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2007, January 31: The construction of a road from Punakha to Damji has reduced the walking distance drastically for people living in Gasa. This has also increased the number of people visiting the hot spring (Tshachu) every year. But, with it comes the garbage problem. According to an official from the Jigme Dorji National Park there were around 500 people at the Tshachu at the moment. The park officials say that garbage littering is fast becoming a major problem.

The Gasa Dzongda, Kinzang Wangdi, said with the increasing number of visitors garbage littering had become a concern for the Dzongkhag that once won an award for the cleanest Dzongkhag. He added that garbage including cans, bottles, chocolate wrappers plastic bags and even sanitary napkins were strewn all over the Tshachu area and also on the way.

“Tshachu is one of the sacred places of Guru Rinpoche and if the visitors go on littering everywhere the sanctity of the place will be undermined. It is not the responsibility of the Dzongkhag staff and the people of Gasa alone that the cleanliness is maintained. It is the responsibility of all the people visiting the hot spring,” urges the Dzongda.

To address the concern officials from the Dzongkhag and the Jigme Dorji National Park has dug bins all the way to the Tshachu. However, according to an official from the park people continue to litter around and not use the pits. Tenzin Phuntsho said the Dzongkhag, park and health officials also carry out weekly cleanup campaign.

The Dzongda said another problem is the human feces and cutting down of trees for cooking purposes. He said despite the provision for toilets people seemed least bothered to use it. 

2007, January 31: Around 500 farmers and farmers’ group members from the seven Gewogs of Balam, Sherimuhung, Chaskhar, Drametse, Narang and Thangrong participated in a two day Dzongkhag level RNR expo. The event was conducted at Murung Drang under Ngatshang Gewog, Mongar.

During the two day expo inter-Gewog RNR quiz competition, improved breed cattle show and milk competition and cattle buyer and seller competitions were organized.

A biodiversity fair was also organized to encourage the farmers to bring varieties of seeds for display so that the farmers would buy the seeds and also collect for preservation.

The spokesperson for the RNR Expo told BBS that the RNR Expo was being organized to educate the farmers on the latest RNR technological developments and to create a forum for interaction between the farmers and the various stakeholders.

“It also enabled the farming community to share their experiences and keep them abreast with the changes taking place in the livestock and farming,” said the spokesperson.

Resource person from various sectors such as RNR RC Wenkhar, National Feed and Fodder Development Programme, Bumthang, National Livestock Breeding in the Expo attended the expo.

2007, January 31: To reduce poverty and improve the quality of life in rural areas, several community e-centers will be established under a pilot project.  The project ‘empowering rural areas through community e-centers’ is expected to complete by mid 2009. The community e-centers will provide access to Information and Communication Technology (ICT).

The project plans to establish at least 20 pilot community e-centers in rural areas. The main objectives of establishing such community e-centers are to provide shared facilities for the general public and to provide access to information. It will connect the rural communities.

The chief of ICT applications section of UNESAP, Ja- Kyung Yoo, said Bhutan was lagging behind in ICT. So she said the project would benefit the people in rural areas. “The penetration of ICT in Bhutan, as compared of other countries in the Asia Pacific region, is very low and that is why this project was initiated.”

About 60 stakeholders around the country met in the capital to discuss the project. Some of the participants said the project would be of great help to the people. At present, most of the Dzongkhags have very limited ICT facilities.

During the two day meeting the stake holders will discuss and evaluate the project. They will also discuss on the community e-center model and it’s sustainability.

The workshop is organized by Department of Information and Technology, Asian Development Bank and United Nations Economics and Social Commission for Asia and Pacific. It will conclude on Wednesday, January 31.

Draft plan to generate employment and reduce rural-urban migration

2007, January 30: The plan for skills development for pre-service vocational training and human resource development for private and corporate sectors are the two components of the draft Bhutan National Human Resource Development Plan. It also identifies economic areas with potential to generate employment opportunities for job seekers.

The draft Bhutan National Human Resource Development was initiated to establish a reliable information base on human resource requirement in the country.

Speaking to about 50 stakeholders from various ministries, agencies and private sectors who attended a day long workshop on Monday, the minister of Labour and human resource, Lyonpo Ugyen Tshering, said the main priority of the plan was employment generation and reducing rural-urban migration.

“If the rural urban migration continues the way it is doing now then in two three years time 50 percent of the Bhutanese will be living in the three towns- Thimphu, Phuntsholing, and Paro,” said Dr. Ramanujam, a UNDP consultant, adding that these towns do no have the capacity to create employment opportunities.

 Participants said the plan would help solve the ever increasing youth unemployment problem in the country. 

The formulation of the Bhutan National Human Resource Development Plan Project was started in June 2006. It was developed under the UNDP funded project on strengthening human resource information base in Bhutan.

2007, January 30: More than 25,000 devotees from across the Kingdom are attending the Kathri (admonition) ceremony in Punakha. It is being presided over His Holiness the 70th Je Khenpo, Truelku Jigme Choeda. Beginning today the devotees will be administered the blessings of the eighty five mahasiddhas or Dupthob gyebchu tsa Nga. The devotees received Dragmar wang on Monday. Her Majesty Ashi Dorji Wangmo Wangchuck is also attending the ceremony.

Our reporter says that the entire area from Punakha to Khuruthang has been turned into a temporary town with tents pitched on both the sides of the road, in the paddy fields and other available space. Water and electricity facilities are being supplied by the Dzongkhag.

During the fifteen day ceremony His Holiness will explain the precepts and the teachings of Lord Buddha in laymen's language.
The admonition ceremony will be followed by the Wang Lung ceremony or the blessing and oral transmission.

A spokesperson from the Dratshang said that many of the devotees traveled for days to receive the initiations. The two-week ceremony is being held on the request of Yab Dasho Ugyen Dorji and Yum Thuji Zam.

Buddhists believe that they must receive the sacred Thri Lung ceremony at least once in their lifetime. It is believed that attending the ceremony will help guide the faithful along the path of enlightenment.

With Punakha, His Holiness has conducted the Kathri ceremony in almost all the 20 Dzongkhags.

The transmission of the Thri can be traced back to His Holiness Choejay Dagpo Rinpoche, who is also known as Gampopa, from whom originated several Kagyue lineages. The lineage was transmitted in the Drukpa Kagyue tradition. The main Thri was Dagpa Thargen, a text containing the essence of all Drukpa Kagyue teachings.

Locally grown vegetables at Trongsa vegetable market

2007, January 30: A few years back one would not see many farmers selling locally grown vegetables at the Trongsa weekend vegetable market. Today the small vegetable market located on the roadside is flooded by locally grown vegetables. The vendors bring vegetables from Drakten, Langthel and Nubi Gewogs.

Our reporter, Kuenzang Yeshay, says Trongsa may be one of the only Dzongkhags that can boast of being able to produce locally grown vegetables throughout the year. He said the location of the market is an advantage as commuters on the east west highway are some of the major customers.

Among the many vendors is Ap Lhagey. He sells oranges and sugarcane. He told our reporter that he has 300 orange trees and grows sugar cane on about one acre of his land.  “I earn between Nu. 100,000 to Nu. 120,000 in a year,” he told BBS.

Some farmers have tried taking their vegetables to Bumthang and Thimphu but this has been found unprofitable due to the transportation cost.

Customers said locally grown vegetables are fresh and nutritious but expensive.

