Volume 1, Issue 1, 5 February 2017 Happy Birthday to Mewang Gyalsey ! !! Dedication Inside this issue: Gasa is humbly honored to dedicate this st debut issue to the 1 birth anniversary of Dedication 1 the Nation’s Most Precious Son. His Good to Great Gasa 2 Royal Highness Gyalsey Jigme Nam- gyel Wangchuck. Taking Kidu to People 4 For last 110 years, our Kings have not only re-defined but defended with life Gasa Dzong Conservation 7 and strengthened the very identity of Bhutanese and . And we are confi- Project dent that by the grace of heavenly powers combined with the continued good fortune of Bhutanese, Bhutan will continue to be guided, loved and protected His Majesty Gifts Skills 8 to Lunana by our Kings for all times to come. The great Wangchuck is our Na- tion’s Soul and our Kings the Nation’s heartbeat. What we are today as a coun- Respecting Outstanding 10 try and people are all gifts of the endless sacrifices of our selfless Kings. On Performers this landmark occasion, we take the opportunity in offering our deepest grati- Gasa Going Clean 11 tude to our Kings for their perennial love, protection and guidance and offer prayers for the continued Great Health and Happiness of our beloved Druk Reflection of 2016 Aca- 12 Gyalpo, Druk Gyaltsuen, HRH Mewang Gyalsey and members of the Royal demic Year family. We offer our special prayers and hum- Good Practices of Gasa 13 Primary School ble wishes to Mewang Gyalsey on 1st Birthday Anniversary. Highlights fro January 14 2016 to February 2017 Happy Birthday to our Mewang Gyal- sey! Palden Drukpa Gyalo ! Gasa at glance Area: 308177 sq.km This “Good to Great Gasa – News and Altitude: 1500– 7200 Views” is a quarterly e-publication cov- Gewogs: 4 ering the news and views for that quar- Chiwogs: 20 ter, however this being the first special Population:2970 (PHCH 2005) edition, appears to be like an annual re- Villages: 93 (588 HHS) port, which will be not so in future.

Lastly we would like to take this oppor- Art by – Gembo Dorji tunity in thanking all our partners and supporters for being part of GGG Tashi Delek! On behalf of Gasa - Dhradhul, Dzongda Page 2 Volume 1, Issue 1, 5 February 2017

The Royal Highland Festival 2016 - Kinzang, Offtg Census Officer

Under the command of His Majesty the King, the BAFRA of Ministry of Agriculture and Forests, the Royal Highland Festival was organized from 16 – 18 Office of Gyalpoi Zimpoen and Royal Bhutan Army October 2016 at Langothang stunningly located at an and host of other government, non government, pri- elevation of 4000 masl in Laya. Besides the Layaps vate companies and individuals. and Lunaps of Gasa, highlander from nine other northern Dzongkhags, viz: Haa, Paro, , Wangdue, Trongsa, Bumthang, Lhuentse, Trashi Yangtse and Trashigang participated to showcase and exchanges their highlander lifestyles. The festival is dedicated to the celebration of three momentous events of our history viz. 1st - the birth of HRH the Gyalsey Jigme Namgyel Wangchuck; 2nd - 400 years of Zhabdrung Rimpoche; and 3rd - the Rabjung birth year of Guru Rimpoche. October 23—24, 2017 The festival is the landmark activity of Gasa 2nd RHF Dzongkhag’s vision of Good to Great Gasa. The organization and conduct of the Royal Highland Festival 2016 was mainly supported by Department of Livestock, Forest and Park Services, Agriculture,

Good to Great Gasa (GGG) – Dorji Dhradhul, Dzongda.

“Good to Great Gasa” is an 8 eternal knots arranged in over arching vision of Gasa. It two clusters of 4 each. The intends to express the ultimate front 4 knots represents the goal to make Gasa a Great four Gewogs of the Dzongkhag thereby meaning- Dzongkhag. They are differ- fully contributing in making ent yet connected. The four at our country GREAT as pro- the back represents the 4 pil- pounded by His Majesty. lars of GNH. Put together, the 8 inter- The 8 endless knots (Pelyab) twined knots signify the 8 intertwined is the logo for the universal truth of the en- fold paths as the rock founda- GGG . during interdependence and tion of vision. profound bond of eternality The eternal knot, one of the between all elements eight lucky signs symbolizes Volume 1, Issue 1, 5 February 2017 Dzongkhag Administration, Gasa Page 3 འཁྲུངས་སར་གི་ ཉིནམ་འདི་轴་ བβིས་སོན་ལམ་

༉ དཔལ་མི་དབང་རྒྱལ་སྲས་ འཇིགས་མ蝺ད་ 讣མ་རྒྱལ་དབང་ ཕྱུག་མཆོག་ གུང་ལོ་༡ བཞ蝺ས་པའི་ འཁྲུངས་སར་གི་ ཉིནམ་འདི་轴་ མི་དབང་རྒྱལ་སྲས་མཆོག་ སྐུ་ཚེ་ཞབས་པད་བ讟ན་འདི་བཞུགས་བ᝴ག་ ཟ蝺ར་བའི་བβ་ཤིས་སོན་ལམ་ ད蝺་ཡང་ བམས་བར蝺འི་བདག་ཉིད་རྒྱལ་སྲས་རིན་པོ་ཆ蝺།། འབྲུག་མི་ཡོངས་ཀི་གཙུག་རྒྱན་ནོར་བུ་ས蝺།། གུང་ལོ་གཅིག་ཙམ་བཞ蝺ས་པའི་དུས་སོན་轴།། འབྲུག་མི་ཡོངས་ཀི་བཀའ་དིན་གུས་བ㽴ད་ཞུ།།

