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World Bank Approves $776 Million for Indian Education and Agriculture

Enhancing Education and Agriculture Resilience in India

World Bank Approves $776 Million for Indian Education and Agriculture

  • 28 Nov, 2025
  • 559

World Bank Funding for Education and Agriculture in India

In November 2025, the World Bank approved a substantial funding of USD 776 million (approximately Rs. 6,467 crore) for two significant projects in India. These projects are aimed at enhancing education in Punjab and promoting climate-resilient agriculture in Maharashtra.

Project Overview

The total funding of USD 776 million is allocated for two key initiatives:

  • Punjab: Punjab Outcomes-Acceleration in School Education Operation (POISE) – USD 286 million
  • Maharashtra: Project on Climate Resilient Agriculture (POCRA) Phase II – USD 490 million

Details of the Punjab Education Project

The first project, Punjab Outcomes-Acceleration in School Education Operation (POISE), received a loan of USD 286 million, which spans a maturity period of 19 years, including a 5-year grace period. The primary objective of this initiative is to enhance educational outcomes in the state.

The project aims to:

  • Improve the quality of school education in Punjab through technology-enabled monitoring and learning outcome tracking.
  • Establish digital infrastructure to support educational initiatives.
  • Strengthen the capabilities of the State Council of Education Research and Training (SCERT) and the Assessment Cell.
  • Provide comprehensive teacher training and resources through state-level systems.

Beneficiary Impact

This initiative is set to benefit a significant number of students in Punjab:

  • 59 lakh children in early childhood education
  • 13 lakh students in primary schools
  • Over 22 lakh students in secondary schools

Maharashtra Agriculture Project

The second project focuses on advancing climate-resilient agriculture in Maharashtra. The Project on Climate Resilient Agriculture (POCRA) Phase II is backed by USD 490 million and has a maturity period of 24 years. This project aims to implement precision farming techniques to enhance agricultural productivity and resilience against climate impacts.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. What is the total funding approved by the World Bank for projects in India in 2025?
Answer: The World Bank approved a total funding of USD 776 million for two projects in India aimed at education in Punjab and agriculture in Maharashtra.

Q2. What is the main objective of the Punjab education project?
Answer: The primary objective of the Punjab Outcomes-Acceleration in School Education Operation (POISE) is to enhance educational outcomes through technology-enabled monitoring and improved learning tracking.

Q3. How many students will benefit from the POISE initiative?
Answer: The POISE initiative will benefit 59 lakh children in early childhood education, 13 lakh students in primary schools, and over 22 lakh students in secondary schools.

Q4. What is the focus of the Maharashtra agriculture project?
Answer: The Project on Climate Resilient Agriculture (POCRA) Phase II focuses on implementing precision farming techniques to improve agricultural productivity and resilience to climate change.

Q5. What is the duration of the funding for the Punjab education project?
Answer: The funding for the Punjab education project has a maturity period of 19 years, including a 5-year grace period.

UPSC Practice MCQs

Question 1: What is the total funding amount approved by the World Bank for projects in India in 2025?
A) USD 500 million
B) USD 776 million
C) USD 1 billion
D) USD 300 million
Correct Answer: B

Question 2: Which state in India is receiving funding for improving education through the POISE project?
A) Maharashtra
B) Punjab
C) Gujarat
D) Rajasthan
Correct Answer: B

Question 3: What is the primary aim of the POCRA Phase II project?
A) To enhance digital education
B) To promote climate-resilient agriculture
C) To improve urban infrastructure
D) To support health initiatives
Correct Answer: B

Question 4: How long is the loan maturity period for the Punjab education project?
A) 10 years
B) 19 years
C) 24 years
D) 15 years
Correct Answer: B

Question 5: How many lakh children are expected to benefit from the POISE initiative?
A) 40 lakh
B) 59 lakh
C) 70 lakh
D) 20 lakh
Correct Answer: B

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