Through a unique network of 134 country offices, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) helps people in 174 countries and territories to help themselves, focusing on poverty eradication, environmental regeneration, job creation and the advancement of women. In support of these goals, UNDP is frequently asked to assist in promoting sound governance and market development and to support societies in the aftermath of war and humanitarian emergencies. UNDP's overarching mission is to help countries build their own national capacity to achieve sustainable human development, giving top priority to eliminating poverty and building equity.

About UNDP, India

In India, UNDP implements, in cooperation with the Government and wider civil society, what is emerging as its largest country programme worldwide, currently expected to deliver around US$200 million over the five year period 1997-2001. The activities supported over the years have responded to national priorities in key areas such as technology transfer towards enhancement of industrial productivity, agricultural development, energy and environment, transport and communication and social infrastructure.

Programmes of UNDP and Government

The UNDP assisted National Leather Development Programme represented a path breaking and pioneering approach, involving the operation of UN System partners, Government agencies, sector and resource institutions and industry and the private sector in close concert through the "programme approach" In the specific context of activities undertaken, the following needs to be highlighted.

COUNTRY COOPERATION FRAMEWORK FOR INDIA (1997-2001)

SUMMARY OF PROGRAMMES

• Small Industries Development and Employment (SIDE).
• Food Security.
• Community Based Primary Education.
• Health Programme Support.
• Economic Reforms.
• Capacity Building in Public Administration.
• Community Based Pro-Poor Initiatives.
• Technology Management.
• Rural Energy
• Environment Programme Support