Inauguration of Shree Pokharvindi Secondary School Building Marks Milestone in Nepal-India Development Cooperation

In a significant step towards strengthening bilateral ties and fostering educational development, the newly constructed school building of Shree Pokharvindi Secondary School in Rohini Rural Municipality-2, Bhatpurwa, Rupandehi District, was formally inaugurated by the Vice President of Nepal, Mr. Ram Sahaya Yadav. The school building, a testament to the robust Nepal-India Development Cooperation, was made possible with a financial assistance grant of NRs. 12.50 million from the Government of India.

The inauguration ceremony witnessed the presence of key dignitaries, including Prasanna Shirivastava, Chargé d’affaires, Embassy of India, Kathmandu, political representatives, government officials, social workers, school management representatives, teachers, parents, and students.

The Government of India’s grant, provided under the ‘Nepal-India Development Cooperation,’ was utilized for the construction of a double-storied school building, reinforcing its commitment to supporting community development projects. This initiative falls under the High Impact Community Development Project (HICDP) category, previously known as Small Development Projects, governed by an agreement between the two governments and implemented through the District Coordination Committee, Rupandehi.

Addressing the gathering, Vice President of Nepal Mr. Ram Sahaya Yadav expressed gratitude for the continuous support of the Government of India in advancing infrastructure development, especially in the educational sector. He emphasized the pivotal role of such developmental partnerships in strengthening the bonds of friendship between the peoples of both nations.

Prasanna Shrivastava, Chargé d’affaires, Embassy of India, Kathmandu, highlighted the importance of the project within the broader context of the robust development partnership between India and Nepal. He reassured the continued commitment of the Government of India to bolstering this partnership, aligning with the priorities of the Government of Nepal for the mutual benefit of both countries.

Shree Pokharvindi Secondary School, established in 1959, has been a beacon of education in the region, imparting quality education up to the 10th standard. With over 600 students, of which 55% are girls, the school has played a crucial role in shaping the educational landscape of the area.

Since 2003, India has undertaken over 550 HICDPs in Nepal, completing 488 projects. Notably, 60 projects are in Lumbini Province, with 12 in Rupandehi. As a part of India’s goodwill gesture, 974 ambulances and 234 school buses have been gifted to various institutions in Nepal. The continued implementation of HICDPs reflects India’s unwavering commitment to supporting Nepal’s efforts in upliftment, particularly in the education sector.

The Nepal-India Development Cooperation stands as a testament to the enduring friendship between the two nations, with a shared commitment to progress and prosperity. The inauguration of Shree Pokharvindi Secondary School’s new building symbolizes a concrete step towards advancing education and fostering community development.