India Lays Foundation Stone for Community Projects in Nepal

India's Deputy Chief of Mission in Nepal, Prasanna Shrivastava, and Nepal's Member of Parliament, Narayan Khadka, jointly laid the foundation stone for the construction of the school building for Shree Janata Belaka Secondary School in Baleka Municipality, Udayapur district. The initiative, funded by the Government of India under 'Nepal-India Development Cooperation,' involves a tendered cost of NRs 3.79 crore (approximately $286,000 USD).

The school construction project, categorized as a High Impact Community Development Project (HICDP), is part of the robust development partnership between India and Nepal. The grant will be utilized to build a triple-story school building with classrooms and necessary infrastructure facilities. The project, implemented through Belaka Municipality, Udayapur, signifies India's commitment to supporting Nepal's development priorities.

During the event, attended by public representatives, government officials, social workers, school management representatives, teachers, parents, and students, Narayan Khadka commended the ongoing developmental support from the Government of India in uplifting the people of Nepal across priority sectors.

Prasanna Shrivastava, Deputy Chief of Mission, Embassy of India, Kathmandu, emphasized the significance of the project within the bilateral development partnership. He highlighted the substantial progress made in recent years, spanning various priority sectors of the Nepalese government and its people.

Shrivastava expressed the continued commitment of the Government of India to strengthen this development partnership, aligning with Nepal's priorities for the mutual benefit of both nations. He also acknowledged the successful completion of 20 years of HICDP implementation in Nepal last month.

Once the school building is completed, it is expected to enhance education facilities for students at Shree Janata Belaka Secondary School, contributing to the overall development of education in the region.

Since 2003, India has undertaken over 550 HICDPs in Nepal, completing 488 projects in various sectors. In the Koshi Province alone, which includes Udayapur, 84 projects have been implemented. Additionally, the Government of India has gifted 974 ambulances and 234 school buses to hospitals, health posts, and educational institutions in Nepal. In Koshi Province, including Udayapur District, 141 ambulances and 35 school buses have been provided. These initiatives underscore the comprehensive and cooperative relationship between India and Nepal, reflecting India's support for Nepal's development efforts, particularly in the education sector.

ET