Minister for Health and Population Ram Janam Chaudhary and Indian Ambassador to Nepal Ranjit Rae on Thursday presented certificates of merit to Nepali recipients of the Golden Jubilee Scholarship (GJS), a scheme launched by the Indian government in 2002 to commemorate the 50 years of economic cooperation between India and Nepal.

Speaking at the event, minister Chaudhary said programmes like the GJS would help in nation building process and urged the students not to leave the country for job. He also hailed the Indian support in the field of education in Nepal.

Indian Ambassador Rae said India has a huge reservoir of affection for Nepali people that was demonstrated during the earthquake. Whenever India works in Nepal, the core objective is development of Nepal, he added.

At the inception of the GJS, 50 Nepalese students undertaking different undergraduate courses in Nepal were awarded the scholarship. In the year 2007, the number of scholarships was increased to 100. Since the year 2012, the number of scholarships has been doubled to 200 and monthly stipend increased from Rs. 3000 to Rs. 4000 for MBBS and BE courses and from Rs 2,000 to Rs 3,000 for other courses, including BSc., BA, BBS, etc.

The students are selected on the basis of merit. Seats are reserved for students from educationally disadvantaged districts and due weightage for underprivileged and physically challenged students has been accorded.