Himal Press 
KATHMANDU: The Government of Japan has decided to extend a grant of 454 million Japanese yet, equivalent to Rs 417 million, for the implementation of the Project for Human Resource Development Scholarship (JDS).
Finance Secretary Dr Ram Prasad Ghimire and Japanese ambassador to Nepal Kikuta Yutaka signed notes to this extent on Wednesday, according to a statement issued by the Embassy of Japan in Kathmandu.
“The JDS grant offers Nepal’s young government officials two-year Master’s degree courses and three-year Doctoral level courses in reputed Japanese universities,” the statement added.
The Government of Japan has received a total of 187 Nepali government officials to Japan under the program. After completion of their studies, the JDS Fellows are expected to engage in formulating and implementing socio-economic development plans and evolve as leaders in Nepal, as well as contribute to the expansion and strengthening of friendly relations between Japan and Nepal, the embassy added in the statement.
Speaking on the occasion, Ambassador Kikuta stated that he was impressed by the attitude of the JDS fellows in Nepal. He expressed belief that JDS will continue to contribute to Nepal’s development by supporting capable and motivated Nepali government officials.
