August 19: Tsodrungs from the 20 Dzongkhags met in the capital yesterday to discuss problems faced by them. The day long meeting was chaired by the Home and Cultural Affairs Minister Lyonpo Minjur Dorji.

Lack of clear terms of reference was pointed out as a major problem facing the Tsodrungs. They said the terms of reference need to be streamlined. Some of the Tsodrungs said in the absence of clear-cut job responsibilities, they are left without specific work target.

It was pointed out that some of the job responsibilities reflected in the terms of reference are beyond their caliber. Some, they said are irrelevant.

The Home and Cultural Affairs Minister Lyonpo Minjur Dorji acknowledged the issues raised by Tsodrungs. He said currently Tsodrungs are under utilized. Apart from keeping minutes of the Dzongkha Yargey Tshogdu, Tsodrungs have not much to do.

However, he said the post of Tsodrungs will soon become important and will have huge responsibilities as more decentralization takes place.

Lyonpo Minjur Dorji said the ministry will emphasize on the capacity building of Tsodrungs. This, Lyonpo said would be done by conducting various internal trainings for them. He said there are also plans to send Tsodrungs abroad to observe parliament sessions.

The Home Secretary Dasho Penden Wangchuk said Tsodrungs should also try on their own to develop themselves professionally.

On the terms of reference, Lyonpo asked Tsodrungs to review the current terms of reference and make necessary changes.

Tsodrungs also proposed if their designation could be changed as Programme Officer to Local Government.

To this both the Home Minister and the Home Secretary said the cabinet has decided that Tsodrungs would be made the DYT Secretary. But this would be done only after necessary amendments are made in the Local Government Act and DYT and GYT Acts.

The meeting decided to hold annual conference of Tsodrungs. It was also decided that Tsodrungs will attend parliament sessions. This, Lyonpo said would help Tsodrungs to understand government plans and policies.