News: His Majesty the King Address at the Concluding Ceremony of the 3rd Session of Parliament

His Majesty the 5th King of Bhutan: Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck

On the occasion of the concluding ceremony of the 3rd session of Parliament, I congratulate the elected government of the Druk Phuensum Tshokpa on the completion of one year and four months in office. In these early days of a new political system while bearing great responsibilities you have, despite the limited resources, successfully carried out the difficult duties of government in service of the Tsawasum.

The Opposition, though comprised of only two members, has through diligence and commitment, fulfilled the important duties of the Opposition party enshrined in the Constitution.

The members of the National Council, in the interest of the country’s future, have shouldered their profound duties with accomplishment. I must express my deep gratitude and appreciation to the government and the members of parliament. It is with complete trust and faith that I look upon you to serve the People and Country. In doing so you have my wholehearted support.

We must also acknowledge that in preparation for democracy we had entrusted immense responsibilities on our civil servants and judiciary as well as on constitutional bodies such as the Royal Audit Authority, Anti-corruption Commission and Election Commission, which they have fulfilled in the service of the nation. Henceforth, for a vibrant and successful democracy, we must continue to support and strengthen these institutions.

Media - newspapers, television, radio and the Internet – must play a very important role. I appreciate that while some of the media agencies are young and lack adequate resources they have strived to perform their duties with complete commitment. Hereafter, media will be vital in keeping people well informed and in encouraging debate and participation - key to a vibrant democracy. Therefore, I have decided that through the exercise of my Royal Prerogative of Kidu, to strengthen media agencies so that they may carry out their duties, without fear or favour, in the interest of democracy.

Today, whenever there is time, I travel across the country to the villages. It is when I sit in the houses of my people, eat our meals together and discuss the lives and aspirations of each family, that I am most content. And while I am there I try, in small ways, to help them with their most pressing problems. Nothing is as rewarding as knowing that I have made their lives a little more comfortable, a little more secure and happier.

There is no substitute for being able to see the problems of the people personally. For when I carry out my duties, I shall remember the faces of the people whom I must serve and I will know the ways in which I can serve them best.

It is also while I am in the villages that I come across so many people serving the country in such important ways, but who are rarely recognized and acknowledged. There is the civil servant, teacher, health worker and local government staff working in remote places and serving their country well. Our development projects are supported by the hard work of the daily-wage worker and those in the national work force. There is the small entrepreneur or the farmer working hard to feed his or her family. Such people are the backbone of our nation.

I have said before that the future is what we make of it. What work we do with our two hands today, and the sacrifices we make will shape the future of our nation. To each and every loyal, hardworking and law-abiding citizen I offer my deepest gratitude.

Now, I always say that when we work together we must be frank and forthright. Today, everywhere people are concerned about the disagreements between important institutions of government. I want to tell my people that when such disagreements arise, there is no need to worry. It means that the members of these institutions have embraced their duties wholeheartedly. However, we must be careful not to defer problems but resolve them as soon as they arise.

It is not the disagreements that our people should be concerned about; it is the manner in which they are resolved. Frankly, these disagreements have given us a great opportunity to set the right precedent for future politicians, governments and people. If the institutions in question can sit together, keeping national interest above all else, and resolve their problems, it will be an auspicious sign that democracy has a great future in Bhutan.

As King I have the sacred duty to look beyond the next one or two, or even five or ten years. It is my duty to serve the People such that, for generation after generation, era upon era our nation becomes stronger, more prosperous and happier. Therefore, from where I stand, I do not see different players such as the National Assembly, National Council, Cabinet or Bureaucracy.

What do I see?
I see our small landlocked country. I see our small Bhutanese family. Then I see this immense world in which we have the challenge and responsibility to stand on our own feet and build a nation into which our future generations will always feel proud, secure and happy to be born.

This is what I see.
I truly believe that we have a special, unique and strong nation because of our People – the jewel of Bhutan. Throughout history our people have always worked as One Nation with One Vision. So, today, it is my hope that you will uphold this unity of spirit and purpose and resolve all disagreements in the interest of our People and Country, now and in the future.

Tashi Delek

Source: Kuenselonline

News: In the interest of Bhutan democracy

I consider it my duty to offer an explanation to the people on the position of the royal government in respect of the subject of non-attendance of ministers in the ‘question hour’ of the National Council. I am hopeful this will help clear the concerns and doubts surrounding the issue.

We, the members of Parliament (National Council & National Assembly), see ourselves as having been gifted to play a historic role in establishing the roots of a unique Bhutanese democracy. Our two houses fully appreciate the need to work together, even as we must often differ in the spirit and nature of a true democracy.

The non-participation of Ministers in the National Council (NC) question hour, under the present arrangement, is in the larger interest of democracy and in adherence to the spirit and principles of the Constitution. To interpret and publicise this decision as a sign of fear on the part of ministers or as a lack of esteem for NC is to be disrespectful to the ministers and to misinform the people on the intentions of the National Assembly (NA) and the Cabinet.

The position of the royal government was made clear to the NC last year. Following reasons remain valid:
• The Constitution does not require ministers to attend NC question hour sessions. That the Cabinet must report to and be answerable to NC, since it is collectively accountable to parliament, is a flawed argument. The people need to understand the truth that neither NC nor NA by itself constitutes the parliament. Parliament is comprised of three elements and includes His Majesty the King, who is the third and highest. That is why no bill passed by both houses can become an Act unless it receives Royal assent.

• The NC Act does not require a minister to answer questions. Unlike the NA Act, which states very clearly that a minister shall respond in person to questions, section 131 of the NC Act states “an interpellation requires the government (not minister) to present an opinion, either orally or in writing”. Section 136 further states: “questions of national importance shall be listed in category 1 and shall require written answers to be given.” The two Acts were passed in the same session of Parliament and these differences were made to ensure that ministers are not obligated. What the public has not been told is that the ministers have very respectfully submitted their responses to NC in writing.

