Japan will provide technical cooperation to Bhutan

The government of Japan will provide technical cooperation to Bhutan in farm road bridge design, strengthening local governance and developing a solid waste management programme, according to officials of the gross national happiness (GNH) commission.

“We had put in five proposals in 2009 under technical cooperation and three have been approved,” GNH secretary Karma Tshiteem said.

GNH officials learnt of these developments yesterday during the sixth ODA/JICA seminar in Thimphu. The seminar is held annually so that recipient countries are updated and fully understand the donor country’s systems and are in a better position to access opportunities. The seminar also provides information on the status of government proposals.

Bhutan had made five proposals under grant aid (projects worth more than USD 2M), of which one has been approved. “Japan has agreed to the replacement of ambulances, which is the priority of the ruling government,” the GNH secretary said.

The proposal for the KR II grant for 2010 was not approved, but this did not mean that the door had been closed, said the GNH secretary. “The government will be resubmitting the proposal, given its importance,” said Karma Tshiteem. “Besides, we’re still getting support under the KR II grant.” The KR II grant supports underprivileged farmers and strengthening farm mechanisation.

The seminar also shared with government officials other possibilities of assistance, such as enhanced access to ODA (official development assistance) loans. For least developed countries like Bhutan, ODA loans are available at a very low rate of interest, under one percent, and repayment periods are very long.

According to GNH officials, Bhutan has already availed one such loan for the rural electrification project. “Given our priorities, we might have to take another to complete the rural electrification project, and another one to fund rural credit,” Karma Tshiteem said.

JICA’s director for South Asia division 1, Hara Shohei, said that the ODA budget has a limitation and cannot focus on all the proposals put forward, but proposals accepted were in line with the government’s priority like helping the eastern region. “I hope we can do something for the people living in underdeveloped places,” he said.

On rural electrification, Hara Shohei said that about three billion Japanese yen would be considered, and discussions had started with department of energy, as well as Bhutan power supply. “Our consultants will carry out a preparatory survey from this month, which will be completed by the end of October this year, and I hope we’ll be able to conclude the loan agreement by end of next March, so that actual distribution and transmission lines in the rural area can be started early by next year, and also meet national target of 100 percent electrification in the rural areas by 2013.”

Hara Shohei said that the relationship between Bhutan and JICA is deep and widespread, which signifies good outcome.

Source: Kuenselonline

Bhutan Celebrates 100th birth anniversary of His Holiness the late Kyabje Dilgo Khentse Rinpoche

His Holiness the late Kyabje Dilgo Khentse Rinpoche

This year marks the 100th birth anniversary of His Holiness the late Kyabje Dilgo Khentse Rinpoche. To pay tribute and celebrate the main accomplishment of His Holiness a three day special prayer ceremony is being conducted at the Satsam Chorten, Paro. His Majesty the Fourth Druk Gyalpo attended the ceremony yesterday.

Around 300 monks including Anims and Trulkus from Bumthang Kharchu, Tharpaling, Lhalung, Nimalung and Wangsisina Dratshangs are performing the payer ceremony. It is being presided over by Kyabje Talung Khentse Rinpoche and His Eminence Ugen Tenzin Jigme Lhendup, the incarnation of the late Kyabje Dilgo Khentse Rinpoche.

The prayer ceremony was attended by His Majesty the fourth Druk Gyalpo, Her Majesty the Royal Grandmother Ashi Kesang Choeden Wangchuck, Their Majesties the Queen Mothers and Her Royal Highness Ashi Kesang Wangmo Wangchuck. It was also attended by the Prime Minister and the Opposition Leader, Chairperson of the National Council and the Cabinet Ministers.

During the occasion His Eminence, the incarnation of the late Rinpoche presented a statue of the late Kyabje Dilgo Khentse Rinpoche to Her Majesty the Royal Grandmother. Her Majesty also presented a statue each to the followers of the late Rinpoche.

