Nepal: Construction begins at India-funded health and education facilities
Kathmandu, June 12
Construction of two separate hospitals and school buildings in Nepal's western Humla and Kailali district began in the last two days with Indian financial assistance, the Indian Embassy in Nepal said on Friday.
They are parts of the continued Indian assistance to develop essential social infrastructure in the country under the High Impact Community Development Project (HICDP) programme, a development initiative of the Indian government for Nepal.
On Friday, the foundation stone for the construction of the Nepal-Bharat Maitri Hospital Building at Chankheli Rural Municipality in Humla district was laid, according to a statement issued by the Embassy.
The project marks the third HICDP implemented in the remote mountain district of Humla, reflecting continued development cooperation between Nepal and India at the grassroots level.
Earlier, the Indian government had extended grant assistance for the construction of a library building within the premises of Shree Saraswati Madhyamik Vidyalaya in Sarkegad area and a laboratory-cum-library building at Shree Mahadev Higher Secondary School in Chankheli-Darma area of the district.
Officials said the new hospital building is expected to strengthen healthcare infrastructure and improve access to medical services for local residents in the district.
In addition to infrastructure support, the Government of India had organised a study tour to India in July 2024 for a 10-member delegation comprising elected representatives from the rural municipalities of Chankheli, Sarkegad and Simikot in Humla district.
On Thursday, the foundation stone for the construction of a new building for Shree Janajyoti Secondary School was laid at the Sannitriveni Rural Municipality of Kalikot district.
The school building will be constructed with financial assistance from the Indian government amounting to approximately NPR 93 million under HICDP programme. This is the first HICDP in Kalikot district of Nepal, the embassy said.
The HICDP programme is one of the key components of Nepal-India development cooperation, supporting projects in sectors such as education, health, community infrastructure and capacity building across Nepal.
Launched in 2003, HICDPs were previously known as Small Development Projects. The initiative supports small-scale infrastructure and community-based projects across Nepal through local authorities, focusing on priority sectors identified by the Government of Nepal, including health, education, drinking water, sanitation and drainage, rural electrification, hydropower, and river training works.
According to the embassy, nearly 600 HICDP projects have been undertaken by India across Nepal's seven provinces and 74 districts since the programme's inception.
The Government of India has also provided 56 ambulances and 14 school buses to institutions in comparatively backward Karnali Province, including four ambulances and two school buses in Kalikot district.
— IANS
Reader Comments
While this is positive, I hope these projects are implemented with proper local consultation and transparency. Sometimes big infrastructure projects look good on paper but don't reach the people who need them most. Let's see how the hospital and school actually serve the community after completion.
This is what good neighbourly relations look like. India helping Nepal with healthcare and education in remote districts, no strings attached. The study tour for local representatives to India is a smart move too - exposure to best practices helps with implementation. Kudos to both governments!
Impressive to see 600+ HICDP projects across Nepal since 2003. The 56 ambulances and 14 school buses for Karnali province show practical support beyond buildings. Remote mountain districts often get neglected, so this targeted assistance makes a real difference. Hope it continues.
NPR 93 million for a school building in Kalikot is a significant investment. But I wonder if the locals were consulted on the design and facilities. Often, such projects follow a template rather than addressing specific community needs. Still, any help for education in remote areas is welcome. 📚
This is a classic example of soft power done right. Instead of big-ticket loans or controversial projects, India is focusing on grassroots-level healthcare and education. The fact that it's the third HICDP in Humla shows sustained commitment. This approach builds genuine goodwill over time.
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