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2007, July 31:His Majesty the King granted an audience to the council of ministers at the Tashichhodzong yesterday.

During the audience, in an unprecedented and emotional ceremony, the ministers along with the venerable Tshengye lopen offered prayers for peace and prosperity in the nation under the benevolent and dynamic leadership of His Majesty the King.

After the ceremony, His Majesty granted Thuk -moen dhars to the seven ministers leaving office to join politics.

The seven resigning ministers are the Prime Minister Lyonpo Khandu Wangchuk, the Minister of Trade and Industry Lyonpo Yeshey Zimba, the Labour and Human Resources Minister Lyonpo Ugyen Tshering, the Agriculture Minister Lyonpo Sangay Ngedup, the Finance Minister Lyonpo Wangdi Norbu, the Health Minister Lyonpo Jigme Singye and the Home and Cultural Affairs minister Lyonpo Jigme Y. Thinley.

His Majesty the king and the ministers then proceeded to the Dhu Khang, where His Majesty led the ministers in prayers for the success of the political reforms and the fulfillment of the vision of Gross National Happiness and the aspirations of the people under a democratic Bhutan.

The seven ministers who have resigned expressed their deep gratitude to His Majesty the king for such immeasurable inspiration at the start of their journey into politics.

The ministers said that His Majesty the King has provided them with greater focus and clarity as to the objective of democracy and their role in it that the nation and people must always come first.

2007, July 31:The works on the preparation of detailed project report for the Mangdechu Hydro electric project are in advanced stage.

Almost 40% of the works have been completed. The manual works on the preparation of detailed project report for the Mangdechu Hydro electric project was started in December 2006. While the field work started in February this year.

The survey and investigation works for the preparation of detailed project report is expected to be complete by October next year.

The project Chief Engineer Om Prakash told BBS that the construction works will begin six month after the completion of detailed project report.

The dam will be located at Chuenjugpang, about 5 kilometers from Trongsa towards Zhemgang.

The main power house will be located at Yurmo and the power shafts at Samcholing. The project engineer told our reporter kuenzang Yeshey that once complete the Mangdechu Hydro electric project will produce around 670 megawatt power.

The project will be constructed at a total cost of over 27 billion Ngultrums.

2007, July 31:Thirteen more people have been detected with HIV virus, taking the total number to 118.

Of the thirteen seven are female and six male.

Among the 118 infected so far, ten are children below 5 years.
All were cases of mother to child transmission.

A news release from the health ministry says the actual number of infected persons may be much higher than what is being reported.

The majority of the people who have contacted HIV in Bhutan are among the sexually active group. About 22 percent are between 15-25 years.

Health officials say most of the HIV positive people in Bhutan have contacted the virus through unprotected sex.

They say casual attitude towards sex and reluctance to use condom especially among the sexually active is a serious concern.

Others contacted the virus through parent to child transmission and needle sharing for injecting drugs.

The infected population includes government and corporate employees, business men, farmers, housewives and sex workers.

2007, July 31:Incessant rains over the past weeks have wrecked havoc especially in the southern parts of the country. Rains triggered landslides and disrupted road communications in many parts of the country.

In Samtse the Dhamdum River, swollen by monsoon, washed away the Bridge at Budini last Thursday.

However there have been no reports of human casualties. Concerned authorities are cautioning people to travel via India as an alternative route.

Authorities say the reconstruction works will take place only after the monsoon subsides. Meanwhile the road between Rangapani in Assam and Rinchenpang check post in Nanglam has been washed away by heavy rain.

The RSTA officials are cautioning travelers to refrain from using the road until it’s fully reconstructed. Incessant rain has also forced students in Pemagatshel to remain at home.

According to principals in Pema Gatshel many students have not been able to come to the school. Over 50% of the students in Pema Gatshel have to walk long distances to school crossing rivers and streams.

With the bridges washed away by rivers, students have no choice but to stay back.

2007, July 30: In an important move, The Dzongkhag Yargay Tshogdu in Trashigang delegated certain administrative, human resource and financial powers to the Dungkhags.

This was decided during the 88th Dzongkhag Yargey Tshogdu held on Friday. Under the initiative the dungkhag will have the power to approve earned leave, causal leave and medical leave up to one month.

It shall also have the power to transfer staff within the dungkhag and recruit new staff. The dungkhag will have the power to sanction leave encashment and TADA.

The auditing will also be conducted in the dungkhag itself. Our reporter Dorji Dema says schools, RNR centers and hospitals in the dungkhags will now be directly under the respective dungkhags.

The Trashigang dzongda Minjur Dorji said the move will promote the decentralization process and strengthen the Dungkhag Administration. There are three Dungkhags under Trashigang Dzongkhag.

These are Wamrong, Thrimshing and Sakteng. Previous the dungkhags did not have as much administrative and financial powers. This, the dzongda said caused a lot of problems.

To facilitate the process, the Dzongkhag has placed an assistant Dzongkhag education officer each at Thrimshing and Wamrong dungkhags. The meeting also decided to appoint an accountant each for the three dungkhags.

The DYT members decided to construct three additional low income houses. The meeting also decided to hire out the Dzongkhag guest house to generate income and to construct a new bank office.

During the meeting, the dzongda also informed the members about the resignation of the chimis. The meeting elected Kanglung Gup, Ugyen Dorji as the new DYT chairman.

2007, July 29: 2007, July 29: His Majesty the King granted an audience to the Indian External Affairs minister Pranab Mukherjee at the Tashichhodzong yesterday.

The Indian External Affairs minister Mr. Pranab Mukherjee arrived in the kingdom on a three day official visit on Friday morning.

The Indian external Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee and the Foreign Minister Lyonpo Khandu Wangchuk signed the agreement on the first phase of the Punatsangchhu hydropower project.

His Majesty the King also hosted a lunch for the visiting dignitary at the Dechencholing palace.

A news release from the foreign ministry says the visit will provide an opportunity to renew and further strengthen the already existing excellent bonds of friendship and cooperation between the two countries.

The Indian External Affairs Minister also called on the Prime Minister Lyonpo Khandu Wangchuk.

This is Mr. Pranab Mukherjee’s second visit to Bhutan after assuming office in October 2006.

Mr. Pranab Mukherjee has served in various positions in the Indian Parliament and international organizations.

He worked as a teacher and a journalist before he joined the political arena. He was rated as one of the five best finance ministers of the world by Euro Money, a Journal published in New York. He was also conferred the Best Parliamentarian Award in 1997.

