At a well – attended public function on 13 March 2013, Piyush Srivastava, Counsellor (P&EC), on behalf of the Ambassador of India, laid the foundation stone for the construction of a double storied building for Shree Shiva Saraswati Higher Secondary School under Nepal- India Economic Cooperation Programme. The project will be implemented by the District Development Committee, Tanahun.

Established in 1976, Shree Shiva Saraswati Higher Secondary School is situated at Rishing Ranipokhari VDC -2 in Tanahun District. Its existing infrastructure is dilapidated and insufficient to comfortably accommodate all the students. The new building being constructed with Indian grant assistance of NRs. 22.23 million will help in creation of better facilities for over 800 students, about 50% of whom are girls and would create an improved environment for learning and contribute to the development of the education in the district.

India is currently executing four development projects in Tanahun District with grant assistance of NRs. 105.80 million, while the campus building for Tribhuvan Campus has already been constructed at a cost of NRs. 14.42 million. India has also provided four ambulances for health care purposes in Tanahun District.

Speaking on the occasion, Counsellor (P&EC) underlined the importance of the Nepal–India Economic Cooperation Programme as a cornerstone of the development partnership between the two countries. He expressed the hope that the various projects being implemented under the programme will help the people of Nepal in their strides towards peace and prosperity.

Recognizing the importance of accelerating growth in Nepal, India remains committed to rendering all possible assistance in that direction. The India – Nepal Economic Programme has an outlay of over NRs. 64 billion with more than 425 large and small development projects completed or currently being implemented in almost all the districts of Nepal. These development projects mainly in the sectors of education, health and infrastructure development have been undertaken in response to local needs, and in partnership with the Government of Nepal.