What is the significance of the newly opened India-funded school in Nepal's Baitadi?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- New India-funded school building inaugurated in Baitadi, Nepal.
- Strengthens educational infrastructure in a backward region.
- Part of the High Impact Community Development Project.
- Over 573 projects have been initiated across Nepal.
- Increased funding for educational projects under HICDP.
Kathmandu, Jan 15 (NationPress) A new school building, funded by the Indian government, was officially opened on Thursday in Patan Municipality, located in Baitadi district of Nepal's Sudurpaschim Province, as reported by the Indian Embassy.
The inauguration ceremony was led by Narayan Singh, the First Secretary at the Indian Embassy in Nepal, alongside Gauri Singh Rawal, the Mayor of Patan Municipality, who jointly unveiled the newly constructed structure of Shree Bhumeshwor Secondary School.
This school, established in 1951, received an upgrade to the 10+2 (secondary) level from the Nepal government in 2011.
Currently, the institution serves approximately 300 enrolled students.
During the inauguration, Mayor Rawal, along with the School Management Committee and other key stakeholders, expressed gratitude for the developmental assistance provided by the Indian government.
They emphasized that the new facilities will significantly improve educational resources in this region, which is known for its underdevelopment.
The Indian Embassy noted that the school's construction and related facilities were part of the High Impact Community Development Project (HICDP), carried out through the Patan Municipality.
Launched in 2003, the HICDP was previously recognized as the Small Grant Projects scheme.
These initiatives are executed at the grassroot level in collaboration with local authorities, addressing priority sectors identified by the Nepal government, including health, education, drinking water, sanitation, and rural electrification, among others.
The Indian Embassy’s website mentions that a total of 573 projects, costing nearly NPR 13.59 billion, have been initiated across Nepal.
This includes 294 projects in the education sector, with 217 focused on school buildings, according to the Indian Embassy.
In January 2024, during the visit of Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar to Nepal, an agreement was reached to increase the financial allocation for each project under this program from NPR 50 million to NPR 200 million.
The Indian Embassy also stated, 'As close neighbors, India and Nepal engage in extensive and multi-faceted cooperation.'
They further added, 'The execution of HICDPs demonstrates the ongoing support of the Indian government in enhancing the developmental initiatives of the Nepal government, particularly in strengthening infrastructure in key sectors at the grassroots level.'