JICA Grants Rs 932 Crore Loan for India's Sustainable Development Goals

By siliconindia  |  Friday, 22 December 2023, 09:10:59 AM IST

JICA Grants Rs 932 Crore Loan for India's Sustainable Development Goals
The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) has concluded a loan agreement of around Rs 932 Crore to bolster Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) initiatives in India. According to a JICA statement, the loan will support projects under the supervision of NITI Aayog, with a focus on 112 aspirational districts and 500 aspirational blocks across the country. The initiatives aim to advance policy measures, implement best practices, and strengthen the Japan-India partnership through the exchange of human resources, as outlined in the statement.
"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", it added. In the health sector, the focus will be on bolstering regional healthcare systems and improving maternal and child nutrition to achieve SDGs. Educational initiatives will aim to enhance learning outcomes, foster inclusive school environments, and maintain hygienic educational facilities.
NITI Aayog's agricultural and water resource initiatives aspire to enhance farmers' income and boost the effectiveness of agricultural producer associations by fostering the cultivation of a variety of high-value crops. The government-supported think tank will additionally strive to achieve financial inclusion and skill development objectives. This involves broadening vocational training opportunities for young people and expanding financial inclusion and social security coverage. Infrastructure enhancements will prioritize the expansion of internet accessibility and the universal availability of water supplies.
"This initiative underscores our commitment to fostering impactful change in critical areas and promoting a stronger Japan-India partnership," said Saito Mitsunori, chief representative of JICA India. “Together, we aim to contribute to a more sustainable and inclusive future for all".
In January 2019, JICA entered into an initial loan agreement with India, amounting to approximately Rs 950 crores, signifying the commencement of the initial phase of the "Program for Japan-India Cooperative Actions towards Sustainable Development Goals in India." In the subsequent phase spanning from April 2021 to March 2026, JICA will oversee and assess the quantitative and qualitative results of these policy actions, divided into three tranches.

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