KABUL - India and Afghanistan on Wednesday signed 92 more people-centric projects designed to improve the lives of the hard working and determined citizens across Afghanistan. A press statement from Indian Embassy in Kabul stated that the Afghan Government has been making concerted efforts to develop the country under very challenging circumstances.  It is India’s privilege to be a partner in this endeavour. 
At a ceremony presided over CEO Dr. Abdullah Abdullah at Sapedar Palace, tripartite agreements were signed between Government of India, Ministry of Economy and various implementing Ministries including Ministry of Agriculture, Irrigation & Livestock; Education; Higher Education; Labour, Social Affairs, Martyrs & Disabled; Public Health; Public Works; Refugees & Repatriation; Rural Rehabilitation & Development; Water & Entergy, Women Affairs, IDLG & General Directorate of Physical Education, for additional 92 projects worth US$ 19.24 million.  Another 87 projects worth US$ 25 million are under process of approval by Government of India.  It is expected that these projects would also commence in the near future, the statement stated. 
It further stated that It may be recalled that the Small Development Projects (SDP) scheme, with an initial outlay of US$ 20 million, was unveiled during Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh’s visit to Afghanistan in August 2005.  It covered a wide range of projects from installing hand-pumps to building schools, health centres, bridges, vocational training centres, retention walls, veterinary clinics, sanitation projects, minor irrigation projects, etc.  Under Phase I & II, 135 projects worth approx. US$ 19.8 million were sanctioned and majority of these have already been completed and are contributing to the wellbeing of Afghan citizens. In November 2012, the Government of India provided an additional sum of US$100 million for Phase III of the SDP scheme, also extending the assistance across all 34 provinces of Afghanistan.  Under this phase III, a total of 217 projects have been sanctioned so far (125 projects in September 2014 and 92 projects in March 2016).  
Government of India attaches great importance to its Small Development Project scheme in Afghanistan as they have a direct impact on the lives of ordinary people.  It was in this spirit that during his recent visit to Kabul H.E. Prime Minister Modi announced India’s intention to again increase the SDP outlay to US$ 200 million by 2020.  The Embassy of India looks forward to working with the Afghan leadership, the Ministry of Economy, the various line Ministries and other implementing agencies as we design and implement meaningful projects that will touch the lives of many Afghans across this beautiful country, the statement stated.  (PR)