India-Nepal development cooperation initiatives address critical needs in various sectors, with education & health being a primary focus
India’s development partnership with Nepal continues to go from strength to strength.
 
On June 14, 2024, a significant step was taken in the enhancement of educational infrastructure in Nepal's Pyuthan district. The foundation stone for the construction of Shree Dang-Bang Secondary School and Hostel Buildings at Airawati Rural Municipality-1 was jointly laid by Airawati Rural Municipality Chairman Nabil Bikram Shah and Second Secretary of the Embassy of India in Kathmandu, Prashant Kumar Sona.
 
This project, undertaken with financial assistance from the Government of India, is part of the broader ‘Nepal-India Development Cooperation’ initiative and is tendered at a cost of NRs. 33.92 million.
 
The ceremony was attended by political representatives, government officials, social workers, school management representatives, teachers, parents, and students. The new school and hostel buildings are expected to significantly improve the quality of education and accommodation for students, fostering a better learning environment and contributing to the overall development of the region’s education sector.
 
The project is classified as a High Impact Community Development Project (HICDP) and is being implemented through the Airawati Rural Municipality. This initiative stands as a testament to the robust development partnership between India and Nepal. The two countries have a long history of cooperation across various sectors, with education being a key area of focus.
 
In their remarks, the Chairman of Airawati Rural Municipality, other political representatives, and the Chairperson of the School Management Committee expressed their gratitude for the ongoing developmental support provided by the Government of India. They highlighted the positive impact that such projects have on the upliftment of local communities, particularly in priority sectors such as education.
 
Since 2003, the Government of India has undertaken over 551 HICDPs in Nepal across various sectors, completing 490 of these projects. In Lumbini Province alone, 61 projects have been initiated, including two in Pyuthan. The Government of India’s support extends beyond infrastructure projects; it has also donated 1,009 ambulances and 300 school buses to various hospitals, health posts, and educational institutions throughout Nepal. Of these, 164 ambulances and 43 school buses have been provided in Lumbini Province, with 10 ambulances allocated to Pyuthan District.
 
The Shree Dang-Bang Secondary School project is expected to bring significant benefits to the local community. The new buildings will provide enhanced educational facilities and improve living conditions for students, thereby fostering a conducive environment for learning and personal growth. The presence of modern infrastructure is anticipated to motivate students and teachers alike, promoting higher educational standards and better academic outcomes.
 
The cooperation between India and Nepal in implementing such projects reflects a shared commitment to the welfare and development of the people of Nepal. These initiatives are designed to address critical needs in various sectors, with education being a primary focus due to its foundational role in societal advancement.
 
As close neighbours, India and Nepal continue to enjoy wide-ranging and multi-sectoral cooperation. The implementation of HICDPs exemplifies India's ongoing support for Nepal’s developmental goals, reinforcing bilateral ties and contributing to the socio-economic upliftment of Nepalese communities.
 
The foundation stone laying ceremony for the Shree Dang-Bang Secondary School and Hostel Buildings marks another milestone in the enduring partnership between India and Nepal. This project, along with numerous other initiatives, highlights the commitment of both nations to work collaboratively towards sustainable development and prosperity in the region.
 
The event concluded with a sense of optimism and mutual commitment to continuing the journey of development and cooperation. The successful implementation of such projects is expected to inspire further collaborative efforts, driving forward the shared vision of growth and progress for both countries.
 
As the construction of the school and hostel buildings progresses, it will stand as a symbol of the strong and enduring relationship between India and Nepal, and the shared dedication to improving the lives of the people through strategic and impactful development initiatives.