Kathmandu: H.E. Mr. Shyam Saran, Ambassador of India to Nepal, at a public function held at Dharan today, laid the foundation stone of the building of the Mahendra Multiple Campus, Dharan. The public function was well attended by representatives of the local administration, community leaders and large number of people from the area. The campus building will be called ‘Nepal Bharat Maitri Bhawan’, and will thus stand for long years as an enduring symbol of the friendship between the two countries.

Government of India had sanctioned assistance of NRs. 25.91 million for the construction of classroom block with teachers’ rooms and library hall and provision of furniture for the Mahendra Multiple Campus, Dharan. A tripartite agreement was signed on May 12, 2004, between the Embassy of India, Dharan Municipality and the Mahendra Multiple Campus, laying down the modalities of providing Indian assistance for this project.

The construction of the building would be executed by the Municipality, Dharan in accordance with prescribed procedures. An oversight committee consisting of the Programme in-charge of the Campus, the Assistant Campus

Chief and the District Education Officer has been constituted to supervise construction and ensure proper utilisation of the grant assistance.

The need for the building at the Mahendra Multiple Campus, Dharan has long been felt by the local community in Dharan. The students come not only from District Sunsari where the campus is located but also from neighbouring districts Morang, Saptari and Dhankuta, in addition to these from hilly territories of Purwanchal Development Region. It is one of the oldest colleges in Tribhuvan University catering to the needs of more than 4000 students on its rolls. The construction of the building would go a long way in not only improving educational infrastructure for the students of the campus but also reinforcing India’s commitment for strengthening economic bonds with Nepal through such programmes in a vital sector.