• What is also not made known is that he Cabinet ministers had decided to go to NC to present personally the government bills as a mark of respect. Lyonpo Zimba, who was half way to the NC to make his presentation on the day of the first question hour, was told not to come by the NC secretariat as they had adjourned because Lyonpo Minjur had not come for question hour. Since then, the ministers have had to cancel such presentations.

All the questions sent to the ministers were very simple and related to development and administrative matters. These included: why ‘Ngenba Guzom’ government holiday had been cancelled; why Gomphu Kora was not under the administration of Trashiyangtse rabdey; human-wildlife conflict; joining of a farm road; bridge for a power tiller track, etc. Such matters are the responsibility of NA MPs, who are bound directly to the voters and belong to the house that forms the government and where the Cabinet sits. It is in the NA that ministers are specifically required by law to answer such questions. In addition, the people always submit their questions directly to NA through the Dzongkhag Tshogdes. One does not see the need to ask similar questions through another house or channel where, in any case, decisions cannot be arrived at, as in NA.

Section 6 of the NC Act states “The NC shall not be bound by voters or interest groups and shall function in a non-partisan manner in their Parliamentary work.” This means that NC is not to entertain direct requests from their constituencies, unlike their political counterpart. Our people need to know that NC members are not their direct representatives. Such questions should be forwarded to NA.

It has been suggested that, as a good will gesture, the ministers should go to the NC question hour. Three good reasons prevent them from doing so:
• Firstly, it would undermine the vital role of NC as a ‘house of review’. When NC intervenes by questioning government ministers on administrative and developmental matters, it influences or alters their actions and becomes an involved party, thereby losing objectivity and its value as a house of review.

• Secondly, it would be wrong for this government to tie future governments to a procedure that would hinder their functioning. Future governments may not be as strong as ours. Imagine Q&A sessions in the NA itself, where the ruling government has just a small majority built out of an unholy alliance among several parties from the primaries. To further subject ministers to questions on anything it does or intends to do in an NC that, in future, could become politically motivated or even inquisitorial, would make government falter.

• Then there is the third reason. It is possible that the parliamentary sessions, in future, will need to be extended beyond the current periods as bills keep piling. Ministers would then be spending their time preparing responses and running between the two houses, fearful of taking decisions with little time for real work. The NC Act states, “Question time ... shall be held such number of times...... as the NC deems expedient”.

It is important to note that NA, both opposition and government, is directly associated with the executive. It must aid, oppose or question the government. This house, among others, must decide on government programmes in the annual budget form. It naturally follows that NA becomes accountable for government actions. Therefore, if the government fails and falls, the entire house is dissolved and its MPs must return to the people for their verdict. As NA is, thus, involved with the executive, there is the need for the other house, NC, to serve as an objective, apolitical house of review for the good of democracy. Its role as the house of moderation and long term vision beyond the five year interests of governments must not be compromised.

The NC cannot and must not seek direct involvement in government in the interest of its special mandate of review. It has no direct accountability to the people. For this reason, it is privileged to serve its full term even when a government falls. Questioning ministers on behalf of voters and drawing itself into the functions of the executive, is not only a violation of section 6 of its own Act but deprives our unique democratic system of its vital review mechanism.

The National Council needs to understand its mandate. It needs to function within the principles and bounds cir*****scribed by the Constitution, even though it has the capacity to do more. It must not replicate NA. Its search for a greater role to check strong governments from becoming autocratic or excessive is a noble thought but not well founded. Seeking an expanded role beyond what is prescribed by the Constitution is dangerous in itself.

No governments in Bhutan and in our unique democracy can become tyrannical or dictatorial. That is what is unique about the democracy that our Kings have bequeathed to us. Ours is an intelligent, self-correcting, holistic system within an immaculately conceived constitutional frame. With foresight, all the vital constitutional instruments of checks and balance were put in place even before the first government was elected. I list below a range of such institutional arrangements:
• The independent judiciary ensures no government body or individual can act against the law with impunity and that no one is above law.

• Constitutional bodies, namely, the Election Commission, the ACC, the Royal Audit Authority and the RCSC carry out oversight functions, ensuring that government and parties stay within rules, that they do not misuse power, privilege and public resources.

• The Public Accounts Committee of parliament, comprising both NA and NC members, check on government expenditure and performance as well.

• On the fear of human rights violations, a NA Human Rights Committee has been instituted and its effectiveness assured by electing as its chair, a member of the opposition party.

• Making rural poor victims of neglect and wrongdoing is just as impossible because of decentralisation. Further, the rural-biased 10th five-year programme bears testimony to RGoB’s commitment to social, economic and health empowerment of rural people so that they can exercise their political power responsibly and without compulsions.

• As for the possibility of doing selective favours to certain sections of people or buying votes by gifting state properties, our policy is that gifting of even a needle belonging to the state is the prerogative of the King alone, exercised in the form of Kidus for the needy.

• RGoB must mobilise development assistance on the merit of its policies and good governance. This makes the royal government fully susceptible and amenable to the scrutiny and checks of the international community.

• Keeping people in the dark and misinformed is made impossible by a media corpus that is growing in capacity, diversity and assertiveness.

• Above all, our revered monarch will never allow the worst that happens in many ‘democracies’ to ever be suffered by the Bhutanese people.

So then, even as the spectre of ‘tyranny of majority’ and the need for NC to play an expanded role is raised, our democracy is not so vulnerable and threatened by the government that the people have elected with unanimous trust. We must not undermine the capacity of our oversight mechanisms and be led to believe that, without the NC assuming further check and balance roles, the government will become authoritarian. In the making of laws, should not the role of this legislative body, which includes five eminent persons, be to provide wisdom and moderation through the process of calm and contemplative deliberations? Should it not be objectively reviewing and reporting on the actions of the government and on matters affecting the ‘the security’, ‘sovereignty’ and ‘interests of the nation and people’ as mandated by the Constitution in section 2 of Article 11?