Hundreds of devotees are attending the prayer ceremony. The sacred relics of His Holiness are also being displayed for the public. A movie on the life of his late Holiness will also be screened for the public.

His Holiness the Late Kyabje Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche was born in 1910 in eastern Tibet to a family descended from the Royal lineage of the 9th century King Trisong Detsen. When he was still in his mother’s womb, Rinpoche was recognized as a Trulku or incarnation by the illustrious teacher Mipham Rinpoche. He was enthroned as the emanation of Jamyang Khyentse Wangpo, one of the most important Tertons and writers of the 19th century.

Dilgo Khentse Rinpoche studied with many great teachers, including his root Guru, Shechen Gyaltsap from whom he received all the essential empowerments and instructions of the Nyingma tradition. From the age of fifteen until he was twenty eight, he spent his time meditating in silent retreat, living in isolated hermitage and caves.

In the late 1950’s Rinpoche and his family fled Tibet. They were welcomed in Bhutan by the Bhutanese Royal Family.

The opening centennial celebration was held in Kathmandu, Nepal on February 20. Apart from Bhutan, activities will be held in Europe, Northern America, Hong Kong, Taiwan, and Malaysia.

The closing ceremony will be held in Bodhgaya, India on December 28.

Source: BBS

His Majesty the King George Tupou V

His Majesty the King George Tupou V of the Kingdom of Tonga arrived in the country on a five-day official visit today.

On arrival at the Paro airport He was received by Her Royal Highness the Princess Ashi Sonam Dechan Wangchuck, Cabinet Ministers, speaker of the National Assembly, the National Council Chairperson, the Opposition Leader and other senior government officials.

This is his third visit to Bhutan. He visited Bhutan in 2002 and 2007. His Majesty King George Tupou V ascended the throne on September 10, 2006 following the demise of his father His Majesty King Tupou IV at the age of 88 years.

Later, at the Taj Tashi Hotel He was received by His Royal Highness the Prince Jigyel Ugyen Wangchuck.

Tonga is a Kingdom, roughly the size of Japan, in the Pacific Ocean.

Source: BBS

His Majesty the King George Tupou V of the Kingdom of Tonga arrived in the country on a five-day official visit today.

On arrival at the Paro airport He was received by Her Royal Highness the Princess Ashi Sonam Dechan Wangchuck, Cabinet Ministers, speaker of the National Assembly, the National Council Chairperson, the Opposition Leader and other senior government officials.

This is his third visit to Bhutan. He visited Bhutan in 2002 and 2007. His Majesty King George Tupou V ascended the throne on September 10, 2006 following the demise of his father His Majesty King Tupou IV at the age of 88 years.

Later, at the Taj Tashi Hotel He was received by His Royal Highness the Prince Jigyel Ugyen Wangchuck.

Tonga is a Kingdom, roughly the size of Japan, in the Pacific Ocean.

Source: BBS

Bhutan: online system Security Clearance Certificate

The initiative to ease obtaining security clearance certificate (SCC) through an online system will run on a trial basis, starting today, for a month.

The system will be formally launched after June 11, to allow people from any part of the country with internet facility to process the certificate online. “It’ll take time to reach everywhere instantly, because some places aren’t connected with internet,” said home ministry’s assistant information and media officer, Jigme Singye.

Villagers would have to visit police outposts, which would be equipped with the new system, until the facility is extended to the 205 gewog administration offices. “The gewog administrative officer will guide villagers to register online.” Jigme Singye said. If the gewog is not connected with internet, villagers will have to go to dzongkhag police station.

Jigme Singye said that, along with the trial run, they would observe how helpful the system was and get views and feedback from the people. “Through feedback, if required, then we’ll advance the system,” he said. “We’ll also study how many people apply for the certificate in a day.”

Security clearance certificate is one of the most important document a Bhutanese must have to apply for citizenship, employment, licenses, higher education, promotions, travel documents and loans.