Mr. Mukherjee is also an author of several books including Beyond Survival: Emerging Dimensions of Indian Economy-1984.

2007, July 29: Bhutan and India signed the agreement on the implementation of the first phase of the Puntshangchu Hydro Electric Project yesterday.

The agreement was signed by the Foreign Minister Lyonpo Khandu Wangchuk and the Indian External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee.

Speaking at the signing Lyonpo Khandu Wangchuk described the project as another milestone in the Bhutan-India bilateral cooperation.

“The agreement will contribute towards the achievement of Bhutan’s plan to export a minimum of 5000 mega watt of hydropower to India by 2020,” said Lyonpo Khandu Wangchuk.

The Indian External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee said the signing of the agreement is a historic occasion.

“The 1095 megawatt Puna-tsang-chu Hydro Electricity Project is the symbol of a highly successful cooperation in the hydropower sector between the two countries,” said the Mr. Pranab Mukherjee.

The project will be constructed at a cost of more than Nu. 35 billion with the Indian Government providing 40% of the cost as grant and 60% as loan with 10% interest.

The construction of the project is expected to begin in 2008 and complete by 2014. Preconstruction activities of the project have already started.

Cooperation between the two countries in the field of hydro power has been highly successful. The two countries have already completed the construction of three hydroelectricity projects.

These are the 336 megawatt Chukha, 60 megawatt Kurichu and 1020 megawatt Tala hydropower projects.

Preparation of detailed project report for two more mega hydro projects, the Punatshangchu II and Mangde chu has already begun.

2007, July 27:The External Affairs Minister of India Pranab Mukherjee has arrived in the kingdom on a three day official visit today morning.
He was received by Her Royal Highness the Princess Ashi Chimmi Yangzom Wangchuck and the information and communications minister Lyonpo Leki Dorji.

At the Kuengacholing state guesthouse, Mr Pranab Mukherjee was received by his Bhutanese Counterpart Lyonpo Khandu Wangchuk.

While in the kingdom, Mr. Pranab Mukherjee will receive an audience from His Majesty the King. He will also call on the Prime Minister Lyonpo Khandu Wangchuk. A news release from the foreign ministry says besides discussions on issues of mutual interest, the two sides are also expected to sign the agreement on the first phase of the Punatsangchhu hydropower project. It says the visit will provide an opportunity to renew and further strengthen the already existing excellent bonds of friendship and cooperation between the two countries.

This is Mr. Pranab Mukherjee’s second visit to Bhutan after assuming office in October 2006.

Mr. Pranab Mukherjee has served in various positions in the Indian Parliament and international organizations. He worked as a teacher and a journalist before he joined the political arena. He was rated as one of the five best finance ministers of the world by Euro Money, a Journal published in New York.

He was also conferred the Best Parliamentarian Award in 1997. Mr. Mukherjee is also an author of several books including Beyond Survival: Emerging Dimensions of Indian Economy-1984.

2007, July 27:With The Royal Government has announced the appointment of six senior government officials in executive level with immediate effect.

Dasho Tashi Phuntsog, the Secretary of Information and Communications Ministry, has been appointed as the Secretary of Dzongkha Development Commission. Dasho Dr. Sonam Tenzin, the Director General of the Department of Local Governance under the Home and Cultural Affairs Ministry is the new Secretary of the Labor and Human Resources Ministry.

Dasho Sonam Tshering, the Director General of the Department of Energy under the Ministry of Trade and Industry has been appointed as the new Secretary of the Trade and Industry Ministry. Sangay Zam, the Director of the Department of Revenue and Customs is the new Education Secretary.

Karma Tshiteem, the Director of the Department of Public Accounts of the Ministry of Finance has been appointed as the Secretary of the Planning Commission. And Karma W. Penjor, Chief Program Officer of the Department of Local Governance is the new Director of Dratshang Lhentshog.

Announcing the appointments at a news conference today evening, the RCSC Secretary Dasho Bap Kesang said many vacancies will be created with a lot of civil servants joining politics.

2007, July 27:The The Royal Audit Authority has detected a scam within the Education Ministry amounting to more than Nu. 13 million. The irregularity was found out in May this year.

The money was embezzled by the procurement section while procuring science and lab equipments for schools.

The Royal Audit Authority has submitted the report to the education and finance ministries and the Anti Corruption Commission. The Royal Audit Authority has also given the concerned authorities three months to take action.

The education director Tshewang Tandin said a ministerial committee has been formed to look into the issue.

BBS also approached the Anti Corruption Commission. They refused to comment.

The Royal Audit Authority took six months to confirm the embezzlement and is expecting a response from the concerned authorities next month.

2007, July 27:Heavy rain has washed away parts of the road about 15 kilometers from Samdrupjongkhar towards Tashigang. Due to the roadblock, the public transport service buses from Samdrupjongkhar to Tashigang and Mongar have been temporarily suspended.

Men and machineries have been deployed to clear the block at the earliest. According to the RSTA officials the traffic will not be opened until the blockage at different places are cleared.

Our reporter Damcho Wangchuk in Samdrupjongkhar said the torrential rainfall has also contaminated drinking water sources leading to an outbreak of water borne diseases.

In Pemagatshel two weeks of incessant rain has blocked the road at several places. Our reporter Tenzin Dorji says due to the block between Tshelingor and Khothangpa more than 60 trucks carrying Gypsum are remaining idle. According to an engineer from the roads department, efforts are being made to clear the blocks at the earliest. However their efforts are being hampered by manpower constraint.

The Gelephu -Hathikhola highway is also blocked. Our reporter Karma Wangdi says sections of the road have been washed away. At other places, the road has been blocked by landslides and falling boulders. There are also reports of roadblocks along the Gelephu-Sarpang, Sarpang-Sunkosh and Sunkosh-Dagana highway. Commuters and motorists are cautioned not to travel after nightfall.

Roadblocks and landslides have also affected the lives of people in rural Zhemgang. Our reporter Kinzang Loday says portions of mule tracks in Langdorbee, Deegala, Duenmang and Praling have been washed by landslides.

In Trashigang, the road between Thrimshing and Kangpara gewog is blocked. Our reporter Tenzin Namgyel says there are blocks at six different locations. The road blocks are hampering the marketing of farm produce to Samdrupjongkhar.

The road between Mongar and Lhuntse has also been blocked at Rothpashong. Although the road has been partially cleared, our reporter Karma Tenzin says it is difficult for small vehicles to cross. According to Tashi Norbu a road’s department engineer, the road at Rothpashong gets blocked occasionally. Both men and machinery have been deployed to clear the road but their efforts are being hampered by the rain.