We understand and appreciate the desire of NC members to elevate our National Council. But are we not aware that it already enjoys status as part of the highest institution in our democratic constitutional monarchy? Elevation does not come from role expansion, especially if it were to undermine good principles embedded in the Constitution. Being situated at the highest possible level, neither NA nor NC can rise any higher. We, as MPs, can only fall or remain elevated, depending on how we conduct our sacred duties and are judged by the King and people we serve.

Without demonstrating enough will for conciliation, one house has shown persistence in building issues for ‘constitutional crises’ and judicial intervention. Others are joining in to fuel public disenchantment and a thinly-veiled, first ever parliamentary walk-out has been staged in a country that has never been plagued by the ‘strike’ culture. These have not been heart-warming. When the dust settles; when reflection follows emotions and fleeting biases; when good sense prevails, such indiscretions will not earn elevation for NC and NA nor parliament.

History tells us that we Bhutanese can excel in conciliation and are rich in its traditions. We can find solutions without compromising principles and national interests. For what is beyond our wisdom and threatens to create conflict, let us exercise dignified patience. We are in a transitional period. Democracies take time to grow and mature if, at all, they do. There will be others, who will continue with the issues we cannot resolve, and causes we fail to champion. Let us have faith in our future parliamentarians.

Then again, the issues at hand are not insurmountable, they are not personal. That we are both working towards the same end, should give us inspiration. We can resolve them as long as we truly respect each other and are motivated by our loyalty and commitment to the ‘Tsa-wa Sum’ (3 elements of statehood). To do so, we need to interact, understand and trust each other. That is why, after the last session, I offered to meet and dialogue with NC any time. That is why, despite lack of response, I wrote to remind again and, together with two of my Cabinet colleagues, called on all the National Council members in an informal sitting for over 3 & half hours of free and frank exchange of views. Mutual respect, I know, will give us the will and the genius, not only to resolve such small issues, but to leave a proud legacy of a truly vibrant and unique democracy as envisioned by our beloved Kings.

The royal government is open to continue our discussion. It is not enough that we come together only during joint sessions. There will be times, often, when the government must inform the Council of developments of national importance. Likewise, the Council will need to obtain the views of the government on matters of significance that concern its members. We must meet, consult and agree or respectfully disagree. Let us find the best way to do it in the name of our King, country and people.

Source: Kuenselonline

News: married at a very young age - as early as 10 years old in Laya, Bhutan

Standing in front of her one-storied stone shed, Choden (name changed) feeds salt to her yaks in a far-flung grazing pasture of Laya.

Like any other 16-year-old girl, she desires to go to Laya and watch the tsechu on July 24. But, as she is pregnant and also with the responsibility of household chores falling on her, she cannot go.

Choden is one of many girls in Laya who married at a very young age - as early as 10 years old. “It’s not unusual. I married at 12 and stayed with my in-laws ever since,” said Choden. “My friend had her first child when she was 13.”

Most Layaps are aware that 18 years is the legal marriageable age for women in Bhutan, but they feel that the law may not be applicable to them, given their isolated and nomadic lifestyle, which is determined by a harsh mountain environment.

“We have a small community in a place, which is almost a three-day walk from the nearest road head, and we are guided by our own culture and customs,” said 55-year-old Damcho of Neylo village in Laya. The practice has been going on for so long that no one can remember how it all began.

Almost all marriages in Laya are arranged and parents say that it is to give security to their daughters. “Most marriages happen during the summer, when neighbours and relatives gather at a particular place to help each other collect grass for their yaks,” said the grandfather of a 15-year-old girl, Sonam. “Once arranged, the young wife stays at her husband’s place and looks after all domestic affairs.”

Marrying at a young age, however, has its downsides, admits an 18-year-old mother, who had her first child last year. “Many of us go through major complications while giving birth and we don’t have proper health facilities here,” she said. “I was referred to Thimphu for delivery.”

Sixteen-year-old Choden is also worried because the nearest basic health unit is a two-day walk from the grazing pastures she stays in.

When women in Laya see a female official visiting the place, they hope she is a nurse. Of the 888 people in Laya, 432 are female.

“It’s difficult to approach a male health worker during pregnancy and at other times to seek help on precautions,” said a 21-year-old mother of two children, Kinley.

But women in Laya feel that things will change with more young girls being sent to school. “They’ll be educated and independent,” said Pema, a mother of three girls.

Source: Kuenselonline

News: Her Royal Highness Ashi Chimi Yangzom Wangchuck takes part in the 3rd Children and Youth festival

Her Royal Highness Ashi Chimi Yangzom Wangchuck

Her Royal Highness Ashi Chimi Yangzom Wangchuck takes part in the 3rd Children and Youth festival, which opened yesterday at Harmony: The Centenary Youth Village, Thimphu

Source: Kuenselonline

News: His Holiness the Je Khenpo appointed Depai Sungkhop and the Gonpoi Kang-jup

Bhutanes Monks: Tashi Khadhar to the Lams and Lopen

His Holiness the Je Khenpo appointed Depai Sungkhop and the Gonpoi Kang-jup of Tashichhodzong and the Lam of Rinchen Tse lhakhang in Chhukha today. His Holiness offered Tashi Khadhar to the Lams and Lopen.

Lam Wangchuk from Khariphu village in Thimphu was appointed the Depai Sungkhop of Tashichhodzong. He joined the central monastic body as a novice monk at the age of seven. He has also undergone a three year retreat at Pelgi Ri in Thimphu.

Lam Tshering Penjor from Bunakha in Chhukha has been appointed the Lam of Rinchen Tse lhakhang in Darla geog under Chhukha Dzongkhag. He joined the central monastic body at the age of nine. Prior to his present appointment he was the Dratshang Tshempon.