སངས་རྒྱས་རོ་ར蝺 མཛོད་གཉ蝺ར་འགོ་འཛིན། དཀོན་མཆོག་གསུམ་གི་ངོ་སོད། - འཆ་ི མད蝺 ་ར།ོ蝺 མགར་ས་ བླམ་གནས་བ讟ན། ༉ ད蝺་ལས་སངས་རྒྱས་དཀོན་ཟ蝺ར་མི་འདི་ ཅིག་轴་鮳བ་སོ? འབྲུག་གི་ཆོས་རྒྱལ་དམ་པའི་གདུང་འཛིན་རྒྱ ག་ད蝺མ་ཅིག་轴་བ鮳བ་སོ? ཐར་པའི་ལམ་སོན་མི་གི་གོགས་ སངས་རྒྱས་ཀི་ ལ་ མཐར་ཐུག་གི་སྐྱབས་གནས་སོན་པ་སངས་ བསན་པ་འཛིན་མི་ གྲྭ་ཚང་འཕགས་པའི་དག蝺་ སྲས་སྐུ་འཁྲུངས་པའི་དུས་དང་བསྟུན་ རྒྱས་བཅོམ་辡ན་འདས་དང་གཞན་ཡང་སོན འདུན་དང་ གཞན་ཡང་ཆོས་འབད་མི་歴་ག蝺་ར་ ང་བཅས་ ་པ་ལ་སོགས་ དག蝺་འདུན་དཀོད་མཆོག་ཟ蝺ར་ཞུ་ཨིན། མགར་ས་རབ་ས蝺་ཁ་ཐུག་ལས་ པའི་སྐུ་འད་歴་ཡང་ག蝺་ར་སངས་རྒྱས་དཀོན མི་དབང་ཡབ་སྲས་ ་མཆོག་འབད་རི་ནི་ཨིན། དཀོན་མཆོག་གསུམ་轴་སྐྱབས་འཚོལ་དགོ་མི་འདི སྐུ་ཚེ་ཞབས་པད་བ讟ན་ཐབས་轴་དམ་པའི་ ཆོས་དཀོན་མཆོག་ཟ蝺ར་མི་འདི་ག་ད蝺མ་ཅིག་ ་ག་ཅི་སོ་ཟ蝺ར་བ་ཅིན་ དཀོན་མཆོག་གསུམ་གིས་ ཆོས་ཀི་སོར་ལས་ ན་གཞོན་ཆ་ޱབ་轴་ 轴་鮳བ་སོ? ང་བཅས་ག蝺་ར་ཚེ་འདི་དང་ཕི་མ་བར་དོ་གསུམ་ ཕན་ཐབས་ དཀོན་ ང་བཅས་ར་སྡུག་བ鮔ལ་ལས་ཐར་པའི་ ན་轴་ཨིན་譴ང་མགོན་སྐྱབས་དང་ད却་གཉ蝺ན་མ མཆོག་གསུམ་གི་ངོ་སོད་དི་བ་བིས་ལན་བཟུམ ལམ་སོན་མི་གི་ཆོས་སངས་རྒྱས་ཀིས་གསུང་ 歴ངས་ཟླ་མདོ་པ་མཛད་歴གསཔ་ལས་讟蝺ན་ཨིན། ་ས蝺་ཨ་རི་ཞུ་བ་ཅན། མི་ད蝺་དང་གཞན་ཡང་ཆོས་ཀི་དཔ蝺་ཆ་པོ་སི་ ད蝺་མིན་པའི་ སྐྱབས་གནས་གཞན་འཇིག་讟蝺ན་ན་ དཀོན་མཆོག་གསུམ་ཟ蝺ར་མི་འདི་ག་དང་ག་ གི་གསུང་讟蝺ན་歴་ཡང་ ཆ蝺་བར་གགས་པའི་ 辷་ཚངས་པ་དང་། བརྒྱ་བིན། སོ? ཆོས་དཀོན་མཆོགཨིན། ޱབ་འཇུག་ དབང་ཕྱུག་ལ་སོགས་པ་歴་轴་ སངས་རྒྱས་དཀོན་མཆོག་དང་ཆོས་དཀོན་མ དག蝺་འདུན་དཀོན་མཆོག་ 轴ས་དང་ལོངས་སོད་མཐུ་དང་ ཆོག་དང་དག蝺་ འདུན་གསུམ་轴་ཞུཝ་ཨིན། ཟ蝺ར་མི་འདི་ག་ད蝺མ་ རྫུལ་འཕྲུལ་ག་ད蝺་ Page 4 Volume 1, Issue 1, 5 February 2017