2007, July 27:A new extension and farm produce outlet has been opened at the RNR Research Centre in Yusipang, Thimphu.

The Extension and farm produce outlet will be the integrated farm complex.

The complex will have orchards, animal farms and organic farms.

The outlet was inaugurated by the Agriculture minister, Lyonpo Sangay Ngedup.

Speaking at the ceremony, Lyonpo Sangay Ngedup said with the extension outlet people can now have access to fresh fruits, vegetables and dairy products at the organic farming complex.

The outlet will have two units, the farm produce unit and the extension and sale unit.

The farm produce unit will produce and procure all the farm products.

The extension and sale unit will look into the sales of the farm products. It also has an information corner for visitors and train farmers on improved farming practices.

The extension outlet is expected to bring the farmers, students and researchers together and strengthen technology transfer process.

Meanwhile a vegetable shed outside the extension outlet was also opened.

Most of the farmers there said with the new vegetable shed, they will not have to travel to Thimphu vegetable market to sell their products.

2007, July 26:In the latest political development, seven serving ministers are resigning to enter politics. They submitted their resignation to His Majesty the King today.

The seven ministers are the Prime Minister Lyonpo Khandu Wangchuk, the Home and Cultural Minister Lyonpo Jigme Y Thinley, the Trade and Industry Minister Lyonpo Yeshey Zimba, the Agriculture Minister Lyonpo Sangay Ngedup, the Finance Minister Lyonpo Wangdi Norbu, Health minister Lyonpo Jigme Singye and the Labor and Human Resources Minister Lyonpo Ugyen Tshering.

“This morning on behalf of the seven ministers of the council of ministers I have submitted our resignation from our current post to His Majesty the King to join the political process. The seven of us will leave our current position from 6th august” said the Prime Minister.

Speaking to the local media the Prime Minister Lyonpo Khandu wangchuk said he will be handing over the office of the Prime Minister to the Minister of Works and Human Settlement Lyonpo Kinzang Dorji on 31st July. Lyonpo Khandu Wangchuk said the democratization process is a gift from His Majesty the king to the people and that it is the responsibility of every Bhutanese to make it a success.

“While the present generation has this golden opportunity it also has this sacred responsibility to ensure that we donot falter in our path towards democratization because if we make mistake I am of the view that the risks are high and it would be very difficult to take corrective measures so while we have this opportunity to lay the correct and strong foundation for successful democracy we must use this opportunity and ensure that democracy ensures the well being of our country and its people” said the Prime Minister.

The Prime Minister also expressed confidence that the Bhutanese people will be able to ensure the success of democracy in the kingdom.

“People reluctantly are accepting this change this form of government and they are preparing to assume the responsibility that come with the devolution of authority to them. I am most impressed with their understanding of the principles of democracy, the responsibilities that fall on them and in view of that I am very confident that together we can make democracy succeed and in any case we don’t have any other option but to succeed for the well being of ourselves and our children ” said the Prime Minister.

Talking about the last Lhengay zhungtshog meeting today the Prime minister said the mood was a mix of nostalgia and optimism.

“You can understand the mood being not so bright because for many of us we are leaving this service of the Royal Government where we have worked for over thirty years and into a completely new area but at the same time I am confident that with time we will then adjust to our new roles and prepare ourselves to face the new challenges” said the Prime Minister.

2007, July 26:More than 40 monks from Daley Gonpa in Darjeeling, India received Ngen Zo Domba from His Holiness the Je Khenpo yesterday at the Tashichoedzong.

Ngen Zo Domba is the highest Domba or vow of celibacy in the monk body after which they are not allowed to cross the 250 Duenwa Thrim according to the religious rules.

This is the fourth time the monks from Daley gongpa are receiving Ngen Zo Domba from His holiness the Je Khenpo. Over 250 monks have received the Domba so far.

Daley Goenpa was established in 1961 by the 12th Drukchen Khenpo. It was renovated in 1983.

At present there are over three hundred and sixty monks including 200 from Bhutan.

2007, July 26:The Thai Labour Minister, Apai Chandanachukla arrived in the kingdom on a five day official visit yesterday.

The Thai Labour Minister was received by the Labour Secretary Dasho Pema L. Dorji, the Director General of Labour Pema Wangda and Foreign ministry officials.

In the afternoon Mr. Chandanachukla called on the Labour and Human Resources Minister Lyonpo Ugyen Tshering.

On Friday, he will call on the Prime Minister Lyonpo Khandu Wangchuk and meet the Home and Cultural Affairs Minister Lyonpo Jigme Thinley and the Trade and Industry Minister Lyonpo Yeshey Zimba.

2007, July 25:The party which has been formed by merging the All People’s Party and the Bhutan People’s United Party has been named as Druk Phunsum Tshogpa. The party will be formally registering with the election commission in the second week of august after the five serving ministers who have agreed to join the party resign.

The five serving ministers, Prime Minister Lyonpo Khandu Wangchuk, Home and Cultural affairs Minister Lyonpo Jigme Thinley, Trade and Industry Minister, Lyonpo Yeshey Zimba, Labour and Human Resources Minister Lyonpo Ugyen Tshering, and Finance Minister Lyonpo Wangdi Norbu.

In the interview, the party spokesperson Duptho Rinzin explained that the merger has been necessitated because both APP and BPUP have approached the same ministers.

Likely candidates

The Director of the Centre for Educational Research and Development in Paro, Thakur Singh Powdyel, is likely join the Druk Phunsum Tshogpa according to the party’s spokesperson. He said they have more or less convinced Thakur Singh Powdyel to join their party. If confirmed, he will contest from the Dorokha Tading constituency in Samtse.

There are also other candidates who are likely to join the party. They are the Samdrupjongkhar Dzongda, Sangay Dorji and the Zhemgang Dzongda ,Kuenzang N Tshering. They have not confirmed but according to the party spokesperson it is very likely that they will join their party.

The Samdrupjongkhar Dzongda Sangay Dorji will contest from the Bumdeling Jamkhar constituency in Trashiyangtse and the Zhemgang Dzongda Kuenzang N Tshering will contest from the Menbi-Tshenkhar constituency in Lhuentshi.

The party has so far identified about hundred potential candidates of which twenty including the five serving ministers have been confirmed.

Other confirmed candidates are the former ambassador to Bangladesh Dasho Jigme Tshultrim who will be contesting from the Radhi-Sakteng constituency in Trashigang.

