In a move to bolster educational infrastructure, the Indian government has donated 81 school buses to educational institutions across Nepal. The initiative, which spans 48 districts, aims to improve access to education for students across all seven provinces of Nepal.
The donation specifically targets districts affected by floods, including Ilam, Jhapa, and Udayapur in Koshi Province. Remote regions such as Humla, Mustang, Sankhuwasabha, Darchula, Baitadi, and Achham will also benefit from this contribution. The Indian Embassy in Kathmandu emphasized that this initiative is a testament to the enduring friendship and development partnership between India and Nepal.
This donation is part of India's long-standing support for Nepal's education sector. Over the past 30 years, India has provided a total of 381 school buses to schools in Nepal. This contribution aims to enhance mobility and facilitate access to education for students throughout the country.
Beyond the donation of school buses, India's commitment to Nepal's development is evident in various sectors, including health, infrastructure, and culture. India has historically been Nepal's largest development partner, focusing on large-scale infrastructure projects. These projects encompass the construction of airports, highways, and educational institutions.
In addition to infrastructure development, India provides scholarships to Nepali students for higher education, with approximately 38,000 Nepali nationals having benefited from these scholarships since 2001. India also offers training programs for government officials and professionals through the Indian Technical & Economic Cooperation (ITEC) program.
India's support extends to disaster relief, as demonstrated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi's response to the recent heavy rains in Nepal. Modi expressed his condolences and reaffirmed India's readiness to assist Nepal, highlighting the strong bond between the two nations.
The donation of school buses is one of many High Impact Community Development Projects (HICDPs) undertaken by India in Nepal. These projects, implemented at the grassroots level, focus on areas such as education, health, and sanitation. Since 2003, India has initiated over 573 HICDPs in Nepal, with 495 projects already completed.
This recent contribution of school buses underscores the commitment of the Indian government to strengthen educational opportunities for students in Nepal, fostering a stronger and more prosperous future for the nation.
