JICA undertakes PAN India study to understand the

 JICA undertakes PAN India study to understand the impact of COVID-19 on the Persons with Disabilities (PWDs)

 

Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and V-shesh Learning Services Private Limited have undertaken a pan-India study to comprehend the “Impact of COVID-19 on people with disabilities” in India in the first quarter of the current year 2021. The focus of this study was to determine and assess the medium to long term effects of COVID-19 on the lives of Persons with Disabilities. The pandemic has put immense burden on the government delivery system, as Governments, DPOs and NGOs have encountered significant challenges to provide aid, relief materials, and assistance to Persons with Disabilities across India. These impediments were most prominent in areas pertaining to education, training, jobs, and daily living. Through the inputs from this research, JICA aims to establish appropriate development plans in response to emergency circumstances such as the COVID-19 pandemic.

The study focuses on three key points, (i) Impact of COVID-19 pandemic on Persons with Disabilities (PWDs), (ii) Response to the pandemic for PWDs by Government (Central and State) and, (iii) Recommendations for JICA’s COVID-19 response support programs specifically targeting PWDs.

Covid-19 has had many detrimental impacts on the lives of Persons with Disabilities. A total of four major impacts were identified during the study: Daily Living, Education, access to Healthcare facilities and Livelihood. In trying to maintain social distance, they often had isolate from their families which led to feelings of loneliness and confusion. People with disabilities depend majorly on care giving support, 64.8% of the respondents reported facing severe challenges in accessing care giving services due to fear of infection and limited transport. Accessibility to online learning proved to be another challenge due to absence of smartphone or laptop. 

Even when online education did take place, 70% respondents mentioned that the overall learning experience was not at all effective. Students with disabilities in higher education institutions faced incremental challenges without additional faculty time, student volunteers, scribes etc. Amidst the pandemic, Persons with Disabilities have often been unable to seek healthcare services and a shocking 47.4% of respondents were amongst those. Shortage of medical products, problems with supply chains and transportation further added to their distress and 25.85% respondents faced reduced or no access to prescribed medicines. Loss of livelihood and a steady source of income has affected many persons with disabilities, 13.4% of the respondents lost their jobs during the pandemic and among those who continued jobs 64.8% mentioned facing obstacles at work due to inaccessibility and social inclusion. A lack of digital connect affected those in rural areas far more as they lost access to skilling and training opportunities.  People with lesser known disabilities faced inconveniences with access to critical care due to COVID-19 protocol.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Katsuo Matsumoto, Chief Representative, JICA India said, “COVID-19 has had a detrimental effect on India's underprivileged and marginalized communities. JICA aspires to be a pillar of support in the face of adversity, such as the current pandemic. The intensity and impact of COVID-19 on the PWDs has been far more severe as compared to their non-disabled peers, especially in areas like daily living, education, health, and livelihood. JICA aims to create support programmes particularly to help and assist PWDs”

The study has helped JICA in identifying the four major sectors that could benefit from JICA support programmes. (a) Education & Daily living; (b) Skill Development, Employment & Livelihood; (c) Health & Well being and (d) A Private Sector programme to address gaps across sectors through an enterprise-led approach.

Based on these findings from the report, JICA, with the help of the respective Government Implementing Agencies aims to rehabilitate the existing projects, especially those in the education, skill & livelihood, and health sector to add a disabilities component as an affirmative response to mitigate the impact of COVID-19.

Training & Certification service by Japan Railway Technical Service

 Training & Certification service by Japan Railway Technical Service (JARTS) for Track construction work for Mumbai-Ahmedabad High Speed Rail project    

~ MOU signing for capacity building ~

The Government of Japan participated in the MOU signing ceremony between National High Speed Railway Corporation Ltd (NHSRCL) and Japan Railway Technical Service (JARTS) for Training & Certification service for Track Construction work of Mumbai-Ahmedabad High Speed Rail (MAHSR) project. The ceremony, which was organized by NHSRCL on April 19, 2021, was attended by Mr. Miyamoto Shingo, Minister, Embassy of Japan and Mr. Matsumoto Katsuo, Chief Representative, JICA India.   

As per the MOU, JARTS will coordinate and mobilize Japanese experts, with vast experience and expertise in Japan’s Shinkansen’s (also known as the "Bullet Train") track construction works, to provide Indian side with Training & Certification and Advisory services. The staff of contractors, for track packages under the project, will gain opportunities to visit Shinkansen track construction site in Japan. Selected staff of the contractors shall also be imparted trainings and advisory services on track construction works by Japanese experts, who will be dispatched to MAHSR construction sites. JARTS will impart 15 different kinds of training programs for relevant contractors’ staff such as training for track slab manufacturing engineers and training for rail welding technicians. 

Speaking on this occasion, Mr. Miyamoto Shingo, Minister, Embassy of Japan said, “MAHSR project is an epitome of Japan-India collaboration, contributing to India’s first High Speed Rail project by introducing Japan’s High Speed Rail technology. This MOU between NHSRCL and JARTS will not only contribute to successful implementation of this project, but also strengthen the partnership between India and Japan. This will ensure the Transfer of Technology from Japan’s High Speed Rail system to India, and also give a boost to “Make in India” initiative.”

