Jigmi Wangdi

In response to the surge in tobacco imports and growing consumption, the Ministry of Health (MoH) has outlined its strategy to balance economic and public health concerns, particularly in light of tobacco’s link to non-communicable diseases (NCDs).

Officials from the ministry emphasised that, while tobacco imports have risen, especially from countries outside of India in 2024, health remains the primary concern.

The MoH has emphasised the need to strike a delicate balance between permitting legal tobacco imports to curb illicit trade and strengthening public health policies to address the risks associated with tobacco consumption. Health officials pointed out that while economic benefits may arise from tobacco imports, they will be carefully managed to ensure they do not compromise the public’s health.

Between 2020 and June 2024, Bhutan imported a total of 531 million cigarettes, with 511 million sourced from India and 19 million from other countries. The value of these imports reached Nu 1.524 billion, with 2022 marking the highest year at Nu 1.4 billion in tobacco imports. In the first half of 2024 alone, imports amounted to Nu 337 million.

The second quarter of 2024 saw a sharp increase in cigarette imports from countries other than India, totaling Nu 14 million—a 237.75 percent rise compared to the cumulative imports from non-Indian sources over the previous three years.

This significant uptick highlights the growing diversification in Bhutan’s tobacco supply chain and underlines the need for continued vigilance in managing public health impacts.

Tobacco use remains a major risk factor for NCDs, which account for 69 percent of deaths in Bhutan, according to the National Health Survey (NHS) 2023. In light of this concerning figure, the MoH has announced plans to reintroduce stricter controls on tobacco sales.

Health officials emphasised that they will enhance tobacco control measures, expand tobacco cessation programmes, intensify public awareness campaigns on the dangers of tobacco use, and review tobacco taxation policies. These efforts aim to reduce tobacco consumption and promote cessation, with a special focus on the general population and vulnerable groups.

The NHS report underscored limited progress in addressing NCDs, reinforcing the need for the ministry’s actions, especially in the context of increased tobacco availability following the 2021 amendment of the Tobacco Act. The reintroduction of stricter controls is expected to counter the growing accessibility and use of tobacco products.

Officials from MoH are actively considering various measures to combat tobacco use, including revisiting and potentially strengthening existing tobacco regulations. Plans include enhancing tobacco cessation programmes and launching aggressive public health campaigns to raise awareness about the dangers of tobacco consumption.

Additionally, officials indicated that increasing tobacco taxes and more strictly enforcing smoke-free environments may be integral components of a broader strategy. Drawing on recommendations from regional health experts at a recent two-day workshop focused on interventions for NCDs, the ministry aims to adopt a multi-pronged approach. This strategy will emphasise reinforcing smoke-free laws, raising tobacco taxes, and implementing comprehensive anti-tobacco campaigns.

“We will ensure robust monitoring and collaboration with local authorities to effectively enforce these policies, prioritising public health while addressing the challenges posed by tobacco use,” officials stated. This coordinated effort reflects a commitment to mitigating the public health impact of tobacco and improving overall community health outcomes.

The 2021 amendment to the Tobacco Act was partly introduced to address tobacco smuggling during the pandemic. In light of potential stricter controls, the Ministry of Health is prepared to implement measures to prevent a resurgence of illicit trade.

“Although Bhutan is not a signatory to the Protocol to Eliminate Illicit Trade in Tobacco and Tobacco Products, the ministry, in collaboration with relevant stakeholders, is ready to enhance enforcement strategies,” officials stated.

These strategies will focus on preventing illegal activities while safeguarding public health through targeted initiatives designed to reduce smoking rates, especially among vulnerable populations.

The ministry’s proactive stance reflects a commitment to balancing regulatory measures with the need to combat illegal tobacco trade, ensuring that public health priorities are maintained in the face of evolving challenges.

…overall unemployment rate has reached 3.1 percent

Dechen Dolkar

The youth unemployment rate in the country is estimated at 16.5 percent for the third quarter, a drop from 19.2 percent in the second quarter of this year.

This projection is based on the Labour Force Survey (LFS) report for the third quarter, released yesterday by the National Statistics Bureau. The survey was conducted in August 2024.

The total number of unemployed youth aged 15 to 24 years is 6,885. Among them, 38.4 percent (2,645 individuals) are male, while 61.6 percent (4,240 individuals) are female, indicating a higher unemployment rate among young women compared to young men.

Youth unemployment is more pronounced in urban areas, with 52.8 percent of unemployed youth residing in urban regions, compared to 47.2 percent in rural areas.

The report also indicates that the overall national unemployment rate reached 3.1 percent in the third quarter, a decrease from 3.7 percent in the second quarter and 4.1 percent in the first quarter.

This means that out of 391,113 economically active individuals, 12,090 were unemployed but actively seeking work and available for employment during the reference period.

Among the dzongkhags, Samdrupjongkhar recorded the highest unemployment rate at 5.6 percent, followed by Thimphu at 4.2 percent. In terms of thromdes, Phuentsholing had the highest unemployment rate at 10.3 percent, while Gelephu reported the lowest at 5 percent.

In absolute numbers, Thimphu Thromde had the highest number of unemployed individuals, totalling 3,389, followed by Phuentsholing Thromde with 1,396 individuals.

By education level, the highest unemployment rates were observed among those with higher secondary education (5,646 individuals), followed by bachelor’s degree holders (2,246 individuals) and those with middle secondary education (1,778 individuals).

According to the report, the country’s total working-age population (defined as all individuals aged 15 years and older) is estimated at 600,412, comprising 314,586 males and 285,826 females. Of this total, 391,113 persons (60.9 percent male and 39.1 percent female) are considered economically active.

The employment rate stands at 96.9 percent, meaning that 379,023 individuals are employed. Among these, 61.3 percent are male and 38.7 percent are female.

According to International Labour Organization (ILO) standards, a person is considered employed if they worked at least one hour in a week or were on leave for various reasons, provided that their activity contributes to the production of goods or services as defined by the national accounting system.

The quarterly survey, conducted at the national level, aims to provide information on key labor market indicators and characteristics in accordance with ILO guidelines.

A total of 3,027 households from twenty Dzongkhags participated in the survey.

Sherab Lhamo

GovTech is currently engaged in a third satellite project aimed at developing the satellite with minimal cost and in a short  time possible by employing lean satellite development principles.

This new satellite will use commercially available components that are ready for assembly, in contrast to the previous INS-2B satellite, which was indigenously designed and developed by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).

The new satellite’s primary goal is to capture high-resolution images of Bhutan for various remote sensing applications, such as assessing the physical properties of land and other areas of interest. These images will be utilised by government agencies for diverse purposes, including agriculture, forestry, land use, and monitoring resources and infrastructure.

The project aims to enhance the knowledge and skills of Bhutanese engineers and students by providing hands-on experience in satellite development. To date, this initiative has focused on training new engineers and students in this critical field.

The data obtained from the satellite images will facilitate informed decision-making related to agriculture, forestry, snow cover, and landslide monitoring, among other areas. This valuable information will benefit several government agencies, including the National Land Commission, the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock, the Department of Forest and Park Services, the Department of Water, and the Department of Environment and Climate Change.

Students from the College of Science and Technology (CST) and Jigme Namgyel Engineering College (JNEC) will develop payloads for the satellite.

Students from CST plan to collect weather data using ground terminals located in remote areas, while students from JNEC intend to gather on-orbit magnetic field and radiation data to enhance their understanding of the space environment, according to an official from GovTech.

GovTech aims to complete the satellite by the end of 2025 or early 2026.

The team has selected a camera capable of capturing images with a resolution of 5 meters as the satellite’s payload.

“Based on our analysis, we anticipate the new satellite’s orbital lifespan to be between one and two years. Currently, we are approaching the solar maximum, which may reduce the satellite’s operational lifespan,” said the official.

It will be the first assembled satellite under the GovTech agency. The previous two satellites were launched by the esrtwhile Department of Information Technology and Telecom under the Ministry of Information and Communications in Bhutan.

The 17.8 kg INS-2B satellite deorbited in June 2024 and is expected to have completely disintegrated in the Earth’s atmosphere at an altitude of approximately 80 kilometres, as a result no parts of the satellite should have reached the Earth’s surface.

Around ten engineers from GovTech are collaborating with students CST and JNEC on this satellite project.

The agricultural sector in the country faces numerous challenges that threaten not just the livelihoods of farmers but also undermine the nation’s food security. Farmers across the country are grappling with a myriad of issues—wildlife predation, water shortages, unpredictable weather patterns, and a severe shortage of labour.

The acute shortage of farm labour and rising daily wages are real problems confronting our farmers. As they struggle to find workers, many are forced to leave their otherwise productive lands fallow.

According to the National Statistics Bureau’s 2019 RNR Census, there are more than 66,000 acres of uncultivated land nationwide. This stark reality is compounded by the shrinking harvested area for paddy, which has plummeted from 53,055 acres in 2016 to just 23,290 acres in 2023.

The irony is that, on one hand, large swathes of fertile land are left idle, and on the other, we are importing huge quantities of food, running into billions of ngultrums.

To address this, the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock is considering a bold yet necessary step: importing seasonal foreign labour. To start with, the plan is to allow the border districts to hire day workers from across the border. We hope that the government will gradually allow foreign workers on farms across the country, especially in major agricultural hubs and food baskets.

This will also alleviate the financial burden of high domestic labour costs while simultaneously reviving the agricultural sector. By engaging day workers from across the border, the government aims to restore around 3,252 acres of fallow wetland, potentially yielding around 5,854 metric tonnes of paddy.

However, certain quarters are sceptical about employing foreign workers in agriculture, particularly because of perceived cultural and security implications. In this context, we must remember that we import thousands of foreign workers in the construction sector without any major issues. With a well-regulated approach and standard operating procedures, we should be able to effectively manage foreign workers in the agricultural sector as well.

