and CSR efforts undertaken by businesses directly contribute to India’s SDG priorities. The integrated model will also strengthen data-driven decision-making and facilitate cohesive SDG implementation across governance levels.
Leadership and Participants
At the Indian Institute of Corporate Affairs, the initiative is being led under the guidance of Shri Gyaneshwar Kumar Singh, Director General and CEO, IICA, who has been steering the institute’s strategic work in ESG, CSR, and Responsible Business Conduct, aligning corporate responsibility with India’s national development goals.
The MoU signing ceremony was attended by senior officials including Shri Kishor Baburao Surwade, Additional Director General, Capacity Development Division, MoSPI; Dr. Garima Dadhich, Associate Professor and Head, School of Business Environment, IICA; Ms. Ruchika Gupta, Deputy Director General, Social Statistics Division, MoSPI; Shri Shivnath Singh Jadawat, Director, Training Unit, Capacity Development Division, MoSPI; and Dr. Ziaul Haque, Director, Social Statistics Division, MoSPI, among others.
Advancing Viksit Bharat through Coherent SDG Monitoring
The collaboration will serve as a bridge between governmental and corporate sustainability frameworks, aligning CSR and ESG initiatives with State and Union Territory SDG targets. By harmonizing the National Indicator Framework (NIF) with state indicators (SIF), the initiative will enhance transparency, accountability, and inclusivity in India’s SDG monitoring system.
Officials stated that the MoU marks a significant step toward building a coherent national framework that promotes responsible business conduct and integrates corporate sustainability practices with India’s long-term development vision.
