In separate public functions held on February 18, 2008, on behalf of Ambassador of India, Counsellor (Economic Cooperation), Embassy of India, Shri Pranay Verma inaugurated the new buildings of Shree Ram Naresh Yadav Secondary School, Dhakdhai VDC and Bhairahawa Multiple Campus, Siddharthanagar in district Rupandehi, which have been constructed with grant assistance of NRs.2.01 millions and NRs.25.74 millions respectively from the Government of India.

Shree Ram Naresh Yadav Secondary School, established in 1956, is one of the oldest educational institutions in district Rupandehi. The new computer and library block constructed with the assistance of Government of India will enable the school to upgrade itself academically and create a more conducive environment for better teaching and learning for its over 1000 students.

Established in 1969, Bhairahawa Multiple Campus is one of the premier crentres of higher education in Rupandehi, offering humanities, BBS, B.Ed and MBS programmes to over 2200 students every year. The new infrastructure, including a girls' hostel, canteen and auditorium constructed with the assistance of Government of India will add valuable infrastructure to the institute and serve the needs of its growing number of students.

Conveying the message of Ambassador of India during these functions, Counsellor Verma reiterated India's commitment to extend all possible assistance to the people and Government of Nepal in their endeavour to seek lasting peace and development. He underlined the importance of educational infrastructure for Nepal's future development and highlighted the primacy being given to the education sector in the India-Nepal Economic Cooperation Programme.

These projects are among three projects undertaken with Indian assistance in district Rupandehi in recent years, and overall are part of more than 265 large and small projects currently being realized under the India-Nepal Economic Cooperation Programme in the sectors of education, health, community development and infrastructure covering all the districts of Nepal with an outlay of over NRs.21.5 billions.