JHAPA: The Jhapa District Education Office was declared the best performer among 16 eastern districts for third consecutive times this year. District Education Officer Dilliram Luitel shared that Jhapa bagged a cash prize of Rs 25,000 along with a certificate of excellence. The Directorate has been presenting outstanding award to three districts every year based on the performance of district education offices, said Deputy Director of Regional Education Directorate Dhankuta Chudamani Phuyal. Udayapur and Ilam were declared to be second and third. Udayapur received cash award of Rs 20,000 and Ilam Rs 15,000 along with certificate, the Directorate informed.