Lopen Sonam is the new Goenpoi Kangup at the Tashichhodzong. He is from Lobesa in Punakha. He became a monk at the age of nine. He was serving as a Tshozob before he was appointed the Goenpoi Kangup.

Source: BBS

News: Bhutan Police-youth partnership program

Heavy rains did not dampen the spirits of the community policing 50 students in the 15-day police-youth partnership program (PYPP) at Phuentsholing on July 1.

The students, all police officer aspirants, said that they had been eagerly waiting for the programme to come to Phuentsholing after they saw it happen in Thimphu last winter.

An impressive 250 students applied for the programme.

Kickstarting the programme, Chukha dzongda Tshewang Rinzin said that the partnership programme was an ideal plan to occupy youth and let them learn values during breaks. “Youth are the best people to understand their issues and problems related to them,” he said. “Through this partnership, police and youth can help each other best.”

The partnership aims to build a relationship between the public through youth, while it focuses on sensitising young people on relevant legal provisions, and builds trust and confidence in each other to create a forum for an exchange of ideas.

It was also a programme in response to the national challenge of increased youth crimes and to reduce the number of children in conflict with the law, according to police spokesperson, Lt Col Dorji Wangchuk.

Meanwhile, the programme also supplements an initiative of the government to engage youth meaningfully during the summer break.

Participants said they were looking forward to the programme. “It’s interesting that we’ll be visiting the detention centre and prison,” said Ugyen, a participant. “I can see police work and learn what facilities they use or difficulties they face,” said another.

The students will police selected areas, together with policemen, and be given orientation on youth as part of community police, drug eradication, fire and traffic safety programmes.

“Through this programme, we expect youth to be law abiding citizens, we see youth as agents of change and we reduce youth and juvenile crimes,” said Lt Col Dorji Wangchuk.

PYPP was first initiated in 2008, with support from Save the Children US Bhutan program, by the chief of police in Thimphu.

Source: Kuenselonline

News: The WFP, in collaboration with Bhutan post

The world food program (WFP), in collaboration with Bhutan post, launched yesterday a series of postal stamps, which reflect their support to various sectors in Bhutan.

The stamps were launched in Thimphu as WFP celebrated its 35th anniversary.

The stamps depict portraits of children in remote schools holding red cups – symbolising challenges faced by WFP and their activities such as school feeding, logistics and support to the school agriculture programme, road workers and power tiller tracks.

The chief executive officer of Bhutan Post, Tseten Geltsen, said that the set of stamps reflects the successful implementation of WFP in providing assistance in the form of food, supply of fuel efficient stoves and infrastructure, such as stores and hostels to school children in various parts of the country, making a huge difference to the lives of Bhutanese people.

“It not only gives a tinge of excitement to stamp collectors but also educates the mass and draws attention of partners of their support, generosity, cooperation and education,” said the CEO.

School feeding has been a major activity since the start of WFP assistance in 1974, with increased enrollment and attendance as their main goals.

In 2008, WFP utilised around USD 4m – donations received – in purchasing food commodities and for other assistance, such as construction of hostel and purchasing fuel-efficient stoves for schools.

An additional USD 0.44m and 2 MT of vegetable oil was received in January this year, which not only secures food commodities to last till 2009 end, but supports 38,000 children from rural and remote schools to attend classes. WFP also plans to deliver at least around USD 0.2m worth of non-food assistance this year, mainly to encourage girls to attend school and complete basic education.

“The net primary enrollment rate over the last ten years has increased from an estimated 53 percent in 1998 to 88 percent in 2008,” according to WFP officials.

The WFP representative, Leo Van Der Velden said that WFP would phase out the school feeding programme at high school level by 2012 and focus on the primary level to develop the capacities within the government to take over the school feeding program.

Source: Kuenselonline

News: His Majesty the King granted audience to the India's Chief of Army Staff

His Majesty with Chief of India’s Army Staff

His Majesty the King granted audience to the India's Chief of Army Staff, General Deepak Kapoor today.

General Deepak Kapoor was escorted in traditional chipdrel ceremony to the Tashichhodzong. In the courtyard of the Tashichhodzong, he was presented a guard of honour by the Royal Body Guards and the Royal Bhutan Army.

General Kapoor was then ushered into the throne room where he received the audience with His Majesty the King.

General Deepak Kapoor was commissioned into the regiment of artillery in June 1967 and has held important Staff and Command positions. He is a recipient of the Param Vishisht Seva Medal, Ati Vishisht Seva Medal, Sena Medal and Vishisht Seva Medal. He took over as the Chief of the Army Staff on September 30, 2007.

Following the audience, General Kapoor called on the Chief of Operations of the Royal Bhutan Army, Major General Batoo Tshering. He also called on the Foreign Minister, Lyonpo Ugyen Tshering.

His Majesty the King also hosted a luncheon for General Deepak Kapoor at the Dechenchholing palace.
Source: BBS

News: Bhutan Govt. flexes its majority muscle

In a session filled with drama and revelations yesterday, nearly 20 DPT ministers and MPs criticised and rebuked Opposition leader Tshering Tobgay for his observations today on the Lyonchhoen’s state of the nation address last Friday and the government’s handling of media freedom.

The MPs and ministers collectively reiterated and defended their previous stand on the ban of live BBS broadcast of the National Assembly discussion of bills, stating that it was a “majority” decision, and their thumping of the press, stating that it was needed. They also justified the constituency development grant (CDG), stating that they did not break any Constitution rule.

Opposition leader Tshering Tobgay had said: “The prime minister’s address, besides not making clear the differences between the 9th and 10th plans, had also not said how much work was actually done in the 10th plan.”