There is also a critical need to engage our youth in agriculture. However, this will be easier said than done. Past experiences have shown that young people often lack the grit, resilience, and determination to execute major farming projects. Therefore, the right training and financial incentives, including support in the initial stages, will be essential to make farming a viable career choice for young people.

The current government also has plans to establish Cherub Co-operatives, inspired by Israel’s successful agricultural cooperatives, to promote collective farming and achieve scale to meet market demand. While the timeline for implementation of this project is unclear, we must remind ourselves that what worked in Israel might not necessarily work in Bhutan, given the vast differences in our social, cultural, and economic contexts. Yet, there is no harm in emulating successful models, provided there is a clear strategy and action plan.

Combined with these efforts, the introduction of foreign workers in the agriculture sector could be a game-changer. Through this, we can improve agricultural productivity and reduce dependence on imports. This measure, even if short-term, is not just about addressing labour shortages faced by our farming communities, but is also a step towards bolstering our long-term food security.

Thinley Namgay 

Experts are advocating for a transformative approach to Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), emphasising that the programme should extend beyond traditional institutions to include all sectors of society.

This inclusive development is crucial for empowering underrepresented groups, such as retired public servants, women, individuals with disabilities, and the LGBTQ community, who currently have minimal involvement in TVET programmes.

The pressing question is: how can these groups be effectively engaged in TVET to equip them with the necessary skills?

According to experts, the key lies in investing in research and innovation.

These insights emerged during the national seminar titled ‘Empowering TVET Through Innovation: Research-Driven Strategies’, organised by the Ministry of Education and Skills Development in collaboration with the Colombo Plan Staff College (CPSC).

The seminar runs from October 7 to 11 in Thimphu. Some 30 TVET leaders and educators from 10 institutions are attending the  programme. 

In Bhutan, the current retirement age for civil servants is below 65, which is considered a working age in most countries.

Officials highlighted that many retirees face physical, mental, and social challenges due to inactivity post-retirement. “This is where the role of TVET should come in,” an official said. 

CPSC’s Director General, Dr Suresh Kumar Dhameja, emphasised that a 21st-century research-based curriculum is required in TVET institutions, so  that TVET graduates can secure jobs worldwide. 

He added that research culture in Asia, in general, is minimal, despite its immense potential to revamp the TVET sector and improve livelihoods.    

Dr Suresh Kumar Dhameja also said that if the TVET sector becomes strong and vibrant, the 17 UN 2030 Sustainable Development Goals—such as reducing poverty, gender inequality, and unemployment, as well as boosting industry, innovation, and infrastructure—could be achieved. 

He shared shared best practices from other countries, such as Thailand, which emphasises research through partnerships, incubation centres for student projects, and innovative waste management solutions. Similarly, the Philippines utilises scrap materials to develop tools and gadgets, showcasing the power of innovation in TVET.

Karma Dorji, training director at the Technical Trainers Training and Resource Centre in Gelephu, expressed concerns about Bhutan’s current lack of publications related to technical education. He believes the workshop will help address this gap through action-based research projects that engage communities in finding relevant solutions. Participants are expected to publish six action research projects within six months.

Trainers are from CPSC, and Bhutan is one of the 16 member countries of CPSC.

Karma Dorji also highlighted that TVET culture in Bhutan has improved significantly. “The government will start diploma courses in TVET next year, followed by advanced diplomas and applied degrees in the future.”

He said the diploma in solar technology and diploma in electrical technology will begin next year. “This would also increase trust from parents and society in the TVET system.”

Currently, TVET graduates receive national certificates I and II.

Bhutan’s TVET sector struggles with a low public image, inadequate facilities, difficulties in adapting to modern technologies, and limited collaboration with industries.

Karma Dorji said that collaboration with industries could help TVET students acquire the skills needed in the workforce.    

Prakash, an assistant lecturer at the Technical Training Institute in Samthang, called the seminar timely, providing valuable insights for enhancing action-oriented research cultures within TVET institutions.

“Youth are engaging in TVET, but it’s not enough. We should all work together to create a positive image of TVET so that more young people can be attracted to it,” he added.

Participants suggested that the government should invest more in TVET amid the global and societal demand for skilled workers.

Staff Reporter

An eight-member parliamentary delegation from Bhutan, led by the Speaker, will attend the 149th Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) in Geneva, Switzerland, from October 13-17, 2024.

The Bhutanese delegation will participate in discussions revolving around the theme ‘Harnessing Science, Technology, and Innovation for a More Peaceful and Sustainable Future’.

The Speaker will address the General Assembly during the plenary session, sharing Bhutan’s unique perspectives on the importance of leveraging technological advancements, especially artificial intelligence (AI), for national development while maintaining ethical integrity and sustainability.

During the Assembly, members of the Bhutanese parliamentary delegation will engage in multiple forums and high-level meetings, including the Forum of Women Parliamentarians, the Forum of Young Parliamentarians, the Asia-Pacific Group Meetings, and the Asian Parliamentary Assembly (APA) Coordination Meeting.

The delegation will also participate in the Association of Secretaries General of Parliaments meetings and other related panel discussions on global democratic issues.

The Assembly will bring together legislators from around the world to discuss the benefits and challenges posed by new technologies, with a particular focus on artificial intelligence (AI).

During the Assembly, parliamentarians will explore opportunities to maximise the benefits of AI while mitigating its risks, ensuring that these advancements contribute to global peace, sustainability, and human welfare.

One of the key highlights of the event will be the adoption of the IPU Charter on the Ethics of Science and Technology, which aims to create a global framework guiding the responsible use of science and technology to serve humanity, society, and the environment.

In addition, parliamentarians are expected to adopt a crucial resolution on ‘The Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Democracy, Human Rights, and the Rule of Law’, which calls for stronger legal frameworks to regulate AI and protect democratic institutions.

As part of Bhutan’s commitment to leveraging science, technology, and innovation for national development, the delegation will engage in discussions that align with Bhutan’s vision for sustainable progress, including the ethical considerations surrounding AI.

Bhutan became a member of the IPU on October 7, 2013, at the 129th IPU Assembly held in Geneva.

The IPU is a global organisation of national parliaments. Founded more than 130 years ago, it is the first multilateral political organisation in the world, encouraging cooperation and dialogue between all nations. Today, the IPU comprises 180 national member parliaments and 15 regional parliamentary bodies.

The IPU promotes democracy and helps parliaments develop into stronger, younger, greener, more gender-balanced, and more innovative institutions. It also defends the human rights of parliamentarians through a dedicated committee made up of Members of Parliament from around the world.

Thukten Zangpo

Bhutan’s imports are projected to reach Nu 97.7 billion this year, with more than 85 percent coming from India—this is from the finance ministry’s June update.

During the same period, exports are projected to total Nu 41 billion, with over 75 percent destined for India this year.

Bhutan’s heavy reliance on imports to meet domestic demand, coupled with a relatively small export base, will result in a trade deficit of Nu 56.7 billion this year.

Last year, the country’s imports touched Nu 108.42 billion; it was Nu 118.79 billion in 2022.

A trade deficit occurs when the value of imports surpasses that of exports, leading to a depletion of foreign exchange reserves and a rise in external debt. The recent lifting of the moratorium on housing loans, on July 1, followed by the resumption of vehicle imports on August 18, is expected to intensify pressure on the country’s foreign exchange reserves.

Figures from the Royal Monetary Authority indicate that the country’s foreign reserves stood at USD 596.85 million (USD 423.39 million and INR 14.45 billion) as of June, marking a 15 percent decline from March this year.

In the first half of 2024, Bhutan’s import bill reached Nu 56.34 billion, a 12 percent increase compared to the same period last year.

Among the top 10 imports, diesel ranked highest, amounting to Nu 5.6 billion, followed by petrol at Nu 1.9 billion, rice at Nu 1.51 billion, and smartphones at Nu 1.32 billion. This trend highlights Bhutan’s reliance on essential commodities and consumer goods in its import portfolio.

The leading exports during the first half of this year were ferrosilicon, valued at Nu 7.02 billion, followed by boulders at Nu 1.71 billion, and dolomite at Nu 1.26 billion.

Notably, electricity, which once topped Bhutan’s exports to India, saw a decline in revenue, dropping to Nu 2.49 billion in the first six months this year from Nu 3.35 billion in the same period last year.

In contrast, electricity imports surged dramatically, rising to Nu 5.12 billion from Nu 1.88 billion during the same period last year.

Looking ahead, the country’s current account deficit for the fiscal year 2024-25 is projected to improve to Nu 55.86 billion, representing 16.1 percent of GDP, down from Nu 56.32 billion (18.9 percent of GDP) in the fiscal year 2023-24. This expected improvement reflects positive trends in trade and economic adjustments.

The improvement in Bhutan’s current account deficit is primarily attributed to a projected rise in financial and capital accounts, along with an increase in non-hydro exports. The finance ministry noted that in the medium term, both financial and capital accounts are expected to strengthen further, driven by an uptick in loans and grants linked to the implementation of the 13th Plan and ongoing as well as new hydropower projects.

For the fiscal year 2024-25, the ministry anticipates a 32.5 percent improvement in the balance of payments, largely due to increased capital inflows and growth in non-hydro merchandise exports.

However, the ministry also issued a caution regarding the pegged exchange rate regime. With rising investments and income, there is a risk of the economy overheating, which could fuel higher consumption and aggregate demand. If domestic production does not keep pace, it may lead to external imbalances, necessitating close monitoring and timely intervention.

