Indian Embassy and Dharachaur Lower Secondary School at Purkotdaha signed a Memorandum of Understandings for construction of school building with an estimated cost of NRs 16.8 million in Gulmi District.

The tripartite MoU was signed by Gyanveer Singh, Second Secretary, Embassy of India, Kathmandu, Dila Ram Panthi, Local Development Officer, Gulmi and the Principal of the school Khim Bahadur K.C.  The Construction of the school is being funded by the Government of India under its Small Development Program Scheme as part of India–Nepal Economic Cooperation Program.

According to a press release issued by Ruby Jaspreet Sharma SS (PIC) & Secretary, BPKF, Embassy of India, Kathmandu,  Dharachaur  Lower Secondary School, established in 1952, is  located  at a very remote and backward area of Gulmi District of Nepal. The inadequacy of physical infrastructure forced the students to study under open sky and their study was disrupted during bad weather. The new building will provide much needed classroom space and would create an improved environment for learning and contribute to the development of education in the area.

According to press release, two other projects have been completed with the Government of India’s assistance worth 27.20 million in Gulmi district alone.  Moreover, 4 other projects at a cost of NRs 129.9  million are under construction. Additionally,   Government of  India   has, in the past, provided 12  ambulances to various organizations from Gulmi  fulfilling the need of the people and the continued commitment of the Government of India to support the Government of Nepal in its endeavour to socio-economic development of Nepal. 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.

It is 7th project being built in the district apart from the gifting of 12 ambulances. Total Indian government assistance towards SDPs stands at NRs 158 million in Gulmi.