NITI Aayog and JICA sign Phase II pact on SDGs in Aspirational Districts and Blocks
NITI Aayog and the Japan International Cooperation Agency signed the Record of Discussions for Phase II of Japan–India Cooperative Actions towards SDGs in Aspirational Districts and Blocks in New Delhi on 2 March 2026.
Summary
NITI Aayog and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) signed the Record of Discussions in New Delhi on 2 March 2026 for Phase II of the 'Program for Japan–India Cooperative Actions towards Sustainable Development Goals', covering Aspirational Districts and Aspirational Blocks. It was signed in the presence of Rohit Kumar, Mission Director of the Aspirational Districts and Blocks Programme, and JICA India Chief Representative Takeuchi Takuro. The project covers six themes: global partnership, health and nutrition, education, agriculture and water resources, financial inclusion and skill development, and basic infrastructure. It focuses on capacity building, monitoring and localising the SDGs. The Aspirational Districts Programme was launched in January 2018 for 112 districts, and the Aspirational Blocks Programme on 7 January 2023 for 500 blocks.
Key facts
- Date and place
- 2 March 2026, New Delhi
- Parties
- NITI Aayog and JICA
- Document
- Record of Discussions, Phase II
- Themes
- Six, incl. health and nutrition, education, basic infrastructure
- ADP
- Launched January 2018; 112 districts
- ABP
- Launched 7 January 2023; 500 blocks
Practice MCQs 2 questions
With which Japanese agency did NITI Aayog sign the Record of Discussions for Phase II of SDG cooperation in Aspirational Districts and Blocks on 2 March 2026?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — JICA
NITI Aayog signed the Record of Discussions with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).
Consider the following statements: 1. The Aspirational Districts Programme was launched in January 2018 to transform 112 districts. 2. The Aspirational Blocks Programme was launched in January 2023 covering 500 blocks. Which of the above is/are correct?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct. NITI Aayog states ADP was launched in January 2018 for 112 districts; PIB states ABP was launched on 7 January 2023 with 500 blocks from 329 districts.