A newly constructed three-storey school building, funded by a grant from the Government of India, was officially inaugurated on Monday in Bhaktapur, Nepal. The construction of the Shree Mahendra Shanti Secondary School, which cost NRs 11.30 million, was completed under the ‘Nepal-India Development Cooperation’ initiative, according to a statement from the Indian Embassy in Nepal.
The project was part of a broader collaboration between the two neighbouring countries and falls under the High Impact Community Development Project (HICDP) agreement between India and Nepal. The HICDP initiative aims to support the development of key infrastructure in priority sectors across Nepal.
Continued Support for Education
The Shree Mahendra Shanti Secondary School, established in 1952 as a primary school and later upgraded to a secondary school in 1995, is one of the oldest educational institutions in Bhaktapur district. The school currently runs classes from Nursery to 12th grade, with an enrollment of around 800 students, of which 45% are girls.
Nepalese leaders present at the inauguration expressed their gratitude for India's continuous developmental assistance, particularly in the field of education. They noted the importance of such projects in uplifting local communities and supporting education, a key sector for the future growth of the region.
India-Nepal Cooperation Strengthened
As close neighbors, India and Nepal share extensive cooperation in various sectors, and this project marks another milestone in their ongoing collaboration. The construction of the school is part of India's larger efforts to support Nepal in its development, with a particular focus on high-impact projects that directly benefit local communities.
In a statement, the Indian Embassy emphasized the significance of these projects, stating, “The implementation of HICDPs reflects the continued support of the Government of India in bolstering the efforts of the Government of Nepal in upliftment of its people by augmenting infrastructure in priority sectors.”
The school building inauguration is seen as a further demonstration of India’s commitment to fostering development in Nepal through collaborative efforts that enhance education and community services. The initiative highlights the strong ties between the two countries and India's role in supporting the advancement of Nepal’s educational infrastructure