The party spokesperson has also confirmed that the Vice Chancellor of the Royal University of Bhutan, Dasho Zangley Drukpa is joining their party. He will be contesting from Khar, Urung constituency in Pemagatshel.

2007, July 24:His Majesty the King granted audience and Kidu to 111 vulnerable people from different parts of the country at the Tashichodzong today. His Majesty also granted audience to 45 students from schools in Thimphu Dzongkhag who excelled in studies during the last academic year.

In keeping with age old tradition, His majesty the King granted audience and Kidu to a group of most vulnerable people from different parts of the country at the Tashichodzong.

In keeping with His Majesty’s command that the poorest and weakest section of our society genuinely deserving of Kidu would not be able to travel to Thimphu or overcome bureaucratic hurdles in their Dzongkhags, the Gyalpoi Zimpon’s office has conducted detailed tours of different parts of the country to identify the weakest and the most vulnerable members of the society.

His Majesty granted audience to 111 such people from different parts of the country including the Lhop community of Samtse, Chuzergang in Sarpang, Radhi and Buli villages in Zhemgang, Moenpa community in Trongsa, Udzoring village in Tashigang and Khoma village in Lhuentse.

His Majesty also granted audience to 45 students from schools in Thimphu who excelled in studies during the last academic year.

Their Royal Highnesses the Princesses, Ashi Chimi Yangzom Wangchuck, Ashi Sonam Dechen Wangchuck, Ashi Dechen Yangzom Wangchuck, and Ashi Kesang Choden Wangchuck also awarded cash Soelra to the group of vulnerable people and the students.

Earlier this year, during a tour of the eastern Dzongkhags, His Majesty granted Kidu to 56 vulnerable households and 301 students. His Majesty also granted audience to 153 class toppers and 6,204 regular students.

2007, July 24:To help address youth unemployment, the ministry of labour and human resources has opened an employment service center in Phuntsholing.

The center will provide information on employment, training, counseling, and job opportunities.

Inaugurated by the secretary of Ministry of Labour and Human Resources, Dasho Pema L. Dorji, it aims to address unemployment amongst youth.

In the opening speech, he said the numbers of youth passing out from schools were increasing every year and the government was struggling to provide jobs for them.

The center will provide a platform for job seekers to search for information and other requirements necessary to get a job.

The Labour market information Bulletin and occupational profiles were released.

The center will provide information on employment and training, counseling, job portal besides the labour net.

The employment service center is equipped with computers and brochures to facilitate youth seeking jobs.

According to the Labour market information Bulletin, the employment rate has doubled in a span of five years, from 1.4% in 1999, it has climbed to 3.1 % in 2005.

The unemployment rate was found higher in female.

The highest unemployment rate of 4.7% is reported in the urban areas against 2.6% in rural areas.

2007, July 23:Tens of thousands of people gathered at the Royal Bhutan Police ground in Thimphu to receive Tshangpa Jaray blessing from His Holiness the Je Khenpo yesterday.

The blessings follow a daylong Tshokhor performed by monks of the Simtokha Shedra to commemorate the establishment of Drukpa Kagyu branch of Buddhism by Choejay Tsangpa Ja Ray.

The ceremony was also conducted to pray for the success of parliamentary democracy in Bhutan, enthronement of the Fifth Druk Gyalpo and to celebrate the hundred years of monarchy. Religious ceremonies were also conducted in Lhakhangs, Goendeys, and Rabdeys across the kingdom.

At the Puna-Dewa-Chenpoi-Phodrang, the sacred relic, Rang-Jung Kha-Sar-Pani was displayed to the public.

Rang-Jung Kha-Sar-Pani is believed to have self created from the vertebrae of Choe-jay Tsangpa Jaray, the founder of the Drukpa Kagyu branch of Buddhism.

It was propagated in Bhutan by Phajo Drugom Zhigpo, Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel and other renowned lams.

2007, July 23: A kilogramme of cordycep fetched a record Nu. 4,11,000 at an auction at Dodena in Thimphu yesterday. This is the highest price a kilogram of Cordyceps has fetched for so far in the kingdom.

More than 31 kilogrammes of cordyceps were sold at the Dodena auction.

According to an official from the agriculture marketing services the auction price of Cordyceps has skyrocketed.

On average a kilogram of cordyecps fetched more than double the price obtained last year.

However, the production is low this year. More than hundred farmers from Lingshi and Naro gewogs under Thimphu dzongkhag came to sell cordyceps at the Dodena auction.

Last year farmers sold more than five hundred kilogrammes of cordyceps worth about ten million Ngultrums.

Cordyceps grow in high altitude regions in Bumthang, Wangdiphodrang, Gasa, Paro, Thimphu and Trashiyangtse.

2007, July 23: The Livestock Department is establishing areas to pound stray dogs in Kanglung and Trashigang town. The move is part of the initiative to control the dog population and rabies outbreak.

Each pound will accommodate about 300 dogs. They will also serve as center where diseased stray dogs will be treated. It will be used during sterilization campaigns for post surgical treatment of female dogs.

The Dzongkhag Livestock officer Doctor Tshering Dorji said the initiative is being taken to control the increasing dog population in the Dzongkhag.

It is expected to help reduce procurement of anti rabies vaccine both for humans and animals. He said Trashigang alone spends more than two million Ngultrums on anti rabies vaccine annually.

More than 500 people had undergone pre-and-post-exposure treatment for dog bites, rabid animal and carcass handling and manipulation.

The government has provided a sum of one million ngultrum to revamp dog population and rabies control program.

2007, July 21: The monks of Zhung Dratshang led by His Holiness the Je Khenpo will be performing a Tshogkor at the Royal Bhutan Police,RBP ground tomorrow.

The Zhung Dratshang is conducting the ceremony to commemorate the establishment of Drukpa Kagyud branch of Buddhism by ChoejayTsangpa Ja Ray.

It is also being conducted to pray for the success of the parliamentary democracy in Bhutan, the enthronement of His Majesty the Fifth Druk Gyalpo and to celebrate 100 years of Monarchy.

The venerable Yang-be Lopen Chimi of the Zhung Dratshang said on this day religious ceremonies will be conducted in all the Lhakhangs, Goendeys and Rabdeys throughout the kingdom.