Elected Local Government Functionaries - Karma Tshering, Election Officer

Gasa Dzongkhag Gewog Tshogde

Gewog Tshogde is the highest decision making body in As enshrined in our Constitution and the Local Gov- the Gewogs. The members of the GT are Gup and ernment Act of Bhutan 2009, Dzongkhag Tshogdu is Mangmi as the Chairperson and Deputy Chairperson the highest decision making body in the Dzongkhag. respectively and the Chiwog Tshogpas. Currently Gasa Gasa Dzongkhag Tshogdu (DT) is comprised of Dzongkhag has 26 GT members. Two posts of Chiwog eight members viz four Gups and four Mangmi of Tshogpa (Gayza-Lungo and Pazhi Chiwogs) is vacant four Gewogs. Mr. Thinley Wangdi, Gup, Khatoed in Laya Gewog. Gewog and Mr.Tshewang, Mangmi, Laya Gewog are the Chairperson and Deputy Chairperson of the GT members in four Gewogs: Gasa Dzongkhag Tshogdu respectively. There are no female representatives in the DT. Male Female Total Remarks Only female GT member DT members: is Ms. Shekar Wangmo Male Female Total Remarks 25 1 26 from Tsherikha Chiwog, Khatoed Gewog. 8 0 8 Gewog Tshogde is mandated to meet regular session at Dzongkhag Tshogdu is mandated to meet for regular least thrice a year. session at least once in every six months.

Taking Kidu to the people - Kinley Dorji, DKO

The Kingdom of Bhutan lies amidst the zay), elderly Citizen (Destitute), emy will strengthen and Great Himalayan range governed by disabled and sick (Medical), Land streamline His Majesty’s initia- one of the most benevolent and mag- Kidu (landless), Census Issues tives in education and provide nanimous kings in the world . Under (granting citizenship) received full support to meritorious stu- the reign of our beloved Fifth Druk kidu. dents from the most economi- Gyalpo, Bhutanese have experienced cally vulnerable backgrounds. improvement in their lifestyles. His The people of Gasa Dzongkhag Majesty the King, travels throughout also receive various kidu from our The gratitude and appreciation the country, meeting people and know- Majesty. Two students of Gasa that the citizens of Bhutan have ing their problems directly. The glori- Dzongkhag are privileged to re- for His Majesty have been best ous reign of His Majesty has created ceive the scholarship to study at expressed through the celebra- unwavering peace and happiness in the the Royal Academy, Pangbisa, tions of some auspicious days kingdom. Paro which started last year coinciding with various impor- (2016) and yet to select among tant dates in the Bhutanese his- His Majesty wish to grant kidu to the three nominated students for aca- tory. Gasa Dzongkhag joins most deserving citizens and a new kidu demic year 2017. The Royal with nation to pray for His system is introduced with the vision Academy draws its vision from Majesty’s health and everlast- “taking kidu to the people”. Grant of His Majesty the King of Bhutan ing peace, happiness and pros- Kidu to the people is a Royal Preroga- who always emphasizes the im- perity of the country and the tive. Throughout the century, hundreds portance of education. In line people. of thousands of children (Gyalpoi To- with the vision, the Royal Acad- Volume 1, Issue 1, 5 February 2017 Dzongkhag Administration, Gasa Page 5

Small Development Project (SDP) Activities of Gasa Dzongkhag— , AMCO

Besides the implementation of the mainstream 11th FYP Summary of SDP activities in Gasa Dzongkhag, Small Development Project (SDP) activities have made huge contribution to the develop- Phase No of Approved Theme/Focus area ment of Dzongkhag. Activi- Budgets (In ties Mn) Small Development Projects( SDP) are funded by Gov- I 7 12.6 Community vitality ernment of India (GoI) with the project ceiling between Rural Infrastructure II 6 27.556 Nu. 2 million and Nu. 50 million. Small Development Project covers activities such as RWSS, Irrigation III 5 17.868 Rural Infrastructure channels, Farm roads etc, which falls within the pro- IV 1 2.025 Rural Infrastructure ject ceilings. V 1 3.000 Improve livelihood SDP activities are specially focused in enhancing develop- Total 20 63.049 ment of rural infrastructure like Gasa Tshachu develop- ment, Community meeting hall and RNR and health service infrastructure development, etc.

Immunization in Lunana Gewog -Rinchen Dorji DHO

Lunana BHU was built in 1997 VACCINES STORAGE diately after vaccines arrive at the (DANIDA support) covers 10 vil- Unlike other health centers, Lunana clinic to avoid damage due to lack lages with 160 households and lit- BHU doesn’t have refrigerator to of storage facilities. Immunization tle over 632 people. store vaccines. Vaccines are stored campaign is carried out normally in cood box. Cool water is filled in in September, October, November CATCHMENT AREA ice pack and kept in vaccine box to and mid December as temperature is quite favorable to maintain vac- Lunana Gewog consists of twelve maintain temperature. All the vac- cine temperature and at the time villages namely Tenchoe, cines are kept together as there is Thangza, Dota, Tshojong, Relo, public will be back from yak herd no separate rack in cold box. Dial to their village. Tashoe, Lhedi, Shangsha, Threlga, thermometer is kept with vaccines All other follow up, left out and Wachey, Esuna and Ramina. But to monitor temperature. Lunana BHU-II covers only 10 drop out case are caught during villages whereas Esuna is not ac- TRANSPORTATION PROBLEMS monthly ORC clinic day. And cessible to any health facilities and Vaccines are carried for 8 long door to door visit during whole winter till mid spring season. Ramina is looked after by Damji days through mules and yaks. Vac- STRATEGIES FOR IMMUNIZATION BHU under Khamoed gewog. cines are exposed from very hot climate (Gasa/Punakha) to coldest  Health education during (Gangjula pass 5300m) and to clinic day and at ORC Lunana. Heat sensitive vaccines get  Health talk during commu- damaged on the way. Presently nity meeting helicopter help in transporting vac-  Involvement of village cines.. health worker to explain. IMMUNIZATION CAMPAIGN  Convincing mother during Immunization is carried out imme- ANC Page 6 Volume 1, Issue 1, 5 February 2017

