India’s commitment to supporting Nepal’s development goals is reflected in projects in sectors like education, healthcare, and infrastructure
In a significant milestone for Nepal-India cooperation, the Government of India formally handed over the newly constructed building of Shree Bhimgithe Secondary School in Baglung district earlier this week. The project, implemented under the Nepal-India Development Cooperation program as a High Impact Community Development Project (HICDP), aims to bolster educational infrastructure in the region. 

The event, on January 7, 2025, marked another step in the long-standing partnership between the two neighboring nations.

The handover ceremony was attended by prominent figures, including Amar Bahadur Thapa, Chief of the District Coordination Committee, Baglung; Gandaki Thapa Adhikari, Chairman of Badigad Rural Municipality; and Avinash Kumar Singh, Counsellor from the Embassy of India in Kathmandu. Representatives from the local government, political leaders, school officials, and community members were also present.

Shree Bhimgithe Secondary School, established in 1958 as a primary school, has been a cornerstone of education in Baglung. It was upgraded to a lower secondary school in 1968 and reached the secondary level in 1988. Currently catering to students from Class 1 to Class 12, the school serves approximately 700 students, 54% of whom are girls.

The newly constructed school building and allied facilities were built with financial assistance from the Government of India. The project was executed through the District Coordination Committee, Baglung, ensuring alignment with local needs and priorities. This modern infrastructure aims to provide an improved learning environment, enhancing the educational experience for students and teachers alike.

Local authorities and school representatives expressed gratitude for India’s support. “The infrastructure created under this collaboration will not only benefit students but also contribute significantly to the overall development of the education sector in Baglung,” said Gandaki Thapa Adhikari, Chairman of Badigad Rural Municipality.

Amar Bahadur Thapa highlighted the importance of the project, stating, “This initiative underscores the close friendship and developmental partnership between Nepal and India. The school will now be better equipped to provide quality education to its students.”

The handover of Shree Bhimgithe Secondary School is part of a broader framework of HICDPs, which reflect India’s commitment to supporting Nepal’s development goals. These projects focus on priority sectors, including education, healthcare, and infrastructure, and are implemented in collaboration with local authorities.

Avinash Kumar Singh, Counsellor at the Embassy of India, emphasized the importance of the bilateral relationship: “As close neighbors, India and Nepal share a unique bond, marked by multi-sectoral cooperation. Projects like these are a testament to India’s dedication to uplifting communities in Nepal by enhancing critical infrastructure.”

The successful completion of the Shree Bhimgithe Secondary School building is just one example of India’s support in advancing Nepal’s education sector. Previously, the Government of India funded the construction of the Myagdi Multiple Campus in the Myagdi district. 

This development project, worth NRs 27.93 million, included new infrastructure and hostel facilities, benefiting over 950 students, 70% of whom are girls. Like the Baglung school project, the Myagdi Campus development was implemented under the Nepal-India Development Cooperation program as an HICDP, underscoring India’s role in fostering higher education opportunities in Nepal.

Educational partnerships between India and Nepal are a cornerstone of their bilateral ties. As these projects take shape, they strengthen not only local communities but also the broader relationship between the two nations.