The shopkeepers who import vegetables from India said their business gets affected at times.

Farmers group in Sarpang

Meanwhile, farmers in Sarpang are forming groups to take up vegetable farming to boost their income. One such group was formed in Chuzergang Gewog.
           
Our reporter, Sonam Rinchen, says the farmers produce only a small amount of vegetables which are sold within the village. He said the farmers are now planning for mass production to supply to Gelephu. At present the vegetables to the Gelephu weekend vegetable market are brought from Tsirang, Wangduephodrang, Phuntsholing. The money earned from the sale of the vegetables is deposited in the group’s account.

Another group of farmers tried mass production of radish last year but failed to find market. The group supplied the radish to Thimphu where they earned only Nu. 2 per kilogram. They now plan to produce a great variety of vegetables and not specialize in the production of radish alone.

2007, January 27: Intensive land use, poor irrigation water management, increasing fuel wood consumption and infrastructure development, especially road constructions were seen as some of the major causes of land degradation in Bhutan, according to UNDP.

“Land degradation reduces agricultural productivity including livestock production and thereby affects rural income and the wellbeing of poor and subsistence farmers,” the press release from the UNDP office, Bhutan states.

2007, January 27: The Japanese Grant Assistance, KR II to Bhutan has been extended. Under the extended grant, Bhutan will receive 240 million Yen.

Bhutan’s ambassador to Japan, Lyonpo Dago Tshering, and Japanese ambassador to Bhutan, Yasukuni Enoki, signed an agreement to this effect on January 24th at the Royal Bhutanese Embassy in New Delhi.

The grant will be used to provide agricultural machinery and equipment. Bhutan has been receiving KR II grant assistance since 1984.

With the signing of the current agreement, Bhutan has received a total of 5215 million Japanese Yen under the KR II grant aid scheme.

2007, January 24: The Jigme Dorji Wangchuk public library has received 112 books from the Indian embassy. This is the third contribution made by the embassy to the public library. The books varied in its context ranging from fiction to humor and reference.

Speaking to BBS the Indian ambassador to Bhutan, Sudhir Vyas, said the contribution was aimed at encouraging reading habits among children. “I am impressed by the way that the public library is carrying out activities for the benefit of all readers, especially for the children below the age of 12,” said the ambassador.

In 2005 about 355 members made use of the public library some for reference while others for the pleasure of reading. This year the membership has increased to 750 showing an increase in number of books enthusiasts.

Phuntso Rinzin is one of the library regulars, who is under going computer training course in JoJoS. He said he divides his time between learning computer and the public library. “It is fun to come here at the library and spend time. We get lot of information.”
           
The Jigme Dorji Wangchuck Public library receives about 200,000 Ngultrums every year to update the library. This year about 135,000 Ngultrums has been spent on new books and will be on shelves for the readers. In addition to it a room has also been extended to provide more space for library users.

The Jigme Dorji  Wangchuck public library was established in 1978. 

2007, January 22: The Bhutan Beverages Company Limited (BBCL) and the Hindustan Coca Cola Beverages Private Limited will be signing the liquidation agreement sometime next week. The move follows the decision to close down the company. The company has a liability worth of Nu. 370 million. It will be able to recover Nu. 240 million from the liquidation of its assets. The remaining amount of the liabilities shall be supported by the Hindustan Coca Cola Beverages Private Limited.

The company has to close down due to the lack of market, according to a company spokesperson. It will take at the least another five to six months for the company to shut down and close its accounts.

The managing director of the company, Chencho Thinlay, said the biggest task of liquidators shall be to recover the amount. He said an extraordinary general meeting was held last month. “It was committed through general consensus that share holders shall be paid 6% interest per annum for their investment in the company for the last four years,” said the managing director, adding that every asset has to fetch the price they have estimated.

The company had floated 30 percent of its shares to the general public and 10 percent to monastic institutes and 60 percent was held back by the promoters.

Chencho Thinlay told BBS that despite making losses in the past, the company was able to service some amount to its bank loans with the support of Hindustan Coca Cola Beverages Private Limited. He said the company would do its best to settle its liabilities and absorb its employees in other group of companies.

Observers say that it was timely decision taken by the management of the company which otherwise would have been even severe in the future.

Officials from the Hindustan Coca Cola Private limited Company will arrive in the kingdom to carry out the liquidation and sign an agreement with the liquidators from Bhutan appointed by the board of the company.

Meanwhile, the production in the Bhutan Beverages Company limited is going on so that the materials in stock are not wasted.

2007, January 22: Thousands of devotes from across the Kingdom are gathering at Khuruthang in Punakha for the Kathri Ceremony. The sacred Wang, Lung and Thri which began today is being presided over by His Holiness the Je Khenpo,Truelku Jigme Choeda.

His Holiness conducted Thrinchoel or special rites to the protecting deities to overcome obstacles during the ceremony yesterday.

The Punakha Dzongrab, Tappo, told BBS that over 8000 people have already arrived and many more are continuing to come. He said the entire area from Punakha to Khuru had been turned into a temporary town with tents pitched on both the sides of the road, in the paddy fields and other available space. Water and electricity facilities are being supplied by the Dzongkhag.

The Dzongrab said that people from as far as Kurtoe, Tashiyantse, Samtse, Zhemgang and Haa have registered.

During the next 15 days His Holiness will explain the precepts and the teachings of Lord Buddha in laymen's language.

The admonition ceremony will be followed by the Wang Lung ceremony or the blessing and oral transmission.

A spokesperson from the Dratshang said that many of the devotees traveled for days to attend and receive the sacred initiations.

Buddhists believe that they must receive the sacred Thri Lung ceremony at least once in their lifetime. It is believed that attending the ceremony will help guide the faithful along the path of enlightenment.

The two-week ceremony is being held on the request of Yab Dasho Ugyen Dorji and Yum Thuji Zam.

With Punakha, His Holiness has conducted the Kathri ceremony in almost all the 20 Dzongkhags.

Farmers' group gaining popularity in Gelephu

2007, January 22: More and more people in Gelephu are taking up backyard poultry farming and they are said to be doing a brisk business. There are currently about seven backyard poultry farms in Gelephu. A backyard poultry farm in Chuzergang was started by a group of seven farmers. It has more than two hundred hens. The farmers get around one hundred and eighty eggs in a day.
           
The eggs produced from the farm are mostly sold to a bakery in Gelephu. The group also sells eggs to shopkeepers in Thimphu.
The members told our reporter that production started in April 2006. Within seven months the members earned about Nu. 200,000. They said poultry farms required extra care but it provided instant income.

The livestock extension officer, Chogyal, told our reporter that keeping daily account was a major problem that the farmers were facing as they were uneducated.

He said the extension staffs visit the farms regularly to help them maintain their accounts.

During the visits the farmers are also taught to grade the eggs.

backyard livestock farming

Another farmer’s group is rearing livestock.  The group earned around Nu. 30,000 from the sale of pigs to the meat vendors in Gelephu last year. Some of the members told our reporter that they expected to earn much more than that.

2007, January 19: His Majesty the King granted an audience to Air Marshal FH Major, the officer commanding in chief of India’s eastern air command today at the Tashichodzong.

Air Marshal FH Major is the air officer commanding in chief of India’s eastern air command. He arrived in the kingdom on a three day visit on Thursday.

Air Marshal FH Major was commissioned into the Indian Air Force in 1967.

