Sahadev Rayamajhi, LDO, Darchula and Keshab Raj Bist, Principal, Latinath Secondary School and  Gyanveer Singh, Second Secretary of Indian Embassy signed a tripartite Memorandum of Understandings (MoU) for construction of two double storey buildings for Latinath Secondary School in Darchula district.

According to a press release issued by Indian Embassy, the total financial assistance of the project is NRs. 26.54 million which is provided Indian government under its Small Development Program Scheme as part of India–Nepal Economic Cooperation Program.

The School was established in 1955 as a primary school and subsequently upgraded to secondary level in 2008. It is located at Rithachaupata in Darchula district. The existing infrastructure of the school building is in dilapidated condition and is inadequate to comfortably accommodate all the students. At present, there are approx 900 students in the school who would benefit from the construction of the new school buildings and would make use of an improved environment for learning in their region.

According to the Memorandum of Understanding, the District Development Committee, Darchula would prepare a work schedule, invite tenders for the construction of the project in 15 months and get the project completed in time. A monitoring committee comprising School Management Committee, District Development Committee and Education Officer of Darchula district would monitor the project and regularly submit the progress report to the Embassy of India, Kathmandu which shall release the funds accordingly. Hitherto, a total of 02 projects have been completed and 04 other projects in Darchula district are under implementation with the Government of India’s financial assistance worth NRs 107 million. Additionally, the Government of India has, in the past, provided 02 ambulances, recognizing the need of the people of the district.

Under India-Nepal Economic Cooperation Programme, the Government of India has been providing financial assistance for various large and small development projects in different parts 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.