Raj Kishore Mahato, Local Development Officer, Sarlahi district and Gyanveer Singh, Second Secretary, Embassy of India signed a Memorandum of Understandings for construction of 25 Community buildings in 24 VDCs in Sarlahi District at an estimated cost of NRs49.98 million.

The project is being funded by the Government of India under Small Development Program Scheme as part of India–Nepal Economic Cooperation Program.  

 According to a press release issued by Indian Embassy, Sarlahi district consists of 24 Villages.  All villages are located in remote rural area.  More than 20% are dalit in these villages.  Due to lack of Community Building the dalits are not able to celebrate their festivals, cultural programs and other ceremonies together. The Community building in each village will help these people in improving their social conditions. The new infrastructure will provide much needed space and would create an improved environment for socio-economic development.

Moreover seven other projects have been completed with the Government of India’s assistance worth 103 million to the district alone. Other project at a cost of NRs 244 million is yet to be completed.  Additionally, Government of India has, in the past, provided 23 ambulances, and 01 bus   to various organizations from Sarlahi recognizing the need of the people of Nepal and the GOI’s continued commitment to help support Government of Nepal in its Endeavour towards socio-economic developments. Apart from this the Government of India has also extended financial assistance of approx. NRs 501.53 million towards renovation,    restoration, upgradation of various sites of religious, educational, cultural and historical importance in Nepal in financial year 2015-2016.

The India-Nepal Economic Cooperation Program has an outlay of over NRs 76 billion with more than 529 large and small development projects completed or being implemented in almost all the districts of Nepal.  These development projects, mainly in the sectors of education, health and infrastructure development, have been undertaken in response to local needs and in partnership with the Government of Nepal.