November 27

The 2011 Journalist 1 Sunday The JournalistVol 2 Issue 48 27 Nov 2011 www.thejournalist.bt Nu 10 Can they be beaten? With more than 75 percent of the total votes in the 2008 elections, the Druk Phunsum Tshogpa (DPT) has now been in power for almost three and a half years. Does this mean the DPT is infallible? And does the party have as many supporters as before? Will the current Prime Minister lead the party for the next term? Or, has the party lost its ground and is now open for other players to stake their claim? Although all will be revealed in due course of time, Tshering Dorji of The Journalist tried to find out the answers to these questions.

Why can’t DPT be beaten?

The PM factor again

The DPT’s biggest strength and asset has always been the Prime Minister. He was even seen as being invincible in the immedi- ate aftermath of the 2008 gen- eral elections. He may not be on the same pedestal today, but he is still head and shoulders above the rest. A perception survey conducted by The Journalist last week showed that he led in six out of 10 leadership indicators,- although his perceived fall in attributes such as integrity/char- acter, teamwork and as a doer (man of action) is some cause for concern. An unsuccessful PDP candidate from 2008 said that with the PM at the helm, the news is bad for everybody except the DPT. But the question is: will he or will he not come back in 2013?

>> Cont. PG 32

Why can DPT be beaten? Constitutional case

The constitutional case was not only a defining moment for Bhutan’s democracy but also ex- posed the chinks in the govern- ment’s armor. It showed that the DPT led by an intelligent and seasoned man like Lyonchhen can also make grave mistakes and it shook the unquestionable trust the government enjoyed from the people until then. Al- though the case also benefitted the government through its rul- ing on the separation of powers of the two houses of parliament, the government mulling over whether to resign – despite hav- ing a strong basis to do so - did not go down very well with the people.