Education Matters: Towards Excellence - , DCDEO

The DEO, Principal Bjishong shortening of winter breaks (18th up our educational standard to a desired CS and a teacher from Gasa PS December to 31st January) and level. The initiatives ultimately corner participated in the 18th Na- lengthening of summer vacation around our APA of meeting learning tional Education Conference (1st-30th July), a week-long value outcomes and other educational man- on the theme “Education mat- orientation (termed as Value Ori- dates within the 11th five year plan and ters: Towards Excellence” The entation Week), reduction of 22 beyond. th best ever 18 National Educa- teaching hours to 18 hours, a large Our education system guided by a road tion Conference held from 9th- scale training on English Language map: Education Blue Print 2014-2024 12th January, 2017 in Phuent- Proficiency, Dzongkha occupying is envisioned for 2024 and beyond in sholing concluded jubilantly the forefront space, new 9 central st with Hon’ble PM’s presence schools, U turn talk shows, career tackling issues and challenges of 21 reiterating stronger education advancement proposal for DEOs, century and paves way for growth and system for stronger Nation. Principals, VPs, participation for development of our Nation. PISA D ranking will feature Sherig Lyonpo, having broad outlook and wide range of prominently that would capture knowledge has taken decisions our educational programs dis- We shall live by our vision and hence tinctly. of audacity with dynamism and our Education really matters towards newness to education system. Gasa Education Sector in her at- excellence. Come 2017 academic session, tempts to achieving the major re- the major initiatives in the forms shall thrive hard with full zeal/energy to heighten and scale Initiation of Biogas Technology in Gasa Dzongkhag - Dzongkhag Livestock Sector Bio gas technology is known for Today a total of 7 number (6m3) of biogas its immense benefits in miti- plants are constructed; 6 numbers in gating green house gas emis- Khamoed and 1 number in Khamoed Ge- sion, households health, good wog against the target of 3 numbers in An- source of alternative fuel. It also nual Performance Agreement (2016- helps improve dairy production 2017). and agricultural productivity through the use of bio-slurry as Despite shortage of adequate skilled man organic manure. power for development of bio gas technol- ogy, communities of two Gewogs have Considering the benefits, Gasa appreciated the technology. We are there- despite being a highland Dzongkhag embraced the tech- Having equipped with manpower in fore hopeful that the bio gas technology nology welcomingly. the Dzongkhag, Livestock Sector will flourish in entire households of two gewogs in coming future. With the help of Bhutan Biogas Pro- managed to put biogas as one of suc- gram, Department of Livestock, cess indicators in the accounting year MoAF, we have trained one supervi- 2016-2017. sor and a mason on biogas.

GGG News Views EDITORIAL TEAM Chief Editors : Dzongda, Planning Officer(English), Culture Officer (Dzongkha) Chief Coordinator: Dzongrab Chief Design and layout: ICT Officer Chief Contributors: All Sector Heads and GAOs Volume 1, Issue 1, 5 February 2017 Dzongkhag Administration, Gasa Page 7

