District Development Committee, Mustang and Shree Monchoe Dragkar Thegchen Ling (Gumba) and Indian Embassy signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for providing Indian grant assistance of NRs. 44.42 million for the construction of a double storied staff residential building cum dining hall under Nepal-India Economic Cooperation Program.

Shree Monchoe Dragkar Thegchen Ling (Gumba) is a historic structure having great socio-cultural relevance in the life of the people of the Mustang District. The inmates at the Gumba are also facing problems with regard to their accommodation and pursuit of religious education.  The construction of staff residential building –cum – dining hall being carried out with Indian assistance would considerably provide better facilities to the pilgrims visiting the upper Mustang.

According to a press release issued by Indian Embassy, the project will be implemented by the District Development Committee, Mustang in accordance with the existing norms and regulations of the Government of Nepal. They will also be responsible for ensuring the quality of construction of the project and its timely completion. The MoU stipulates the constitution of an Oversight Committee, comprising representatives of the DDC/DEO and other stakeholders with a view to ensuring the implementation of the project in a time bound manner.

In addition to this project, five projects in Mustang District have already been completed with Indian assistance of NRs. 122.8 million, while work is also ongoing on five projects at a cost of NRs. 162.2 million which includes school buildings, river training works and RCC bridge on Kaligandaki River, Dharamshala at Muktinath, Pal Ewam Monastery at Upper Mustang. India has also provided three ambulances for use in the District.

Recognizing the importance of accelerating growth in Nepal, India remains committed to rendering all possible assistance in that direction. The India – Nepal Economic Program has an outlay of over NRs. 66 billion with more than 490 large and small development projects completed or currently 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.