>> Cont. PG 32 illustration: Dotub November 27 November 27

2011 The The 2011 Sunday 2 comment Journalist Journalist politics 3 Sunday Editorial Defection, Law and Impact give vent to these tendencies here may not affect the DPT’s stability, Let’s Hear It For Women in Bhutan,” said a Thimphu- but it may create unnecessary based consultant of a private tussle amongst the voters and firm, seeking anonymity. supporters. It could be a positive But are political party members stimulation to parties and offer allowed to defect? What are the wider choice to the electorates” if For the last 10,000 years, give or take, what women know Yes, they can be exasperating. Some women never positions of the country’s law and members defect after completing and don’t know has always been a complete mystery to more know what they want, until they see someone else with the respective party charters on their tenure. men than you might think. it. defection? These are the ques- Dasho Kunzang Wangdi said In Japan, the household is the woman’s domain; she serves Yes, they know how to complain. It has been noticed tions frequently being asked. that defection is “illegal” if it On the law front, Dasho Kun- happens while they are still in of- but controls. This is also true of many Latin cultures where that women suffer in silence louder than any living zang Wangdi, the Chief Election fice. “Even if it is only being con- women also tend to be admired for their looks but rarely thing anyone has ever met. Commissioner of Bhutan said templated it could also adversely consulted. And when it comes to the sensitive issue of age, many that Section 10, Article 15 of the affect stability of government For some males, the ideal woman is someone with mystery. women never lie about their own; they simply tell people Constitution prohibits MPs of and be reflected in weak commit- They don’t really want to understand them, even if they could. they are a year younger than their husband, then lie National Assembly belonging to ment to attaining Party/National To some soldiers a woman is an entirely imaginary being. about his. one party from defecting to the Objectives and geared more In various parts of Asia, and for millions of women who But have you noticed there are no women philosophers other, while in office, “individu- towards future personal electoral know the ways of men, their jewellery is their pension, insur- to speak of? Like hobbies, philosophy is a sad, lonely, ally or en bloc”. gains,” he said. ance and convertible wealth. male thing. Smart women are just too smart to be phi- But defection is generally seen Furthermore, there are appre- to be permissible in Bhutan for hensions among some members In Alan Bennett’s renowned play The History Boys, one losophers. Is it only women who understand that being members outside the parliament of the public that even if defec- female teacher says: “History is a commentary on the various involved and impartial are not necessarily mutually including the present MPs once tion happens outside the parlia- and continuing incapabilities of men. What is history? History exclusive. they have completed their tenure. ment, it might lead to a one-par- is women following behind... with a bucket.’’ There has already been a long, global and noble his- Dasho Kunzang Wangdi said, ty system, which is not healthy Good point. And whether men like it not, women are the tory of women with political and courageous voltage. “If a person is not serving in of- for the country’s democracy. true keepers of the flame, and where on earth would men be Many female warriors and leaders have been magnifi- fice they are free to resign from According to a private con- without them? In many cases, women are smarter, inwardly cent in appearance, majestic in movement and menac- one party and form a new party sultant, defection will normally stronger and far more intuitive than their male counterparts. ing in disposition. or join another party as they happen from weaker parties to History has certainly shown that behind every great man While these powerful women knew that words of flat- may wish.” a stronger party with better po- On a similar note, Gasa Na- litical prospects “like DPT in the there is a smart woman. tery are the infantry of negotiation, men underestimated tional Council member Sangay present case. If that happens, we And think of the millions of women who have lost husbands them at their peril. Ugyen Dorji – Thimphu President of PDP). Although one Khandu said that “There are no will have only one strong party and sons to wars but have somehow managed to go on, bring Think Cleopatra, Boadicea, Golda Meir, Indira Gandhi of the PDP’s ex-candidates (Dr permanent restrictions. Politi- and no contenders in our democ- ollowing media reports up the children, and sacrificed any life they may have built and the UK’s formidable Margaret Thatcher who was Tandin Dorji) has announced cians and political candidates racy,” he said. on the formation of new for the sake of others, out of the need to nurture. once described as having the ‘’lips of Marilyn Munroe the formation of a new party, he can change their memberships Yet, the Opposition Leader political parties, speculations Over 40,000 pregnant women were left homeless and single and the eyes of Caligula.” England’s Queen Elizabeth 1 F said that it cannot be considered as long as provisions in the laws Tshering Tobgay said that party are rife that Bhutan will soon a defection as “he had already and rules are complied with,” he members “cannot and must not” after the devastating tsunami in 2003. The vast majority gave an impression of a refinement that was too delicate witness defections on its political resigned from the PDP”. added. be forbidden “from resigning didn’t even have access to a doctor, let alone a shopping