India pledges Rs 69 mln assistance for goiter control in Nepal

India today pledged to provide Rs 69 million as assistance to Nepal to launch an iodine deficiency programme across the country.
Indian Ambassador to Nepal Ranjit Rae handed over a cheque of Rs 17. 25 million as an advance payment out of total assistance of Rs 69 million to the secretary, ministry of commerce and supplies, Nepal for launching the iodine deficiency disorder control programme (IDDCP), a statement by the Indian Embassy here said.
The IDDCP, earlier known as Goitre Control Programme, was signed under the financial assistance of government of India, on August 3, 2014 during the visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Nepal.

India had supported the goiter control programme of Nepal government since 1973.
India had so far provided grant assistance of Rs 686 million to the Salt Trading Corporation of Nepal for the control of Goitre and other iodine deficiency disorders in Nepal during 1973-1998, 2004-07, 2009-14 in the form of subsidy for re-iodisation of salt, packing, transportation, and advocacy.