A recipient of the Param Vishist Seva Medal and the Ati Vishist Seva Medal, Air Marshal FH Major was appointed as Air Officer Commanding in chief of eastern air command in September 2005. He is a graduate of the National Defence College and the Army War College.

The Air Marshal also met with the Chief Operations Officer of the Royal Bhutan Army, Major General Batoo Tshering, and the Indian ambassador to Bhutan, Mr. Sudhir Vyas.

He will be leaving the kingdom on Saturday.

2007, January 19: Although the road safety and transport authority (RSTA) has approved the use of Hyundai Santro and Maruti Alto cars as taxis no one has come forward to register, according to the RSTA. However Maruti vans, which are in use as taxis, will be allowed to be used as taxis until their life period of eight years. But new Maruti vans will no longer be registered as taxis. The Maruti taxis that are nearing the end of the eight-year period will be given option to replace with the Alto or Santro car.

Officials from the RSTA said the Maruti vans were being replaced by Santro and Alto for safety reasons. They say Alto and Santro cars are also more comfortable and have better safety features than Mauriti vans.

According to the survey carried out by the authority Alto and Santro cars were the choice of the public. The RSTA’s executive engineer, Thinlay Namgay, said although there were so many taxis not even a single taxi had been used by government for official guests. “They have been using the pool vehicles since the Maruti vans are considered too ordinary.”

He added that the new vehicles would encourage women to drive taxis. “Women would prefer to drive Alto and Santro cars because they are light and comfortable.”

The government approved eight vehicles including Toyota van, car and land cruiser to be used as taxis in 1999. The other approved vehicles were Tata Sumo, Commander jeep, Armada jeep, and Voyager. But Marut vans, with a seating capacity of five and more luggage capacity, became the number one choice as taxis over the years.

According to the records maintained by the RSTA 95 percent of total taxis registered were Maruti vans. The rest were Maruti range of vehicles like Voyager and Versa.

Many taxi operators said that van was popular because of its luggage capacity. They say the Maruti vans are more convenient for the passengers as well.

With the introduction of Alto and Santro cars as taxis, RSTA officials said they would also be reinforcing the use of the taxi metres. They said the fare would, however, remain the same. Taxi fares by the meter start at Nu. 12 and climb up by Nu. 9 for every subsequent kilometre.

2007, January 19: The Pho-Chu could soon be declared a protected habitat of the white bellied heron. This has been recommended by a team of high level officials who made a visit to the Pho Chu and the Puna Tsang-chu to study the impact of sand and boulder quarrying on the aquatic habitat. The team has also recommended that all collection of sand and stones be banned along the Pho-Chu.

A news release from the national environment commission says the team observed a number of auctioned and non-auctioned sand and boulder quarries along the Phochu and Puna-Tsangchu. It says two sites -one at Gubjithang and the other at Khawajara -fall within the critical habitat of the White-Bellied Herons.

It says the Pho-chu is an important habitat for the White Bellied Herons and other birds such as Pallas Fish eagle, Ibis Bill, King Fishers, Grey Heron, and other migratory water birds.

The news release also says uncontrolled extraction of river bed material can destabilize the riverine ecosystem. With Pho-chu’s history of severe flooding which occurred in 1968 and 1994, further extraction would weaken the natural embankments making the surrounding farmlands and infrastructure even more vulnerable to disaster.

The team has decided to allow the ongoing lifting of 150 truckloads of boulder at Gubjithang. This is to be followed up with closure of the access road to the site to prevent further illegal lifting of materials. The Khawajara quarry is owned by the monk body. A petition is to be submitted to the Monk Body to discontinue sand and boulder quarrying in the Khawajara area.

2007, January 18: Nine families have lost all their belongings in a fire this morning at the RBA living quarters in Samarzingkha, Thimphu. Also in the incident, a man in his early 30s drowned in the Wangchu. It is believed that the man may have been trying to cross the river to go and inform the RBP’s fire fighting unit which is located across the river. A few even sustained minor cuts and bruises.

The deceased was also living in one of the apartments. He had also sustained severe burns on his body.
           
The fire started at around 5.30 am and soon it engulfed the entire second floor of the two storied building. There were 10 apartments on the top floor. All 10 were damaged in the fire.
           
While the entire top floor of the building has been damaged, firefighters were able to save the ground floor.

Lieutenant Colonel, Dorji Gyeltshen, of the Royal Bhutan Army said the fire could have started from an electric short circuit. The cause of the fire and extend of damage is being investigated.
           
This is the first major fire to be reported in the capital this winter.
           
Dr. N.K. Adhikari who examined the body said he might have been trying to cross the river to inform the RBP’s fire fighting unit which is located across the river.

2007, January 17: The process of nationwide parliamentary mock elections would start in March according to the chief election commissioner. “The mock parliamentary elections will start sometime at the end of March and end around end of May. The election commission expects all the eligible voters throughout the country to participate in the mock elections,” said the chief election commissioner, adding that dummy political parties would be formed.

Dasho Kunzang Wangdi was speaking to the election officials from across the kingdom and the head office in Thimphu who are attending a two day meeting to review and plan activities yesterday.

Dasho Kunzang Wangdi said while a lot had been achieved, the year ahead would be a crucial and an important one for the Commission.

Formation of political parties

The election commission also announced that political parties could start registering with the commission by July, 2007. The chief election commissioner said that anybody interested in joining political parties should decided by June or July.

“Civil servants interested in politics should seriously decide and prepare by June,” he said, adding that any civil servant who has not resigned but takes part in politics would be liable to disciplinary action.

The director of the election commission, Dr. Phuntsho Namgyel, said a key component in a free and fair election was the preparation of a clean and comprehensive electoral roll to ensure that all eligible voters were registered and that their information was correct.

As of 31st December 2006, the election commission received a total of 338042 filled in forms. This according to the commission is 84 percent of the 400626 eligible voters.

“However only 180897 forms have the complete information which is just 45 percent of the total number of eligible voters in the country,” said Dr. Phuntsho Namgyel.

He said an all out effort was being made to identify, locate and update the voter registrations.

The election commission estimates that over 86,000 rural voters have been trained by trainers in the 20 dzongkhags. With over 6,000 people in Thimphu and Phuntsholing trained on elections the election commission says over 93,000 Bhutanese have participated in the election training workshops.

During the two day meeting, election officials will discuss voter registration status, electoral education, and training and the national parliamentary mock elections.

The election commission of Bhutan was established under a royal decree issued on the 31st of December 2005. The office of the Election Commission of Bhutan was inaugurated by the Chief Justice, Lyonpo Sonam Tobgye, on the 16th of January 2006.

2007, January 17: The Samdrupjongkhar municipal corporation has started demolishing illegal settlements in the municipal area. The last date for vacating the government land was on 15th January. There are about 133 illegal settlers squatting on the government land. Of these 50 had already dismantled their huts and left the place, while nine are out of station.

Ap Dungla works as a security guard for the National Pension and Provident Fund (NPPF). He told our reporter that he had been looking for an apartment since the day he received the first notice but to no avail. Sonam Dorji, a driver with the FCB said staying in the hotel as a temporary alternative was expensive.

Our reporter, Pema Samdrup, says some of the illegal settlers have built huts in far flung places out of the municipal areas. However, this was also not allowed by the forestry officials according to Meme Dorji, another occupant.