At the Puna-Dewa-Chenpoi-Phodrang, the sacred relic, the Rang-Jung Kha-Sar-Pani which is believed to have emanated from vertebrae of ChoejayTsangpa Ja Ray will be displayed to the public

The Drukpa Kagyud branch of Buddhism was propagated in Bhutan by Phajo Grugom Zhipo, Zhabdrung Nawang Namgyel and other renowned lams .

2007, July 20: A Jangchub Chorten has been robbed of its Nangtens in Tekkar village under Chumey Gewog in Bumthang on Monday night.

On the same night, a 200 year old chorten has also been vandalized in an attempt to rob its Nangtens in the same village.

The vandalism was discovered by local people next morning. It was immediately reported to the police and the Tshogpa. The Chorten is located one and half kilometer from the village.

According to the Dzongkhag Cultural Officer about nine Chortens have been robbed off their Nangtens in Bumthang this year alone. There

are about three hundred sixteen chortens in Bumthang Dzongkhag.

Police are investigating the case.

2007, July 20: Elephants encroaching on human settlement and ravaging crops is a major problem faced by farmers in the border areas.

As our correspondent in Gelephu reports farmers in Pelrithang are once again spending sleepless nights guarding their crops against elephants.

It was around mid night in Pelrithang in Gelephu when a strange sound roused this school going boy from his deep slumber. He said that he slowly crept out of his bed and opened the door. To his surprise he saw three elephants eating maize in the corridor of his house. He softly closed the door and tip toed back to his bed.

Shortly afterwards neighbours sensed the presence of the elephants.
They came out in groups and chased away the elephants.

No major destruction has been made except for few banana and betel nut trees. This is exactly what the villagers in border areas frequently go through.

Fear rules the nights of these villages. The situation is worse at this time of the year when farmers remain busy with transplantation works during day time.

With wild elephants intruding on their farmlands at night, they are compelled to forgo their sleep, the only respite from their day’s hard toil.

2007, July 18: In the first online defamation court case, the Paro District Court has sentenced Yeshey Lotay, an engineer with the National Housing Development Corporation to one year in prison, with option to pay thrimthue of Nu. 36,000. The Thrimthue has to be paid within 10 months.

Using a fictitious name, Yeshey Lotay had falsely accused a couple of accepting bribes from villagers and misusing their position and power on the Kuenselonline forum.

The couple, Pema Dorji and Ugyen, works as forest rangers in Paro. The couple alleged during the trial that their good names and reputations were damaged and they had suffered irreparable harm because of the false information through the internet which was not only accessible nationally but globally.

They stated that the allegation against them was purely based on personal grudge. They claimed to have lost their social standing and after four years of dedicated service.

Yeshey Lotay is married to a cousin of Ugyen’s.

Yeshi Lotay submitted that he had posted the comments from malice and had no proof to substantiate his allegations against the couple or against the government. He pleaded guilty to all accounts and submitted that he was prepared to face the consequences.

His mother in law and Ugyen are at the moment fighting a court case related to land dispute. The Paro district court says the online post was unsolicited, false, and premeditated. It was posted with a malicious intent and is false and devoid of any truth.

“The existence of a prolonged or protracted enmity between the defendant’s mother-in-law and the plaintiff, as admitted by the defendant, had urged him to post the comments on the forum using his office computer,” said Drangpon Lungten Dubgyur of the Paro District Court.

“So long as the internet is a human creation, the regulation for the internet too can be addressed through human intervention.”

The court noted that the regulatory authorities and the internet service providers (ISPs) must share equal responsibilities to regulate internet related crime and minimize harm against citizens, national security, and public interest.

2007, July 18: As the nation observed Drub Tse Zhi today, thousands of people across the kingdom visited Dzongs, Lhakhangs and Goendeys to offer prayers. In the capital Thimphu, His Majesty the fourth Druk Gyalpo, Their Majesties the Queens and their Royal Highnesses the Princess and Princesses attended a special prayer ceremony at the Tashichhodzong.

The monks of the Zhung Dratshang led by His Holiness the Je Khenpo performed Namgay Tongchoed Sungchoed at the Tashichodzong coinciding with the Drub Tshe Zhe. Thousands of devotees visited the Tashichoedzong to offer prayers and butter lamps. They received blessings from the tooth relic of Lord Buddha which was displayed in the courtyard of the Tashichoedzong.

Drub Tshe Zhe is one of the most auspicious days in the Bhutanese calendar. It is believed that, on this day the Lord Buddha gave his first sermon on the four noble truths to his disciples at Varanasi in India.

Government offices, schools, and institutes across the kingdom remained closed. Special prayers were conducted in Lhakhangs, Goendeys, Dzongs, and Neys, and thousands of devotees offered butter lamps and prayers.

In Gasa, the monks led by the Lam Neten performed Neten Chudruk and Gyem Chamdrel.

Also coinciding with the day the Rabdey began a ten day Kanjur Chenmo recitation.

2007, July 17: Wife battering and domestic violence has emerged as the most common crime in Thimphu. The City police station receives no less than four to five cases of battery everyday.

The Norzin lam, the main thoroughfare of the capital Thimphu is a busy street even after midnight. It is thronged by party goers. Thimphu accounts for almost 30% of the crime in Bhutan and wife battering and domestic violence tops the list.

Police officials told BBS that cases of domestic violence and battery did not take the lead all of a sudden. They say increasing alcoholism which is evident from the large number of bars is fueling the problem.

Most cases of battery occur on weekends as people stay out late partying. Most of the cases also take place after the husbands come back home intoxicated.

Meanwhile, police say intensified police patrolling has helped control other crimes like gang fights and burglary. They say the public can help fight crime by informing the police whenever they see gang fights or other suspicious activities.

2007, July 17: With the kingdom undergoing rapid socio economic development, CGI sheets have replaced shingles as the preferred roofing material in almost all the villages. But in Wangphu Gewog in Samdrupjongkhar, CGI sheets are not common. It is not even wooden shingles or slates. The preferred roofing material is banana leaves.

The houses in Wangphu Gewog in Samdrupjongkhar have one thing in common, the banana leaf roofs. Our reporter Pema Samdrup says about 90 % of the houses have banana leaf roofs. He said the age old tradition was still being practiced by the people.


The Wangphu Gup said most of the villagers opt for banana leaves because of its affordability. He said it lasts two to three years.

Most of the villagers told BBS that they have been using banana leaves for years and have not faced any problems.

But things might change with the completion of the 11 kilometer farm road connecting the Gewog to the nearest motor-able road said some of the residents.

Our reporter says the villagers are eagerly waiting for the farm road from Narphung to Tsangchilo. The villagers said once the farm road is complete they will be able to transport CGI sheets.