༉ འབྲེལ་གཏོགས་ཅན་དང་ མི་སྡེ་ཚུ་ནང་ ཆུ་ཤོག་གི་ཕྱགས་སྙིགས་དེ་ གནད་དོན་ལེ་ཤ་ཅིག་གི་ཐོག་ལུ་ དོ་འགྲན་བྱུང་བཞིན་དུ་ཡོདཔ་ད་ དེ་ཡང་ དཀའ་ངལ་གྱི་འབྱུང་ཁུངས་གཙོ་བོ་ཅིག་ མི་སེར་ཚུ་གི་བྱ་སྤྱོད་དང་ མནོ་ལུགས་ལུ་དང་བསྟུན་འབད་ནི་དེ་གིས་ འདི་བཟུམ་གྱི་ གཙོ་རིམ་ཅན་གྱི་གདོང་ལེན་ཚུ་ ཕྱགས་སྙིགས་འཛིན་སྐྱོང་གདོང་ལེན་དང་ དཀའ་ངལ་བསལ་ནིའི་ ཆེ་མཐོའི་གྲོས་འཛོམས་ཅིག་ སྤྱི་ཟླ་༡༠ པའི་ཚེས་༨ ལུ་ ཐིམ་ཕུག་ལུ་སྦེ་ འཚོགས་པའི་སྐབས་ གྲོས་བསྟུན་འབད་ཡོདཔ་ཨིན་པས།
ད་རེས་ཀྱི་ གྲོས་འཛོམས་དེ་ ལྷོ་ཨེ་ཤི་ཡ་ལུང་ཕྱོགས་ནང་ གྲོས་འཛོམས་ཐེངས་༦ འབད་མིའི་ གྲས་ལས་གཅིག་ཨིནམ་ད་ དེ་ཁར་ འཐུས་མི་ཚུ་ཡང་ ལྷོ་ཨེ་ཤི་ཡ་མཐའ་འཁོར་མཉམ་འབྲེལ་དང་ པི་ལིས་ལས་འགུལ་ ཡུ་ཨེན་ངོ་ཚབ་ གཞུང་ སྒེར་སྡེ་ ཞི་བའི་མི་སྡེ་ལས་ཚོགས་ཚུ་གིས་ བཅའ་མར་གཏོགས་ཡོདཔ་ཨིན་པས།
ཚུལ་མིན་འབད་མི་ཚུ་ལུ་ ཉེས་ཆད་དང་ འཐུས་ཚུ་བཀལ་བའི་ཁར་ ལག་ལེན་ཚུ་བསྟར་སྤྱོད་འབད་རུང་ དེ་གིས་ ཕན་ཐོགས་འབྱུང་མ་ཚུགསཔ་ད་ ནུས་ཤུགས་དང་ རང་བཞིན་ཐོན་སྐྱེད་ལྷན་ཁག་གི་བློན་པོ་ མགོནམ་ཚེ་རིང་གིས་ བཤད་མིའི་ནང་ དེང་སང་གི་དུས་ལུ་ ཆུ་ཤོག་དང་འབྲེལ་བའི་ ཕྱགས་སྙིགས་ཀྱི་དཀའ་ངལ་ཚུ་ གནད་དོན་གཙོ་བོ་ཅིག་ལུ་ གྱུར་ཡོདཔ་ལས་ དེ་གིས་ མིའི་འཕྲོད་བསྟེན་དང་ མཐའ་འཁོར་གཉིས་ཆ་ར་ལུ་ འཇིགས་སྣང་ཚུ་འདུག་ཟེར་ཨིན་པས།
ད་ལྟོ་བཟུམ་ཅིག་འབད་བ་ཅིན་ འབྲུག་གིས་ ཉིན་བསྟར་བཞིན་དུ་ ཕྱགས་སྙིགས་མེ་ཊིག་ཊཱོན་༡༧༢.༡༦ ཐོན་དོ་ཡོདཔ་ད་ ཐིམ་ཕུག་རྐྱངམ་གཅིག་ནང་ར་ རུལ་བ་བཏུབ་པའི་ཕྱགས་སྙིགས་ མེ་ཊིག་ཊཱོན་༤༠.༣ རེ་ཐོན་དོ་ཡོདཔ་མ་ཚད་ ཕྱགས་སྙིགས་ཕྱིར་སེལ་མ་རྐྱབ་མི་དང་ ཕྱགས་སྙིགས་ག་ལྷོད་བཀོག་མི་དེ་ ཕྱགས་སྙིགས་འཛིན་སྐྱོང་འཐབ་ནི་ལུ་ གདོང་ལེན་གཙོ་བོ་ཅིག་སྦེ་ ཡོདཔ་ཨིན་པས།
ཐིམ་ཕུག་དང་ ཕུན་ཚོགས་གླིང་གཉིས་ནང་ ཆུ་ཤོག་གི་ཕྱགས་སྙིགས་ མཐོ་ཤོས་ཡོད་མི་དེ་ཡང་ ལོ་བསྟར་བཞིན་དུ་ ཆུ་ཤོག་མེ་ཊིག་ཊཱོན་༡༨.༠༠༠ ལག་ལེན་འཐབ་ས་ལས་ ཕྱགས་སྙིགས་ནང་ ཆུ་ཤོག་མེ་ཊིག་ཊོན་༡༤.༠༠༠ ཐོན་དོ་ཡོདཔ་སྦེ་ཨིན་པས།
ལྷོ་ཨེ་ཤི་ཡ་མཐའ་འཁོར་མཉམ་འབྲེལ་གྱི་ ཡོངས་ཁྱབ་མདོ་ཆེན་ ནོར་བུ་དབང་ཕྱུག་གིས་ བཤད་མིའི་ནང་ ཆུ་ཤོག་གི་ཕྱགས་སྙིགས་ཀྱི་དཀའ་ངལ་དེ་ སྤྱིར་བཏང་འཛམ་གླིང་ནང་ཡོདཔ་ད་ དེ་ཚུ་བསལ་མ་ཚུགས་པར་ཡོད་ཟེར་ཨིན་པས།
འབྲུག་ལུ་ འཛམ་གླིང་གསོ་བའི་ལས་ཚོགས་འཐུས་མི་ བུ་པིན་དར་ཀ་འུར་གྱིས་ བཤད་མིའི་ནང་ ཆུ་ཤོག་དང་འབྲེལ་བའི་ ཕྱགས་སྙིགས་ཀྱི་དཀའ་ངལ་ཚུ་ སྡེ་ཚན་ག་ར་ལུ་ བརྡ་སྤྲོད་འབད་དགོཔ་ཡོདཔ་ད་ དེ་ཡང་ དཔྱེ་འབད་བ་ཅིན་ འཛམ་གླིང་གསོ་བའི་ལས་ཚོགས་ཀྱིས་ ཞལ་འཛོམས་དང་ གོ་བསྡུར་ཞལ་འཛོམས་ཚུ་ ག་ཅི་ར་འཚོགས་རུང་ འགྱིབ་དམ་གྱི་རིགས་ཚུ་ ལག་ལེན་འཐབ་ནི་མེད་ཟེར་ཨིན་པས།
ཡུན་རིང་གི་དོན་ལུ་ མནོ་བསམ་བཏངམ་འདྲཝ་འབད་བ་ཅིན་ ཆུ་ཤོག་ལོག་བསྐྱར་བཟོ་འབད་མི་གིས་ཡང་ དཀའ་ངལ་བསལ་ནི་ལུ་ ཕན་ཐོགས་འབྱུང་མི་ཚུགས་ཟེར་ ཌོག་ཊར་ཨའུ་ལག་གིས་ བཤདཔ་ཨིན་པས།
རྒྱལ་ཁབ་དེ་ ནང་འདྲེན་ཤུགས་སྦེ་ འཐབ་དོ་ཡོད་པའི་ རྒྱལ་ཁབ་ཅིག་འབད་ནི་དེ་གིས་ ཆུ་ཤོག་གི་གདོང་ལེན་དེ་ སྦོམ་སྦེ་ར་འབྱུང་འོང་ཟེར་ཨིནམ་ད་ མཁས་མཆོག་ཚུ་གིས་ འབད་བ་ཅིན་ འབྲུག་གི་ད་ལྟོའི་གདོང་ལེན་འབྱུང་མི་དེ་ གཞན་ལུང་ཕྱོགས་རྒྱལ་ཁབ་ཚུ་དང་ཕྱདཔ་ད་ དེ་ཅིག་ར་ མེན་མས་ཟེར་ཨིན་པས།
འབྲུག་གིས་ སྤྱི་ལོ་༢༠༣༠ གི་ ནང་འཁོད་ལུ་ ཕྱགས་སྙིགས་མེད་པའི་ གྲུབ་འབྲས་མཐར་འཁྱོལ་འབྱུང་ཚུགསཔ་ བཟོ་ནི་དེ་ཨིནམ་ད་ འགོ་དཔོན་ཚུ་གིས་ ས་ཁོངས་ཚུ་ནང་ ལམ་ལུགས་དང་ སྒྲིག་གཞི་ཚུ་ལེགས་ཤོམ་དགོཔ་སྦེ་ སླབ་ཡོདཔ་མ་ཚད་ དྲིས་བ་བཀོད་མི་ཚུ་ དོན་དང་ལྡནམ་སྦེ་ ལག་ལེན་འཐབ་ཡོད་མེད་ཚུ་ཡང་ སླབ་དོ་ཡོདཔ་ཨིན་པས།
རྫོང་ཁག་༢༠ ནང་ ཕྱགས་སྙིགས་བཀོག་ས་༢༧ མ་གཏོགས་མེདཔ་ལས་ དེ་གིས་ ལང་མི་ཚུགས་དོ་ཡོདཔ་ད་ ཕྱགས་སྙིགས་བཀོག་ས་ལྟེ་བ་དང་ ཕྱགས་སྙིགས་བསྐྱར་བཅོས་འབད་ནི་ཚུ་ ལེགས་ལྡན་མེད་མི་གིས་ ཧེང་སྐལ་ར་ དཀའ་ངལ་བྱུང་དོ་ཡོདཔ་ཨིན་པས།
མི་སེར་དག་པ་ཅིག་གིས་མ་གཏོགས་ ཕྱགས་སྙིགས་ཀྱི་ཚོང་འབྲེལ་འཐབ་ནིའི་ནང་ སྤྲོ་བ་བསྐྱེད་མི་མེདཔ་ལས་ དེ་གིས་ གནས་སྟངས་དེ་ སྐྱོ་དྲགས་སྦེ་ར་ སྡོད་ནི་བཟུམ་ཡོད་པའི་གནས་ཚུལ།

