India-funded School and Hostel Building Inaugurated in Khotang

In a significant stride towards enhancing educational infrastructure in Nepal, the inauguration ceremony of the new school and hostel building of Shree Sharada Secondary School, located in Rawa Besi Rural Municipality, Khotang, unfolded today. The project, made possible through the generous financial assistance of NRs. 36.10 million from the Government of Indiaunder the ‘Nepal-India Development Cooperation’ initiative, marks a pivotal moment for the community.

The auspicious occasion saw the joint inauguration by esteemed dignitaries including San Bahadur Rai, Chief of the District Coordination Committee; Phatik Kumar Shrestha, Chairman of Rawa Besi Rural Municipality, Khotang; and Suman Shekhar, First Secretary at the Embassy of India, Kathmandu. The event was graced by the presence of public representatives, government officials, social workers, members of the school management, teachers, parents, and students, reflecting the collective enthusiasm for the project’s completion.

The substantial grant provided by the Government of India was utilized for the construction of a modern double-storied school building, alongside a hostel building, and the procurement of essential furniture for both structures. Executed under the stewardship of the District Coordination Committee, Khotang, the project, classified as a High Impact Community Development Project (HICDP), underscores the collaborative efforts between Nepal and India in fostering socio-economic progress.

Established in 1952, Shree Sharada Secondary School has been a cornerstone of education in the region, catering to students from Class 1 to 10+2 levels. With over 365 enrolled students, including a significant proportion of girls, the school has consistently delivered quality education, contributing to the intellectual and social development of its students.

This initiative adds to the extensive portfolio of development projects undertaken by the Government of India in Nepal. Since 2003, over 550 HICDPs have been initiated across various sectors, with 488 projects already completed. Notably, Koshi Province has witnessed the implementation of 85 projects, including one in Khotang. Furthermore, as part of its commitment to supporting healthcare and education, India has gifted 974 ambulances and 234 school buses to institutions across Nepal, with Koshi Province receiving 141 ambulances and 35 school buses, including four ambulances and one school bus for Khotang District.

The longstanding partnership between India and Nepal encompasses a broad spectrum of cooperation, with a particular focus on education and infrastructure development. The execution of HICDPs underscores India’s unwavering support for Nepal’s developmental endeavors, aimed at enhancing the well-being and prosperity of its people.

As the curtains rise on the newly inaugurated facilities at Shree Sharada Secondary School, it symbolizes not only improved educational infrastructure but also a testament to the enduring friendship and cooperation between India and Nepal in fostering progress and prosperity in the region.