A new 24-room residential hostel and dining facility is set to be built at Divyadeep Secondary School in Chhoser, Ward No. 2 of Lomanthang Rural Municipality, located in Upper Mustang near the northern border with China. The foundation stone was laid during a formal ceremony under the India-Nepal Development Partnership initiative.
The project, with a total estimated cost of NPR 43,085,349, is being constructed with support from the Government of India. The inauguration was jointly conducted by Lomanthang Rural Municipality Chairperson Tashi Norbu Gurung and Prasanna Shrivastava, Deputy Chief of Mission of the Indian Embassy.
Partnership Funding and Purpose
Speaking at the ceremony, Chairperson Gurung expressed gratitude and shared that the residential facility would greatly benefit students in their daily studies and learning environment.
Chief Administrative Officer Bishal KC explained that the Indian Embassy will cover 80 percent of the total cost, while the rural municipality will contribute the remaining 20 percent.
Symbol of Strong Bilateral Partnership
Indian Embassy Deputy Chief Prasanna Shrivastava stated that the project reflects the strong development partnership between India and Nepal.
The foundation event was attended by Lho-Ghekar Damodarkunda Rural Municipality Chairperson Lopsang Chhompel Bisht, local representatives, government officials, community leaders, school management members, teachers, parents, and students.
Unique Role of Divyadeep School in Upper Mustang
Divyadeep Secondary School is the only secondary-level institution in Upper Mustang. It currently educates students not just from Mustang, but also from neighboring districts such as Myagdi, Baglung, Dhanusha, and Rupandehi.
At present, 13 children are enrolled in the Early Childhood Development program, and 65 students are studying from Grades 1 to 10.
According to Principal Kamalesh Kumar Tripathi, the school also conducts six months of academic sessions in its own four-storey building located in Vijaypur, Pokhara.
Land Donated by Local Elder
For the construction of this new building, local elder Tasi Yangjin generously donated two ropani and three aana of land.
Upper Mustang continues to receive investment in various development projects every year through support from countries including India, China, and the United States.
Mustang