Value of India-Maldives MoU on High Impact Community Development Projects Raised to MVR 155 Million

The Memorandum of Understanding on Indian Grant Assistance for Implementation of High Impact Community Development Projects through local bodies is financial aid summing up to MVR 85 million provided by India to Maldives. It was first signed on March 17. 2019 by then Minister of External Affairs of India late Sushma Swaraj during an official visit to the Maldives. 
 
In his official visit to India recently, Minister of Foreign Affairs Abdulla Shahid has signed a renewal of this MoU with the Government of India. In its reform, the MoU now stands at a sum of MVR 155 million in grants aid. Minister of External Affairs of India Dr S Jaishankar signed the MoU on behalf of the Indian Government.  
 
This MoU plays an important role in setting up the framework to support small and effective developmental initiatives. The execution of the initiatives can be taken up through local bodies or government-to-government institutions for joint work towards economic and social development of public welfare. These activities can be in line with socio-economic development, livelihood activity, conservation of environmental and cultural heritage, empowerment of women and child welfare and skills development. 
 
As of now, 12 projects are underway in various islands in the Maldives, funded by the High Impact Community Development Project grant scheme.