A security guard for the Army Welfare Project (AWP) said many of his neighbors had left for their villages or to live with their relatives. “I have nowhere to go,” he said.  

The municipal engineer, Tenzin Drakpa, told our reporter that the people can build houses only on private land. He said a few illegal settlers turned up with drawings for temporary house for approval in the municipal office. Tenzin Drakpa said the demolition of illegal settlement started in June 2006. However it was extended to January 15th following request from the settlers.

The Samdrupjongkhar municipal corporation said the demolition was to stop rural urban migration. It is also to initiate planned development of the town.

2007, January 16: The selection for the first women’s football national team has reached the final rounds. The preliminary round was held at the Bajothang in Wangdiphodrang in December last year. The best 35 players from among the 60 selected in the preliminary round will go on to form the first national women’s football team.

The 60 women footballers are being coached at Gelephu public ground. Four trainers from the Bhutan Football Federation are training the women footballers. The players are given theory classes along with practical sessions. Our reporter says football films are also screened to educate the players on the techniques and skills.

Our reporter Sonam Rinchen says the footballers will have to prove themselves during the 24 days of coaching. The coordinator from the Bhutan Football Federation (BFF) told our reporter that the federation will look for more potential candidates from schools across the kingdom.

The event is being organized and funded by the Bhutan Football Federation.

2007, January 15: Agriculture is the most important source of livelihood. Over the years, the developments in this crucial sector has transformed the rural economy from a purely subsistence economy to a vibrant semi-subsistence cash driven economy. This according to a book released recently is due largely to the priority given by the government.

According to the book- ‘mapping the status of Bhutan’s renewable natural resources’ agriculture and its related activities continue to dominate Bhutan’s economy. Its contribution to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) increased from Nu. 6400 million in 1999 to Nu. 10,600 million in 2003.

The book says people’s access to food in terms of both quantity and quality has improved significantly. A RNR survey conducted in 2000 showed that more than two thirds of households were fully self-sufficient.

“The export of agricultural products has increased as well,” the book reads.

The book, Mapping the status of Bhutan’s renewable natural resources was jointly published by the ministry of Agriculture and the International centre for Integrated Mountain Development, ICIMOD.

Agriculture minister's visit

Meanwhile, the agriculture minister, Lyonpo Sangay Ngedup, accompanied by agriculture ministry officials visited four remote Gewogs of Metakha, Dungna, Lokchina and Phuntsholing under Chukha Dzongkhag from 10th January to 14th January, 2007.

According to agriculture officials who accompanied Lyonpo Sangay Ngedup, the visit gave them the opportunity to interact with the farmers and see for themselves the problems faced by the rural population in their everyday life.

During the visit, they met with the farmers and discussed the ministry’s plans and policies to see if they are in line with the needs of the people. The thrust of the ministry’s policy is on enhancing production, improving accessibility and promoting marketing.

They said most of the villages they visited have the potential to enhance production, increase rural income and raise the living standard. But, their potential they said was limited by accessibility in terms of road as well telecommunication facilities and access to timely information.

REWA needs female counselors      

2007, January 13: REWA, a rehabilitation centre based in Thimphu is founded by former drug addicts. While male drug addicts can turn to REWA for help and counseling, female drug addicts have no recourse to professional help. With the limited space and a lack of female counselors it has got no room for female addicts. At the moment REWA is helping 21 drug addicts fight their addiction, all of them male.

They said since they do not have the capacity to deal with female addicts, they were forced to turn away female addicts. According to one of the co-founders, Nidup, REWA doesn’t have the capacity to help female drug addicts. “In other countries rehabilitation centres have female counselors which solely deal with female addicts,” he said.

“Because of the kind of society we live in they (female) will not be in a position to open up, their problems and everything, should we take in at this juncture.”

Nidup said that two of the female addicts who sought help from REWA had to be sent to the rehabilitation centres in Sikkim.

Since addicts need treatment and care for a long time to recover fully, they stay with REWA. They pay Nu. 1500 per month for their food and accommodation. REWA said since they do not have enough space, they can’t take in all the male addicts who turn to them for help.

The Youth Information Center which is located at the swimming pool sports complex also helps youth by providing counseling. Those who need help can call the help lines 32700 and 327008.

Karma Dechen, an information officer with the centre, said women and young girls call them and share their problems. She said girls are vulnerable because they cannot talk openly about their problems with anyone.

The program officer of the Youth Development Fund, Gama Namgyal, said with the establishment of REWA, there is an increase in number of addicts seeking advice from the centre. “We have put up a proposal for a bigger rehabilitation centre and once that comes in we need not send our people to Sikkim and Darjeeling for treatment."

The rehabilitation centre coming up in Punakha could perhaps deal with women as well.

2007, January 12: To keep the students meaningfully engaged during the winter holidays, the Department of Youth, Culture and Sports is organizing various winter programs in the capital. More than a hundred students from schools as far as Lhuntse, Phuntsholing, Wangdue and Paro are taking part in the winter program at the Changangkha lower secondary school, Thimphu.

The 20 day long program includes gardening, Japanese art and craft and literary activities.

Some 23 students opted for the gardening class. They are learning how to collect flower seedlings and water, manure and prune the flower plants.

Another 34 students are learning essay and story writing, book review, poetry recitation and debate.

Students are also being introduced to basics of Japanese Art and Craft by Japanese volunteers. They will also be taught Japanese language, handicraft and games.

A teacher coordinator of the school, Tshewang Choden, said that the program would enable students to inculcate positive approach to life. “It will also help the students to acquire vocational skills and discover their individual potentials and talents,” she added.

sports leadership and physical education

Meanwhile, a basic course on sports leadership and physical education is under way at the Yangchenphu higher secondary school in the capital. About thirty five teachers from 20 Dzongkhags are attending the basic course on sports leadership and physical education. 

The nine day course includes various activities, values and ethics in sports. They are also being taught the basic skills on physical education like running, jumping, hopping.

According to sports coordinator, Karma Lam Dorjji, the participants will help inspire and motivate children to take part in physical activities.

The course is being organized by the department of youth and sports under the ministry of education.

The course will end on 19th January.

ACC forwards corruption cases to the Office of the Attorney General for prosecution

2007, January 10: The Anti Corruption Commission (ACC) has completed investigating two corruption cases involving the illegal transfer of government land in Phobjikha and bribery and misuse of authority by a former Dzongkhag engineer in Bumthang. The cases have been forwarded to the Office of the Attorney General for prosecution.

The former Dzongda and the former Drangpon and local leaders o f Wangdiphodrang were involved in the illegal transfer of a 4.5 acre of land owned by the government in Phobjikha. The anti corruption commission was alerted after the public wrote a letter to them.

According to the Commission it was found that the authorities had knowingly effected the transfer of ownership through a court verdict some time in 2001-2002. “The court verdict was reportedly issued on the same day when the case was registered.”

The local leaders like Gup, Chimmi, and Mangmi were well aware that the land belonged to the government but they reportedly kept quiet.”

The former Dzongkhag engineer in Bumthang was involved in forgery, bribery, and misuse of authority. “He was involved in alteration of tender documents, bribing the contractor and misuse of authority,” the spokesperson form the ACC says.

The ACC received a total of 283 complaints as of December 2006. ACC has so far completed investigation of eight cases including the Phobjikha land case, RICBL’s case and the Gelephu land case involving a former Drangpon.

