The Indian Embassy in Nepal has generously donated 275 LPG gas stoves, cylinders, and other accessories to underprivileged families in the Tirhut Rural Municipality of Saptari district. The Consul General of India, Nitesh Kumar, and Chanda Chaudhary, President of Nepal-India Women Friendship Society (NIFWS) and Member of the House of Representatives, handed over the cylinders on June 3.
This initiative is part of a larger project where the Government of India gifted a total of 3,000 sets of LPG stoves, 14.2 kg cylinders, and additional accessories, such as regulators and pipes. Earlier this year, around 500 sets were distributed in the Kaudena Municipality of Sarlahi district.
The distribution event was attended by several dignitaries, including Vijay Yadav, Chairman of Tirhut Rural Municipality, Narendra Karki, Superintendent of Police (SP) of Saptari, Radha Kayasth, Vice-President of Nepal-India Women Friendship Society, local journalists, and other stakeholders. The families were selected based on the Socio-Economic Caste Census (SECC) list, in collaboration with the District Administration Office (DAO) and local authorities. The distribution process also involved the participation of Social Welfare Councils.
The Indian government allocated approximately 24,090,000 Nepalese Rupees for this initiative. The Consul General highlighted the adverse effects of traditional cooking fuels on the health of rural women and the environment, emphasizing the importance of using LPG gas stoves and cylinders. The provision of these cooking facilities demonstrates India’s continued support for Nepal.
Chanda Chaudhary expressed gratitude to the Indian government for its ongoing developmental assistance to women. The distribution of LPG gas stoves, cylinders, and accessories aims to replace the use of traditional cooking fuels like firewood, coal, and cow-dung cakes, which contribute to health hazards due to heavy smoke emissions.
This project is part of the “India@75 Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav” campaign and is inspired by the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY) of the Indian government, which aims to provide clean cooking fuel to rural and deprived households. Over the years, India has undertaken numerous High Impact Development Projects (HICDPs) in Nepal, including 81 projects in Province-2, benefiting districts like Sarlahi, Rautahat, and Saptari. India has also donated ambulances and school buses in these regions.
The gift of LPG stoves and cylinders reflects India’s commitment to supporting Nepal’s development efforts and strengthening the bilateral relationship between the two neighboring countries.