Source: Kuenselonline

He gave examples of feeder roads, highway and hospitals, whose work were there in the 9th plan, or even in the eighth plan, but which were listed in the Lyonchhoen’s address of DPT achievements. He also expressed doubts over the speed of implementation of the 10th plan and urged government to move faster.

The opposition leader also criticised the government for lambasting the press in the Lyonchhoen’s state of the nation address.

“The media has their freedom and knows their responsibilities and the government doesn’t have to continuously tell the media what is right or wrong and what to do or not do,” he said. He said this would lead to a scared and weaker media, since all the advertisement money came mainly from the government.

“Our country won’t get the media it deserves and this will affect the freedom of the media,” he said. “By not allowing live broadcast of the assembly session, it’s an infringement of media freedom and also goes against the principles of democracy,” said Tshering Tobgay.

Criticising CDG he said, “One of the causes of poverty is the lack of budget in the gewogs and so MPs shouldn’t come between the gewogs and their money.” He also questioned the constitutionality of CDG and said that he had not received any response from the government on his questions over the issue.

He said another major reason for poverty was unemployment, which was created by a weak private sector and falling standards of education. He also said that social problems like drugs and prostitution were created because of unemployed youth.

Criticising Lyonchhen’s stand on the constitution, he said, “The Constitution is a sacred do*****ent but that does not mean we keep it in a choesum (altar), but that we have to keep looking at it, discuss it, and be guided by it.” He said that the Constitution was an important handbook and the government should respect it.

In response to the Opposition Leader’s criticisms, Punakha MP Tshering Penjor sharply rebuked the Opposition leader, saying that he had “no discipline” by bringing up issues like CDG, which, he said, was already resolved. He also said that the media was not stopped from working, adding that the media was more concerned about entertainment.

Wangduephodrang MP Pasang Thrinlee accused Tshering Tobgay of bringing up “useless” issues and discussions. Lyonpo Yeshey Zimba said: “The new government has done many important works for which we should be grateful instead of just attacking only.” He also said that the government was implementing the works be it the 9th plan leftover or the 10th plan.

Lyonpo Khandu Wangchuk said that support was being given to industries and tourism. He also said that India had allotted an additional Nu 7b for the local government in addition to the current funds.

“The danger with the media is that some of them are commercial entities and may be guided by commercial interests over that of the people and nation,” he said.

He also said that live broadcast issue was resolved by a majority, which had to be respected.

Lyonpo Nandlal Rai said: “The media is not outside the country and shouldn’t just keep attacking the government.” MP Rinchen Dorji from Trongsa said: “This Saturday there was a Kuensel story saying that MPs will misappropriate CDG, but if we were against the media then this reporter would be thrown in prison.”

Kuensel said or wrote no such thing. There was no CDG story on this or last Saturday issues and no MP can willfully throw a reporter in prison, said Kuensel’s editor, adding that the MP should do his homework before attacking a newspaper for things it had not written about.

Opposition MP Damcho Dorji also questioned the Speaker’s statement not to discuss resolved issues outside the Assembly, by citing the Constitution’s fundamental right of freedom to expression and responsibility to represent the public’s view.

Source: Kuenselonline

News: Bhutan tradition of oral story telling is dying

Not long ago, children would sit around their grandparents at night after dinner listening to stories of fairies, prince and princess, and distant lands. This tradition of oral story telling is dying. Many say it is already dead.

Now both children and adults while away their time in the living room watching TV. To help revive this tradition, the Center of Bhutan Studies (CBS) in association with the International Centre for Ethnographic studies in the US is organizing a story telling conference in the Capital. The three day conference began today. Her Royal Highness Ashi Sonam Dechan Wangchuck graced the opening.

The conference will try to write and capture the cadence of story telling, the musical quality of the language and the manner of the speaker. It also aims to capture the creative art of story telling in an electronic form and film that can become the part of mass media.

CBS says, traditions are fragile, and the safe deposit of the oral stories is not permanent. But it hopes that efforts like this can light up the drive to preserve the voices of the past.

Opening the first national conference on storytelling, Her Royal Highness Ashi Sonam Dechan Wangchuck said it is a pity that one of the oldest and most powerful expressions of individual and cultural creativity- traditional storytelling has been taken over by the other means of mass media such as TV and internet in today's society. Her Royal Highness said today, young children rarely sit around their grandparents and elders to listen to stories.

Her Royal Highness said in most urban areas, social relationships are often weakened by these new forms of media. With the rise of these new technological storytelling mediums, the cultural prominence of traditional storytelling as an art form is transforming.

Her Royal Highness said every one must make an effort to re-tell stories we heard in our childhood as a first step to revive our precious oral traditions.

Her Royal Highness said storytelling is a special bond between elders and children and a means of passing on our tradition, culture, and moral values to the next generation.

Her Royal Highness said community storytelling reinforces social bonds that connect individuals to their community, through shared experiences of traditional knowledge and heritage.

Nine foreign participants and ten Bhutanese folklorists are attending the three-day programme.
Source: BBS

News: Bhutan cane and bamboo exhibition wrapped up

Cane and bamboo exhibition

Rinchen Wangchuk and Tshering Lham, who were in the capital recently, were all smiles yesterday as the two-day cane and bamboo exhibition wrapped up.

The artisan couple from Zhemgang, representing their fellow artisans, had not only marketed bamboo products but also sold about Nu 50,000 worth of the same.

“We’re very grateful to the government for providing us this opportunity to display our products and find potential buyers,” said Rinchen, adding that back home, the market being small, it was really difficult to sell their products, the only means to meet their food, health and children’s education needs.

“Till now our monthly income was about Nu 7,000 per month and we’re only able to break even. But, now, we hope things will change.” Just to sell their products at their local market in Zhemgang, they have to walk almost three days from their village.

Organised by department of industry (DoI), with funds from UNDP and technical assistance from SNV, there were other artisans from Trashigang and Mongar with similar objectives. “Such exhibitions also help artisans to showcase their talents,” said a DOI official.