cen- for this earth but still beat the crap out of the Spanish. landscape, begging the question Similarly, Chang Ugyen, the For the moment, party charters from their existing parties and tre. But they were alive and raised their families alone. They All these women knew exactly what they were doing, as to whether it is allowed under Vice-President of DPT said, “None of the PDP and the DPT also do from joining other parties. should be praised for their courage, their intelligence and were acutely aware of how high the stakes were, and the law and how will it impact of our party members have not seem to put any restrictions “We must protect the right of our fledgling democracy. generosity - three of the greatest virtues a person can have. they all made a profound difference. Their absence is a defected to any other party so to party members on this matter. our citizens to support whichever Defection is a term used to refer And yet men continue to take women for granted. They are presence. far and I think they will not do political party they feel will be to a political situation when a ungrateful and unfaithful. Men always want to be a woman’s The comedian Robin Williams once said that women so in 2013.” While the issue of “The DPT Party Charter does the best for the nation and the person leaves a political party to first love. Women have a more subtle instinct: what they like would make fine diplomats, but every 28 days there re-election tickets to the sitting not say anything on this issue,” people,” he said adding that “it join another that is considered is to be a man’s last romance would be some intense negotiations. Cute point. So easy MPs will depend on the general said the Drametse-Ngatshang MP is the duty of the political parties to be a rival. Four years after the consensus of party members and of the National Assembly, Ugyen to keep themselves relevant, and And men continue to hit women. In regards to the recent to laugh at. But have men ever suffered period pains, advent of party politics in the the electorate, he said, “They will Wangdi. “If one wishes, the law to attract popular support for global study on the abuse of women, and Asia’s shamefully or the excruciating and unforgettable experience of country, the phenomenon is now not leave the party even if they does not prohibit it. It is entirely their own vision and ideology for high listing in the domestic violence ratings, there is only delivering a baby, which is like passing a bowling ball, in the air. don’t get the ticket.” up to the individual member to Bhutan.” point of view to take; it doesn’t matter which culture you or having an umbrella slowly opened right inside their Recently, Dr Tandin Dorji, a Yet as the next round of elec- decide on the issue,” he said. Meanwhile, in conventional former People’s Democratic Party come from; only a madman or a coward hits a woman. innards? No, they haven’t. tions closes in, assumptions Similarly, Opposition Leader political discourse, defection is a (PDP) candidate, is reported to Yes, they fret about their looks. The average single woman So let us raise a glass and make a bow to the fairer among the politically conscious Tshering Tobgay said that “any term applicable only if switch- be forming a new party. There worries about the size and shape of her body every 15 minutes sex and treat them with the respect and dignity they circles are that there will be ex-candidate or member of PDP ing of party allegiance by the are also rumors there will also be - and research shows women have collectively splashed out a deserve. many push and pull factors can resign and join any other members happens within the defections from Druk Phuensum cool US$9 billion during the past year trying to copy the looks As Oscar Wilde had it, all women become like their propelling members of one party party. The Constitution and the Parliament. Tshogpa (DPT) if some of the to switch their allegiance to an- laws of the land allow it, and our Due to the associated risks such and style of their favourite celebrities. mothers. That is their tragedy. No man does. That’s his. sitting Members of Parliament other. own charter does not forbid our as the weakening of party sys- (MPs) are not given the re-elec- Elsewhere in the world, defec- members from resigning,” he tems, destabilization of govern- tion tickets in 2013. tion is said to result from per- said. ment, and the malfunctioning of But the leaders of the two exist- sonality clashes, power tussles, However, the tendency is not democracy, the trend is said to be ing political parties seem to rule divergent views on the operations always seen as an indication of unpopular, especially among the out the possibility of any such of political party’s philosophy, positive political development in nascent democracies around the defections from their parties, or crisis or division within a given the country. world. CEO: Sonam Gyeltshen at least like to think that none political party, or the realization According to MP Ugyen Anti-defection laws are there- Acting Editor: Peky Samal has happened to them so far. of personal political ambition. Wangdi, defection “may not be fore said to be effective in these Reporters: Tshering Dorji, Tshering Wangchen, Sonam Dekey, Geley Gyamtsho, Sangay Wangchuk, Tsundu Dorji, Phub Tshering Dekey “As of now, most of our ex-can- “The probable emergence of healthy given the number of our countries of which the related Designer: Phub Dorji, Tenzing Tshering didates and party members are more parties in the political fray population and size of our voters. section in Constitution of Bhutan Artist: Dotub Tashi still with us,” said the Opposition this time around will particularly A one or two member defection could be an example. Leader Tshering Tobgay (also the November 27 November 27

