KATHMANDU, Aug. 23: Minister for Finance, Dr Babu Ram Bhattarai, pointed out that the present need is to be united for the national welfare.

Speaking at a programme organized by Gorkha Social Service Centre, Kathmandu, here today, Minister Dr Bhattarai said all should rise above partisan interest for the progressive direction to the nation, considering the transitional phase of the country.

Gorkha has played a key role in all movements from the unification of the nation to the present republic, Minister Dr Bhattarai said.

On the occasion, student and schools achieving excellent results in 2064 SLC exam and also the persons playing significant role in the sectors of education, sports and mountaineering in the district were honoured.

Honoured personality and youth entrepreneur Bhagawan Bhatta provided Rs 100,000 through Minister Dr Bhattarai for the flood-affected people and Rs.50,000 through Dr Upendra Devkota for a revolving fund in the district providing scholarship to the dalit and indigenous students.

Senior doctor Upendra Devkota opined that various programmes would be launched for the upliftment of Gorkha people through the Centre.

The programme was presided over by Chairman of the Centre, Hira Kaji Shrestha.