Misuse of resources, bribery and collusion, and nepotism were the major forms of corruption alleged in the 283 complaints. The complaints of civil servants, according to ACC, generally relate to misuse of resources, including land, manipulation of TA/DA and other claims and discriminate application of rules and regulation.

“Abuse of positions, unchecked discretionary powers, discriminate personnel management and misuse of resources were common among corporate managers.”

New IT institute in Mongar

2007, January 10: With the opening of a private computer institute in Mongar students and school leavers from the eastern Bhutan will no longer have to travel to Thimphu or Phuntsholing to attend computer classes. It is the first private computer institute to be established in the Dzongkhag.

The institute has already attracted about 56 trainees. Most of them are taking short computer and IT courses. Four have enrolled for long duration courses. One of the trainees, a student from Mongar Higher Secondary School told our reporter that he was taking up the computer class to spend his winter vacation meaningfully. Other trainees said it was essential to have some IT knowledge in today’s world.

The coordinator of the institute, Bhawani Gautam, said students from the eastern region would not have to travel all the way to Thimphu or Phuntsholing to take up computer. This, he said, would help minimize the expenditure for the trainees.

Apart from many short courses, the institute offers a six month advanced computer operation course and a nine month office management course. It also offers a one year course in commercial accountancy with tally.

The institute is also providing free classes to three candidates who come from financially disadvantaged background.

86th National Assembly concludes

2007, January 08: The 86th session of the National Assembly concluded with Tashi Legmonen, a tradition that symbolizes fidelity between the Druk Gyalpo and the people of Bhutan. With His Majesty the King gracing the closing ceremony, it was with a sense of historic significance that the National Assembly concluded its 86th session.

The Speaker Dasho Ugyen Dorji said the historic and momentous 86th session of the National Assembly under the leadership of His Majesty the Fifth Druk Gyalpo has been able to conclude successfully by the blessings of the luminous benedictions of the Triple Gem and because of the benevolence and guidance of His Majesty the King.

The Speaker informed the House that the 1949 Friendship Treaty between Bhutan and India has been reviewed and updated by the two governments to reflect the contemporary nature of our close relationship and to provide a foundation for the continued growth of this excellent relationship in the 21st century.

The Speaker informed the House that the India-Bhutan Friendship Treaty is expected to be formally signed during the visit to India by His Majesty Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, the Fifth Druk Gyalpo.

The Speaker on behalf of the National Assembly and the people of Bhutan, offered deep gratitude to His Majesty Jigme Singye Wangchuck for this precious legacy bestowed upon us for the future security and sovereignty of our kingdom.

The Speaker on behalf of the National Assembly and the people of Bhutan extended the sincere gratitude and appreciation to the government of India for their continued assistance and in particular for their goodwill and friendship in updating the India Bhutan Friendship Treaty.

The Speaker reminded the people’s representatives that the resolutions adopted by the 86th session should be taken to the people without delay and the concerned ministries to carry out the ministry related works in accordance with the resolutions.

The members pledged their commitment to the service of the Tsa Wa Sum and offered prayers for the health and long life of His Majesty the King.

After the concluding ceremony, His Majesty the King and members of the National Assembly witnessed a cultural program featuring traditional dances, songs and a skit was performed. Their Royal Highnesses the Princes and Princesses also attended the program.

His Majesty the King hosted a lunch for the members at the Royal Banquet Hall in Thimphu.

164 entries for logo 2008 competition       

2007, January 06: A logo competition, one of the first in the run up to the 2008 celebrations, has 164 entries. The entries, submitted by people from all walks of life range from the simple hand drawn to elaborate and sophisticated computer designed ones.
           
From primary school students to professional media design houses, the participants in the competition and their works, lend a national color to the submissions. From entries painted on pages of notebooks to CD ROMS containing artworks produced on hi-tech computers, the entries reflect the rainbow of colors that symbolize the excitement and the significance of the celebrations.
           
The deadline for the submission of the logo was the 31st December. The logo competition is overseen by the Literary and Publications Sub-Committee which is under the National Steering Committee for the Coronation and the Centenary Celebrations. The subcommittee has members from the media, corporation, education and research organization and has shortlisted 34 of the entries from the 164 submissions.
           
The members looked at the entries on several occasions. With the entries displayed at the Centre for Bhutan studies, the members pent several hours at a time to shortlist the entries.
           
The members will again scrutinize the shortlisted entries to further shortlist it to 10.
           
Dasho Pema Thinley, the chairman of the Literary and Publications Sub-Committee told media that in the next few days, the members would look at the originality of the artworks and its multiple usage and reproduction on T-shirts, letter heads and badges.
           
The prize money for the winning logo is Nu. 150,000 and the winning logo will be used as the symbol of the historic 2008 celebrations.

31 graduates of CSCE posted as assitant lecturers      

2007, January 06: Many of the tertiary institutes and colleges in the country will have new lecturers. Thirty one of the first batch of 79 graduates of civil service common examination (CSCE) have been placed at the Royal University of Bhutan. The graduates will work as assistant lecturers at the various colleges in the country.  
       
Seven of them have been placed in Sherubtse College, another seven in the college of science and technology in Phuntsholing, four at the Paro College of Education and two in the institute of language and cultural studies in Simtokha.
           
Five of the graduates have been placed at the college of natural resources in Lobesa, one in Samtse college of education and four at the Jigme Namgyel Polytechnic in Deothang. 
           
An induction course for these graduates was conducted at the Royal Institute of Management in Simtokha.
           
During the programme, the new recruits were briefed on position classification system, responsibilities of a lecturer and their roles in the University of Bhutan. The graduates were also briefed on the functions of Royal University.
           
The Vice Chancellor of the Royal University of Bhutan said that the program was conducted to give hands on training for the new recruits.

They are expected to join the respective institutes in February.

3 Dzongkhags share award for cleanest Dzonkhag of the year     

2007, January 06: Dagana, Haa and Trashi Yangtse Dzongkhags were declared as the cleanest Dzongkhags for the year 2006 by the National Environment Commission. The award of 450,000 ngultrums will be shared by the three best clean dzongkhags- Dagana, Haa and Tashiyangtse. It was funded by Ms. Nancy Abraham, a donor from the World Wildlife Fund in the US.

The clean Dzongkhag award has been recognized to promote cleanliness, educate and raise awareness among the people on littering and garbage.

For the award, all the 20 Dzongkahgs in the kingdom were evaluated by officials from the National Environment Commission and various organizations. Some tourists had also evaluated the cleanliness of the Dzongkhags and places they visited.

According to the National Environment Commission the clean Dzongkhag evaluation was based on the initiative taken by the Dzongkhags and the Dzongkhag Yargay Tshogchung members in terms of maintaining cleanliness of the town and the drainage system.

The cleanest Dzongkhag award was first introduced in 2004. Bumthang, Gasa and Mongar Dzongkhag were recognized as the cleanest Dzongkhags then. Later in 2005, Samdrup Jongkhaar, Trongsa and Tsirang Dzongkhags were recognized as the cleanest Dzongkhags.

Officials from the NEC say that a large portion of the prize money will be spent in further maintaining cleanliness and health and hygiene in the Dzongkhags.

Dzongkha Development Authority back to commission

2007, January 05: The Dzongkha Development Authority (DDA) has been changed once again to a commission. The decision follows submissions by the people’s representative to the National Assembly yesterday.