Craft items, encompassing an array of cane and bamboo products, included not only traditional products like bangchung, zem and tser dhop, but also modern products such as cane wine holder, tser tissue box, penholder, bamboo tray and hangers, etc. Live demonstrations of various craft work were also presented.

SNV’s Galey Tenzin said that prices of bamboo products are set to come down by almost 20-30 percent in future. He added that, through the technical assistance they provide, bamboo artisans are encouraged into group-based business and also made aware of proper price fixation of their products. Earlier, prices were mostly fixed through guesswork.

“We’re encouraging artisans to use bamboo rather than cane, because cane has become scarce with extensive and unsuitable use in the past, which has even led to a sharp decline in production,” he said. “With most communities far from the road point, motivation is much needed for the artisans.”

Pema Letho, 24, from Mongar, said that assistance from various organisations in developing their skills and training them to make new products has really benefited in improving living standards and provided opportunities for others to take the path too.

Source: Kuenselonline

News: Bhutanese United Nations’ employees in Afghanistan

Bhutanese United Nations’ employees in Afghanistan, Karma Jimba

“Nothing moves here without paying bribes,” says one of the rare Bhutanese United Nations’ employees in Afghanistan, Karma Jimba.

Karma is among four Bhutanese living and working in war torn Afghanistan. When he first started four years ago, he thought it would be great if he could work for six months. “But time passed and, before I knew it, four years had passed.” Although his car missed bomb blasts several times, he says, “I don’t feel scared.”

Well adjusted to life in Afghanistan, the 43-year-old says that implementing projects and overcoming corruption were the main challenges they face.

“Visiting a project site becomes like a royal entourage,” he said. “I have to be in a bulletproof land cruiser with another armoured car as a backup. And I’m escorted by 18-armed guards, nine in front and nine behind with AK47 and explosive launchers pointing in all directions along the way.”

Karma from Khoma, Lhuntse is the project manager for rural access improvement project under the United Nations office for project services (UNOPS). He worked with the Bhutan logging corporation now NRDCL before joining UN.

Corruption, he feels, is a result of wars. “When I interact with government counterparts, it’s not a professional challenge I face but corruption.”

Afghanistan has two faces: one that of a developed and the other, of a developing country, wrote Karma to Kuensel. It has five star hotels to super express highways to broadband Internet connection. “But the world is using Afghanistan as a dumping ground for second hand goods in the absence of any legal framework,” said Karma. “But not having regulations can sometimes be beneficial to the people,” he adds.

Citing an example, the father of two said that anyone could open a business without a license, thus saving time and money with complicated government procedures. “This is really making business grow and Bhutan should think of deregulating wherever possible. In Bhutan I feel it is a bit over-regulated.”

Donor pressure is what results in quality work and which Karma insists should be duplicated in Bhutan. “Quality control and quality assurance should be very strict, because quality is a serious issue for Bhutan.”

The project he manages has constructed and rehabilitated over 8,000 km of road and built over 60 major bridges, some as long as 250 m.

The situation in Afghanistan is not how the outside world sees it, writes Karma. “In fact, all international employees live in bulletproof well-furnished comfortable houses with air conditioners.”

With strict security rules, and movement only from the guesthouse to office and back, he said, “I am a UN employee and UN security rules are very tight. So it becomes equivalent to being a UN prisoner if one may say so.”

Source: Kuenselonline

News: Bhutan PM to visit India

Prime Minister Lyonchhoen Jigmi Y Thinley

Prime Minister Lyonchhoen Jigmi Y Thinley will be visiting India to felicitate the newly elected government on June 30. In Delhi, Lyonchhoen will call on the Indian President Pratibha D Patil, Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh and senior government officials.

The prime minister will also meet the Indian National Congress party president Sonia Gandhi and the opposition leader L K Advani.

Foreign secretary Daw Penjo, economic affairs secretary Dasho Sonam Tshering and other senior government officials will be accompanying the prime minister. The delegation will be in India until July 3.

Source: Kuenselonline

News: Bhutan Hundred graduates to undergo intensive IT training in India

Hundred graduates are leaving the country today to undergo intensive IT training in India, courtesy of Infosys technologies ltd. The training is being provided free of cost by the multinational company.

“This is very significant,” said information and communications minister, Lyonpo Nandalal Rai. The minister told the graduates at a final briefing yesterday that they would be representing Bhutan as ambassadors, and that it was very important they succeed. The 100 graduates represent the government’s first official move to create an IT skilled work force for the upcoming IT Park. They will be trained in business processes and software development.

“It’s much more than just training,” said department of information and technology director, Tenzin Choeda, “it’s a test for the country as a possible ground for future investment.” Developing the IT sector to provide an environment to attract local and foreign investment and provide employment opportunities is one of the major goals of the government.

“I don’t know how far this will be beneficial for us,” said Sherab Dorji, one of the graduates, “but it’s an opportunity for those of us who are unemployed.”

Sonam Zangmo, who graduated in June 2008, said she was happy to be selected for the training. But, because of the rising unemployment rate in the country, she said, the success of the training could only be measured once the trainees return. “I hope I get a job when I return,” she said.

Ministry of labour and human resources secretary, Dasho Sonam Tenzin, was very optimistic about the graduates finding employment after completing their training. He said it was not easy to get accepted at an institute like Infosys and that it was only through the goodwill of the company that the 100 Bhutanese were being trained. “They’ll all get employed, even if not with Infosys, they’ll get it elsewhere,” he said.

Source: Kuenselonline

News: Bhutan will witness the total solar eclipse on July 22

Total solar eclipse will take place on July 22

A total solar eclipse will take place on July 22. The solar eclipse will be visible in India, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Nepal, China and Japan.

Eye specialists are advising people not to watch the solar eclipse with bare eyes. They said the eclipse may appear dim but the sunlight will be so strong. It can damage the innermost part of the eye called the retina.

