Chhayanath Municipality in Mugu district has helped Devi Krishna BK of Dhum village, a student from an impoverished family, to study dental medicine in Bangaladesh.

Having already provided Rs500,000 for his first year of study, the municipality is arranging as much amount for the second year. Kali BK, Devi Krishna’s mother, said that she was able to send her son to Bangaladesh following help from the municipality.

“I have taken loans for my son’s study. My son has assured to do service in the village after completing his course,” said Kali, who family members make a living as daily wage earners.

According to her, around Rs 2.4 million was needed for her son’s studies. “I asked the municipal office for help to fund my son’s studies,” said Kali. Mayor Hari Jang Shahi said the municipal office provided Rs500,000 to Devi Krishna for his tuition fees and meals in the first year. “For the second year, we will provide another Rs 500,000,” said Shahi.

Shahi added that the municipality has a policy to help students of impoverished families for their higher technical education after they passed their entrance exams.

“The municipality decided to manage funds for the impoverished students after they were selected for MBBS, pilot and engineering courses,” said Shahi, adding that the municipality has set aside a fund of Rs900,000 for poor meritorious students in the current fiscal year.

Officials said that Devi Krishna is the first medical student of Dalit community in the municipality.