ཚེ་རིང་དབང་འདུས།

༉ འབྲུག་ཕྱགས་སྙིགས་མཛོད་ཁང་གིས་ ཚོང་མགྲོན་པ་ཨམ་སྲུ་༨༢༧ དང་ ཕོ་སྐྱེས་༡,༡༣༤ བརྩིས་ཏེ་ ཡོངས་བསྡོམས་༡,༩༩༣ གྱིས་ གྲལ་གཏོགས་ཐོག་ལས་ ཟླཝ་༢ ཀྱི་ནང་འཁོད་ལུ་ ཕྱགས་སྙིགས་མེ་ཊིག་ཊཱོན་༩༢ དེ་ཅིག་ བསྡུ་ལེན་འབད་ཡོདཔ་ཨིན་པས།
མཛོད་ཁང་དེ་ཡང་ ཕྱགས་སྙིགས་དང་འབྲེལ་བའི་ དཀའ་ངལ་སེལ་ཐབས་དོན་ལུ་ སྤྱི་ལོ་༢༠༢༤ ཟླ་༨ པའི་ཚེས་༡༧ ལུ་ གི་རི་ནར་ཝེ་གིས་ འགོ་འབྱེད་འབད་ཡོདཔ་ཨིན་པས།
གི་རི་ནར་ཝེ་གི་ བཀོད་ཁྱབ་གཙོ་འཛིན་ ཀརྨ་ཡོན་ཏན་གྱིས་ ལས་རིམ་དེ་ ངལ་རངས་ཏོག་ཏོ་སྦེ་ ལེགས་ཤོམ་སོང་སྟེ་ཡོད་པའི་ཁར་ ཚོང་མགྲོན་པ་ཚུ་ལས་འབད་རུང་ བསམ་ལན་ཚུ་ ལེགས་ཤོམ་ཐོབ་ཡོདཔ་མ་ཚད་ ཕྱགས་སྙིགས་སྐོར་ལས་ གོ་བ་བརྡ་སྤྲོད་ཚུ་ འབད་བཞིན་ཡོདཔ་ལས་ ལས་རིམ་ནང་ གྲལ་གཏོགས་འབད་མི་ ཡར་འཕར་འགྱོ་འོང་ཟེར་ཨིན་པས།
ཨིན་རུང་ གདོང་ལེན་སྦོམ་ཤོས་གཅིགཔོ་དེ་ ཕྱགས་སྙིགས་ཕྱི་སེལ་རྐྱབ་ནི་ ལེགས་ཤོམ་མེདཔ་ལས་ ཚོང་ལམ་ནང་ཡང་ འོང་འབབ་ལེགས་ཤོམ་ འཐོབ་མི་ཚུགས་པས་ཟེར་ བཀོད་ཁྱབ་གཙོ་འཛིན་གྱིས་ བཤདཔ་ཨིན་པས།
གནད་དོན་སེལ་ཐབས་འབད་ནིའི་དོན་ལུ་ ཕྱགས་སྙིགས་ཕྱི་སེལ་སྐོར་ལས་ མི་མང་ལུ་ ཤེས་ཡོན་སྤེལ་དོ་ཡོདཔ་ད་ དམིགས་བསལ་དུ་ ཆུ་ཤོག་གི་རིགས་ཚུ་ ཕྱི་སེལ་རྐྱབ་ནིའི་ནང་ སེམས་ཤུགས་བྱིན་ཐབས་ལུ་ སེམས་ཤུགས་མཐུན་རྐྱེན་ཚུ་ཡང་ ལོག་བསྐྱར་ཞིབ་འབད་བའི་བསྒང་ཡོདཔ་ཨིན་པས།
སླར་བཟོ་འབད་མི་ ཕྱགས་སྙིགས་ཚུ་ནང་ ཤོག་པང་དང་ ཤོག་ཀུ་ཚུད་ཡོདཔ་བཞིན་དུ་ མེ་ཊིག་ཊཱོན་༢༧.༤ ཐོན་མི་དེ་ ཕྱགས་སྙིགས་ཡོངས་བསྡོམས་ལས་ བརྒྱ་ཆ་༢༨ དེ་ཅིག་གི་རྩིས་ཨིན་མས་ཟེར་ ཀརྨ་ཡོན་ཏན་གྱིས་ བཤདཔ་ཨིན་པས།
ཁོ་གིས་འབད་བ་ཅིན་ སྤྲོ་བ་ཆེ་ཏོག་ཏོ་སྦེ་ ཕྱགས་བསྡུ་ལེན་ནང་ ཕོ་སྐྱེས་མངམ་ཡོདཔ་ད་ དེ་ཡང་ རང་སོའི་ཁྱིམ་ནང་ ཕྱགས་སྙིགས་བསྡུ་ལེན་དང་ ཕྱི་སེལ་དང་འབྲེལ་བའི་ལཱ་ཚུ་ ཨམ་སྲུ་ཚུ་གིས་ འབད་དོ་ཡོད་མི་ལུ་བརྟེན་ཨིནམ་བཞིན་དུ་ ཨམ་སྲུ་ཚུ་གིས་ སྤྲོ་བ་ལེན་ནིའི་དོན་ལུ་ ལཱ་ཚུ་རྩ་འགེངས་ཏེ་ འབད་དོ་ཟེར་ཨིན་པས།
ཟླཝ་༢ ཀྱི་ནང་འཁོད་ལུ་ ཕྱགས་སྙིགས་བསྡུ་ལེན་པ་ཅིག་གིས་ དངུལ་ཀྲམ་༢༦,༠༨༠ གནས་པའི་ ཕྱགས་སྙིག་བསྡུ་ལེན་འབད་ཡོདཔ་ད་ ད་ལྟོ་ཚུན་ཚོད་ འབྲུག་ཕྱགས་སྙིགས་མཛོད་ཁང་གིས་ ཐིམ་ཕུག་ནང་འཁོད་ཀྱི་ ཕྱགས་སྙིགས་བཀོག་ས་༩ དང་ ཕྱགས་སྙིགས་སླར་བཟོ་མཐུན་རྐྱེན་ལུ་ ཕྱགས་སྙིགས་འབག་འོང་མི་ཚུ་ལུ་ དངུལ་ཀྲམ་ས་ཡ་༠.༩ བྱིན་ཡོདཔ་ཨིན་པས།
ལྕང་ཟམ་ཏོག་ཕྱགས་སྙིགས་བཀོག་ས་ལུ་ སླར་བཟོ་འབད་བཏུབ་པའི་ ཕྱགས་སྙིགས་ཊཱོན་༩ བསྡུ་ལེན་འབད་མི་དེ་ མཐོ་ཤོས་ཅིག་ཨིནམ་ད་ བར་སྦིས་ས་ཆུ་ཤོག་དང་ ཤོག་གུ་ཕྱགས་སྙིགས་མཐུན་རྐྱེན་ལྟེ་བའི་ནང་ ཕྱགས་སྙིགས་ཊཱོན་༢༦ བསྡུ་ལེན་འབད་ཡོདཔ་ཨིན་པས།
ཐིམ་ཕུག་ཁྲོམ་སྡེའི་ མཐའ་འཁོར་གཙོ་འཛིན་ བསོད་ནམས་དབང་ཕྱུག་གིས་ སླབ་མིའི་ནང་ ལས་རིམ་དེ་ འགོ་བཙུགས་པའི་ཤུལ་ལས་ མེ་མེ་ལ་ཁ་ལུ་ ཕྱགས་སྙིགས་བཀོག་ས་ནང་ ཕྱགས་སྙིགས་འཛིན་འབད་ནི་དེ་ ཡར་དྲག་སོང་ཡི་ཟེར་ཨིན་པས།
ཕྱགས་སྙིགས་བཀོག་ས་ལྟེ་བ་༩ ལས་ དུས་ཅི་ སྤྱི་ཟླ་༨ པའི་ནང་འཁོད་ལུ་ ཕྱགས་སྙིགས་སྐམ་ཊཱོན་༨༤༡ དང་ ཕྱགས་སྙིགས་རློནམ་ཊཱོན་༧༨༦ བསྡུ་ལེན་འབད་ཡོདཔ་ད་ སྤྱི་ཟླ་༨ པ་ལས་ ཕྱགས་སྙིགས་སྐམ་ཊཱོན་༦༦༨ དང་ ཕྱགས་སྙིགས་རློནམ་ཊཱོན་༦༨༠ ལུ་ མར་བབས་སོང་ནུག་ཟེར་ ཁོ་གིས་ བཤདཔ་ཨིན་པས།
མེ་མེ་ལ་ཁ་ལུ་ ཕྱགས་སྙིགས་བཀོག་སར་ སྤྱི་ཟླ་༧ པའི་ནང་ ཉིན་བསྟར་ཕྱགས་སྙིགས་ཊཱོན་༥༢.༥ ལས་ ཟླ་༨ པའི་ ཉིན་བསྟར་ཕྱགས་སྙིགས་དེ་ ཊཱོན་༤༣.༥ ལུ་ མར་བབས་སོང་ཡོདཔ་ཨིན་པས།
ཐིམ་ཕུག་ཁྲོམ་སྡེ་ནང་ ཕྱགས་སྙིགས་རག་རོ་བསྡུ་ལེན་འབད་མི་༡༨ ཀྱིས་ འབྲུག་ཕྱགས་སྙིགས་འཛིན་སྐྱོང་ལུ་ ཕྱགས་སྙིགས་ཚུ་ བཀོག་བར་འབག་འོང་དོ་ཡོད་རུང་ རང་དབང་ཐོག་ལས་ རག་རོ་འབག་མི་གྱངས་ཁ་དེ་ མི་ཤེས་དོ་ཡོདཔ་ཨིན་པས།
འདས་པའི་ལོ་གི་ ཕྱགས་སྙིགས་བསྡུ་ལེན་གྱི་ གནས་སྡུད་མེད་པའི་ཐད་ལུ་ ཁྲོམ་སྡེ་འགོ་དཔོན་ཚུ་གིས་ སླབ་མིའི་ནང་ ཀོ་བིཌ་-༡༩ ལུ་བརྟེན་ བར་ཆད་རྐྱབ་པའི་ཁར་ དེ་འཕྲོ་ལས་ མི་མང་གསོ་བའི་ཚ་གྱང་ལུ་ གཙོ་རིམ་བཟུང་ སྡོད་ཅི་ཟེར་ཨིན་པས།
དེ་མ་ཚད་ ཕྱགས་སྙིགས་འཛིན་སྐྱོང་ལམ་ལེན་བསྒྱུར་བཅོས་ཀྱི་ལས་རིམ་ ཕྱགས་སྙིགས་མཛོད་ཁང་འགོ་འབྱེད་འབད་མི་དང་ ཧེ་མའི་དབྱེ་དཔྱད་ལས་ ལག་ལེན་ལུ་ གཙོ་རིམ་བཟུང་མི་ལུ་བརྟེན་ཡང་ཨིན་པས།
ཁྲོམ་སྡེ་དང་འཁྲིལ་བ་ཅིན་ ཐབས་རིག་ལྕོགས་གྲུབ་དང་ མ་དངུལ་ཚད་གཅིག་ལས་བརྒལ་མེད་མི་ལུ་བརྟེན་ སྤྱི་ལོ་༢༠༢༣ ལུ་ བརྟག་ཞིབ་ཡོངས་རྫོགས་ཅིག་ འགོ་འདྲེན་འཐབ་མ་ཚུགས་པར་ ལུས་ཡོདཔ་ཨིན་པས།
བསོད་ནམས་དབང་ཕྱུག་དང་འཁྲིལ་བ་ཅིན་ ཕྱགས་སྙིགས་འཛིན་སྐྱོང་གི་སྐོར་ལས་ གོ་བ་བརྡ་སྤྲོད་ཚུ་ སྣ་ཚོགས་སྦེ་ འགོ་འདྲེན་འཐབ་ཡོདཔ་ད་ དེ་ཚུ་གི་གྲས་ གཙོ་ཅན་དེ་ཡང་ ཕྱགས་སྙིགས་འཛིན་སྐྱོང་དང་ དཔལ་འབྱོར་བཟོ་ནི་ ཕྱགས་སྙིགས་བཀོག་ས་ལྟེ་བ་ དེ་ལས་ ཕྱགས་སྙིགས་སླར་བཟོ་མཐུན་རྐྱེན་ལྟེ་བ་ཚུ་ཨིན་པས།
ཕྱགས་སྙིགས་འཛིན་སྐྱོང་དང་ སླར་སྤྱོད་ཡར་དྲག་གཏང་ནིའི་དོན་ལུ་ ཕྱགས་སྙིགས་གཅིག་སྒྲིལ་འཛིན་སྐྱོང་མཐུན་རྐྱེན་ བཟོ་སྐྲུན་འབད་ནིའི་ལས་རིམ་ཡོདཔ་ད་ སླར་སྤྱོད་ལྟེ་བ་ཡང་ སྦྱིས་མི་ནང་ལུ་ རྐྱབ་ནི་གི་ ལས་རིམ་ཡོདཔ་བཞིན་དུ་ དེ་གིས་ ཕྱགས་སྙིགས་མར་ཕབ་དང་ སླར་སྤྱོད་ནུས་ཤུགས་ ཡར་དྲག་གཏང་ཚུགས་ནི་ཨིན་པས།
ཐིམ་ཕུག་ཁྲོམ་སྡེ་གིས་ རྒྱལ་ཡོངས་ཕྱགས་སྙིགས་འཛིན་སྐྱོང་ཐབས་བྱུས་དང་ རིམ་སྒྲིག་འབད་དེ་ སྤྱི་ལོ་༢༠༣༠ འི་ནང་འཁོད་ལུ་ ཕྱགས་སྙིགས་མེདཔ་བཟོ་ནི་གི་ དམིགས་གཏད་བསྐྱེད་ཡོདཔ་བཞིན་དུ་ ཕྱགས་སྙིགས་འཐོན་ས་ལས་ར་ ཕྱི་སེལ་དང་ ཕྱགས་སྙིགས་སླར་སྤྱོད་ ཡར་དྲག་གཏང་ནི་ཨིན་པས།
ཐིམ་ཕུག་ཁྲོམ་སྡེ་གིས་ ཕྱགས་སྙིགས་འཛིན་སྐྱོང་ འགོ་བཙུགས་མི་ལུ་བརྟེན་ འོང་འབབ་བཟོ་སྟེ་ཡོདཔ་ད་ ཕྱགས་སྙིགས་འཛིན་སྐྱོང་གཞི་རྟེན་ཡར་དྲག་དང་ ཕྱགས་སྙིགས་ལག་ལེན་དང་འབྲེལ་བའི་ གདོང་ལེན་ཚུ་ དོན་སྨིན་ཅན་བཟོ་ནི་ ངེས་བརྟན་འབད་འོང་ཟེར་ བསོད་ནམས་དབང་ཕྱུག་གིས་ བཤདཔ་ཨིན་པས།
ཕྱགས་སྙིགས་རློནམ་ལེ་ཤ་ཐོན་མི་གི་ དཀའ་ངལ་སེལ་ཐབས་ལུ་ ཁྲོམ་སྡེ་གིས་ ཕྱགས་སྙིགས་བཀོག་ས་ རྐྱབ་ནིའི་དོན་ལས་ རྒྱལ་སྤྱི་མཉམ་འབྲེལ་པ་ཚུ་ལུ་ ལས་འགུལ་གྱི་ གྲོས་འཆར་ཚུ་ བཟོ་བའི་བསྒང་ཡོདཔ་ད་ རང་བཞིན་གྱི་ཕྱགས་སྙིགས་དེ་ ནང་འཁོད་ཀྱི་ སོ་ནམ་གྱི་དོན་ལུ་ ཐོན་ཁུངས་ཅན་ཅིག་བཟོ་ནི་ཨིན་པས།
གྲོས་འཆར་གྱི་ དམིགས་ཡུལ་གྱིས་ ཕྱགས་སྙིགས་བཀོག་སར་ ཕྱགས་སྙིགས་མར་ཕབ་འབད་ནི་དང་ ནང་འཁོད་སོ་ནམ་ལུ་ ཐོན་ཁུངས་ཆེ་བའི་ཐོན་སྐྱེད་འབད་ནི་དང་ སྤྱི་ལོ་༢༠༣༠ ནང་འཁོད་ལུ་ ཕྱགས་སྙིགས་མེདཔ་བཟོ་ནི་གི་ དམིགས་ཡུལ་འགྲུབ་ཚུགས་ནི་ཨིན་པས།
སྤྱི་ལོ་༢༠༢༤ ལུ་ ཐིམ་ཕུག་ཁྲོམ་སྡེ་གིས་ སྤྱིར་སྙོམས་ནང་ ཉིན་བསྟར་ཕྱགས་སྙིགས་རློནམ་ཊཱོན་༧༩༤ དང་ ཕྱགས་སྙིགས་སྐམ་ཊཱོན་༩༢༦ བསྡུ་ལེན་འབད་ཡོདཔ་ཨིན་པས།
ཕྱགས་སྙིགས་ཚུ་ དོན་སྨིན་ཅན་ཅིག་སྦེ་ བསྡུ་ལེན་དང་ འཛིན་སྐྱོང་འཐབ་ནིའི་དོན་ལུ་ ཕྱགས་སྙིགས་བསྡུ་ལེན་འབད་མི་ སྣུམ་འཁོར་༡༥ བགོ་བཀྲམ་འབད་དེ་ ཡོད་པའི་གནས་ཚུལ།