Wangphu Geog has about 355 households.

2007, July 17: Tashigang Dzongkhag is seeing an increasing number of forest fires every year. The Dzongkhag forestry officials recorded 15 cases so far this year. Last year the Dzongkhag recorded only ten cases. To address the issue the 87th Dzongkhag Yargye Tshogdu decided to form a special task force.

Tashigang Dzongkhag is seen as one of the most vulnerable to forest fires. Forestry officials said that about 70 percent of forest fires are deliberately set off by people. They do this in the belief that it will enhance the growth of lemon grass, wild asparagus and pasture for their cattle.

Out of the 15 forest fires reported this year, 14 occurred in Udzorong Gewog. Together they destroyed about 500 acres of forest and damaged around 10,000 trees.

The Dzongkhag forestry officer, Dendup Tshering, said seven Geogs in Tashigang were prone to forest fires.

The special task force will be responsible for strengthening the regulations and reduce forest fires. The task force will also plant tree saplings in areas that have been damaged by forest fires. The members will also organize public awareness campaigns.

The 87th DYT resolved that the extraction of lemon grass oil will not be allowed in areas where forest fires have already taken place. The villagers will also not be allowed to extract timbers from the area for three years.

According to the land use planning report of 1995, Tashigang Dzongkhag has over 1, 30,000 hectares of forest cover.

2007, July 16: One hundred and sixty two candidates were conferred the post graduate diploma and diploma certificates at the 11th convocation ceremony of the Royal Institute of Management (RIM) in Semtokha yesterday.

The Prime Minister Lyonpo Khandu Wangchuk gave away certificates to the graduates. Speaking at the function the Prime Minister said it has always been the vision of our kings that the future of our country is in the hands of the younger generation.

The Prime Minister said that they must strive hard and must work with loyalty and dedication.

The certificate award ceremony was attended by the institute’s board of directors, senior government officials and the faculty members.

A cultural programme was also staged by the trainees.

RIM was established in 1986 under the royal command to develop the in-country capacity by training administrative and managerial manpower towards enhancing managerial efficiency and effectiveness both in the government and private sectors.

2007, July 15: The torrential rain over the last few days came as a relief to the farmers. It marked the end of a long dry spell. It also means farmers can now begin paddy transplantation. For people living in southern Bhutan like Gelephu, it brought a much awaited respite from the sweltering heat. But the Monsoon rain also brings its own share of problems.

Every year as the Monsoon rains begin, the Mou Khola swells fed by the rain water and every year at around this time of the year the river washes away the temporary bridge over it.

For the farmers of Umling, Chuzergang and Norbuling, the bridge is their only way to Gelephu proper. Without the bridge, the only option they have is the ferry boats operated by a group of people from the neighboring Indian state of Assam. Crossing this huge strong river by boat is neither safe nor convenient.

Residents say the only long term solution is a concrete permanent bridge strong enough to withstand the raging river.

The river has several tributaries which also swell with the Monsoon rains. There are no boats to cross them. The residents therefore wade through the waist deep water. For the women, crossing the river not only takes strength but also courage.

When the weather is calm, crossing the river by the ferry is even pleasurable. But the weather is never always calm and the ride smooth. A few years ago a boat full of people were all thrown into the river when strong waves upturned the boat. Fortunately there were no casualties.

The ferry service starts at five in the morning and goes on till six in the evening. Each passenger pays Nu. 10 for a round trip.

2007, July 14: More than 20 CEOs led by Mr. R.K.Poddar, Chairman of the Confederation of Indian Industries have arrived in the kingdom to explore new business opportunities. They called on the Prime Minister Lyonpo Khandu Wangchuk yesterday afternoon.

The Indian CEOs met with their Bhutanese counterparts at the Bhutan Chamber of Commerce and Industry on Thursday.

They discussed the need for a common platform for the CEOs of the two friendly neighbors to discuss, interact and explore trade and investment opportunities.

The director general of the department of industries, Sangay Khandu presented a draft investment opportunity report. According to the report, agro-based, construction material, water, IT, mineral based, tourism and hydro-power generation are some of the areas of investment opportunities for both the parties.

The mission leader, Mr R.K.Poddar said Bhutan offers tremendous comparative and competitive advantage as an ideal investment destination. He named political stability, negligible social problems and a disciplined English speaking workforce as some of the many advantages.

There are around eighteen thousand trade license holders and 14,300 industrial licenses in the kingdom.

2007, July 13: Illegal extraction of teak is rampant in Samdrup Jongkhar. Forestry officials say the crime is committed by people from across the border in collusion with the Bhutanese people.

In a recent incident, forestry officials in Samdrup Jongkhar say they have been able to confiscate 23 teak logs and about 32 planks following a tip-off. The incident reportedly occurred in the early hours of 5th July.

The chief forestry officer in Samdrupjongkhar, Kaka Tshering said based on the information they have gathered and circumstantial evidence, they suspect the involvement of police personnel.

BBS also requested the RBP for an interview. They denied the accusation.

The chief forestry officer said the case was under investigation. Forestry officials say despite regular patrolling they are not able to curb the illegal extraction of teak. “Because of the large area and the limited personnel we are not able to curb the illegal extraction fully. However, it has come down as compared to earlier years,” said Kaka Tshering.

Since 2005, some 368 cases of illegal felling and transportation of timber have been detected by the forest department.

Forestry officials said most of the illegal felling and transportation takes place under the cover of darkness and at times when there is heavy downpour.

2007, July 12: Bhutan joined the international community to observe the World Population Day yesterday. In Bhutan, the day was observed in Bumthang. The UNFPA Goodwill Ambassador; Her Majesty the Queen Ashi Sangay Choden Wangchuck graced the function.

The theme this year is “Men’s involvement and participation can make all the difference in women’s lives”. It highlights the role of men in supporting women’s rights, including their right to sexual and reproductive health.

Her Majesty also launched the world population report, 2006. Officials from the ministry of health and sector heads from Bumthang Dzongkhag attended the function. As part of the function, a cultural program including short skits on family planning and population were performed for the public.

Her Majesty will be visiting the Wanduecholing hospital on Thursday. In the afternoon, Her Majesty will be meeting with the multi sector task force members.

According to the United Nations, more than half a million women die each year during pregnancy and childbirth, 99 percent of them in developing countries. Many more suffer serious complications.