2011 The The 2011 religion The Sunday 4 Journalist Journalist humour 5 Sunday Insights and Diversions Roger Beaumont like tractor fuel, but it always tastes like anti- He is not dependent on us. We are dependent freeze, but if you haven’t thrown up after three on him. He is not an interruption to our work. y Bhutanese neighbour said, “If glasses, it can go down singing hymns. It can He is the purpose of it. He is not an outsider to a man asks me what I do, I reply: I also catapult your digestive system into a rinse our business. He is part of it. We are not doing Msingle-handedly run a small private and spin cycle without warning, and for first- him a favour by serving him. He is doing us a hotel for three permanent male guests, taking timers will give a hangover worthy of the Gods. favour by giving us an opportunity to do so.” care of provisioning, catering and cuisine, A little tip. After you’ve had enough, don’t **** laundry, appointments diary, first aid and stand up too quickly. And keep away from any It has been my experience that no one is truly medical care, hygiene and sanitation. Lesser naked flame - you might ignite and detonate. more themselves then when they are sick or tasks include picking things up and putting This will offend people. injured. That’s when the qualities come out. them away, co-ordinating numerous odd socks, **** cleaning fixtures and fittings, maintaining a English women haven’t done badly under In Thailand, dark brown skin is considered culture of civilised and polite use of language current arrangements of the monarchy. In the unattractive because it labels the people as and instilling good behaviour and manners. past 200 years, two queens have reigned for those who must work in it, which means they 123 years; six kings only managed 77. “OK, I’m a housewife.” are poor, which means they have no impor- **** **** tance, or at least hold a lowly place in society, “It was a constant source of complaint that There are two types of education. One is which is ridiculous. the British barbarians, ignorant, drunk but purely academic. The other is experience. Com- Still, one has to wonder what Thai hotel very rich were carrying off everything.” This is bine the two and you have a complete being. workers at beach resorts think when they see just not true, we only took the quality stuff. Left alone, it’s limited. And we should never large white folk who spend thousands of dol- mistake the uneducated for the unintelligent. lars to come a long way to lie on a beach to **** The world is full of people who have received get a burnt skin, so they can go back to their When the electric telegraph first spanned the little formal education but are captains of their country with a tan and be labelled as rich, and United States, it was triumphantly announced destiny just the same. Rural Bhutanese shine in as someone who is something, which is even that Maine would now be able to talk to Cali- this department. more ridiculous. fornia. Mark Twain inquired whether Maine **** **** had anything to say to California. Voting is compulsory in Australia. In the In Britain, lottery tickets are not sold in bet- **** State of Queensland, one voter had a mas- ting shops because it might encourage wider When a woman needs emotional support sive hangover and didn’t make it out of bed gambling. In Hong Kong, lottery tickets are she turns to another woman. However, when a Monks and the ‘Bright Light’ on election day and was fined ten bucks, but only sold in betting shops to discourage wider man needs emotional support he turns to his Ugyen Dorji - Thimphu Dorji, 32, a monk in his third year of our friends after roaming in she has to digest, for Chhimi, the a woman who refused to vote claiming “none gambling. Funny people legislators. dog. But where do you turn if you don’t have a dog? The writer SJ Perelman had a fix for this ight in the heart of town, Chhi-Tsham (meditation practice) town, all we have to do is come monks who prefer her restaurant of the bastards were worth voting for” wasn’t **** fined anything, because the court couldn’t concern: “Outside of a dog, a book is a man’s opposite the legendary at Chari monastery. “That’s also here,” said Sangay, 29, a monk is at once a boon for her business Many of the great technological break- find any fault with either her argument or her best friend.” To which he added: “Inside of a Lugar Theatre, on the other why we have monks leaving the from Tango monastery, adding and an opportunity for social throughs of the 19th Century didn’t occur in R judgement. dog, it’s too dark to read.” side of Norzin Lam, flashes the monasteries for a married life. that the place also facilitates the relations. America but in Europe. The car was invented words ‘YOEWANG RESTUARANT’ But that might be the case only meeting and networking among Approximately two-thirds of her **** in Germany and the radio in Italy, and just as in yellow against a red billboard with one or two monks,” he said, monks from different monasteries. daily customers are monks, and As the writer Tom Robbins wrote, “’Human- radar, the computer and the jet engine would **** fixed vertically outside the second- adding that perhaps there’s an According to Chhimi, 24, the amid some light pranks here and ity has advanced, when it has advanced, not later be invented in Britain. Where America I am still in touch with an aging American floor windows of a three-storey, entirely different reason of why famous beauty behind the counter, there, she easily makes about Nu because it has been sober, responsible and couldn’t be touched was in its