ཨོ་རྒྱན་རྡོ་རྗེ།

སྤྱི་ཟླ་༡༠ པའི་ཚེས་༨ ལུ་ བློན་ཆེན་ཚེ་རིང་སྟོབས་རྒྱས་ཀྱིས་ ཀིའུ་བ་ལས་ འབྲུག་ལུ་ དོན་གཅོད་སྐུ་ཚབ་ ཨ་བེལ་ ཨ་བ་ལི་ ཌེསི་པཱེན་དང་གཅིག་ཁར་ ཕྱད་ཡོདཔ་བཞིན་དུ་ མཐུན་ལམ་དང་ མ་འོངས་མཉམ་འབྲེལ་གྱི་ གནད་དོན་ཚུ་གི་ཐོག་ལུ་ གསུང་གྲོས་གནང་ཡོད་པའི་གནས་ཚུལ།

༉ སྤྱི་ཟླ་༡༠ པའི་ཚེས་༨ ལུ་ མི་དབང་མངའ་བདག་རིན་པོ་ཆེ་མཆོག་གིས་ དཱ་ས་ཡན་ ཊི་ཀའི་ ཐུགས་སྨོན་གནང་མི་དེ་ དུས་སྟོན་བརྩི་སྲུང་འབད་མི་ཚུ་གི་དོན་ལུ་ རྫོང་ཁག་ཚུ་ནང་ སྐྱེལ་བཏང་ཡོདཔ་ད་ དཱ་ས་ཡན་དུས་སྟོན་ལུ་ རྒས་ཤོས་ཚུ་གིས་ ཁོང་རའི་ ཨ་ལོ་ཚུ་ལུ་ ཊི་ཀ་སྦྱར་དོ་ཡོདཔ་ད་ དེ་ཡང་ ཁོང་རའི་ སྨོན་འདེབས་དང་ སྲུང་སྐྱོབ་ཀྱི་ བརྡ་མཚོན་སྟོནམ་ཨིན་པས།
མི་དབང་མཆོག་གིས་ ལོ་ཨ་རྟག་ར་ དཱ་ས་ཡན་ ཊི་ཀའི་ ཐུགས་སྨོན་གནང་མི་དེ་ སྔར་སྲོལ་ལྟར་དུ་ཨིནམ་ད་ ཊི་ཀ་ཐོབ་མི་ བཟའ་ཚང་ཚུ་གི་དོན་ལུ་ མི་དབང་མཆོག་ལས་ ཐུགས་སྨོན་ཐོབ་མི་དང་ ཅོག་འཐདཔ་ཨིན་པས།
དཱ་ས་ཡན་དེ་ འབྲུག་ལུ་ ཧིན་དུ་མི་སྡེ་ཚུ་གིས་ བརྩི་སྲུང་འབད་མི་ དུས་སྟོན་ཁག་ཆེ་ཤོས་ཅིག་ཨིནམ་བཞིན་དུ་ དུས་ཅི་ སྤྱི་ཟླ་༡༠ པའི་ཚེས་༣ ལུ་ རྒྱལ་ཁབ་མཐའ་དབུས་མེད་པའི་ ཧིན་དུ་ལྷ་ཁང་ཚུ་ནང་ གསུང་ཆོག་གནང་ནི་ འགོ་བཙུགས་ཡོད་པའི་གནས་ཚུལ།

Thinley Namgay

The historic Lingzhi Yugyal Dzong—one of the key fortresses along Bhutan’s northern frontier—which was severely damaged by the 2011 earthquake has been restored to its former glory.