Conservation of Tashi Thongmoen Dzong - Kinley Gyeltshen, Project Manager, GDCP

Besides immense significance me looks like real abode of With the concept of conserva- and value of this historic struc- God ( Zangtopelri). It seems tion, we the worker of Gasa ture built in 17th century by the roofing has been Dzong Conservation Project has Desi Drukda instructed changed in later stage but there restored the structure to its for- by Lam Zhabdrung Ngawang is no documentation for bring- mer glory without any deviation Namgyel in 1646 to safe guard ing back to its original style. from the original size, architec- the nation from northern at- Aesthetically from the strategic tural features, use of same mate- tacks, the structure itself tells position of the Utse structure rials so that our future restorers us the architectural, aesthetic, itself, standing elegantly domi- will follow the same steps. social and economic values of nates Gasa scenery by over Let us keep in mind that we are Gasa during those era. overlooking few valleys of not the last restorer or conserva- Architecturally the Utse is not Goen Khatoe Gewog. The ap- tor, so what is important for fu- so elaborated, built in stone ma- preciation for this beauty is an- ture workers on historic conser- sonry with installation of timber other significance of this tower vation is documentation of ear- framed openings (Nyimchu rab- in Gasa Dzongkhag. lier work done. Reference should sey), Payab and Geykars. Nyim- Economically and socially one be available in photographic chu Rabsey opening is a type of should understand how much documentation, drawing and Gomang Rabsey which is not so our ancestors has suffered to sketching so that it becomes a common in northern Bhutanese build this structure in those days norm of our conservation work architectural style. The masonry when there was no engineers, and continuity. roads and machine, that's why Lastly I share the credit of " during the restoration we see Good to Great Gasa Prestigious little compromises in workman- Award" received from Gasa ship and quality of materials. In Dzongkhag with all my staff and whole our ancestors has handed workers of Gasa dzong Conser- down emotional ,wonder, iden- vation Project for conserving our tity and continuity values for us. National Heritage Site "Gasa Lets respect and value it. Tashi Thongmen Dzong". Although the structure did not We the workers of Gasa dzong structure has all the architec- suffer major damages from Conservation Project commemo- tural aspects with calculated ta- natural calamities or was not in rate the Re- stored Utse to our pering at the edge of every outer dilapidated condition before the beloved Gyalsey Jigme Namgyel wall and sound load bearing restoration work began. Our in- Wangchuck's first Birthday. corner stone laid in all sides. tervention/restoration from the With the simple architecture year 2014 was in right time as and well dimensioned design of we see some signs and evidence the Utse with other surrounding of failure of structures in ma- significant galleries on a rock sonry and timber components mount, the whole complex to already indicated. Page 8 Volume 1, Issue 1, 5 February 2017

His Majesty Gifts Lunana with Skills - Dorji Dhradhul, Dzongda

“A piece of education is better than 100 kgs of These unbelievable new skills are but gifts of golden gold.” The unprecedented skills development solution from the Golden Throne to address Lunaps' programme for Lunana was envisioned by His total dependency for these skills on outsiders. Other- Majesty during the weeklong Royal visit to wise Lunaps did not have a single person skilled in the Lunana Gewog from 23rd to 29th October 2016. above skills arts. His Majesty amazingly detected these acute critical needs within such a short time mani- festing the deeply rooted inherent Royal con- cern for the welfare of his subjects. The Office of Gyalpoi Zimpon, His Majesty Se- cretariat and Department of Human Resources jointly implemented the programme. Despite the short training duration (33 days) from 12 December to 21st January, all 43 trainees have gained the basic skills on their chosen fields. Now, Lunana have their own weavers, carpen- ters, painters, tailors and solar technician. They were also trained on basic culinary with which Participants with training certificate they could add more diversity in their food.

Initiation of native poultry farming - Dzongkhag Livestock Sector

Dzongkhag Livestock Secor in col- With the supply of both the native NB: Editing team will be designated with every issue laboration with RLDC Wangdue and the improved birds concur- supplied 386 poultry birds (200 rently, the Dzongkhag intends to This farm will serve as breeding improved and 186 native poultry compare their performances and hub for native poultry birds birds) to communities of Lunana make appropriate decisions for whereby two eggs per week per Gewog on 31st July, 2016. promotion of poultry farming in person program is realized through places like Lunana in the future. Given the history of poultry rear- ing in this gewog, the sector is positive that supplied birds will make good contribution to rural household nutrition as well. In addition, enthusiasm of farmers for rearing birds served as driving force to kick start as new venture Though Lunana is predominantly a in such far-flung gewog. distribution within gewog and en- high altitude farming zone, certain To realize egg self sufficiency in tire Dzongkhag. Not only this, breeds of poultry birds thrives and village level through supply of being an organic Dzongkhag the performs better than the rest as per two hens and one cock, the con- organic egg production will be the farmers. Native poultry birds struction of native poultry farm at also pursued for high end markets are predominant in the area. Jabesa, Khamoed is in full pro- in the country. Page 9 Volume 1, Issue 1, 5 February 2017

Congratulations!

Congratulations to the following fellow Gasaps for their outstanding achievements 1. Sangay Dorji, Administration assistant – Gold medal – Civil service award. 2. Sherub Gyaltshen, DEO – Silver Medal – Civil Service award. 3. Kinzang, Administrative Assistant – Silver Medal – Civil Service Award. 4. Choki, Dzongkhag engineer, Bronze medal, Civil Service award. 5. Wangchen Dorji, Teacher, Bronze medal, Civil Service award. 6. Phuntsho Tshering, ICT associate, Bronze medal, Civil Service award. 7. Shacha Gyeltshen, Asst Lab Technician, Bronze medal, Civil Service award.

8. Dechen Wangmo …National Order of Merit, Silver at the 109th National Day celebrations at Trongsa for their outstanding services to the Tsa-wa-sum. You are role models and have done us proud. 9. Pema Dorji , Principlal, Gasa Pry School, Good to Great Gasa Award. 10. Namgay Dorji, Teacher, Lunana Pry School, Good to Great Gasa Award. 11. Kinley Gyeltshen, Project Manager, Good to Great Gasa Award. 12. Kuenley Zam, Student, Bjishong Central School, Top twenty in 2016/17 Kalapingka. 13. Dawa Dema of 2016 class X of Bjishong Central School for the Best Female Trainee Award in the third Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Winter Camp for the 117 student participants. 14. Chado Tshering, RBG from Khatoedfor taking Gasa to the top 5 in 2016 Nyagoe Competition. 15. Jigme from Lunana for representing Gasa in the top 5 Nygoe dendur in the 109 National Day Celebration at Trongsa on 17 December 2016

16. Yeshi Dem of class X for Silver Medal for women 3000 m at the 13th National school Athletics Meet held from 5 – 9 July 2016.