capacity to who helped develop the protective heat tiles semi-traditional building. the majority of them prefer the the monks have been coming here 5,000 to Nu 7,000 a day. cautious, but because it has been playful, rebel- exploit them. on Nasa’s Space Shuttle. He told me that, in Inside, some 20 men in maroon restaurant. even before her parents bought The real bonus is that whenever lious and immature. There is a tendency today **** essence, Shuttle science is relatively simple: Besides its usual offer of perfectly the restaurant seven years ago, she visits Tango monastery to absolve individuals of moral responsibility robes surround five dining tables Quotables: fourth-form Newton’s Laws, sixth-form calcu- across the floor, leaving hardly decent food, the Yoewang also although the numbers had grown in Thimphu, Rinchenling in and treat them as victims of social circum- lus, and bits and pieces of first-year university Aids is a disease of stages that gives death any room for newcomers. At the functions as a kind of free post dramatically over the years. Wangdue or Sangchhokhor in stance. You buy that and you’ll pay with your science. The devil’s in the engineering, which time to live and its victims time to die. Herve counter stands a stunning young station for them in town where Asked if her physical charms Paro she is met with a grand and soul.’’ is beyond the scope of most scientists. Indeed, Guibert. girl engrossed in some light chat they can deliver or collect parcels, are what attracts the monks, she cordial reception. From providing **** and re-watching that truly gripping pro- blushes and instantly says, “I her food and sungkays (religious **** with a few monks on the flirt. and a store-room where they Amazing what you discover as you grow gramme on Discovery Channel, Space Shuttle Literally translated as ‘Bright can keep their belongings after don’t know. I am very frank with cotton strings) to taking her on older. Last November, after her second whisky, Notice on the wall of a Buddhist Monastery in - The Problems With Re-Entry, I see what he Light’, Yoewang is the favourite shopping. them, and they say they like my guided tours to holy sites near the my 87 year-old mum looked at me and said, Bangkok means. Coming out of orbit at 18,000 miles an restaurant in Thimphu for the This will include everything from frankness.” monasteries to introducing her to “Your great grandfather was born in the snow, “The reason for your being is not necessarily hour. No engine. Then breaking through the monks of Sha-Wang-Paa-Sum money, gas cylinders and books Except for one or two occasions the abbots, the monks serve her married in the sunlight and died in the pouring the reason for your purpose.” fiery atmosphere. Awesome. Brave. Terrifying. region. About 20 to 30 monks from to musical instruments, clothes when a monk has been tempted every need. rain in a piss filled ditch at the Battle of Cam- Notice on the wall of Buddhist monastery in Trashichhodzong, Tango-Chari, or foodstuffs, which sometimes to propose a relationship with her, Back in her restaurant, Chhimi bray in France, 1917. Shot through the head by Saigon Dodeydrag, Simtokha, and some remain there for weeks and she said the conversations that gives the monks extra-food for free, a German sniper. He was an officer.” She then “The building is very old and might fall down from as far as Sangchhokhor in months, and all perfectly safe. take place between her and the takes care of their belongings, and presented me with his army binoculars. In the any minute.” Paro and Rinchenling in Sha visit “This is a luxury we don’t get in monks do not normally translate entertains them with her usual original leather case. I still have them. Right Insights the place every day. other restaurants,” said Tshering, into any untoward circumstances, ‘frankness’. here on my desk. In Mootithang. Quote of the week: Most other visitors leave the relating how the owner of another as some people might like to What if the monks suddenly **** ‘’Samoa team manager Mathew Vaea fined place a little baffled as to why, restaurant bluntly scolded him suspect. stopped coming to the ‘Bright 100 pigs for bad behaviour at Rugby World The first time I ever slept overnight in a hotel & of all other restaurants in the once when he was a few hours late She partly attributes the Light’? Cup in New Zealand.’’ in failing to collect his shopping attraction to the food they serve. “They will not stop coming here,” there was a sign at reception which read: town, the monks prefer this **** one. The common guess, often items from there. “The monks tell me they prefer the Chhimi says promptly, admitting ‘’Please do not vomit on the floor. What do disapprovingly though, is: “The As a result of this special service, Fried Rice, Shakaam, and Sikaam that she feels “lonely and empty” you think the seats are for? ‘’ To consider: monks are lured by the physical the Yoewang has also become their Datsi they get here.” when she does not have any monk **** At the entrance to the hospital in Guwahati, Northeast India there was this statement at- charms of the girl at the counter.” favourite meeting place. Save the occasional negative customers. “They also tell us never Lao Kao is upcountry Thai rice whisky and tributed to Mahatma Gandhi: “A patient is “Very possible,” quipped Tshering “If we have to catch up with any remark from some people that to sell this restaurant to others.” very similar to our local Ara. It comes in many the most important visitor on our premises. colours and strengths. Sometimes it looks November 27 November 27

