India Inaugurates High Impact Community Development Projects in Kapilvastu

In a significant stride towards fostering community development, the Government of India inaugurated key infrastructure projects in Kapilvastu, Nepal, as part of the ‘Nepal-India Development Cooperation.’

Shree Gautam Buddha Secondary School, located in Buddhabhumi Municipality, saw the formal inauguration of its newly constructed school and laboratory buildings. The inauguration ceremony was graced by Prasanna Shrivastava, Deputy Chief of Mission, Embassy of India, Kathmandu, Baburam Acharya, Chief, District Coordination Committee, Kapilvastu, and Keshav Kumar Shrestha, Mayor, Buddhabhumi Municipality. The event witnessed the presence of political representatives, government officials, social workers, school management representatives, teachers, parents, and students.

Under the ‘Nepal-India Development Cooperation,’ a grant of NRs. 33.23 million from the Government of India was allocated for this high-impact community development project (HICDP). The funds were utilized for the construction of a double-storied school building, a three-storied laboratory building, and the procurement of furniture and laboratory equipment. The project, executed through the District Coordination Committee, Kapilvastu, represents a collaborative effort between the governments of India and Nepal to strengthen local educational infrastructure.

Prasanna Shrivastava, Deputy Chief of Mission, emphasized the project’s importance within the robust development partnership between India and Nepal. He highlighted the significant progress made in recent years across various priority sectors, reinforcing the commitment of the Government of India to support the developmental priorities of the Government of Nepal.

Shree Gautam Buddha Secondary School, established in 1978, operates as a community-based educational institution affiliated with the National Examination Board and approved by the Ministry of Education. The school offers educational programs from Play Group to 10+2 Level, currently enrolling over 1200 students, with approximately 52% being female students.

India’s commitment to community development in Nepal is underscored by the implementation of over 550 High Impact Community Development Projects (HICDPs) since 2003.

These projects span various sectors, with 488 successfully completed. Lumbini Province alone has benefited from 60 projects, including five in Kapilvastu. Additionally, as a gesture of goodwill, the Government of India has gifted 974 ambulances and 234 school buses to hospitals, health posts, and educational institutions across Nepal. In Lumbini Province, 160 ambulances and 35 school buses have been provided, including 18 ambulances and 4 school buses in Kapilvastu District.

The collaboration between India and Nepal, as close neighbors, extends beyond infrastructure development to encompass wide-ranging and multi-sectoral cooperation. The High Impact Community Development Projects reflect India’s steadfast support for Nepal’s efforts in uplifting its people and enhancing infrastructure, particularly in the education sector.