Leading the way in Organic production – Agriculture Sector

Gasa Rangshin Sanam Detshen On 18 November 2016 with support (GRSD) from Khatoed Gewog was cer- from of the Department of Agricultural tified as an organic group on October Marketing and Cooperatives (DAMC) 10, 2016 by the Bhutan Agriculture and Centenary Farmers’ Market (CFM) and Food Regulatory Authority management, a market promotion for (BAFRA) in accordance to Bhutan Or- certified organic potato was organised at ganic Certification System (BOCS) the CFM during which 1735 kgs was Guidelines, 2013. sold. On September 29, 2016, this Launching of certified organic potatoes at CFM On January 11, 2017, a buyer-seller Dzongkhag also signed Membership meeting was held in Thimphu which Memorandum of Commitment and was attended by about 15 high end ho- became a new member of Asian Local tels, representatives of the GRSD, Kha- Governments for Organic Agriculture toed Gewog and Dzongkhag. In the meet (ALGOA) in South Korea by signing it was agreed that these hotels will buy between the President of IFOAM Asia 3 products (potato, carrot and garlic) and Dzongrab Gasa Dzongkhag. Un- this coming season on contract mode der the purview of this signing, through signing of a Memorandum of Dzongkhag remains committed to Understanding. This is also being sup- work closely with other ALGOA mem- ported by DAMC. ber countries for the development of organic agriculture and its related in- dustries in the coming years . Memorandum of Commitment with ALGOA Page 10 Volume 1, Issue 1, 5 February 2017

Respecting Outstanding Performers - Dorji Dhradhul, Dzongda

Coinciding with the historic less efforts in making our Na- heartedly participates in any 109th National Day, the an- tion Great. tasks related to the Good to nual Good to Great Gasa Great Gasa vision. During the The first recipients of GGG (GGG) Award was launched. first ever Royal Highland Award are: The award carries a certifi- Festival in Laya, he served as cate, cash and a medal/ i) Namgay Dorji, teacher in the Dzongkhag’s coordinator plaque. We hope this GGG Lunana for last 4 years, who for the First Edition of the Award will grow to be the not only volunteered to be in Snowman Run, which he did most prestigious award at the Lunana (one of the difficult extremely well. Dzongkhag level, which will place of postings in Bhutan, if be awarded on every National not the most difficult) but iii) Kinley Gyeltshen, the Day. Everyone from all walks also introduced the green Project Manager of the of life (e.g. civil servants, pri- house technology and grew Dzong conservation project, vate, Rabdey, General citi- and harvested crops like cu- which is one of the most im- zens, etc.) will be eligible for cumber, maize, chili etc. in portant activities of the this award, including indi- Lunana for the first time. Dzongkhag in the current viduals not resident in Gasa. Please note he is a teacher plan. Thus far, the work is The key factor for this award and not an agriculturist. progressing very well and be- would be their outstanding sides he has the record of contribution towards achiev- ii) Pema Dorji, the Principal managing similar important ing the goal of “Self Reliant of Gasa Pry School since last restoration/conservation seven years. He is an all Gasa “ and Nation Building. works in Dagana Dzong, rounder and all time available This award is inspired by His Taktshang, and Tango Cheri for any task. Besides his Majesty's Selfless and Tire- etc. school duties, he whole-

Important dates for Dzongkhag events in 2017

 Gasa Tshechu ---3 to 6 April  Inaugural Moenlam Chenmo presided by Chabje – 7 to 10 May  Royal Highland Festival – 23 to 24 October  Snowman Run – 22 to 23 October (tentative) Volume 1, Issue 1, 5 February 2017 Page 11

Gasa Going Clean - A Strategy to become the Cleanest District – Dorji Wangchuck, NEC focal.

The existing system of waste col- sense. Signboards were erected at ways be celebrated as Gasa Going lection and segregation, recycling various strategic locations to advo- Clean Day as a tribute to His Maj- and safe disposal is exceptionally cate general public on waste man- esty the Fifth King Jigme Khesar limited. An integrated solid waste agement and its laws. General pub- Namgyal Wangchuck. Gasa management system approach lic were also sensitized on the im- dzongkhag strive to become the which considers all steps of the portance of waste management and first district to entirely implement solid waste management cycle is their impact on our environment the application of 4Rs (Reduce, currently in deficient largely due and human health if ill-managed. Reuse, Recycle and Responsibil- to scarce capacity in terms of insti- ity).We are already in talk with tutional set-up, trained human re- Eco waste solution regarding the sources and most importantly Recently, to sustain the practice of sale of our recyclable solid waste. fund. waste management, Gasa Our main target is to reduce our dzongkhag unanimously decided reliant on landfills and open dump- through 2nd Dzongkhag Tshogdu ing/burning. Very soon, we will be However, Gasa Dzongkhag utterly of the 2nd Local Government that installing a waste collection centre begun its fight against waste on 6th the first Thursday of every month whereby the application of 4Rs July, 2015 with the launch of will be put in practice. Clean Gasa Initiative which is one would be declared as Gasa Going of the many drivers of Good to Clean day. On that day, all the of- Great Gasa. The initiative began fices stationed in Gasa dzongkhag On this very auspicious day of our with the distribution of individual will remain closed after lunch to beloved Gyalsey’s first birth anni- waste bags amongst dzongkhag participate in mass clean-up cam- versary, Gasa dzongkhag pledges staff donated by Clean Bhutan to paign. The campaign will start at to become the cleanest and green- collect litters while walking to and 2.00 pm and will end at 4.00 pm. est dzongkhag in the country. fro from office to home. Numerous Long live the Wangchuck dynasty. swing bins owned by groups of civil servants were installed to re- th duce littering and inculcate civic Henceforth 9 December will al-

