A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed on April 3, 2008 by the Embassy of India, Kathmandu with the Institute of Forestry, Pokhara for providing a grant assistance of NRs.13.61 million for procurement of books for the Museum and Library-cum-Documentation Centre of the Institute at Hetauda, under the India-Nepal Economic Cooperation Programme.

Established in 1947, the Institute of Forestry, with Campuses at Pokhara and Hetauda was affiliated to Tribhuvan University in 1972. It has been serving as a premier institute of Nepal engaged in study and research in forestry. The institute, gradually developed as a centre of excellence, is presently providing Graduate, Post-Graduate and Ph. D degrees in forestry.

Physical infrastructure of the campus at Hetauda was built with the assistance of Government of India in 1966. A modern Museum and Library-cum-Documentation Centre was later added to it in 1995 with the Indian assistance of NRs. 54.3 million. Procurement of about 10,000 books by Museum and Library-cum-Documentation Centre with the assistance of Government of India would further enrich the academic and research value of the campus.

Under the MOU, a committee consisting of IOF authorities will be constituted for procurement of books for the Centre as per norms of Tribhuvan University and Government of Nepal.

The project is another manifestation of Government of India’s commitment to establish and strengthen centres of excellence in Nepal and to contribute to Nepal’s human resources needs in specialized areas.

The assistance is part of more than 265 large and small projects currently being implemented 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.