The World Bank Board of Executive Directors has approved two new projects in India aimed at improving education in Punjab and increasing farmers’ incomes in Maharashtra through digital solutions. The initiatives are expected to benefit over six million people.
Paul Proccee, Acting Country Director for World Bank India, said, “Digital infrastructure has the potential to significantly drive economic development and poverty reduction by increasing efficiency, fostering innovation, and improving outcomes in health, education, agriculture and other essential sectors. The two new projects will support India’s vision of Viksit Bharat through quality education for better jobs and using technology for increased crop productivity and improved livelihoods.”
The Punjab Outcomes-Acceleration in School Education Operation (POISE) program is a $286 million initiative focused on enhancing educational quality using technology to monitor learning progress. It aims to enroll 1.3 million students in primary schools and more than 2.2 million students in secondary schools. Additionally, 592,000 children will receive support for early childhood education. The project will provide digital infrastructure such as computer labs, tablets, and projectors to encourage innovation among students, particularly those studying science and math.
Meghna Sharma and Ragnvald Michel Maellberg, task team leaders of the POISE program, stated: “Punjab has made considerable effort in improving quality education outcomes. However, systemic challenges remain, affecting the continuity of education reforms. POISE will help to improve school readiness at pre-primary level, foundational learning at primary level, skills at the secondary level for school to higher education or work transition, as well as teacher training, and school management.”
The Maharashtra Project on Climate Resilient Agriculture (POCRA) Phase II involves $490 million to promote precision farming practices using digital technology. This approach ensures crops and soil get what they need for optimal health while maximizing output and reducing waste. More than two million smallholder farmers—including 290,000 women—are expected to benefit from improvements in soil health management and water-use efficiency across 21 districts. The project aims to increase income levels by 30 percent for these farmers while strengthening climate resilience.
Ranjan Samantaray and Ademola Braimoh, task team leaders of the POCRA project commented: “This Project will support greater efficiency through data integration, real-time monitoring, remote sensing and AI in agriculture value chains for faster access to markets. Village community groups along with agri-tech startups will guide local investments for better livelihoods.”
The POISE project has a final maturity period of 19 years with a five-year grace period; POCRA Phase II’s maturity is set at 24 years with a six-year grace period.