India and Bhutan on Thursday reviewed and approved 297 projects worth Nu. 4.06 billion (Rs 406 crore) as part of the second batch of High Impact Community Development Projects (HICDPs) for the 13th Five-Year Plan (FYP). The approval came during the 2nd India-Bhutan HICDP Committee Meeting held in Thimphu.
The Indian delegation, led by Aniket G. Mandavgane, Deputy Chief of Mission at the Embassy of India in Thimphu, and the Bhutanese delegation, headed by Pema Tshomo, Director at Bhutan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, made the joint decision.
HICDPs focus on small-scale projects with short implementation timelines, targeting rural connectivity, drinking water supply, irrigation, flood protection, tourism, and waste management. These projects aim to enhance the livelihood, job opportunities, and food security of rural and semi-urban communities.
The Government of India has committed Nu. 100 billion (INR 10,000 crore) for Bhutan’s 13th FYP, with Nu. 10 billion (INR 1,000 crore) allocated for HICDPs. The committee also approved the revision of the first batch to include 275 projects worth Nu. 4.40 billion (INR 440 crore).
The meeting was held in a cordial atmosphere, reflecting the enduring friendship and cooperation between the two countries.