With the completion of the reconstruction work, the Dorji Lopen of Zhung Dratshang  recently consecrated the Dzong.

The reconstruction took nearly seven years.

More than 100 open-air prisoners worked for the reconstruction project

Originally built between 1667 and 1680 during the reign of the third Druk Desi, Chogyal Minjur Tenpa, Lingzhi Yugyal Dzong commemorates Bhutan’s victory over Tibetan invasions, earning its name Yugyal Dzong.

The dzong was first destroyed by an earthquake in 1897. It was rebuilt in the 1950s and partly renovated in 2005.

For centuries, the Dzong has served as both an administrative and religious centre, symbolising Bhutanese resilience against external threats while showcasing the country’s unique architectural heritage.

Located in the northern frontier, the dzong has played a pivotal role in defending Bhutan’s borders and upholding regional security, representing peace, stability, and sovereignty.

The reconstruction project, funded by the Government of India in the 12th Plan with a budget of Nu 400 million, began in 2018. However, only about Nu 180 million has been utilised to date.

The project was spearheaded by the Department of Culture and Dzongkha Development and implemented by Thimphu Dzongkhag Administration. 

One of the most notable aspects of this project is that all the workers involved were open-air prisoners. More than 100 individuals worked for nearly seven years at an altitude of 4,150 metres in the reconstruction of the dzong.

Lingzhi Drungpa Mani Sangay, the project coordinator, said that numerous challenges were faced during the reconstruction. “In harsh weather conditions, workers had to gather timber from locations that required a two-day walk, and collecting stones was similarly arduous,” he said. “Rations had to be transported from Barshong, which is a three-day walk from Lingzhi.”

Lingzhi Gup Wangdi  said, “The people of Lingzhi are extremely happy. This dzong is a crucial place for highlanders to pray and receive blessings. It can now safely shelter important monuments.”

Among the dzong’s main relics are the Zhabdrung’s chag roel (cymbal) and a silver-carved, gold-plated saddle used by Zhabdrung when he arrived in Bhutan on horseback. Other significant Ku Ten Sung Ten housed within the dzong include statues of Shakya Thupa, Chenrezig, Phajo Drugom Zhigpo, Guru Pema Jungney, and Gonpo Tsepagme, along with the revered Bum Sey Dem (gold script).

Dechen Dolkar

The National Pension and Provident Fund (NPPF) plans to bolster retirement security for the elderly population through the establishment of a fixed pension for citizens aged 65 and older to prevent poverty among senior citizens.

NPPF officials revealed this during the presentation to the Good Governance Committee of the National Assembly on Monday.

Currently, the NPPF administers a contributory pension system that reaches only about 9 percent of the population.

The NPPF highlighted the need for government support to offer old-age income security in order to prevent senior citizens from falling into poverty, which would otherwise pose a potential financial burden on the government.

To address this issue, the NPPF proposed a fixed pension for citizens aged 65 and older, subject to periodic reviews every three to five years to adjust for inflation. This initiative aims to complement the existing contributory pension system, ensuring that basic living expenses are met.

In addition, the NPPF suggested establishing conditions for non-contributory pensions to work in tandem with contributory schemes, broadening the safety net for vulnerable populations.

According to the NPPF, the 2023 parametric reform proposal for civil servants is still awaiting government approval. 

As of September 30, 2023, the NPPF serves 10,284 pensioners—6,240 civil servants and 4,044 military personnel—with 64,909 active members. Around 74 percent of its members are civil servants, while 21 percent come from the armed forces and 5 percent from the private sector.

In 2023, contributions totaled Nu 4,413.35 million, a slight decrease from Nu 4,556.22 million in 2022. In 2018, NPPF received Nu 2,640.40 million, and during 2017-18, contributions amounted to Nu 1,219.99 million.

However, last year alone, the NPPF paid out Nu 5,541.55 million to its members.

As of August 2024, the NPPF’s financial standing shows total receipts of Nu 46,372.91 million, with Nu 7,181.05 million refunded for provident fund accumulations and Nu 7,526 million disbursed as pensions.

The NPPF officials also addressed the issue of job turnover, citing system transformations, limited job opportunities, and management practices as the main factors contributing to attrition, rather than the pension scheme itself.

They highlighted that only 5 percent of youth aged 18-20 opted out of the pension scheme, challenging the perception that it is unattractive to younger workers.

In terms of contributions, only 13 percent of members have contributed for more than 20 years, 5 percent have contributed for 18 to 20 years, and just 4 percent have contributed for 16 to 18 years.

Regarding revenue, NPPF earned Nu 2,823.10 million as of August 2024, down from Nu 3,873.93 million the previous year. Last year, the NPPF generated a net revenue of Nu 3,371.74 million.

Around 6.42 tonnes of fertile topsoil per hectare are lost annually to soil erosion in the country

Yangyel Lhaden

Soil is a critical but often overlooked resource in the fight against climate change. This essential component of the ecosystem has sustained life for millennia, acting as a biochemical engine that nourishes billions while capturing harmful greenhouse gases.

However, soil health is increasingly at risk, with significant implications for air quality, food production, water resources, and overall well-being.

Globally, soil degradation is a major concern, with nearly a third of the world’s land affected. According to the Intergovernmental Technical Panel on Soils (ITPS), soil degradation could rise by nearly 50 percent by 2070, resulting in economic losses exceeding USD 600 billion.

The ITPS has identified soil erosion as the most serious threat to water quality and crop yields.

A recent UN study examining the state of the world’s soil resources in Asia, including Bhutan, states that roughly 21 percent of the total land area suffers from water erosion, 9 percent from wind erosion, 11 percent from chemical deterioration, and 4 percent from physical degradation.

Food security, biodiversity, human health and climate mitigation depend on all these figures being kept in check.

In Bhutan, the mountainous topography exacerbates soil degradation. The young Himalayan mountains, coupled with fragile ecosystems, render the region particularly vulnerable to environmental changes.

A nationwide survey conducted by the National Soil Services Centre (NSSC), which analysed 1,882 soil profile points, identified steep slopes, heavy rainfall, and unsustainable farming practices as significant contributors to the decline in soil health.

According to the NSSC report, a majority of the country’s soil is of Cambisol type, which means they are young and nutrient poor soil with the majority of the country’s agricultural land situated on steep slopes.

Each year, tonnes of topsoil are washed away by heavy monsoon rains, a process worsened by deforestation and unsustainable farming practices, according to the report.

Around 6.42 tonnes of fertile topsoil per hectare are lost annually to soil erosion.

The UN’s Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) warns that if current degradation rates persist, 90 percent of the world’s topsoil could be at risk by 2050.

The study also highlights that soil pH in forested areas tends to be very acidic. Nutrient levels, particularly total nitrogen and potassium, are generally low, affecting overall soil fertility. Major agricultural valleys exhibit low cation exchange capacity, indicating poor nutrient retention.

Healthy soil with organic matters is a powerful ally in mitigating climate change. It plays a pivotal role in carbon sequestration, the process by which carbon dioxide  is absorbed from the atmosphere and stored in the soil.

Soil rich in organic matter can capture significant amounts of carbon dioxide, reducing the amount of this potent greenhouse gas in the atmosphere. However, degraded soil loses this ability, turning from a carbon sink into a carbon emitter.

The UN FAO notes, a single gram of soil can harbour millions of tiny invertebrates and thousands of different bacterial species.

To address the challenges, the NSSC emphasises regular monitoring of indicators such as total nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, soil organic carbon, CEC, and pH is recommended to evaluate soil health over time.

Organic matter is crucial for soil fertility, and the introduction of natural fertilisers, such as farmyard manure, is recommended to enhance soil structure and nutrient retention.

Soil erosion poses a significant concern, particularly on steep slopes, necessitating comprehensive assessments to understand erosion rates and implement effective conservation practices.

Moreover, both above and below-ground biodiversity is declining, which should be monitored as it is closely linked to soil health.

Currently, there is a lack of data on soil moisture levels, making it essential to establish a monitoring network to assess water availability and potential drought risks, according to the study.

To improve soil quality, it is recommended to update soil maps through continued field surveys, implement sustainable land management practices, tailor agricultural practices to local soil conditions, research the impact of various soil amendments and acid-tolerant crops, and provide training and resources to farmers and stakeholders on sustainable soil management.

For a resource and capital strapped country, foreign direct investment (FDI) is a critical instrument to attract investments to drive economic growth. The current government has set an ambitious target to increase FDI inflows from the current total value of less than Nu 50 billion to a staggering Nu 500 billion by 2029. This is a tenfold increase that must be achieved within the next four years.

It is by all measure a really ambitious goal. And going by past trends, achieving this target will be anything but an easy task. 