2011 The The 2011 Sunday 6 meet the press Journalist Journalist meet the press 7 Sunday Equity and Justice Minimum Sangay Wangchuk - Thimphu to think that everybody has equal power as guaranteed by the constitution and by the law, but being an infant t is easy to understand what justice is. It means fairness, democracy “doesn’t give power to everyone.” impartiality and integrity. But equity is not equality – if it programs and This is because there are people in society who are Iwas, no one would have coined the term in the first place. socially and economically disadvantaged, and unable to But, just like responsibility and accountability, there is a very enjoy the political rights to choose their destiny. thin line between equity and equality. “They are not educated and they don’t have status and Dr Pema Jamtsho, the Minister for Agriculture and Forests they are not important and in short, they don’t have a expanding chances said, “In Bhutan, equity is also seen as equality and people voice,” said the PM. interpret equity and equality as one and the same, which is not “If they are so poor that they have to depend upon day correct.” to day survival, they are also beholden by the people In essence, equity means being treated fairly and in an who have money and property and are then compelled “It is not like an instant noodle. The impartial manner. Over the years, equality has been gradually to sell their votes for a promise of maybe Nu 100 or a rice Geley Gyamtsho - Thimphu moment you deliver you are not going replaced by equity and the reasons are philosophical, social, to see the results,” said Lyonpo Dr. Pema cooker, as most of the people have heard. But that is not uman resource is the most essential economical and political. Gyamtsho, from the Ministry of Agriculture. the economic empowerment that they should really enjoy factor of production because it is Prime Minister Lyonchhen Jigme Y. Thinley said in the 18th “By constructing roads, we cannot stop through a democratic system.” capable of transforming all the other Meet the Press session, “When we talk about justice it is not In order to make these people truly enjoy equity and H people from moving into urban areas, but factors for the betterment of human life and about legal justice and judiciary justice as administered by the by doing so, we can be able to provide more justice, the PM said the government has to raise them out human welfare. judicial system. It is more about social justice and equity and opportunities in the rural areas so that the of poverty and by doing so, this would empower them “Developing and utilizing this resource more in terms of equal access to services, facilities and privileges number of migrants could decrease over the socially, economically and in turn, politically. effectively increases its productivity and that every citizen has equal right to, in accordance with the years,” he said. Meanwhile, the Opposition Leader wrote on his blog: “In its capital value. Thus, human resources letter and an spirit enshrined in the Constitution.” About one sixth of the Bhutan’s population rural Bhutan, the people are undernourished, stunted and development must be one of the leading The PM asked, what is equity for the Bhutanese? “In lives in Thimphu. Researchers have found wasting. In urban Bhutan the people are overweight and objectives on the nation’s development the simplest terms, most of us are becoming richer, more that in 10 years time, more than half obese, and it’s the time to get serious about the equity in agenda” said the Chairman of the Planning comfortable and perhaps even healthier. Though the rich are of Bhutan’s population would be living in the DPT’s Equity and Justice plan.” Commission. now inflicted with all kinds of diseases, including diabetes - urban areas. Equality means ensuring that all competitors begin The government has all along been the disease associated with a sedentary lifestyle - but we are “I think that we will have to continue from one point to touch the ribbons at the other end, conscious of the need for a concerted effort becoming healthier on average. finding a balance in terms of opportunities and equity means ensuring that everybody touches the towards human resource development “However, there is a significant section of our people who and adopt more strategies based on the ribbons at the same time. In the development jargon, throughout Bhutan. might be considered as deprived, and who do not enjoy changing perspectives of the common it is similar to the concept of a balanced economic With most of the government’s so called the equity in terms of access to services. According to the people,” said Lyonpo Khandu Wangchuk. development. minimum programs being successfully assessment carried out by the Planning Commission, 23 percent He further added that the government Its Dzongkha translation – da ngyam da dang den – is implemented, the government is faced with of Bhutanese are still below the poverty line.” will have to focus even more on ensuring the laymen’s mantra. It is invariably understood literally, new challenges of unabated rural to urban The PM said that as we are now a democracy, it would be good and at times mistakenly. the success of minimum program so that migration and villages becoming emptier by the influx is controlled and the process is the day. sustainable. “What we need to bear in mind is that rural The Ministry of Economic Affairs is exerting to urban migration is a natural and also a one of its biggest programs to develop global phenomenon. In 2050, more than 50 cottages and small scale industries in order percent of the human population will have to provide economical opportunities, as well migrated to urban areas but the challenge is as social benefits and employment, in the CDG spending left to the how to distribute social benefits, infrastructure rural sectors. and services in an equitable basis” said “As the rural urban migration is a global Lyonchhen Jigme Y Thinley, during the 18th phenomenon it has to be checked time and Meet the Press session. again and facilitated in such a way the rural Thimphu receives far more attention and capacity and potential are not wasted, and last minute allocation of higher resources because of its at the same time we have the capacity of “As a result, any planning for the CDG is very time large population. the urban areas to absorb the additional Tshering Wangchen - Thimphu consuming and you will not be able to achieve anything “It would not be correct for us to see that the population.” or only spend a very small amount of the total CDG. I rural urban migration as a back firing of the Since the early 1980s, more migrants have t’s been four years since the introduction of Constituency wouldn’t believe anybody plans that way, because he minimum program. We probably are not in tended to work for longer and longer periods Development Grant (CDG) and the government spends Nu knows the procedure takes a long time,” Lyonpo added. the position to measure; we have no idea to in urban areas, and some have migrated I94 million in 47 constituencies every year. One Gewog in Lyonpo’s constituency still doesn’t have how much more migration there is going to The CDG was adopted after repeated proposals received from with their entire families. Some younger a single plan to utilize the CDG. “They are not able to be” said Lyonchhen Jigme Y. Thinley. the then Dzongkhag Yarkey Tsogdu and Geog Yarkey Tsogdey. migrants have no experience in farming, so agree among themselves, and sometimes they don’t keep Today, conditions in Bhutan are very However, it has been rumored that some MPs have not spent within the rules that they had already made.” that they identify much more with urban different from what they were in the sixties. the CDG money deliberately, in order to spend it all in the last Lyonpo explained that, “We can’t go ahead because than rural life. year of their tenure to subtly garner the support of the voters of the procedure and also the manner in which these Over 96 percent of the population has access “Education has not been a problem in my come the elections. programs have to be approved. This is what is taking up to primary health care. Gross primary village where I have studied almost half of The Minister of Economic Affairs, Lyonpo Khandu the time. I would like to assure that nobody would plan enrolment date has reached more than my life time,” said Phuntsho Wangdi, a civil Wangchuk said during the 18th Meet the Press that, “If the to lose votes. This is not a correct notion.” percent. Life expectancy is now 68 years. servant. “The reason why I had to come to MP’s plan in this manner, they will have a serious problem. Meanwhile, Lyonchhen said that, “This could be a The Minimum Programs were the promises Thimphu is because of the few employment We have rules for the utilisation and it is not easy to speed up foolish strategy. We have to remember that no one would made by the DPT to the people in the 2008 opportunities that were available in my implementation. I have had problems in my own constituency be endorsed by the party hierarchy because we all know elections. These goals were reflected in and it has not been easy, despite my best efforts.” village during my time.” there are still a lot of Five year plan activities that are successive national development plans all of He had been unable to fully spend the CDG and will have “Rural life was a hard life,” said another yet to be implemented and completed.” which had a triple focus, i.e. economic growth, to leave it for the last year. Lyonpo said they had to have For one reason or another, there will a great deal of civil servant, Pema Namgay. “Working on a equity and self reliance, emphasizing rural six Gewog meetings, then go to dzongkhag to estimate the CDG activity in the last year before the election, and small family farm, it is difficult to improve costs and only after they has been completed, the budget is both the Dzongkhag and Gewog administrations are development, mass literacy and the provision one’s standard of living.” And so the released. going to be heavily over worked. of the basic needs of the population. migration continues. November 27 November 27