The People’s representative from Wangdiphodrang said that the Dzongkha Development Authority had been vested the sole responsibility of promoting the use of national language in the kingdom. He expressed concern that since the authority functions under the Ministry of Education it might affect the implementation of its policies and promotional activities in the future.

The BCCI Chimmi supported the view of the Wangdi Chimmi.

He informed the House that post 2008, there would not be many people who would take interest in promoting Dzongkha language since the qualification requirement of the members of the Assembly and Council would be a minimum of bachelors degree. “In line with this, for the smooth functioning and proper implementation of its mandate without having to seek approval from the higher authority, it will be vital to revert DDA to a commission,” he said.

To this the minister of education Lyonpo Thinley Gyamtsho said a Dzongkha Development Council consisting of 11 members was formed in 2005. “The council was formed as per the requirement of the Good Governance Plus policy to formulate and oversee the important policies of promoting the national language,” said the minister.

The Lyonpo informed the House that the new council was responsible for all the policy issues. However, financial and day to day administrative matters remained to be merged with the ministry of education. “In its first meeting in September it was felt that the authority should be totally independent even for its financial and administrative matters.”

City Corporation into autonomous body

The BCCI Chimmi submitted the need to turn City Corporation into an autonomous body. He said this was necessary with the establishment of parliamentary democracy as was internationally practiced.

However, the Bumthang Chimmi submitted that since the local government had also members from the city corporation as of now, turning into an autonomous body would lead to the cancellation of their membership. The cancellation of their membership would affect the proper implementation of the plans and policies since the corporation even turned into an autonomous body can not sustain on its own without the assistance from the government,” he said.

The Zhabto Lyonpo Kinzang Dorji informed the House that under the royal command of His Majesty the King, a new Municipal act had been drafted. This would supersede the existing Bhutan Municipal Act 1999. He said the governance of Thromdes in the future would be in keeping with the provisions of this act. In addition, the draft Constitution had also provisions regarding the governance of Thromdes.

The Zhabto Lyonpo submitted that the issue can be discussed once the new municipal act has been passed.

The House resolved as requested by the Zhabto Lyonpo.

RIM to conduct masters courses from 2008

2007, January 05: The Royal Institute of Management in Semtokha will be introducing Masters in Public Administration and Masters in Finance from 2008. The curriculum for the Masters in Public Administration will be developed with assistance from the Australian National University and the University of Canberra.

To this effect the Royal Institute of Management and the Australian National University and the University of Canberra signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) for institutional partnership on Wednesday.

The MOU was signed by Professor Glen Withers of the Australian National University and the chairman of RIM, Dasho Bab Kezang.
The director of Royal Institute of Management Sonam Phuntsho signed the MOU as witness.

Under the MOU, the Australian National University and the University of Canberra will assist the RIM in developing the curriculum and subjects for masters in public administration.

They will also help review and validate the courses for post graduate diploma in public administration which the RIM will introduce from the 15th January 2007.

The Royal Institute of Management and the Australian National University and the University of Canberra will also work together to strengthen the RIM faculty and conduct research in various fields.

Judicial Service Act passed

2007, January 05: The National Assembly passed the Judicial Service Act of Bhutan yesterday. The Chief Justice, Lyonpo Sonam Tobgay, was also present in the National Assembly hall when the act was discussed.
   
The 31 page Judicial Service Act of Bhutan contains 19 chapters. The preamble states that the act will protect the society, strengthen and promote the independence and accountability of the Judiciary and ensure fair trial and promote the rule of law.
      
The Act covers the powers, functions and responsibilities of the national judicial commission and the royal judicial service council.

The Act also lays down entry level qualification for different judicial service levels, judicial code of conduct, fiscal responsibility, accountability and liability of judicial personnel and impeachment of supreme court and high court Drangpons.

New trade route from Samdrup Jongkhar to Bangladesh via Assam

2007, January 04: The National Assembly discussed the need to open a new trade route from Samdrup Jongkhar to Bangladesh via Assam yesterday. The people’s representatives of Pemagatshel submitted that the main source of income for the people of eastern region was generated through the sale of oranges and potatoes to Assam. “There is a big difference in rates between Assam and Bangladesh,” said the Pemagatshel Chimmi.

He submitted if the government could hold bilateral talks with the government of Assam to open a new trade route from Samdrupjongkhar to Bangladesh via Assam.
           
The Sarpang Chimi said that it was also risky to export their produce only to one country. He said that it would be beneficial if the government could open export doors to other countries as well. The Sarpang Chimmi also raised the concern saying that most exporters do not get their money in time from Bangladesh.
           
In response, the trade and industry minister, Lyonpo Yeshey Zimba, said the need to open more trade destinations was important to boost the income of the rural farmers. “While for apples and oranges, most trade with Bangladesh is carried out through Burimari in West Bengal, India,” Lyonpo said adding that the government of India had also given Fulbari in West Bengal as another route.
           
“Considering that it is easier for the people of eastern Bhutan to export to Bangladesh rather than Assam, the Bhutanese government is discussing with the Indian government for several routes.”
           
The minister said that the royal government had requested India for Dhubri, Dalu and Gasuapara in Assam as trade routes. “The Indian government has agreed to consider granting these routes at a later date after the facilities have been improved,” Lyonpo Yeshey Zimba said.
           
On the need to open more trading destinations with other countries, Lyonpo said it was the policy of the ministry of trade and industries to find markets globally. Lyonpo informed the House that Bhutan had signed free trade agreement with India and trade agreement with Bangladesh and that Bhutan was a member of SAARC and the BIMSTEC. “Bhutan is also negotiating membership in the World Trade Organization,” said the minister.
           
On the problem of delay of payment from Bangladesh, Lyonpo Yeshey Zimba said that the problem was discussed with the ministry of finance and that the two ministries were looking for solutions.
           
The agriculture minister, Lyonpo Sangay Ngedup, said that Bhutan was exploring markets in Sri Lanka and Thailand for apples and potatoes. Lyonpo Sangay Ngedup said due to high transportation costs and competition, it was difficult to capture export markets in these countries.
           
The agriculture minister also reported to the House that for Masutake, Cordyceps and red rice, Bhutan had established export markets in Taiwan and the United States of America.
           
The minister said while the government would continue to explore the new trade routes, farmers could also play a role by generating more volume and identifying products for exports.
           
On the need to open a new trade route from Samdrup Jongkhar to Bangladesh via Dhubri in Assam, the House resolved that the trade and industry ministry should talk with the government of India at the earliest.
           
The House also resolved that for the delay of payment from Bangladesh for exports, the ministry of trade and industry would work together with the ministry of finance and solve the problem.

“Adopt suitable measures or grant equal compensation for crops destroyed by wild animals”: Chimmis

2007, January 04: Discussing on the problem of wild animals on Wednesday the people’s representatives of Lhuntse, Zhemgang and Trongsa submitted that the government should either adopt suitable measures to prevent wild animals from destroying crops or grant commensurate compensation to the affected farmers.

They said that the 200 meters provision had not been of much help.
           
Responding to this, the agriculture minister said that the problem of wild animals affecting crops was one of the issues of concern in the agriculture sector. Lyonpo Sangay Ngedup said that a wild boar project implemented in Thinleygang, Thimphu managed to cull 61 wild boars in Thinleygang. “The project tested snaring, shooting, trapping and showed that it is possible to reduce crop loss through reducing wild boar population,” the minister added.
           