Speaking on this occasion, Mr. Matsumoto Katsuo, Chief Representative, JICA India said, “The signing of this MOU marks a significant milestone for the MAHSR project. Since track is crucial for railway safety and comfortable ride, the role of Japan Railway Technical Service (JARTS) as Training & Certification Agency for track construction works is extremely important for this project. JARTS and Japanese experts will work together closely and shall contribute to effective adoption of Japan’s Shinkansen technology to MAHSR project. I am confident that this partnership between JARTS and NHSRCL would lead to upgradation of India’s railway technology and contribute to the growth and bright future of India’s railway sector.”

 

JICA has been supporting the project for the Mumbai - Ahmedabad High Speed Rail by providing ODA loans of INR 250,000 million JPY (approximately 18,000 crore INR) in total since 2017. The objective of the Project is to develop a high frequency mass transportation system by constructing the High Speed Rail between Mumbai and Ahmedabad, using Japan’s Shinkansen technology (also known as the “Bullet Train”), thereby enhancing mobility in India and contributing to regional economic development.

 

Flag off ceremony for Western Dedicated Freight Corridor Project

 Flag off ceremony for Western Dedicated Freight Corridor Project Supported by Japan (Rewari – Madar 306km section)

~ Enhancing freight logistical infrastructure for improved regional development ~

The Government of Japan joins in felicitation in welcoming the inauguration of Western Dedicated Freight Corridor’s Rewari (Haryana) - Madar (Rajasthan) Section (around 306km). The event was graced with the presence of Shri Narendra Modi, Hon'ble Prime Minister of India, in presence of Shri Piyush Goyal, Hon'ble Minister of Railways, Commerce & Industry, Shri Manohar Lal Khattar, Hon’ble Chief Minister of Haryana and Shri Ashok Gehlot, Hon’ble Chief Minister of Rajasthan. His Excellency Mr. SUZUKI Satoshi, Ambassador of Japan to India, attended the ceremony and flagged off this project together with other dignitaries.

Japan has been providing funds and expertise for the dedicated freight railway system having route length of approximately 1,500km, which has been constructed, under the Western Dedicated Freight Corridor project, along the Industrial Corridor between Dadri-Delhi and Mumbai. 

Speaking on this occasion, Mr. SUZUKI Satoshi, Ambassador of Japan to India said, “Western Dedicated Freight Corridor project is an important venture of “Delhi-Mumbai Industrial Corridor (DMIC) initiative”. This project is an epitome of Japan-India collaboration for comprehensive infrastructure development. It creates India’s largest industrial belt zone by linking industrial parks and harbors of six states between Delhi and Mumbai in order to promote trade, foreign export and direct investment. Japanese companies such as NIPPON KOEI, Oriental Consultants Global, HITACHI, MITSUI & CO, Sojitz, JFE Engineering and IHI Infrastructure Systems have been contributing to developing this priority project. We are looking forward to continuing to work with our Indian friends on this important project.”

Speaking on this occasion, Mr. Katsuo Matsumoto, Chief Representative, JICA India said, “JICA is committed towards the development of infrastructure in India. Western Dedicated Freight Corridor project is one of the most important JICA supported projects, covering the areas between Dadri in Uttar Pradesh and Mumbai where significant commercial and industrial development is seen. By meeting the higher growth rate expected by seamless freight transportation in these areas and optimizing distributing networks, the Project will make a far-reaching contribution towards India’s economic development. JICA understands that the spread of novel coronavirus pandemic brought various challenges globally including the severe setback of construction work. Despite these testing times, Dedicated Freight Corridor Corporation of India Ltd (DFCCIL) under the Ministry of Railways, the executing agency, has relentlessly worked with Japanese consultants and contractors to achieve this significant milestone. JICA would like DFCCIL, Japanese consultants and contractors to keep continuing to put tireless efforts for further works progress until the completion of the entire 1500km corridor between Dadri-Delhi and Mumbai.”

JICA has extended a cumulative total of 464,267 million Japanese yen in ODA loans (approximately INR 33,000 crore) for Western Dedicated Freight Corridor project up to now. JICA is further exploring the possibility of continuing its assistance for this project so as to support this project and help India’s efforts on modernization of freight transportation.

 

Established, by a specific law, as an incorporated administrative institution under the Government of Japan, the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) aims to contribute to the promotion of international cooperation, as a sole Japanese governmental agency in charge of ODA implementation. JICA is the world's largest bilateral donor agency. JICA works as a bridge between Japan and emerging countries, and provides assistance in forms of loan, grant and technical cooperation so that the emerging countries can strengthen their capabilities.

JICA India Office Web: https://www.jica.go.jp/india/english/index.html

JICA India Brochure:

https://www.jica.go.jp/india/english/office/others/c8h0vm00004cesxi-att/brochure_15.pdf

JICA Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/jicaindiapr/