Geruwa Rural Municipality

Geruwa Rural Municipality (Gaunpalika - गेरूवा गाउँपालिका, बर्दिया) is situated in Bardiya District, within the Lumbini Province of Nepal. Approximately 5.49 kilometers south of Chisapani Bridge in Kailali, the Karnali River splits into two branches: one flowing westward to Janaki Rural Municipality, Kailali, and the other eastward through Bardiya National Park.

The western branch is known as the Karnali River, while the eastern branch is locally referred to as the Geruwa River. The municipality is named after the Geruwa River, which flows beside a central islet created by the bifurcation of the Karnali.

This area holds significant tourism potential. Visitors can enjoy scenic views of Bardiya National Park and spot wildlife such as tigers, bears, elephants, and deer.

Based on the report submitted by the committee formed under the Ministry of Federal Affairs and Local Development on 2073-11-20 BS, the Government of Nepal declared the establishment of Geruwa Rural Municipality on 2073-11-22 BS. It was formed by merging the previous VDCs of Patabhar, Gola, Pashupatinagar, and Manau, consisting of six wards in total.

Location and Area

Geruwa Rural Municipality lies between 28°24'18.17" and 28°35'36.04" north latitude, and 81°08'51" to 81°15'12" east longitude. The elevation ranges from 145 meters to 180 meters above sea level, covering an area of 78.41 square kilometers. Its boundaries are as follows:

• East: Bardiya National Park

• West: Rajapur Municipality

• North: Kailali District

• South: Rajapur Municipality

Demographic Information

The total population of the municipality is 33,514, including 15,363 males and 18,151 females.

Socioeconomic and Development Context

Among the newly structured municipalities in Bardiya, Geruwa holds strong development prospects. Active political parties and motivated citizens have positioned it as a base for sustainable growth. Being in the Terai region, the local economy is supported by:

• Agriculture (primary source of household income)

• Small businesses

• Service sectors

• Employment and foreign labor migration

Despite electrification in most homes, some marginalized communities still lack access to electricity. Educational institutions provide basic to secondary-level education, but the absence of past elected representatives and limited financial resources hindered planned development.

Cultural and Festive Life

Geruwa is home to diverse communities and ethnicities, which celebrate various cultural festivals throughout the year.

Geographic and Administrative Facts

• Area: 78.41 sq. km

• Location: Pashupatinagar, Bardiya

• Total Wards: 6

• Total Schools: 33 (26 community, 7 institutional)

• Early Childhood Centers: 56

• Community Learning Centers: 4

• Health Institutions: 6

• Model School: 1 (Shree Ekpriya Rathore Secondary School, Patabhar)

• Technical School: 1 (Shree Ekpriya Rathore Secondary School, Patabhar)

Educational Status and Commitment

Education is considered a foundation for human and societal development, as well as a fundamental human right. With the Free and Compulsory Education Act 2075, Nepal has recognized school education as a fundamental right. Local governments are responsible for ensuring this right.

Nepal's commitments under the Incheon Declaration, the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and the Sustainable Development and Poverty Reduction (SDPR) align with the efforts made by Geruwa Municipality. Despite limited resources, the municipality continues to coordinate with provincial and federal bodies to improve education quality.

According to Schedule 8 of the Constitution and Section 11(j) of the Local Government Operation Act 2074, local governments have 23 rights and responsibilities related to basic and secondary education. Geruwa Municipality moves forward with the vision: "Foundation of Prosperous Geruwa—Agriculture, Tourism, and Infrastructure."

Key Educational Responsibilities and Vision

The municipality emphasizes practical, employment-oriented, quality, life-useful, and research-based education. With a focus on local art, culture, skills, and technology, it aims to foster educational development by:

• Formulating and implementing School Improvement Plans (SIPs)

• Strengthening community schools

• Improving educational access and quality

Community School List

1. Shree Janata Basic School, Ward 1, Sarakhol, Classes 1–8

2. Shree Janaki Secondary School, Ward 1, Janak Nagar, Classes 1–10

3. Shree Kalika Primary School, Ward 1, Thapapur, Classes 1–5

4. Shree Khairawang Bhagwati Basic School, Ward 2, Rajipur, Classes 1–8

5. Shree Krishna Primary School, Ward 2, Ultanpur, Classes 1–5

6. Shree Ekpriya Rathore Secondary School, Ward 2, Patabhar, Classes 1–12

7. Shree Saraswati Basic School, Ward 3, Bankati, Classes 1–8

8. Shree Nepal National Primary School, Ward 3, Ganeshpur, Classes 1–5

9. Shree Saraswati Basic School, Ward 4, Jodhpur, Classes 1–8

10. Shree Nepal National Basic School, Ward 4, Gidarpur, Classes 1–8

11. Shree Janata Secondary School, Ward 4, Gola, Classes 1–12

12. Shree Kisan Primary School, Ward 4, Khopur, Classes 1–5

13. Shree Balpriya Basic School, Ward 4, Tingharuwa, Classes 1–8

14. Shree Pashupati Primary School, Ward 5, Jhavahi, Classes 1–5

15. Shree Shivjyoti Primary School, Ward 5, Pahadpur, Classes 1–5

16. Shree Krishna Durga Primary School, Ward 5, Sukhar, Classes 1–5

17. Shree Navjyoti Primary School, Ward 5, Pashupatinagar, Classes 1–5

18. Shree Pashupati Secondary School, Ward 5, Banjaria, Classes 1–12

19. Shree Saraswati Basic School, Ward 5, Bindra, Classes 1–8

20. Shree Namuna Primary School, Ward 5, Pashupatinagar, Classes 1–5

21. Shree Janakalyan Primary School, Ward 6, Lahorpur, Classes 1–5

22. Shree Divyajyoti Primary School, Ward 6, Guptipur, Classes 1–5

23. Shree Ramjanaki Basic School, Ward 6, Ramnagar, Classes 1–7

24. Shree Janapriya Primary School, Ward 6, Belbharaiya, Classes 1–3

25. Shree Nepal National Ganesh Secondary School, Ward 6, Prasenipur, Classes 1–12

26. Shree Dharmabhakta Primary School, Ward 6, Bajpur, Classes 1–5

Institutional School List

1. Shree Navjyoti Public School, Ward 1, Janaknagar, Classes 1–8

2. Shree Green Global Academy, Ward 3, Shantibazar, Classes 1–10

3. Shree Bindeshwari Academy School, Ward 3, Bhagatur, Classes 1–5

4. Shree Cambridge Boarding School, Ward 3, Shantibazar, Classes 1–10

5. Shree Live Vision E. Medium School, Ward 4, Navjyotibazar, Classes 1–5

6. Shree Model Pashupati E. Medium School, Ward 5, Patharaiya, Classes 1–5

7. Shree Peace Land E. Medium School, Ward 6, Prasenipur, Classes 1–7