Indian Assistance of NRs.1,99,95,045/- for Shree Bal Janata Higher Secondary School, Deukhuri, Dang

In a public function held on January 10, 2007, Ambassador of India laid the foundation stone for the new school building of Shree Bal Janata Higher Secondary School being constructed with the assistance of Government of India in Deukhuri VDC of District Dang. The function was attended by representatives of DDC and local administration of Dang, community leaders and a large number of people from the area.

This is the first educational project undertaken by the Government of India in District Dang as part of the Small Development Projects Scheme of the India-Nepal Economic Cooperation Programme. Under this project, for which a Memorandum of Understanding was signed between the Governments of India and Nepal on October 31, 2006, Government of India is providing a cooperation grant of NRs. 1,99,95,045/- to DDC, Dang for the construction of the school building and its compound wall. The project will be implemented by DDC, Dang, while an Oversight Committee consisting of the DDC, school management and District Education Officer will monitor the project.

The school was established in 1961 as a primary school and later upgraded to higher secondary level. Over the years, it has played a seminal role in providing quality education to the people of Dang and adjoining districts. However, with increasing number of students, the dilapidated structure of the old school building was proving quite inadequate in maintaining the school’s high educational standards. The Government of India, therefore, gladly accepted the proposal from the school authorities to upgrade its infrastructure that would benefit over 1300 students, including well over 50 percent girl students.

In his address, Ambassador of India stressed the importance of development of educational infrastructure, particularly at the grassroots level, for Nepal’s overall national development. He expressed the hope that

the various educational projects being executed or completed under the umbrella of India-Nepal Economic Cooperation Programme would make a significant contribution in that direction and lead to tangible improvement in the living conditions and development in Nepal.

Currently the bilateral economic cooperation programme between India and Nepal is witnessing the realization of more than 170 projects in the sectors of education, health and infrastructure covering almost all the districts of Nepal with an outlay of NRs.2000 crores. In order to strengthen and diversify bilateral economic cooperation between the two countries, during the visit of Prime Minister of Nepal to India in June 2006, Government of India committed itself to triple the development assistance and double the scholarships for Nepalese students. The new hope for peace and development in Nepal ushered in by historic changes and the signing of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement stands to add greater vigour and momentum to developmental cooperation between our two countries. As the people of Nepal move forward on way to peace and prosperity, the Government and the people of India remain committed to further increasing their efforts for the well-being of the people of Nepal.