Rajbiraj, February 20:

Indian envoy to Nepal, Shiv Shanker Mukherjee, has said a close relationship like the one that exists between Nepal and India is rare among two countries.

Addressing a programme organised at the construction site of the Janata Rameshwor Memorial Secondary School, which is being built with Indian assistance, at the Saptari’s Bramhapur, Mukherjee said: “India has always assisted Nepal for its development.”

India has chiefly assisted Nepal in the sectors of education, health and infrastructure development, Mukherjee said. India has invested nearly Rs 1,400 crores during the period from mid April 2004 to mid April 2006 in Nepal, he said.

“Education has contributed significantly to the development of the advanced countries”, Mukherjee said: “Hence schools buildings like the one being built need to be preserved and handed over to the next generation.”

The eight-class school building will cost Rs 3,977,012, according to a press statement issued by the Indian Embassy today.