The Indian government has sanctioned Rs 8.20 million for the construction of a girls' hostel, the Nepal Bharat Maitri Kanya Chhatrabas, at Panchthar Multiple Campus at Phidim. The Indian Ambassador Shyam Saran laid the foundation stone for what is hoped will become "an enduring symbol of the friendship between the two countries" according to an embassy press release. The need for a girls' hostel has long been felt by the local community and its construction will go a long way in improving the educational infrastructure for the people of this district.