People are also advised not to watch the solar eclipse through medical x-ray frames, black and white colour frames, CD and floppy disk. Watching the eclipse through digital camera and binoculars can also cause severe damage to the eyes.

An eye specialist at the national referral hospital, Dr. Dechen Wangmo said people will not realize that their eyes are being damaged because there will be no pain initially. The symptoms will start appearing within one to four hours after watching the eclipse. She said the vision will start to deteriorate right after looking at the eclipse,

“Within the first six months, the vision recovers but in some, the damage is permanent. My advice to the patients not to watch solar eclipse directly” said Doctor Dechen Wangmo.

She said if people want to watch the eclipse, the safest way is to watch on a projection and not directly.

She said children are more vulnerable than adults. This is because the natural filter of children’s eyes is not well developed.

According to the Head of the Metrology Section Karma Chophel, the total solar eclipse will be visible in almost all parts of the country. He said part of Punakha, Gasa, Haa and Wangdue will witness partial eclipse. It will begin from west coast of India at 6:53 am. It will reach Bhutan at 6:59 am in the morning. In Bhutan, it will last four minutes ten seconds.

Karma Chhophel said the eclipse will enter from southwest of Bhutan that is from Samtse and exit from Trashiyangtse.

Source:BBS

News: Bhutan Prime Minister presented the first annual report on the state of the nation

Bhutan's Prime Minister Lyonchhen Jigmi Y. Thinley

At the opening today, the Prime Minister Lyonchhen Jigmi Y. Thinley also presented the first annual report on the state of the nation since the Druk Phuensum Tshogpa government came into power last year.

The two hour thirty minute report was broken into three parts. These are historic events, progress in the pursuit of Gross National Happiness and the state of our emerging democracy.

On the pursuit of GNH, Lyonchhen Jigmi Y. Thinley said Bhutan's economy is estimated to have grown by eight percent in the 2008-2009 fiscal year.

After a nationwide survey found that only about 69 percent of the rural water supply schemes are still functioning, the government instructed the respective dzongkhags to rehabilitate and augment the water supply schemes.

To improve health care services, the government recruited 22 specialists from Myanmar and employed 18 retired doctors. It trained and posted about hundred nursing assistants in various hospitals. The government has also launched an accelerated training programme which is expected to produce about 1,400 nurses by 2013 against the projected requirement of 1,534.

In education, over Nu. nine billion have been allocated in the current plan.

The Prime Minister informed the house that the royal government has set an ambitious target of increasing adult literacy rate to 70 percent by 2013.

In agriculture, close to 290 kilometre of farm roads and power tiller tracks were constructed last year. He said the royal government intends to promote Bhutan as a purely organic brand by gradually phasing out the use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides.

The agriculture ministry has come out with a comprehensive national human wildlife conflict management strategy. To develop small and cottage industries, a micro, small and medium enterprise project is being implemented.

During the year, the government approved 51 industrial projects including five FDI projects.

To provide affordable housing, the National Housing Development Corporation has completed 306 units of housing in seven priority dzongkhags. It has provided more than 1,000 new residential units in urban centers so far.

Lyonchhen Jigmi Y. Thinley said the government is looking at constructing adequate affordable housing for the large number of citizens who are compelled to live across the border in Jaigaon.

He said land will be provided by the government and construction will be carried out by private sector and the rent will be fixed by the government.

Lyonchhen informed the house that over 4,500 job seekers registered with the ministry of labour and human resources during the year. Of the total over 1,300 have been employed and around 2,000 were referred to various companies in corporate and private sectors.

On public service delivery, Lyonchhen said the Royal Civil Service Commission has established a unit called Improving Public Service Delivery System to reduce administrative burden. He said the government is looking at ways to use information and communication technologies for successful delivery of services.

Lyonchhen said the Grievance Cell established under the cabinet secretariat received about 800 cases as of May this year. Of that, about 450 have been dealt with while the rest are still under process.

The procedure for processing security clearance certificate has been made user friendly and simplified in order to improve service delivery. Speaking on media and its role- Lyonchhen said the government has been encouraging and supporting the development of a free and responsible media. He said each private newspaper and private radio have been granted a subsidy of Nu. two million.

Lyonchhen also spoke on the growing number of social ills in the country over the years. He said alcoholism, prostitution and gambling have increased. He said the government is committed to preventing and reducing the social ills.

The Royal Bhutan Police arrested 418 people in drug related offences and 62 drug traffickers during the year. This was pointed out by the Prime Minister in his government report to the parliament sessions today.

2008 saw only 440 cases of assault and battery compared to 449 cases in 2007. The fall, Lyonchhen said is due to strong advocacy and legal protection given by related NGOs and the government.

Eight cases of prostitution were also reported last year. Many he said may have remained unreported. Lyonchhen said 18 cases of homicide were also reported compared to 14 the previous year. The number of cases related to vandalism and desecration dropped from 194 in 2007 to 169 last year. Suicide cases rose from 50 in 2007 to 53 last year.

Lyonchhen also said divorce and gambling are also increasing.

He said the government is deeply alarmed and said it intends to take concerted measures to curb them.

The Prime Minister’s report is available at www.cabinet.gov.bt.

Source: BBS

News: His Majesty the King graced the opening ceremony of 3rd session of the parliament

His Majesty the King graced the opening ceremony of 3rd session of the parliament

The 3rd session of the parliament began amidst traditional ceremony today. His Majesty the King graced the opening ceremony. His Majesty the King was escorted by the Prime Minister, the National Assembly Speaker, the Opposition Leader, the National Council chairperson, and cabinet ministers.

At the courtyard of the Gyalyong Tshokhang, His Majesty was received by members of the parliament and then ushered into the Gyalyong Tshokhang.