2011 The The 2011 Sunday 8 employment Journalist Journalist domestic Violenece 9 Sunday

Phub Tshering Dekey

iolence against wom- en has been major issue Vand has been on the rise in recent years. The Thimphu Police station recorded 700 cases last year and 400 cases this year regarding domestic violence. These issues arise due to alcohol, jealousy, and misunder- standings, said a police officer from the Women and Child Protection Unit (WCPU). Violence and abuse affect wom- en from all kinds of backgrounds every day. Sometimes, women are attacked by strangers, but most often, they are hurt by people who are close to them. However to solve such nega- tive issues, agencies like Respect, Educate, Nurture and Empower Women (RENEW), the National commission for Women and Children (NCWC) and the Wom- en and Child Protection Unit (WCPU) have been established to make women feel they are not alone. They can be helped. Sangay Dema (name changed) said, “RENEW is my god, RE- NEW saved me from my brutal husband and also changed his Pay: when a deal behavior, and now we are living a happy and smooth life.” It is through awareness pro- grams that RENEW is trying to The Violence lessen such problems and will continue to create as much is not a deal awareness as possible to mini- Tshering Wangchen - Thimphu tend to work.’ While some newspaper owners are fairly diligent about paying their mize such issues. verybody works to earn money so they can survive and the sal- staff on time, others don’t fork over the money until two weeks after the The Community Outrage is still out there ary they receive at the end of the month is the payment made to a official pay day. department director of RENEW, our society. I urge the govern- achieving universal education, ery corner of this country. Where Eperson for the work they have done. That’s the deal. “We never get paid on time and the company always comes up with Dr Meenakshi said, “RENEW has ment and the people of Bhutan halting the spread of HIV/AIDS women’s unpaid work of nurtur- However, if a salary is not paid on time, any employee would feel false promises,” one of the reporters at a private newspaper complained. always helped those survivors to take personal responsibility to and eradicating extreme pov- ing and caring for the family justifiably unsatisfied and feel unmotivated to work harder the following “It is up to the employer to understand the financial situation of the com- and will continue to help them bring an end to violence against erty. and the community is equally month. This is one reason they cannot retain any quality staff. To find an pany, because the company never understands the employees.” and will also encourage more women. If we are to uphold His About 100 students from valued and shared by men.” example, one has to look no further than the private media. Another reporter said, “It’s really frustrating and de motivating to give survivors to come forward for Majesty’s noble vision of Gross Rinchen Kuenphen Primary Bhutan has made progress in With the increase in the number of private newspapers and magazines our best because at the end of every month we face the same financial help.” National Happiness, we must school gathered to celebrate the eliminating violence against in Bhutan, there is plenty of competition apart from the two oldest media constraints, and it’s been like this ever since we joined the company.” Her Majesty the Queen Mother create conductive environment occasion at the RENEW office women and girls by committing outlets, Kuensel and the Bhutan Broadcasting Service (BBS). Sources claim that many reporters have to ask for an advance payment Ashi Sangay Choden Wangchuk, for each individual to live their in Thimphu, where students to pursue women’s empower- Apart from Kuensel, there are nine newspapers in Bhutan, which are just to survive, so they never get a full salary in their hand. After awhile, Goodwill Ambassador to UNFPA life free of violence and free from performed dances, songs and ment and gender equality in the mostly owned by private companies. many capable and talented reporters just quit in frustration as they see in Bhutan and the founder and fear of violence.” short skits to create awareness country through the ratification According to the Labour and Employment Act of Bhutan which was no future in reporting, as the media itself is facing a financial crunch. president of RENEW in her state- This year the global theme was to eliminate violence against of Conventions and Regional drafted in 2007, “A contract of employment shall specify a pay period Meanwhile, people working in state owned media (BBS and Kuen- ment declares, “As we commem- “Leadership of Youth in Prevent- women. Agreements (CEDAW, CRC, of one month or less at the end of which the employer shall pay the em- sel) are paid on time and enjoy a far better infrastructure compared to orate the International Day for ing and Ending Violence against In the statement by UN resi- SAARC Convention on Prevent- ployee his or her wages. In addition, an employer shall pay the employee other media houses. They are provided with more facilities and even the elimination of violence against Women & Girls” and in Bhutan dent Coordinator, Ms. Claire Van ing and Combating Trafficking the wages owing to him or her at the end of the period specified under chance for further training. women, we join the global com- the local theme adopted was der Vaeren, she says, “Violence in Women and Children for Section 118.” “Working as a corporate employee, training opportunities are better munity to rededicate our pledge “UNITE to end violence against against women and girls is a Prostitution. Well, it looks good on paper but the fact is, in some sections of the Bhu- compared to other media houses. When it comes to job security, I think to end violence against women. women”. challenge of pandemic propor- The United Nations System in tanese media this is just not happening. it’s the same. If we don’t work hard they may kick us out, but there are Today and every day, let us The link between violence tion. Globally, up to 70 percent Bhutan will continue to work Most of the employees in the print media do not even have a written definitely more facilities compared to private media houses,” said a march forward collectively with against women and girls and the of women experience physical with the State and non-state ac- contract, and without one, it is impossible for an employee to have any corporation employee. a conviction that without wom- achievement of the Millennium or sexual violence from men in tors to eradicate violence against recourse. Most ‘contracts’ are based on trust. That means a spit and a Bhutan Today went bi- weekly due to money problems. The managing en’s rights there is no human Development Goals (MDGs) is their lifetime – the majority by women by giving attention to handshake. director of the paper claimed he had no choice because the cost of run- rights as all human beings are very clear. The pervasive dis- husbands, intimate partners or prevention, awareness-raising, That’s all very well and brotherly, but at the end of the month many ning a daily paper is extremely high. Likewise, other private newspapers born free and equal in dignity crimination against women and someone they know.’’ engaging men and boys, legal are not getting paid on time and often have to wait a week to 10 days are struggling to survive. and rights. As a progressive na- girls creates major stumbling She also stated, “let us contin- and policy initiatives, domestic for their money, which causes huge problems. There are rents, loans and During the 17th Meet the Press, the Prime Minister pointed out that a tion, it is our social responsibility blocks to achieving rights and ue to work for a society in which violence services, and educa- debts to be paid. And landlords aren’t the most forgiving of people. newspaper’s decision to downsize is made entirely by their own manage- to improve the well-being of the impacts in all the MDGs from inequality based on gender, class tional and empowerment pro- It also creates an attitude of, ‘Well, if you pretend to pay us, we’ll pre- ment and that the government has nothing to do with it. people at all levels and facet of improving maternal health, to and ethnicity is absent from ev- grammes for women and girls. November 27 November 27 November 27 November 27 2011 2011 The 2011 The The 2011 advertSunday advert The JournalistSundayADVERT10 9 Journalist JournalistSunday 10 ADVERT11 JourSundaynalist