SCC generated through the trial run will however remain invalid. “People should follow the regular procedure to produce certificates till then.” Jigme said.

With the system, an applicant is expected to receive the certificate within 24 hours of registration. Applicants will have the option of checking the status of their applications. Depending on applicants’ information, certificates will either be approved, left pending or rejected by law and order bureau, census and registration division and the police in Thimphu.

With the new update system, applicants can check the status of their application with citizenship card instead of memorising a unique number to track the status. People can re-submit the SCC application, if it is rejected or is left pending, without having to repeat the whole process with just the use of an identity card.

Once the formalities are done, no paper certificate as such will be issued, but a soft copy would be e-mailed to the concerned person. “The whole idea of not letting the applicants print SCC is to be make the system environment-friendly,” Jigme said.

The service is available at http://scs.rbp.gov.bt.

Source: Kuenselonline

Lyonchhoen attributes to combined Bhutanese efforts

India and Pakistan, two nations wrought under a spell of belligerence, returned to their respective nations yesterday, back to talking terms, amid hopes of forging ahead with a new peace process.

Afghanistan president Hamid Karzai and some other SAARC delegates were seen performing Trashi Labey in Bhutanese national dress at the Bhutan house, the night before leaving the kingdom.

Some delegates were said to have been moved to tears from the hospitality they received in Bhutan and the Bhutanese ambience, which helped them, for once, forget all troubles back home, on the day they were flying back.

They had promised to return, but without any official strings attached.

Although modest, the climate that the country had set for the SAARC heads of states to meet, they had said, would be difficult for nations, which will host the Summit next, to match.

All that was made possible, Lyonchhoen Jigmi Y Thinley said, because Bhutanese came together to ensure the success of an event of national and regional importance.

Heads of states and delegates, who attended the summit, along with observers and media representatives, Lyonchhoen said, left the country greatly satisfied and convinced that they were leaving with a unique experience.

“The experience of having observed a nation fulfilling a responsibility of an association, of which they have become a member despite many limitations,” he said. “They have seen how the people of this little country can come together to fulfill obligations that were indeed enormous.”

He explained that the DPT government undertook such a responsibility, against many who thought it was unreasonable and beyond the country’s means.

“I’d full confidence in the people of Bhutan, a country where we’ve always united against odds in the interest of the tsa-wa-süm (triple gem),” Lyonchhoen said.

The summit was important, he said, in the enhancement of the country’s sovereignty, in projecting it as one pursuing a unique development path and deserving sympathy and support of the global community.

He attributed the summit’s success to their Majesties the King and the fourth King and the royal family members for inspiration, valuable guidance and support, His Holiness for the blessings and dratsangs, drubdays and chhoedays whoch performed kurims.

“They propitiated our guardian deities and blessed us with a wonderful three days at a time when we were experiencing strong winds and heavy rainfall,” Lyonchhoen said.

The guests admired the quality of the services rendered, which he said was because civil servants, particularly in Thimphu and Paro, worked at odd hours from planning and management down to sweeping and cleaning toilets.

The welcome team, comprising principals, teachers and students, who stood along the main Thimphu-Paro highway giving dignitaries a feeling of joyous welcome extended on behalf of the entire Bhutanese citizens. So did the public, who came out of their shops, to greet guests, unlike in other cities.

“They were charmed and enchanted by the welcome that showed on the faces of our smiling children,” Lyonchhoen said.

The heads of states, he said, were at ease in terms of safety and security because Bhutanese soldiers and police ensured complete safety and security in the region throughout the summit.

“To this end I know hundreds of soldiers and police went hungry and thirsty in the jungles surrounding the capital, highways and along the streets,” Lyonchhoen said.

You, Lyonchhoen said, referring to Bhutanese citizens he was conveying his message to, “have made the country and me proud and I know the royal families are proud of us.”

Source: Kuenselonline