Full text of Foreign Secretary's remarks during inauguration of 3 schools at Gorkha

H.E. Mr. Ramsharan Basnet, Minister for Physical Infrastructure and Development of Gandaki Province

H.E. Ramkrishna Sapkota, Secretary of National Reconstruction Authority of Government of Nepal

H.E. Mr. Vinay Mohan Kwatra, Ambassador of India to Nepal

H.E. Mr. Rajan Raj Pant, Mayor of Gorkha Municipality

Distinguished Guests, friends from the media, ladies and gentlemen

Thank you for the warm welcome.

It is a special honour for me to be in this historic land.

This is the land of King Prithvi Narayan Shah, who founded modern Nepal.

The people of Gorkha are known across the world for their bravery.

Sadly, you suffered deeply from the devastating earthquake of April 2015.

But with your courage and determination you have rebuilt your lives.

The people of India understand your pain. Our Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, as Chief Minister of Gujarat, led the reconstruction of Bhuj after the 2001 earthquake. Today it is one of the economic hubs of India. We wish the same for you.

Nepal occupies a special place in our hearts. We are glad to have been able to assist in your reconstruction efforts.

Both India and Nepal have large youth population and value education.

Good education is the best investment for the future of our people.

I am very pleased that today we are inaugurating three schools, Shree Mahalaxmi, Shree Ratnalaxmi and Shree Tara Secondary Schools, which have been reconstructed with India’s assistance. This will benefit nearly 1600 students studying in these schools.

Four more schools are under reconstruction in the Gorkha district.

In all, 70 schools across nine districts of Nepal are being reconstructed with Indian funding, at a total cost of Nepali Rupees 6000 million. The new buildings have earthquake resistant design.

I am happy to know that India has funded the construction of 267 schools and campuses across Nepal over the last two decades. We also provide 3000 scholarships every year to Nepalese students.

Friends,

The earthquake also destroyed so many houses.

We promised to rebuild 50,000 houses in Gorkha and Nuwakot districts. I am happy to know that more than 46,000 houses have already been built with Indian assistance.

Health is another priority area in our assistance efforts. We are reconstructing 147 health posts and hospitals across ten districts of Nepal. Around 30 of these are in Gorkha district.

We are also working to restore cultural heritage sites across Nepal.

I must thank our Nepalese partner agencies without whose support our projects would not have been completed.

Friends,

I am really happy to see for myself the progress that you have achieved despite all challenges.

The people of India stand with you in your journey.

I wish the people of Gorkha long lasting development and prosperity.

Long live India – Nepal friendship.

Thank you!

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