New Delhi, December 23, 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.