In the opening remarks, the National Assembly Speaker Jigme Tshultim expressed gratitude to His Majesty the King for touring remote villages in Lhuentse and Monggar and solving the pressing land related issues.

Tshogpoen Jigme Tshultim also congratulated the United Progressive Alliance government in India for its success in the national elections this year. The Speaker also commended the recent visit of India’s new External Affairs Minister to the country.

He also congratulated the new constitutional appointees to the Royal Civil Service Commission. Tshogpen Jigme Tshultim also expressed condolence to people who lost family members in the flood last month. On other issues, he said the unemployment problem in the country is expected to be solved by the upcoming hydro power projects such as the Punatshangchhu hydro power project.

Following this, the Prime Minister, the Opposition Leader, the National Council Chairperson and parliament members presented their appreciation to His Majesty the King.

During the recess, His Majesty also met with the parliamentarians and interacted with international diplomats and guests who attended the opening.

The 3rd session of the parliament is expected to discuss about 12 bills including the Local Government Bill, the Civil Service Bill and the Police Bill.

Source: BBS

News: Bhutan Today - Responsibilities and functions of the Geog Administrative Officer

The Prime Minister Lyonchhen Jigmi Y. Thinley said there is some confusion regarding the responsibilities and functions of the Geog Administrative Officer (GAO). He was talking to the Bhutanese media at a news conference which was also attended by the cabinet ministers yesterday.

The meeting was organized to mark the completion of one year in office by the first democratically elected government.

More than 100 journalists attended the conference at the royal banquet hall in the capital. They questioned the Prime Minister and the cabinet ministers on various issues from local governance and the role of the GAO, Christians in Bhutan, democracy, the role of DHI, RCSC, and the GNH Commission to tax on import of cars, allowance for private medical students, the morale of teachers and whether the government will allow people to purchase the TATA Nano car.

On local governance, the Prime Minister said the responsibilities, functions, and accountability of the GAO has not been clearly defined.

He said the GAO is an administrative officer and he is the person who provides administrative support to the Gup.

He said the issue concerning local governance, its function as well as the position of the geog administrative officers will be discussed during the meeting of the chairpersons of local government.

Source: BBS

News: Bhutan Today - Bamboos dying in large numbers

Bamboos dying in large numbers on the hills of Jarey gewog in Lhuentse worry villagers, who depend on the plant for roofing and other domestic purposes. About 150 houses in the gewog with 221 households have bamboo roofing, while others use bamboo to roof animal sheds and make products for domestic use.

“Most houses in the gewog have not changed their roofs over three years,” said a villager, Ugyenmo, 66. Normally, villagers redo their roofing once every two years. “The roof is leaking and my house is rotting but we can’t do anything. There’s no bamboo in the forest and we don’t have money to buy other types of roofing,” said Ugyenmo, who lives with her daughter and three grandchildren. She owns a big two-storied traditional house, but the roof has been he same for the last six years.

Villagers have started penetrating into deeper forests, but say there are not many bamboos around. “Whatever’s available is very far and difficult to transport,” said another villager. “We’ve started scaling the other side of Jarey hill in the hope of finding bamboos to re-roof our houses before monsoon sets in.”

Their condition was exacerbated by the recent windstorm in the east that affected Jarey gewog too. About 18 households lost their roofs when the storm hit the gewog on March 18. Villagers said that most of the bamboo used for roofing was damaged and would leak if used again. “We’re really desperate now. The insurance benefits won’t be enough to help us buy CGI sheets or plastic and there’s no bamboo around here,” said a villager, Tenzinla.

Elders in the village said that they have never faced such problems in the past. However, some said they heard that bamboo died after over a hundred years. “This could be what’s happening to our bamboo. It’s a natural thing that we can’t help,” said the gup, Tshering Minjur.

The only hope of the poor villagers is the Thrumshingla park. The gewog is part of the park and two villages of the gewog have been already been issued CGI sheets by the park office. Park officials earlier told gewog officials that they were seeking funds from donors to provide the villagers with CGI sheets.

Until then they will have to bear the rain and the wind.

Source: Kuenselonline

News: Bhutan Today - Paro Tshechu

The Paro Tshechu, one of the most popular festivals in the kingdom, has begun. Every year it attracts thousands of tourists from across the world. But this year, because of the global economic crisis, the festival is seeing a sharp drop in number of tourists. The slump has not only affected tour operators but also hoteliers and resort owners in Paro.

Thousands of people throng the Deyangkha ground as the Paro Tshechu begins. Usually there will be as many camera totting tourists in the Tshechu ground as people from Paro, Thimphu and other neighbouring dzongkhags. This year, there aren’t as many tourists.

The Tshechu is an important occasion for the people. Apart from the religious and cultural significance, the festival is an important social occasion. For the elderly, coming to the Tshechu is an act of devotion. The young come here to socialize and generally have a nice time. It is also an occasion to flaunt the sesho ghos and kiras. The fairer sex come bedecked with jewelry.

The Paro Tshechu attracts thousands of tourists from across the world. But this year, the situation is quite different. In the Dey-yang-kha ground, there aren’t as many tourists jostling among the crowd as they try and focus their cameras on the mask dancers or the atsaras joking with the people. The sitting gallery is mostly occupied by Bhutanese.

The Dzongkhag Administration Officer Tshewang Dorji has been coordinating the festival for the last few years. He told BBS that compared to the past years, tourist arrival at the Tsechu this year is minimal.

The economic slump has also hit hotels and resorts in Paro. There are over 40 resorts and hotels in Paro. Most of them remain packed during the Tshechu season. But this year, most of the proprietors and managers have the same story to share. Most of the rooms are lying vacant.

Tour operators, hoteliers, and resort owners are all reeling from the global economic crisis. For them, the Paro Tshechu this year will not be as festive as the previous years or as lucrative.

The Tshechu will end with the unfurling of Guru Thongdrel in the wee hours of Thursday morning.

Source :BBS