World Bank Approves $776 Million for Reforms in Punjab and Maharashtra

On November 25, 2025, the World Bank approved $776 million in funding for two transformative projects in Punjab and Maharashtra, targeting quality education and climate-smart agriculture. These projects aim to reach over 60 lakh people, with a strong focus on digital infrastructure, innovation, and inclusive growth aligned with India’s Viksit Bharat 2047 vision.

Punjab’s POISE Project: Accelerating Education Outcomes

The first project, titled Punjab Outcomes-Acceleration in School Education (POISE), has been allocated $286 million. Its primary objective is to improve educational quality through the integration of technology-based learning and performance tracking mechanisms.

Key Highlights,

• Targets over 13 lakh primary and 2.2 million secondary students
• Supports 59 lakh children in early childhood education
• Focuses on data-driven learning assessment, improved teacher training, and education delivery systems
• Uses digital monitoring tools to enhance learning outcomes across government schools

This initiative positions Punjab to set new benchmarks in public education, aiming for measurable improvements in learning levels, access, and accountability.

Maharashtra’s POCRA Phase II: Digital Farming for Resilient Agriculture

The second initiative, Maharashtra Project on Climate Resilient Agriculture (POCRA) Phase II, secured $490 million in financing. It emphasizes precision agriculture and climate adaptation to strengthen the livelihoods of small and marginal farmers.

Key Features,

• Expected to benefit 20 lakh+ farmers, including 2.9 lakh women
• Covers 21 districts in Maharashtra

Promotes use of digital tools for,

• Soil health monitoring
• Nutrient and water management
• Yield optimization
• Aims to increase farmers’ income by 30% through better productivity and reduced input waste
• Builds climate resilience by encouraging sustainable agricultural practices

This project is a major step toward tech-enabled agriculture in India, addressing both food security and farmer well-being in a changing climate.

Loan Tenure and Financial Structure

POISE Project

• Loan Amount: $286 million
• Maturity: 19 years
• Grace Period: 5 years

POCRA Phase II

• Loan Amount: $490 million
• Maturity: 24 years
• Grace Period: 6 years

These terms reflect the World Bank’s long-term commitment to enabling structural change in key sectors of India’s economy.

Static Facts

• Total World Bank Funding: $776 million
• Projects Funded: POISE (Education in Punjab), POCRA Phase II (Farming in Maharashtra)
• Punjab Loan: $286 million | Beneficiaries: 13L primary, 22L secondary students, 59L early childhood learners
• Maharashtra Loan: $490 million | Beneficiaries: 20L farmers (2.9L women) across 21 districts
• Key Focus: Digital learning, precision farming, income enhancement, climate resilience
• Loan Periods: 19 years (POISE), 24 years (POCRA)
• Grace Periods: 5 years (POISE), 6 years (POCRA)