The government of India has provided a financial assistance worth Rs 144,000 for a women empowerment programme in Khalanga of Darchula district.

A memorandum of understanding to this effect was signed between Gyanveer Singh, second secretary at the Embassy of India, Sahdev Rayamanjhi, local development officer of Darchula district and Durga Awasthi, a social worker on Friday, according to a statement issued by the embassy. The assistance has been extended under Indian government’s Small Development Programme Scheme as part of India–Nepal Economic Cooperation Programme, said the embassy.

“The Women Empowerment Programme in Darchula district is being conducted with an aim to empower poor under privileged women by providing them necessary skills and equipment for self-employment and in the process making them financially independent,” added the embassy. “Under the programme, 15 women from the marginalised section of Khalanga VDC would be trained in stitching and tailoring work by a skilled trainer.” Besides, two other projects have been completed with the Indian government’s assistance worth Rs 26.30 million to the district alone, according to the embassy.