Lyonpo said that the ministry in collaboration with the Dzongkhag authorities had also carried out electric fencing to keep away the elephants from attacking crops in Sarpang and Sarpang Dzongkhag. While the effectiveness of the strategy was being studied, the Sanam Lyonpo, said the government would not be in a position to provide electric fencing to every cultivated land.
           
Lyonpo Sangay Ngedup said the ministry after consultations with various stakeholders had increased the radius of taking of wildlife not listed in schedule one of the Forests and Nature Conservation Act by 200 meters around the crop fields.  “It is premature to draw any conclusions on the concern raised by the people’s representative on the ineffectiveness of the 200 meters radius provision,” he said.
           
The tiger compensation scheme is another strategy adopted by the agriculture ministry. The Sanam Lyonpo said that the Ministry had paid more than five million ngultrum as compensation to crops and livestock damaged by tigers. He added that the ministry had yet to pay about two million ngultrum of compensation to the farmers.
           
Lyonpo said that the ministry had requested the Department of Local Governance and the Home and Cultural Affairs Ministry to include wild life damages within the National Disaster Risk Management. He said that the Dzongkhags now directly report on damages to the Department of Local Governance of the ministry of Home and Cultural Affairs.
           
The Deputy Minister of the National Environment Commission, Dasho Nado Rinchen, also said that it was important to consider the need to compensate to those farmers with severe damages and losses.
           
To this the House resolved that the agriculture ministry should continue to intensify its effort to help solve the problem of wild animals. The Speaker said that in cases of severe damages and losses, the Dzongkag authorities would examine the case and forward it to the ministry of agriculture for necessary compensation or action.

2007, January 03: The National Assembly discussed the reduction of compensation for crimes after verification, compensation for person detained on doubt and without any conviction and need to stop the present system of handcuffing the accused on Monday.

On the issue of reduction of compensation for crimes after verification, the public of Tashiyangtse submitted to the House that as per the Penal code of Bhutan a person had to pay compensation for crimes irrespective of whether it was accidental, unintentional or deliberate act.

The Tashiyangtse Chimmi said it would be more appropriate and would benefit the poor people if the compensation or the penalty for accidental and unintentional crimes could be relaxed.

While discussing the compensation for person detained on doubt and without any conviction, the people of Tashiyangtse said if a person detained under the police custody on doubt was found not guilty and released without being chart-sheeted the person had to be paid compensation on release after 108 days. “The compensation should be either paid by the person who reports to the police or by the government at daily national wage rate basis,” he said.

To this the National Assembly speaker, Dasho Ugyen Dorji, said the House had no say over it. The Speaker said the Thimdey Tshogchung would report both the issues to the Dangthrim Lhendey and present the report in the next session.

Handcuffing the accused

On the issue of stopping present system of handcuffing the accused, the public of Chang and Kawang Throm under Thimphu submitted to the House that currently a person detained under police custody was taken to the court of Law with handcuffs. The Chang and Kawang chimmi submitted that such act was inhumane and should be discontinued.

People’s representatives said the act would also instigate the accused to commit more crimes.

The Paro Dzongda submitted to the House that the handcuff should be used depending upon the degree of crime and circumstances. “Only those who are guilty of serious crimes should be handcuffed,” he said.

He informed the House that when the Dzongkhag approached the police authority on the matter, the police chief had said that notification had been issued to all the 20 Dzongkhags saying that only those who were guilty of serious crimes would be handcuffed.
He also submitted that there was a need have separate lockup for criminals depending on intensity of crimes they had committed.

The Bumthang Chimmi said the system of handcuffing shouldn’t be stopped altogether but should be done on the basis of the seriousness of crime.

The home and cultural affairs minister, Lyonpo Jigme Thinley, said the draft police act was expected to be put up in the next session for endorsement.

The Speaker, Dasho Ugyen Dorji, said the matter should be thoroughly discussed in the CCM. The Speaker said as pointed out by the Paro Dzongda, it was important to have separate lockups. He said the CCM therefore should look at mobilizing funds for building separate holding cell. The speaker said as informed by the Nangsi Lyonpo, the draft police act which was expected to be put up in the next session would take account of it.

2007, January 03: Seventy nine graduates have completed a yearlong training in Public Administration and Financial Management from the Royal Institute of Management in Semtokha and joined the civil service. They were the first batch of graduates to sit for the civil service common examination in 2005. They got their appointment orders on Monday.

According to some of the graduates, the training program was not up to their satisfaction. They pointed out that the course was not structured and sequenced, training materials and facilities were scarce, examinations were not conducted as outlined and that the morning jogging was compulsory.

“Because of the unstructured course and with no proper sequencing , for about half the year there was nothing to do while everything was rushed during the other half,” said one of the graduates.

But the director of the Royal Institute of Management, Sonam Phuntsho, had something different to say. He told BBS that unlike the past, the 2006 course was structured with support from a consultant from National University of Singapore. “The course is of International standard,” he said.

“In terms of examination we give importance to continuous assessment and the faculty has the freedom of the written examinations which constitutes half of the total assessment,” said the director.

He said that he had told the trainees to come to him and discuss if they had any problems with training materials. “Nobody approached me,” he added.

However, director added that the institute would review the suggestions from the trainees and look out for possibilities of changes.

Briefing the graduates, the RCSC secretary, Dasho Bap Kezang, said that the young officers were shouldered with greater responsibilities with major political changes taking place in the kingdom.

“It is important that an institutional capacity is developed at the organization and individual level, in government and private,” he said.

The 79 recruits, 39 in public administration and 40 in financial management were also the first to attend the upgraded diploma course from the certificate course at the RIM.

The RCSC placed 14 public administration graduates, as planning officers, human resource officers, programme officers etc, in the various ministries, 13 in autonomous agencies, and 12 in the districts. Of the 40 financial management graduates, 27 were recruited in the ministry of finance, six in the Royal Audit Authority, two in the ministry of trade and industry and five a internal auditors.

2007, January 03: The Tashigang Dzongkhag Court has sentenced six people from Radhi to six months each in prison for falsely accusing the public of Radhi of using their Tsamdro or grazing land.

The six men had filed a case in February 2007 against the public of Radhi village stating that villagers were encroaching their grazing land forcefully despite constant warnings.

According to Drangpon, Duba Dukpa, the accusation made by the six people was baseless. The Tsamdro which they claimed to be theirs and which they accused the public of using for over five years was not registered in their name.

According to the Bhutan Penal Code, defendants are charged of the offence of cantankerous litigation if he or she launches a malicious prosecution with intention of embarrass or harass another person without having a reasonable basis for prosecution.

“The judgment also stated that Sonam Pezom could have refrained people from using the grazing land if the number of cattle she possessed increased. There is no mention of the six men having a right over the grazing land,” said the Drangpon.
He added that man had also said that they had owned the land after fighting the case. “There is no legal document which proves their authority over the land.”

The Drangpon said that court was of the opinion that they had no right to file the case and did it with purpose to harass.

The sentence was passed this week.

No more offering of cash and goods as Dhar

2007, January 02: The National Assembly members deliberated on the conferring of Dhars during promotions on Monday, January 1. The BCCI Chimi and several other people’s representatives said offering of cash and goods as Dhar was a form of corruption. The House resolved that except for a Khadhar, offering of cash and material goods as Dhar will not be permitted.

