India reaffirms commitment to continue supporting Nepal’s development priorities
The inauguration of Shree Pokharvindi Secondary School's new building in Rupandehi district, Nepal, on Monday (November 27, 2023) marks another milestone in the Nepal-India Development Cooperation.

Funded by a NRs 12.50 million assistance from the Government of India, this initiative exemplifies India's dedication to advancing educational progress in Nepal. Classified as a High Impact Community Development Project (HICDP), it is a part of an agreement implemented through the District Coordination Committee, Rupandehi.

The initiative highlights the strong bilateral relations between Nepal and India, with leaders from both nations emphasizing its role in enhancing their developmental partnership across various sectors, including education.

Formerly classified as Small Development Projects, the initiative represents an imperative investment in the future of Nepal’s youth. The project stands as a symbol of the developmental partnership that has been fostering between Nepal and India.

The inauguration ceremony was graced by the presence of Nepal's Vice President Ram Sahaya Yadav and witnessed by a host of dignitaries including Chargé d'affaires, Embassy of India in Kathmandu Prasanna Shrivastava.

During the inauguration, Vice President Yadav expressed his deep appreciation towards the Government of India for its invaluable assistance. He highlighted the crucial role of such developmental partnerships in enhancing educational infrastructure in Nepal, spanning across various sectors. The Vice President emphasized that these initiatives not only strengthen the educational framework but also reinforce the bonds of friendship and understanding between the two nations.

Shrivastava, in his address, shed light on the importance of the project in the broader context of the concrete development partnership between India and Nepal. He reaffirmed the commitment of the Government of India to continue supporting Nepal’s development priorities, aiming for the mutual benefit of both nations. The depth of the relationship between the two countries, extending beyond mere diplomacy to tangible developmental assistance was highlighted through this discussion.

Shree Pokharvindi Secondary School, established in 1959, has been a beacon of education in the area, providing quality education up to the 10th standard. With a student body exceeding 600, of which approximately 55% are girls, the school has been instrumental in creating an environment conducive to learning and growth. The new building promises to further enhance these educational opportunities, offering improved facilities and resources for the students.

The project is a part of a series of initiatives under the HICDP, illustrating the ongoing support of the Government of India in bolstering the efforts of the Government of Nepal in uplifting its people. The HICDP projects cover a wide range of sectors, with a particular focus on education, reflecting the merged vision of both nations in prioritizing the empowerment of young minds through quality education.

Moreover, since 2003, India has undertaken over 550 HICDPs in Nepal, completing 488 projects, with 60 in Lumbini Province, including 12 in Rupandehi.

India's broader support also includes the donation of 974 ambulances and 234 school buses to various Nepalese institutions. These donations have been distributed across different provinces, including 160 ambulances and 35 school buses in the Lumbini Province, evidencing a deep commitment to Nepal's development. While both countries share an enduring and multifaceted partnership, their convergence in advancing education has been particularly refined with this move.

Since April 2022, the governments of India and Nepal have embarked on a consequential collaboration, undertaking 75 projects under the India-Nepal Development Cooperation. These projects, which mark the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries, encompass a wide array of sectors, including 48 post-earthquake reconstruction initiatives.

This extensive range of projects not only signifies India's commitment to assisting Nepal in areas like education, infrastructure, and disaster recovery but also represents a joint effort to commemorate their longstanding diplomatic ties.

In the wake of the 2015 earthquake in Nepal, a calamity that caused widespread destruction, India emerged as a pivotal supporter, being the first country to respond with aid. India pledged USD 1 billion towards the reconstruction efforts, a move that underscored its readiness to assist in times of crisis and demonstrated a profound commitment to Nepal's recovery and development.