In his message, the UN Secretary General, Ban Ki Moon said as partners for maternal health, men could save lives. "They play a decisive role in many respects. Husbands often make decisions about family planning and the use of household resources that influence the well-being and prospects of the whole family".

2007, July 11: The ambassador of the Republic of Korea, Mr. Paek Young-sun presented his credentials to His Majesty the King at the Tashichodzong yesterday. The ambassador of the Republic of Korea Mr. Paek Young-sun was escorted in a traditional Chipdrel ceremony to the Tashichoedzong.

He was then ushered into the throne where he presented his credentials to His Majesty the King. Following the presentation of credentials, His Majesty the King granted an audience to the ambassador.

Born in 1954, he graduated from the Department of International Relations of the Seoul National University in Korea.

Mr. Paek Young-sun has served as the ambassador to India. He has also served as the Counselor at the Korean Permanent Mission to the UN in New York, USA and as a minister at the Korean Embassy to the Russian Federation.

Mr. Paek Young-sun also called on the Prime Minister Lyonpo Khandu Wangchuk.

He is a recipient of Yellow Stripes of the Order of Service Merit.

Mr. Paek Young-sun is married with two sons.

2007, July 11: The construction of a 12 kilometer farm road from Dramtse to Narang Gewog in Mongar has been suspended amidst a dispute with the owners of a community forest. The construction began in earnest on Sunday. Before long the workers managed to clear about 100 meters when the owners of the community forest put an abrupt end to it.

The community forest is owned by about 114 people. They said the road construction was causing extensive damage to their forest.

Karma Wangchuck, the secretary of the community forest said they had been assured by the Dzongkhag engineering sector that only bare minimum damage would be caused to the environment. “We were also assured that the boulders, stones, and sand unearthed in the process of constructing the road would be transported to other places,” he said.

He said contrary to the agreement, the boulders, stones and sand had been thrown all over the place damaging more than 500 trees.

The community forest was established about eleven years ago. The owners of the community forest also say there has been no notification before the work started. They say they should be informed at least a few days before the work started. It caused unnecessary risk to school going children as well as residents living below the road.

The Dramtse Gup, Yeshey Wangdi, said that he could not inform the villagers about the construction because he was not informed by the Dzongkhag officials or the contractors.

The forest ranger Tshering said though permission had been granted to construct the road through the community, about 600 trees have been damaged.

The Dzongkhag engineering sector, the contractors, and community forest owners are meeting to resolve the issue.

2007, July 10: Farmers in Punakha are praying fervently for the Monsoon rain but so far their prayers have gone unanswered. And they are now getting desperate.

The Dzongkhag Agriculture Officer said the Monsoon has been delayed by more than a month. Most of the farmers he said depend on the Monsoon rain to irrigate their farmland and transplant paddy. "Only about 40% of the farmers who have assured source of water have been able to carry out the paddy transplantation. More affluent farmers are using water pumps to pump the water from the river to their paddy fields," he said.

The late arrival of the Monsoon has affected farmers who are located at higher altitudes. He said while farmers located at higher elevation have not been able to even plant chili, their friends living in the lower areas have so far harvested chili about four times.

Our correspondent Sharab Phuntsho who filed this report from Punakha says there were also reports of numerous disputes among the villagers over water sharing.

The dzongkhag administration is also helping the farmers by lending water hose and the Punakha Dratshang carried Kanjur scriptures from village to village to help bring rain.

2007, July 10: Sixty five percent of the renovation of the outer structure of the Trongsa Taa Dzong has been completed. Our reporter Kuenzang Yeshay says the remaining is expected to be complete by next year.

Renovation works at the moment are concentrated on the outer structure. The project manager says the work on the inner part is expected to take more time and cost more. He said the overall thickness, height and the size of the wall will remain the same as before.

The design however will be different from the old one. This is because the Ta Dzong will be converted into a state of the art museum dedicated to the monarchy. The museum will house artifacts and the personal effects of the monarchs from the time of the Trongsa Penlop Jigme Namgyal.

The Trongsa Ta Dzong is an important historical structure. Its architecture is unique and like all Ta Dzongs it is located strategically above the Dzong.

Village elders say it has always played an important role in history. "The person who was in control of the Ta dzong also controlled the Trongsa Dzong," said one of the village elders.

Austrian government is providing eight percent funds for the renovation. The rest is from the RGOB.

The renovation is expected to cost around Nu. 98 million.

2007, July 08: The college of Natural Resources at lobesa will start its first degree programme beginning next year. This was revealed during the first convocation for the 11th, 12th and 13th batch of Diploma graduates held on Saturday.

The graduates received the first university award for Diploma programmes of the College of Natural Resources. The college offers diploma courses in agriculture, animal husbandry and forestry.

About 109 graduates received the University award and certificates from the Vice Chancellor of the Royal university of Bhutan Dasho Zanglay Drukpa.

The Vice Chancellor said to meet the human resources need of the country the college is now gearing up to start its first degree program in 2008.

“To begin with, the broad-based generic degree program will be B.Sc in Natural resources with majors in Agriculture and animal husbandry, however in the near future the college will strive to diversify its programs to offer as many majors as allowed under the generic degree title with in the framework of the Royal University of Bhutan Academic Awards. Gradually the college will also offer Master’s level programmes in agriculture, Veterinary science and Bio- technology," said Dasho Zangley Drukpa.

The college of natural resources, earlier known as the natural resources training Institute or NRTI, has so far trained 928 diploma graduates including the 14th Batch.

The college was inducted as one of the member institutes of the Royal University of Bhutan in July 2004.

The college was started with the support of the Swiss government and Helvetas in the year 1992.

2007, July 08: The National Referral Hospital has been suffering from an acute shortage of water for more than a month now. This is hampering service delivery especially in the pathology section where the blood tests are conducted.

The supply of the water at the Jigme Dorji Wangchuck National Referral Hospital is irregular. The hospital gets 24 hour, round the clock, water supply. Not these days. Often the taps run dry. The brunt of the problem is being faced by the patients.

Whenever the water supply stops, the hospital has no option but to discontinue some of the services like the pathology section or the dental service. There are also other services where a continuous flow of water is necessary.

The pathology section conducts blood tests. Over the last few days, the pathology section had to turn away around 200 patients every day. Kezang Jigme, a lab technician says running water is necessary to operate the machine for conducting the blood tests. He said the water shortage problem began in January. It became acute about a month ago.

The problem is also hampering the dental service. Sometimes operation also has to be suspended due to the water problem.

Hospital authorities have reported the problem to the city corporation.