The people of Shenga Bjime Gewog under Punakha submitted to the House that though the issue regarding conferring and receiving of Dhar had been discussed during the 85th session, issues pertaining to expenditure for these celebrations were yet to be finalized.

The people’s representatives said the celebrations to mark the promotions and appointments and the offering of cash and goods as Dhar were affecting the common people.

The BCCI chimmi said during the promotion of civil and defense officers and appointment of community leaders, the tradition of scarf awarding celebration was being practiced more than ever before.
He said there would be many appointments and elections to various posts after 2008.

Some of the Chimmis, however, submitted that it would not be appropriate to stop the tradition altogether.

“There is a need to clearly spell out the entitlement as per the category,” said the Bumthang Chimmi.

The home and cultural affairs minister, Lyonpo Jigme Thinley, said the ceremony should be allowed but on a smaller scale. The Nangsi Lyonpo said the except for a Khadhar, the offering of cash and material goods shouldn’t be allowed.

On this, the House resolved that grand celebrations would be held only during the enthronement of the Druk Gyalpo and the installation of a new Je Khenpo. For promotions and appointments starting from the cabinet ministers to community leaders, the event will be marked by a Tashi Ngasoel and it would be in the respective offices of the person concerned.

National Assembly discusses Driglam Namzha, dress code and the national language

2007, January 02: The National Nssembly saw extensive deliberations on Driglam Namzha, dress code and the national language yesterday. The people of Dzomi and Talo Gewogs under Punakha submitted that with the introductions of parliamentary democracy in 2008, the age old tradition and culture would weaken. 

The Punakha Chimmi requested the government to put in place measures to strictly enforce the existing rules concerning Driglam Namzha, dress code and the national language.

The Chimis said the resolutions passed by the National Assembly on the issue were not being implemented strictly. “It should be made compulsory for women to wear full Kira while visiting Dzongs, Lhakhangs, Goendeys and during important occasions,” Punakha Chimi said.

The royal advisory councilor, Dasho D B Sinchuri, said the media had an important role to play in promoting the national language and dress.

The home and cultural affairs minister said regarding the national dress, the ministry had strictly implemented the Kasho issued by His Majesty the King in 1989. Lyonpo Jigme Thinley said as per the Kasho, all Bhutanese citizens must wear the national dress while visiting Dzongs, monasteries, government offices and institutions.

“It is the responsibility of every individual to preserve and promote national language Dzongkha and Driglam Namzha,” said the minister adding that greater community support was necessary. “The media and the education ministry also have an important role to play.”

On the issue of the half kira, the home minister said it was acceptable as long as it was worn properly with tego and wonju. The House resolved that the past resolutions of the National Assembly which were based on the royal Kasho would be followed.

Zhabto Lemi System

In the afternoon the National Assembly members discussed Zhabtog Lemi contribution and the need for absentee households to pay annual contribution to Gewog administration.

The People of Samtse Dzongkhag submitted that the Zhabtog Lemi should be continued beyond the Ninth Five Year Plan. It was decided by the 85th National Assembly that the Zhabto Lemi will continue only up to the end of the Ninth Plan period.

The Samtse Chimi said while big development projects could be given on contracts, smaller development activities like renovation of Lhakhangs and the provision of rural water supply scheme could be carried out with Zhabto Lemi.

The Prime Minister, Lyonpo Khandu Wangchuk, agreed that there was a need to segregate development activities into two –those which could be given on contracts and those which could be implemented with Zhabto Lemi.

The House resolved that the issue should be discussed further and the findings submitted in the next session of the National Assembly.

The Tsirang Chimi raised the issue of absentee households. He said the Gewog administration is facing a huge problem especially while collecting taxes and providing Zhabto Lemi.

The owners of absentee households live away from their homes in the capital and major towns where they work and it is difficult to contact them. “The absentee households should be made to pay a certain fixed amount to the Gewog administration every year as contribution,” he added.

The home and cultural affairs minister, Lyonpo Jigme Thinley, said the people were allowed to migrate and own properties in any part of the country by law. The Nangsi Lyonpo informed the House that as per the resolution of the 85th session of the National Assembly the issue was discussed at the fourth DYT and GYT Chairmen’s meeting. While the meeting of the chairpersons of the GYT and DYT agreed that the absentee households should pay to compensate for their absence, a decision could not be arrived on the matter of how the compensation should be paid by the absentees.

The House resolved that the matter should be submitted in the 87th session of the National Assembly.

2007, January 03: The ministry of home and cultural affairs had slashed off some of the government holidays from the calendar holiday list, according to the National Newspaper Kuensel. From this year government and public corporate employees will not be celebrating the ‘Thrue’ or “Blessed Rainy Day”, and Ngenpa Guzom (meeting of nine evils).

The government has also slashed the one day holiday on the death anniversary of the death anniversary of the third Druk Gyalpo, His Majesty the late King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck.

The birth day of His Majesty the Fifth Druk Gyalpo, Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, on February 21 has been listed as a national holiday from this year.

There are 17 national holidays excluding the Tshechu holidays which vary from Dzongkhag to Dzongkhag for the Female Fire Hog year which begins from February 18, 2007.

New year gift for B mobile users

2007, January 01: Beginning today the Bhutan Telecom is reducing the tariff for some of the B mobile services as part of the new year gift for its customers. The trunk call charges for prepaid service users will be reduced from NU. 3 to Nu. 2.75 per minute. This is however only for calls made after the peak hours.

The tariff for domestic Short Message Service (SMS) has also been reduced. The current rate of Nu. 2 per message has been reduced to Nu. 1.25. However, there is no change in the tariff for sending text messages to India and other countries. It remains at Nu. 5 per message to India and Nu. 10 per message to other countries.

The Manager of the Marketing and Customer Care Service, Deo Kumar Biswa, said they were making the reduction to encourage people to make use of the service during off peak hours and reduce congestion.

The charge for SIM replacement has also been reduced by 50 percent.

Earlier people who have lost or damaged their SIM and wish to retain their old number had to pay the same price as purchasing a new one. The rate has now been reduced to Nu. 200 for both post paid and pre paid users.

There are over 81,000 B mobile users at the moment. It has services in sixteen Dzongkhags.

850 teachers graduate

2007, January 01: Eight hundred fifty teachers have graduated from the College of Education in Samtse and Paro. The teachers received their degrees at the convocation ceremony in Samtse on Saturday, December 30. The graduates include the PGCE, B. Ed, PTC and distance education candidates.
                                                          
The Vice Chancellor of the Royal University of Bhutan Dasho Zangly Dukpa awarded the certificates to the graduates of 2004-2005.                              
He urged the teachers to serve the King, Country, and the people with loyalty and dedication.                                                                                                             Talking about the quality of education, he said it was important to strengthen the capacity of the teachers to improve the quality of education.                   
The director of the Samtse College of Education, Thubten Gyamtsho, said the number of graduates in 2004 and 2005 was the highest so far. “They will help solve the problem of teacher shortage in the country,” said the director.      
                            
The Samtse College of Education was founded by the third Druk Gyalpo, His late Majesty Jigme Dorji Wangchuck in 1968.                                                  
Till now, the institute has produced more than 2400 teachers. Lecturers of the Colleges of Education in Samtse and Paro, officials from the Royal University of Bhutan, Samtse Dzongkhag Officials and the rabdey attended the convocation ceremony on Saturday.