In separate public functions held on January 10 and 11, 2008, on behalf of Ambassador of India, Shri Gopal Baglay, Counsellor (PIC-EC), Embassy of India laid the foundation stones for the new buildings of Shree Janajyoti Higher Secondary School in Sandhikharka VDC and Shree Shanti Secondary School in Bangi VDC of district Arghakhanchi, being constructed with grant assistance of NRs.15.13 million and NRs.7.44 millions respectively from the Government of India.

Shree Janajyoti Higher Secondary School, situated at Sandhikharka, the district headquarters of Arghakhanchi was established in 1963. The only school providing science stream at Higher Level in the district is presently holding classes for about 750 students in an old and inadequate building. The new infrastructure being constructed with the assistance of Government of India will provide much needed and improved classroom space for the school.

Shree Shanti Secondary School of Bangi VDC of district Arghakhanchi was established in 1962 as a primary school and upgraded to lower secondary level in 1988. Later, the school was upgraded to secondary level in 1992. Presently, the school has only 10 classrooms to accommodate more than 600 students (of which 53% are girls). The new double storied building being constructed with the assistance of Government of India will enable the school to cater to the needs of the growing number of students.

These projects are being implemented by DDC, Arghackanchi while an oversight committee consisting of representatives from the school management committee, DDC and the District Education Office have been constituted to ensure community participation in overseeing the project for their effective and timely implementation.

Conveying the message of Ambassador of India during the function, Counsellor Baglay 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.

There projects 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. .