Think Nationally and Act Dzongkhagly - Dorji Dhradhul, Dzongda

On 9th December 2016, Gasa cele- ried out simultaneously in the Ge- be observed as the Gasa Going Clean brated the 10th Anniversary of wogs. Day and all offices in Dzongkhag will remain closed after lunch to participate our beloved His Majesty’s Golden On this auspicious day, Gasa com- and lead the cleaning activities and Reign by lighting butter lamps mitted to give full support in mak- every year 9th December will be also followed by 3 brief talks, viz. A ing Bhutan the Cleanest Country gratitude talk by Lam Neten; an celebrated in the same way as Gasa with Gasa aspiring to be the Going Clean Day.” inspirational talk by a senior citi- Cleanest Dzongkhag in line with zen; and a hope talk by a student. the spirit of "Think Nationally and Act Thereafter from 11.30 am to 3 pm Dzongkhaglly", To make it more the mass cleaning was carried out meaningful and formal, this commit- in 18 different sites in and around ment was further blessed by the last DT Gasa Dzong including the Tsha- session. The DT resolution on this reads chu. And similar cleaning was car- as - “first Thursday of every month will Page 12 Volume 1, Issue 1, 5 February 2017

REFLECTION OF 2016 ACADEMIC YEAR – Karma Sangay, Principal, Bjishong Central School

Firstly, Bjishong Central “To pioneer the cradle of  Involvement of parents in School tried to live up to the ‘Quality of Education’ school development pro- principle of “home away from through knowledge, skills grammes. home” to her hundreds of and attitudes to become  Instituted Student Govern- students, ranging from PP to productive and efficient ing Body. X. citizens to serve Tsa – Wa – Sum.”  Instituted School’s Re- Secondly, the school tried to search Council. give maximum attention to empower the students  All the staff trained on ba- through numerous pro- sic driglamnamzha. School Mission:

“We are committed to the development of positive and caring learning envi- ronment where student’s uniqueness, growth and achievement are valued, gramme. understanding of commu- nity and global responsi-  100 % teachers attended bilities are nurtured with transformative pedagogy the foundation for lifelong School’s Vision: (National programme). learning.”  Girl’s football team qual- ify for the National tour- “To pioneer the cradle of Highlights of nament. ‘Quality of Education’ nd through knowledge, skills 2016:  Begged 2 position in and attitudes to become 3000 meters at the na- productive and efficient tional level.  62% of class X students citizens to serve Tsa – Wa qualified for class XI.  Organized exchanged pro- – Sum.” gramme with Laya LSS.  Formed Bjishong Alumni Association.  Adopted one teacher-one student programmes, 36 Volume 1, Issue 1, 5 February 2017 Page 13

Good Practices of Gasa Primary School - Pema Dorji, Principal, GPS.

Having started in 1961, Gasa Pri- tackling absenteeism. Children show on climate changes were en- mary School is one of the oldest availed park services and were riching learning experience for schools in the country. able to learn untaught curriculum students and teachers. We have When I took over the school as its through play way method, thus also connected the class room 13th principal in 2008, we set on a learning values and culture of our through ICT to Royal Education mission to excel, which is in line society. Council, Paro and discussed about with the recently set mission of the importance of health and Good to Great Gasa of the The harsh climate, giant mountains physical education curriculum in Dzongkhag. and the rough roads of Gasa was- schools. The following are few initiatives n’t a barrier for the school to get we have done to date… we started the other side of the world. With To further scale up the ICT usage developing Children Park using basic ICT knowledge, We were in school, dzongkhag administra- locally available resources through able to connect school to the out- tion and education sector sup- the support of parents and the side world through Skype conver- ported in supplying ICT facilities st community elders. Our small ini- sation. Teachers and students par- to meet the 21 century teaching tiative was well received by stu- ticipated in the World Education learning environment for better dents and parents in general. This forum organized by IVCEA Korea schooling. initiative helped students to report and shared good curriculum prac- to school on time and supported in tices, cultural program and talk

A promise of a young rookie towards “Good to Great Gasa” - Kezang Sherab, REDCL focal person, 17348072

