India pledges NRs 50 million for Nepal community buildings

India today pledged to provide nearly Rs (Nepalese) 50 million for construction of community buildings in 24 villages in southern Nepal.
A Memorandum of Understanding was signed for construction of 25 community buildings in 24 village development committees in Sarlahi district at an estimated cost of NRs 49.98 million (about USD 500,000), said a press release issued by the Indian Embassy here.
The MoU was signed between representatives of the embassy and the Local Development Office, Sarlahi district for the project to be funded under Small Development Programme Scheme as part of India-Nepal Economic Cooperation Programme.
All 24 villages are situated in Sarlahi district in remote rural areas with over 20 per cent of Dalits.

Due to lack of community buildings, the Dalits are not able to celebrate their festivals, cultural programmes and other ceremonies together.
The community buildings in each village will help them in improving their social conditions, the embassy said.
The new infrastructure will provide much needed space and would create an improved environment for socio-economic development.