The Thimphu City Corporation says the water supply has been affected by construction activities going around the city. They said they are looking at ways to solve the problem at the earliest.

The Capital Thimphu consumes about 8000 cubic meters of water a day.

2007, July 08: Two Bhutanese, a man and a woman, have won a bronze medal each at the 9th world taekwondo championship in Malaysia. The championship was held from June 27 to July 2.

Kinley Penjor, a class 10 student from Mothithang Higher Secondary School defeated the participant from Malaysia to secure the third position in the men’s category. Sangay Wangmo a member of the national team won the bronze medal in the women’s category.

The Chief Coach of the Bhutan Taekwondo Federation Yonten Tharchen told BBS that the participation in the world taekwondo championship will prepare the participants for the Beijing 2008 Olympics.

Eight Bhutanese including two women participated in the championship. They competed with 1000 participants from more than 28 countries.

Meanwhile the Bhutan Taekwondo Federation is training four Bhutanese including a woman to participate in the 24th UNIVERSAIDE games to be held in Bangkok next month.

2007, July 07: Thimphu police have apprehended the five men who allegedly raped the 16 year old girl on the night of July 2nd in Samarzingkha. Doctors at the national referral hospital have confirmed that she had been subjected to forced sexual intercourse.

The examining doctor said that the samples of the five suspects were taken the next day. It will be sent overseas to confirm whether they had committed the crime.

If confirmed the suspects would be charged under the section 183 of the Penal Code of Bhutan for raping a minor and section 187 for gang rape.

The girl is living with her elder sister and brother in law in the area known as the Hong Kong market. Her sister and brother in law were both out of town when the incident occurred. She was reportedly having a relationship with one of the men. With his help, the other men were able to force themselves on her. She is from Zhemgang.

This is the sixth rape case to be examined and treated at the national referral hospital this year. That is a slight decrease from the previous year but doctor say most rape cases in Bhutan remain unreported.

Health officials said most of the rape victims who have come forward to report are teenagers.

The victim is currently with the women and child protection unit.

Health officials said most of the rape victims who come forward to report were teenagers.

2007, July 07: Rural-urban migration is seen as a major concern in the country. Lack of education and health facilities have been cited as the leading cause of rural-urban migration. There are also many other reasons. Some are drawn by the prospects of job opportunities, other by the bright lights of the city.

Every year an increasing number of people are moving from rural areas to urban centers. In Bartsham Gewog in Tashigang almost half the population has moved out to urban centers leaving their house empty and agricultural land fallow. The Gewog has more than 400 houses. Of that a quarter, roughly 100 houses remain empty. Their occupants have all moved out. Their lands are now lying fallow.

The Bartsham Gup Neten Duba said some have left the village to live with their relatives. “Low income, the drudgery of life on the farm, small land holding, and loss of harvest to wild animals are pushing the people from the villages to urban centers,” said the Gup Neten Duba.

Gup Neten Duba added that rural urban migration was hampering Gewog development works. “It is also causing inconveniences during tax collection and labour contribution.”

Some of the villagers told BBS that the government should make further efforts to develop rural areas. This they said would prevent people from moving out.

The effects of rural-urban migration are also visible in urban areas. While remote villages remain deserted, urban centers are becoming overcrowded. This is increasing the pressure on existing infrastructure and facilities.

2007, July 06: The Bumthang district court has sentenced the former Tang Gup, Karma Thinley to 18 months in prison for embezzlement. Three of his other accomplices, a former Mangmi, the Gup’s assistant, and a contractor have been sentenced to three months in prison.

Karma Thinley has been found guilty of misappropriating Danida fund allocated for constructing the Pralang Bridge in Tang. He has also been found guilty of deliberately deceiving authorities by submitting fake bills amounting to Nu. 244,000.

His accomplices Leki, who was the Gup’s assistant and Jigme, a former Mangmi were convicted of endorsing the fake bills. The third accomplice, Norbu, a contractor, has been found guilty of aiding the crime by signing the bills to authenticate them.

The case was chart-sheeted in September 2006. After about 8 months of court hearing, the Bumthang court passed the verdict last month.

2007, July 02: The primary round of the national assembly elections will be held in February next year and the general elections in March. The election to the National Council is scheduled for December this year. The poll dates were announced by His Majesty the King through a Royal Decree.

The Royal Decree was read out by the Chief Election Commissioner, Dasho Kuenzang Wangdi at a press conference today. The Royal Decree states that with the conclusion of the 87th national assembly the country will now embark on the formal process towards a democratic constitutional monarchy.

“In order to encourage early formation of political parties and declaration of interest by candidates, the timeline for elections to the two houses of parliament must be announced.”

In the Royal Decree His Majesty said a successful democracy will ensure that Bhutan’s future will be forever secure and that the aspirations of the people will always be fulfilled.

“The citizens of Bhutan must all unite in ensuring the success of these democratization efforts as this is our shared responsibility." The Royal Decree also called on all Bhutanese who have the desire, qualifications and skills to serve the country through the political process to come forward today.

Dasho Kuenzang Wangdi also released the handbook for candidates and the stickers for public education on political parties and party politics.

The handbook is for candidates contesting the elections to parliament and local government. The handbook is expected to establish a strong electoral system in the kingdom. It is also to prepare candidates to play a positive role in parliamentary and local government elections.

2007, July 02: Registration of political parties formally opened yesterday the 1st of July. In a press conference today the Chief Election Commissioner, Dasho Kuenzang Wangdi, called on political parties intending to contest the 2008 election to start registering.

To register, a political party must submit its full name and the abbreviated name, and the name, description, specification and pictorial design of the symbol along with the application. It should also have the charter of the party and the name, description and addresses of the office bearers of the party.

The Chief Election Commissioner, Dasho Kuenzang Wangdi said the applications would be screened against the provisions in the electoral laws governing the registration of political parties by a sub committee.

The sub committee will have to submit its recommendation to the Election Commission within five days of the receipt of the application.

The Election Commission will then review the application and make its decision within three days of the receipt of the recommendation from the sub committee.

Dasho Kuenzang Wangdi said people forming the parties must ensure that the membership to political parties is extended only to registered voters who are interested to join a party on their free will.

“The membership to join a political party shall be at the discretion of a voter. No Bhutanese will be coerced or forced to join a political party,” said the Chief Election Commissioner.

Dasho Kuenzang Wangdi said the training of the political parties and their members will take place in August. He said the nationwide seminars to educate the voters on the national council elections will be conducted in July and August.