The noise of the car faded away as my ears as I sat done besides it. I the guidance of the Dzongda to put I walked to into the dusk to a place let a nervous breath out as I real- projects on ground. that I’ve never been to but heard a ized I ’ v e I feel there are many potential lot about. Leaving behind my business opportunities in agricul- peers and family with tired gaze ture, poultry and dairy for the peo- yet full of curiosity, I made my ple here and I will do my best to way towards the small path that assist the people with the best of lead to the beaming light of the my ability as the focal person of houses which I came across. I felt REDCL. I hope by end of 2017, I the chill in the air as the cold win- reached my destination. achieve my goal to put 50 success- tery wind of Gasa blew towards As the focal person based in Gasa, ful projects on ground in Gasa. me as if to welcome of what the I look forward to bringing out As of now there are eight appli- place had stored for me. With many success stories of the cants from Gasa who have applied many thoughts rambling in my Dzongkhag with the Fund pro- for the Fund from REDCL. Out of mind and hurried footsteps to race vided by Rural Enterprise Devel- which, six from Khatoed and the wind, I entered the warm house opment Corporation Ltd Khamaed, have applied Fund for of my uncle. The warmth of his (REDCL). I look forward to work- poultry and dairy farming under hospitality and the firewood crack- ing with the stakeholders and more livestock. Two have applied for ling in the fireplace was music to so with the people of Gasa under manufacturing and agriculture. Page 14 Volume 1, Issue 1, 5 February 2017 Highlights from January 2016 to February 2017

VIP visitors  Bjishong Central School celebrated her 10th Founda- tion Day - 23 March 2016  Ven’ble Drabi Lopen – 21 to 25 March 2016  Mani Dungdrub presided by Ven Drabi Lopen – 21 to  H.E.Hon’ble Lyonchen, Hon’ble Foreign and 25 March 2016 Agriculture Ministers, Hon’ble NC and MP dur-  3rd National Human Resource Conference in Gasa. – ing 11 FYP MTR 27 to 28 March 2016 12 to 14 April 2016  Chairperson, RCSC – 12 to 14 April 2016  Installation of the MAIN door of the Utse of Dzong-  Hon’ble Lyonpo Dawa Gyeltshen – 9 May 2016 9 April 2016  Hon’ble Opposition Leader Pema Gyamtsho –  Kidu Mobile Medical Unit (KMMU) in Gasa - 23 to 11 May 2016 28 April 2016.  Hon'ble Lyonpo Norbu Wangchuck - 13 - 14  11 FYP MTR and Khatoed & Khamoed Gewogs vis- May 2016 its by HPM – 27 to 28 March 2016  Executive Director, RENEW and team from  Farm Shops inaugurated in Khatoed and Khamoed – UNFPA, MOH - 27 May 2016 rd 12 May 2016  Ven Dorji Lopen – 31 May to 3 June 2016  RENEW, UNFPA, MOH advocacy programme -  Hon’ble Lyonpo Leki Dorji – 25 – 26 June 27th May 2016, 2016  Open Air Gymnasium inaugurated - 27 May 2016  Royal visit to Laya and Lunana – 17 to 28 Octo-  BoD station inaugurated in Gasa - June 26, 2016 ber 2016  Dzongda signed 2016/17 APA with Gewogs - 21 July  Hon’ble Chairperson, NC and Gasa Hon’ble NC 2016. – 15 to 20 October 2016  Dzongda signed 2016/17 APA 2016 with sector  Hon’ble Agriculture and Foreign Ministers – 15 heads and Dzongrab signed - 2 August 2016, to 20 October 2016  Photo Exhibition on Gasa at the Mountain Echoes –  Hon’ble MP, Lunana Khamoed – 10 to 29 Octo- 26 to 28 August 2016 ber 2016  Royal Highland Festival –16 to 18 October 2016  Hon’ble Lyonpo Nima Sangay Chenpo - 11 to  Organic certification for potato and garlic received – 13 Nov 2016. 10 October 2016  Ven. Lektsho Lopen in Laya and Gasa – 19 to  The Snowman Run – 15 to 16 October 2016 22 November 2016  Dzongrab Chewang Jurme left on transfer to Thimphu  Rudolf Schwenk, Resident Representative of – 22 November 2016 UNICEF Bhutan - 6 to 7 December 2016  Gasa Going Clean launched – 9 December 2016  Hon’ble Lyonpo Damcho Dorji – 16 to 19 De-  Annual Good to Great Gasa Award launched – 17 De- cember cember 2016  Hon’ble NC and MP – 16 to 19 December 2016  Community Based Scouts instituted – 17 December Events 2016  Inaugurated Farm Shop in Laya – 8 January  Gasa Better Business Committee formed --- 31 De- 2016 cember 2016  Celebrated Royal Birth of Mewang Gyalsey – 5  Sertoe for Dzong Utse installed – 18 December 2016 to 6 February 2016  Salang Tendril for ex-uniform forces’s Chorten - 18  Inaugurated a RNR market – 20 February 2016 December 2016  Participated in the Bhutan International Mara-  First Snowfall of 2016/17 - 26th December 2016 thon – 5 March 2016  Dzongrab Sonam Wangdi joined us on transfer from  Planted Sokshing for Gyalsey – 6 March 2016 Tyangtsi - 22 December 2016  Dzongkhag Education Conference – 13 March  Royal Initiated Village Skills Development Pro- gramme for 43 Lunaps in TTI Khuruthang, Punakha – 2016  Gasa Tshechu – 15 to 18 March 2016 10 December 2016 to 21 January 2017