While we have carefully crafted our unique value propositions—political stability, a pristine environment, unique culture, and well-educated English-speaking workforce—these factors have not translated into a voluminous inflow of foreign investments. Up until last year, the total value of FDI stood at Nu 48.61 billion—a marginal increase from Nu 43.62 billion in 2022.

Bhutan’s current FDI landscape is marred with several bottlenecks: an unfriendly investment climate, a slow-moving bureaucracy, government agencies functioning in silos, the lack of inter-agency cooperation, lengthy processes, and inefficient and indifferent government officials. The list goes on.

There are stories aplenty of foreign businesses facing significant delays and hurdles. For instance, an FDI company planning to build a large resort in Paro has taken over a year to acquire land, transfer ownership, and receive clearance from various government agencies. The company is still mired in thick layers of bureaucracy, let alone start construction of the resort. That’s how bad things are.

This speaks volumes about our bureaucratic culture that often obstructs rather than facilitates investments. The question is why would any foreign investor come to Bhutan with such an unfavourable investment climate. Not just Bhutan, the entire region is competing to attract FDI. If we don’t change, and soon enough, even those who are willing to invest might leave.

The current practice of requiring special permits for foreign investors to travel beyond Thimphu and Paro further adds to the perception that Bhutan is an unwelcoming destination for business.

The government’s new draft FDI policy, which is awaiting cabinet approval, does address many of the systemic issues that have plagued foreign investments in the country.

For instance, the draft FDI rules offer ‘investor cards’ to foreign investors or their authorised representatives making investments over Nu 20 million. Along with this comes a one-year residency, which can be extended annually, and includes provisions for spouses and dependents. The investor’s spouse can also obtain a work permit and the family can study in Bhutan without separate visas.

The draft regulation also encourages the establishment of venture capital funds to invest in impact startups, with 100 percent equity permitted.

The revised FDI rules have taken steps toward making the financial environment more conducive to investment, especially by allowing foreign companies to access convertible currencies and simplifying the repatriation of dividends.

The new FDI rules also allow 100 percent foreign equity particularly in agriculture, healthcare, and renewable energy sectors.

While these reforms are crucial to achieve the ambitious target, not much can be achieved without a fundamental overhaul of the bureaucratic processes. What we need is a major shift from the culture of bureaucratic inertia to one that is responsive and efficient. We need to create a business-friendly environment that not only attracts but also retains FDI.

Raising Nu 500 billion FDI within the next four years will be next to impossible if we stick to our current business-as-usual approach.

Kuensel’s reporter Lhakpa Quendren talks to CEO of ORO Bank, Mike Kayamori, on how the bank leads the way in sustainable, risk-free banking with cutting-edge technology and a customer-first approach

ORO Bank is Asia’s first full reserve digital bank. What motivated ORO Bank to adopt this model and how does this choice align with its overall mission and objectives of GMC?

ORO Bank implemented the full reserve strategy to offer financial stability and security for customers. Unlike fractional reserve banking, where only a small amount of deposits are kept as reserves, ORO Bank retains all customer deposits as reserves. This approach is consistent with the bank’s aim to provide a transparent, risk-free banking experience that fosters trust among its customers. The Gelephu Mindfulness City (GMC) project, which focuses on sustainability and well-being, complements this approach by encouraging long-term economic stability. ORO Bank assures that users’ money is always available, minimising potential liquidity concerns.

How does ORO Bank differentiate itself from traditional banks and other digital banks in Asia, and what competitive advantages does the full reserve model provide?

Same as above. Traditional banks use a fractional reserve banking system by using customer deposits to generate revenue. ORO’s full reserve approach prioritizes safety and stability. This appeals to organizations and individuals who value financial security. Furthermore, ORO Bank’s digital-first strategy, paired with cutting-edge technology and a strong focus on AI/Web3, puts the company as a leader in Asia’s digital banking future.

How is ORO Bank collaborating with Digital Kidu Bank in this venture?

Both banks operate under the parent company DK Limited, positioning them as affiliated entities within the same corporate family. ORO Bank and Digital Kidu (DK) Bank work together to create synergies. DK Bank is the digital bank for Bhutanese in Bhutan, whereas ORO Bank provides banking services to GMC and international customers.

What is the business model of ORO Bank, given that it will not re-invest the money parked with the Bank? How does this work?

ORO Bank’s business model is built on fee-based services rather than Net Interest Margin. ORO Bank focuses on providing premium, value-added services to customers seeking secure banking.

Given that ORO Bank is registered in Bhutan and regulated by the Royal Monetary Authority, how will its operations and services impact the local financial landscape?

ORO Bank, authorised by the Royal Monetary Authority (RMA), is an offshore bank established to provide banking services to the Gelephu Mindfulness City and international customers. DK Bank will provide services that tailor towards the local landscape.

What are the reasons behind restricting Bhutanese nationals from opening accounts at ORO Bank when the bank accepts accounts from international locations such as Singapore, the UK, the US, and the Eurozone?

ORO Bank is licensed under the RMA to provide banking services to GMC and international customers. Bhutanese nationals living overseas can open account with ORO.

ORO Bank implements measures to align its services with Bhutan’s philosophy of Gross National Happiness (GNH). How can these practices influence its daily banking operations and customer services?

ORO Bank’s business model integrates Gross National Happiness (GNH) concepts, with a focus on financial well-being, customer happiness, and ethical banking practices. The full reserve approach gives customers peace of mind by securing their deposits, and the bank’s digital platform offers smooth and transparent financial services, improving the entire user experience.

Who are ORO Bank’s primary target customers, and how does the bank plan to attract and retain a diverse range of clients, from startups to established businesses?

As the official bank of GMC, ORO Bank’s mission is to provide banking services to GMC. ORO Bank will also provide banking services to global startups, entrepreneurs, and global citizens who share the same value as Bhutan.

In what ways will ORO Bank actively engage with the local community in Gelephu to ensure that its growth benefits the region’s socio-economic landscape?

As the official bank of GMC, ORO Bank is committed to playing an active role in Gelephu’s socioeconomic development through its participation in GMC projects. To encourage economic growth, the bank will offer community engagement efforts such as financial literacy programmes and collaborations with local businesses. Furthermore, ORO Bank believes the growth of GMC will create jobs in the region and ORO will become an integral part of the local economy and community.

What milestones does ORO Bank foresee in the next five years in terms of product offerings, market expansion, and technological advancements?

Over the next five years, ORO Bank intends to broaden its product offering to include more advanced and customer focused digital services. ORO bank also intends to expand its service offering by creating a significant digital presence throughout the region. On the technological front, ORO Bank will continue to embrace blockchain solutions, cybersecurity, and artificial intelligence (AI) to improve operational efficiency and customer experience.

Lhakpa Quendren

Sarpang—Barely a month after completing the Rural Water Supply Scheme (RWSS) in Lhayul village, Chhudzom, Sarpang, the project is struggling to supply water to the community due to joint failure leaks at multiple points along the main transmission line.

At least five major joint leaks have been identified on the main transmission line channelled from Sotey. The total number of joint breaks is expected to be even higher across the entire line, including the distribution channels, according to local government leaders.

Kuensel visited the first location of a major leakage at the outlet joint of a supply tank below the Shivalal turning on the Chhudzom gewog centre road, and at a reservoir tank in upper Lhayul that remained empty.

Leakage at the outlet joint of a supply tank below the Shivalal turning on the Chhudzom Gewog center road

A reservoir tank in Upper Lhayul remains empty

Lhayul Tshogpa Narendra Ghimeray, along with three locals, inspected half of the 22-kilometre main transmission line. “There would not have been such issues if the technical teams had visited the site more often to inspect,” he said.

The six-month project was inaugurated on September 9, over a month later than scheduled for July 18. “The intake and reservoirs remain empty because all the water is leaking out from the pipe breaks,” he added.

Frustrated residents expressed that the pressure to rush the inauguration before the project was completed had contributed to the ongoing issues. “The campsite coordinator had even proposed rescheduling for a later date, given that the project was not ready,” said a resident.

The village Tshogpa, along with 23 beneficiaries, wrote to the Chhudzom Gup two days before the project inauguration, requesting an investigation into the project before it was officially handed over to the gewog administration.

The appeal letter states that the project was scheduled for inauguration without being properly completed, and there was no water supply from the project. “Moreover, there is no proper trenching, as the pipes are exposed in several places.”

“The project was concluded with water supply to only some upper parts of Lhayul. We were told that the water would take a week to reach the villages, but leaks affected the water supply,” said the Tshogpa.

With the springs already drying, which the residents rely on during the wet season, the residents, especially in Lower Lhayul, are already worried about drinking water in the winter. Tika Maya Acharya said, “We continue to use the earlier source, and it serves us well for drinking purposes. However, most of our neighbours will face water scarcity during the dry season.”

“It has not been even a month, but the project has already started having problems, and we don’t know what will happen in the long run. The tanks are also broken, and the project has not benefited us so far,” said Budha Mani Kafley, a resident of Lower Lhayul.

Chhudzom gewog administration, in collaboration with the beneficiaries, will carry out the rectification work following discussions with the Sarpang Dzongkhag administration. Mangmi Prem Bahadur Ghalley said that the issue was reported to the relevant stakeholders, and the rectification work was discussed during the closing event.

“We will carry out the rectification work once the farmers finish their cardamom work, possibly by mid-November. We have full support from the public, although they have raised concerns about the quality and sustainability of the project, which incurred a huge amount,” he added.

Beneficiaries urged stakeholders to investigate the alleged misuse of pipes sold to locals at cheaper rates. “I have no evidence, but some remaining pipes were sold,” said a source. “They need to determine how many pipes were procured and laid for transmission.”

The project officials declined the Chiwog’s request to distribute the remaining pipes to the eight households in Lower Lhayul, which were not included in the project, according to locals.

The village Tshogpa said that water cannot reach Lower Lhayul because of too many Y-fittings in Gurung Gaon. “Therefore, we proposed a tank above the school so that it can adequately supply water to the school and Lower Lhayul,” he added.

