Raxaul :

The Indian ambassador to Nepal, Jayant Prasad, on Thursday said India and Nepal, both sovereign nations, share friendly relations. Mutual respect, trust and cultural heritage are common factors binding their close and sweet relationship. “The Nepalese are very close to our hearts,” the Indian ambassador said.

On Thursday, Prasad inaugurated the buildings of two newly-constructed middle schools at Alau and Bahuari in Parsa district of Nepal  near the Indo-Nepal border. These middle school buildings were constructed at a cost of Rs 5 crore (Nepali currency) by Indian aid under the Nepal-India economic co-operation programme. The Indian ambassador said these schools would get assistance to open hi-tech science laboratories for the students, besides which an engineering college will be opened soon at Birganj, the second commercial city of Nepal, by the Indian government.

India recognizes the importance of acceleration, economic rehabilitation and development in Nepal and remains committed to rendering all possible assistance in this direction. “These development-related schemes undertaken in response to local needs and in partnership with the government of Nepal are in the sectors of education, health and infrastructure, although the Indian government  is ready to start welfare schemes in any field in Nepal,” he added. Prasad further said that pucca roads along 605 km is going to be constructed in the terai region of Parsa district besides which 1,000 km link roads will be constructed in other terai districts of Nepal by Indian assistance for better communication in rural Nepal.

The inaugural function was also addressed by chief district officer of Parsa Kailash Bajmey, former minister Durgadevi Mahato, former MPs Karina Begam  and Om Prakash Sharma and others who praised India’s role in the development of Nepal. Earlier, Prasad was accorded red carpet welcome by citizens and students.

Prasad also inspected the construction sites of integrated customs checkposts at Birganj in Nepal and Raxaul in India which are being constructed by Indian aid for better and speedy trade transit on both sides of the international border. Prasad said only 25% work at Birganj and 45% work at Raxaul has been completed which is not satisfactory. He asked the contractors to complete the work as soon as possible.

source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / Home> City> Patna / by Chandra Bhushan Pandey / TNN / December 22nd, 2012