JICA extends an ODA loan of INR 932 crores with the Government of India for Sustainable Development Goals

New Delhi, December 21, 2023: Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) has formalized a loan agreement of 15,301 million Yen (approx. INR 932 Crore)with the Government of India, for the "Program for Japan-India Cooperative Actions towards Sustainable Development Goals in India (Phase 2)” which will be implemented by NITI Aayog. The project, building on the success of its predecessor (Phase 1), aims to contribute to the achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in India by enhancing progress and promoting policy actions.

The project will cover all of India, targeting 112 Aspirational Districts (AD) and 500 Aspirational Blocks (AB). It focuses on promoting policy actions, implementing best practices, and strengthening the Japan-India partnership through human resource exchanges. Based on consultations with NITI Aayog, policy actions in five fields, such as “health and nutrition”, “education”, “agriculture and water resources”, “financial inclusion and skill development”, and “basic infrastructure” are prioritized and identified as policy matrix pillars are set in those fields. In the sector of health and nutrition, the focus is to strengthen the regional healthcare system and promote maternal and child nutrition. Educational efforts include improving learning outcomes, creating inclusive school environments, and maintaining hygienic facilities. Agriculture and water resources initiatives aim to boost farmers' profits and enhance the functions of agricultural producer associations by cultivating multiple varieties and high value crops. Financial inclusion and skills development focuses on expanding opportunities of skill training for youth and improving financial inclusion and social security coverage. Basic infrastructure improvements target internet penetration and universal water supply access.

Speaking on this occasion, Mr. SAITO Mitsunori, Chief Representative of JICA India said, "At JICA, we are proud to continue our collaborative journey with the Government of India in advancing sustainable development. This initiative underscores our commitment to fostering impactful change in critical areas and promoting a stronger Japan-India partnership. Together, we aim to contribute to a more sustainable and inclusive future for all."

India, on its path towards achieving SDGs, continues to advance, navigating complexities. The loan agreement of initial phase, "Program for Japan-India Cooperative Actions towards Sustainable Development Goals in India (Phase 1)" was signed in January 2019 (with an approval amount of 15 billion yen). It yielded positive outcomes, improving the SDG Achievement Score from 59.1 in 2018 to 60.1 in 2021. Under Phase 2 project, the quantitative and qualitative outcomes of policy actions will be monitored and evaluated in three tranches from April 2021 to March 2026.The project aligns with Japan's Country Assistance Policy for India (March 2016) and various JICA Global Agendas.

About JICA
Established by law, as an incorporated administrative institution under the Government of Japan, the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) aims to contribute to the promotion of international cooperation, as the sole Japanese governmental agency in charge of ODA implementation. JICA is the world's largest bilateral donor agency and works as a bridge between Japan and emerging countries, providing assistance in the form of loans, grants, and technical cooperation, to enable the emerging countries to strengthen their capabilities.

JICA India Office Web: https://www.jica.go.jp/india/english/index.html
JICA India Brochure:
https://www.jica.go.jp/Resource/india/english/office/others/c8h0vm00004cesxi-att/brochure_27.pdf
JICA Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/jicaindiapr/
Let’s Wash Our Hands with HELLO KITTY!! (English Version):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E6mrZHiwWUg

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