The officials of the Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport (MoIT) could not be contacted for comment.

Chhudzom Gewog Administrative Officer Yenten Jamtsho said that the gewog administration will construct a tank for the remaining households in Lower Lhayul using their old pipes. He also added that all beneficiaries were asked to construct their own tap stands. “Many residents have not yet constructed their own tap stands, and some have not connected to the pipeline.”

The Lhayul water project was set to serve a population of 1,337 across 156 households in eight villages, including Lhayul Primary School, the local Basic Health Unit (BHU), and a community mandir.

This project, under the water flagship programme implemented by MoIT in collaboration with the Desuung office, was completed by 77 desuups within the budget of Nu 7.89 million.

Neten Dorji

Trashiyangtse—Local leaders in Trashiyangtse are calling for increased socio-economic benefits from the Khorlochhu Hydropower Project, pushing for more local engagement in the project.

A 58-year-old businessman, Ngawang Dorji, said that during the consultation meeting, the project had assured jobs to the local people. “The project must provide some kind of preference to local community while hiring people.”

While the project had also committed to favouring local residents in vehicle hiring, community members said that more needs to be done.

A Khamdang resident, Pema Dorji, said, “If the project could hire vehicles from locals first before considering outsiders, it would significantly benefit our community. Many people invest in buying vehicles to rent out to the projects.”

Local leaders suggest implementing a vehicle hiring policy that gives preference to residents. “For instance, if three vehicles from Trashiyangtse and Trashigang meet the same specifications, the one from Trashiyangtse should be chosen,” a local leader proposed.

Khamdang Gup Karma Wangchuk emphasised the need for maximum socio-economic benefits from the hydropower project.

“In the long run, it will generate revenue for the country, but initially, it should also enhance the local economy. The people of Yangtse deserve some benefits from having this project in their vicinity,” he said.

He also pointed out that many from his gewog were laid off when the Khorlochu Hydropower Project closed, leaving over 30 individuals unemployed. “Instead of recruiting new employees, priority should be given to them,” he said.

Increased employment during the project’s construction phase could create market opportunities for locals to sell agricultural produce.

Toetsho Gup Dechen Wangdi urged authorities to establish a system for supplying local vegetables to project workers. “We have seen workers relying on Indian vendors instead of buying from our farmers,” he said. “Coordinated efforts are vital to ensure local agricultural demand is met by local sources as much as possible.”

Compensation

Residents also raised concerns about outdated land and property compensation rates.

A 59-year-old villager from Burbula, Sangay, said that seven households near his land have yet to receive compensation for land acquired for road construction.

“It has been over five years, and we are still waiting for compensation and replacement land,” he said. “Neither the project nor the dzongkhag has compensated us for the destruction of our fruit trees while widening the highway for the project.”

Another villager, 40-year-old Nyingkula, echoed these concerns, saying their irrigation channel and agricultural land were damaged during construction.  “We have requested the Department of Surface Transport to restore the irrigation channel, but they have not supported to us.”

He said that the current compensation rate for land and property acquisition needs to be updated according to the land tax. “We are paying tax on the land, but we have not received any compensation for its acquisition for road construction. This has always been an issue with affected people.”

Local residents hope the upcoming project will implement livelihood support programmes for affected communities. “If a resident loses land, their family members should be recruited by the project,” said Sangay Wangchuk from Tongzhang. “Although we are being compensated by the project for the land, it’s not the same as owning land.”

Infrastructure Development

Addressing the lack of coordination between local development and hydropower projects, residents call for better integration of their needs.

While acknowledging the significant contributions of hydropower projects, such as building schools and hospitals, local leaders said that there is no clear framework for identifying and addressing community needs.

Tongzhang Gup Ugyen Dorji said that among eight gewogs in Trashiyangtse, Tongzhang and Khamdang gewogs are expected to be the most affected by the Khorlochu Hydropower Project. “Instead of benefiting, my people are facing destruction,” he said.

“All planning and development activities have to be halted as we wait for projects to come,” he said. “While other gewogs are blacktopping the road for a second time, my people are still suffering from the bad road conditions.”

He said that people are frustrated waiting for the hydropower project to kickstart.

Meanwhile, people in Doksum town have constructed houses but many fear that the houses will be vacated after the project is completed. “The project should benefit people by renting the houses in the future too,” said a house owner, Sangay.

Despite trying to contact project officials for over two weeks, they have refused to respond to Kuensel queries.

Thinley Namgay

Addressing plastic waste requires a comprehensive, multifaceted approach involving the collective efforts of all stakeholders and society. At the heart of the problem lies human behaviour—without a shift in mindset, the issue will persist. These key points were emphasised during a high-level roundtable discussion on “Plastic Waste Management Challenges and Solutions in Bhutan” held in Thimphu yesterday.

This was one of six roundtable meetings held so far across the South Asian region. Representatives from the South Asia Cooperative Environment Programme (SACEP), Please Project, UN agencies, government, private sector, and civil society organisations participated in the event.

Despite fines and penalties imposed on offenders, these measures have not been effective in curbing plastic waste. The Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, Gyem Tshering, said that with modernisation, plastic waste has become an urgent issue, threatening both public health and the environment.

Currently, Bhutan produces 172.16 metric tonnes of solid waste daily, with Thimphu alone accounting for 40.3 tonnes. Non-segregation and careless dumping remain major obstacles in addressing waste management. Thimphu and Phuentsholing have the highest density of plastic waste production, with 18,000 tonnes of plastic consumed annually and 14,000 tonnes of plastic waste generated each year.

Norbu Wangchuk, director general of SACEP, underscored that plastic waste is a global problem and called for greater collaboration to tackle the issue.

Dr Bhupinder Kaur Aulakh, the WHO Representative to Bhutan, said that addressing plastic waste required a reduction-oriented approach across all sectors. She gave a simple example, where WHO meetings and seminars do not encourage the use of plastic bottled water.

“Recycling plastic alone will not solve the problem in the long run,” Dr Aulakh said.

As an import-driven country, where most goods are wrapped in plastic, tackling plastics will be challenging for Bhutan. However, some experts believe that the problem Bhutan faces today is still insignificant compared to other countries in the region.

Bhutan has a vision to achieve a Zero Waste Society by 2030. Officials commended Bhutan for having good rules and regulations in place, but the question remains whether they are being fully implemented.

In 20 dzongkhags, there are only 27 landfills, which is insufficient given the growing waste problem. And top it up with inadequate waste drop-off centres and recycling facilities—the problem expands.

To make the matter worse, only a few people are interested in engaging in waste-related businesses.

Over the years, some notable initiatives in waste management have included Zero Waste initiative, waste segregation and recycling programmes, and awareness campaigns, among others.

One of the discussions focused on the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) policy.

The director of the Department of Environment and Climate Change, Sonam Tashi, said that Bhutan was yet to implement the EPR policy. “This policy is still under discussion as we need to consider many aspects.”

The global EPR policy holds producers and importers accountable for the waste generated by their products. However, Sonam Tashi said that implementing this policy in Bhutan today may not be fair, considering the country’s minimal plastic production.

The recent suspension of two private diagnostic centres in Thimphu—Menjong Diagnostic Centre (SDCS) and Padkar Diagnostic Centre—by the Department of Trade is a clear signal that Bhutan is serious about ensuring adherence to medical standards. These centres were found guilty of regulatory violations, including operating beyond their authorised scope and failing to uphold the necessary medical standards. While these suspensions are justified, they also bring to light the urgent need for a larger conversation: the growing strain on our health system.

Our few major hospitals are struggling under the weight of an increasing number of patients. As the population grows and healthcare needs evolve, it is becoming evident that our health system is slowly being overwhelmed. Long wait times for essential services are becoming more common, and families bear the brunt of these delays. For many, the emotional and financial costs are severe.

Time-sensitive illnesses that require prompt diagnosis or treatment are often delayed, which can worsen outcomes. The effects are far-reaching, not only for the families waiting for care but also for the economy as a whole.

When citizens are left waiting for medical attention, it affects their productivity. The longer individuals are out of work due to health complications, the more it impacts their livelihoods. A healthy workforce is essential for a strong economy, and any delays in medical treatment could lead to losses that ripple across various sectors. For families who rely on daily wages, extended hospital visits can be financially crippling. We cannot afford to let our people languish in waiting rooms when a robust health system could help mitigate these impacts.

In this context, the role of regulation becomes more pronounced. Regulatory frameworks are necessary to maintain high standards in healthcare and prevent substandard or dangerous practices.

The suspension of these diagnostic centres highlights the importance of keeping a strict watch over the quality of services provided to the public. Diagnostic centres play a critical role in the healthcare chain, offering services that are often the first step toward identifying and treating health conditions. It is imperative that they adhere to stringent standards.

However, regulation alone is not the solution. While tighter regulations help ensure quality and safety, they do not address the underlying issue of healthcare capacity. We must strike a balance between regulation and expansion—we need more hospitals, more diagnostic centres, and more healthcare professionals who can meet the growing demand for services.

Without expanding the capacity of our health system, even the strictest regulations will be ineffective in addressing the core issue: access to timely and quality healthcare.

Investment in healthcare infrastructure and training more healthcare professionals should be our national priority. Expanding our healthcare system would alleviate the pressure on existing facilities and reduce wait times. Private diagnostic centres, when functioning within proper regulatory boundaries, could play a key role in reducing the burden on major hospitals.

But to achieve this, the government must support both public and private healthcare providers, ensuring that they have the resources to meet the needs of the population without compromising on quality.

The suspensions of Menjong and Padkar Diagnostic Centres serve as a reminder that regulations in healthcare must be upheld for the safety of the public. Yet, regulation alone will not solve the broader problem. Our health system must expand to meet the growing demands of our people. The economic and social costs of long wait times are too high to ignore.

If we are to safeguard the health of our people and the stability of our economy, investment in healthcare infrastructure is not just an option—it is a necessity.