Druk Green Power Corporation Punatsangchhu-I Hydroelectric Project Authority & Tala Hydropower Plant Punatsangchhu -II Hydroelectric Project Authority NO.THP/DGPCL/CC/W-2/211/579 Thimphu Bhutan Notice Inviting Tender PHPA/Chief (P&A)13/2011/495 Executive Engineer (Civil), on behalf of Tala Hydropower Plant (THP)/ DGPCL, Rinchentse invites sealed item rate tender from the contractors in Bhutan fulfilling the eligibility qualifications specified herein and in the tender documents for the construction of below Press Release mentioned work. On the very auspicious day of 29th November 2011, the 1200 MW Punatsangdhhu-1 Hydroelectric Project in Wangdue Earnest Money Period of Cost of Tender Eligible Dzongkhag will be achieving its Major construction milestone of critical significance. It will be a step towards the timely completion of Tender No Name of Work Deposit (Nu.) Completion (Nu.) class the Project. Construction of Guest House & 24 (Twenty Four) One of the country’s largest rivers, Punatsangchhu, will be diverted by the project during its lean season (when its discharge is at or EE(c)/Package-XII/2011 associated structures at 1,000,000.00 2500.00 “Large” Months near its minimum) through two large 11m dia, concrete lined diversion tunnels with a total length of 2.7. km (1.4 km +1.3 km). Rinchentse, Tala The completed river diversion arrangement will cater to four seasons of construction time from 2012 monsoon and enable The interested eligible bidders may purchased the tender documents from the office of Executive Engineer (Civil), THP, DGPC, construction of a 136m high concrete gravity dam. The dam complex construction is contracted to a large Indian company, Larsen Rinchentse, Bhutan (Tel. No. 05272829) on any working day from 25.11.2011 to 23.12.2011 on payment of non-refundable fee and Toubro at a contact value of Nu. 12,455 million, and it is going to be one of the most unique and Challenging engineering tasks towards cost of Tender Documents mentioned above through Bank Draft drawn in favor of THP, DGPC, Gedu payable at Bank of in the region. Bhutan, Gedu. The auspicious and important occasion of River Diversion on 29th November 2011 morning will be graced by H.E. Lyonchhen Jigme The completed tender documents along with earnest money deposit will be received in the office of undersigned up to 1500 hrs. Y. Thinley, Hon’ble Prime Minister as the chief Guest along with H.E Lyonpo Khandu Wangchuk , Minister for Economic Affairs & on 26.12.2011 and will be opened on the same day at 1530 hrs in the presence of tender(s) or their authorized representatives who Chairman for both Punatsangchhu-I and II Projects, Lam Neten, Project Authority directors, senior Government officials, concerned may wish to be present, The Agency should deposit the EMD in the form of Demand Draft/Cash Warrant in the name of THP, DGPC, Hon’ble Members of National Council and National Assembly, members of Wangdue & Punakha Gewog Tsogdus. Soon after the Gedu payable at Bank of Bhutan, Gedu. Tender if not accompanied by EMD would be rejected. river Diversion event, Hon’ble Prime Minister and guests will visit both 1200 MW Punatsangchhu-1 and 1020MW Punatsangchhu-II The EMD would not bear any interested. EMD would be forfeited in the event of tender being accepted and contractor failing to Project sites. execute the contract when called upon to do so. These two mega projects under construction comprise 22.2% of the 10,00 MW of Hydropower to be developed by 2020. The THP, DGPC, Gedu reserves the right to reject any or all the request for the purchase of Bidding Documents and will not be bound to Punatsangchhu-II Project includes construction of country’s first Highway Tunnel of 1.5km length. accept the lowest or any other tender, without assigning any reason thereof. Joint Managing Director Executive Engineer (Civil), THP, DGPC, Rinchen Tse

Natural Resource Development Thimphu Thromde Natural Resources Development Corporation Limited Corporation Limited Post Box No-215, Thimphu-11001:Bhutan Second Bhutan Urban Development Project Thimphu Bhutan Royal Government of Bhutan TT/ENGG/(BUDP-II)WB/2011-2012/4538 NRDCL/HQ/HR/02/3601 Thimphu, Bhutan Expression of Interest Vacancy Re-Announcement NRDCL/HQ/PROC-05/2011/3661 For Local Consultant (Sociologist) Applications are invited from interested Bhutanese candidates for immediate employment in NRDCL for the details given below: 1. Executive Secretary, Thimphu Thromde invites applications from eligible Notice Inviting Sealed Quotation Individual Local Consultant for undertaking social related issues to SI.No Position No. Qualification/ Background NRDCL, HQ. Thimphu is pleased to invite sealed infrastructure Development in North Thimphu under the World Bank Project. 1 Unit Manager 2 Class XII + Diploma in Electrical or Mechanical with experience. quotations for supply of office stationeries, 2. The objectives of the assignment are as follows: 2 Accountant 2 Class XII + Diploma in Accounting working dress, safety gears, different size of a. Implementing Resettlement Action Plan new tyres and resold tyres. The last date for the Stone Crusher b. Implementing/Monitoring Social Impact Assessment 3 4 Class XII + 1 year training or Class X + 2 years (VTI trained with electrical & mechanical Background) submission of the quotation is on 21.12.2011 at 2 3. The interested individual consultants must provide the following Operator pm and will be opened on the same day at 3 pm information indicating that they are qualified to perform the serves: 4 Security Guard 1 Ex-armed personnel (should not be more than 45 years of age) in the NRDCL Conference hall. a. Resume/CV b. Citizenship ID Copy The detailed Terms and conditions may be Interested candidates may submit applications along with the following documents to HR Section, NRDCL, and HQ. Post Box 192, c. Security clearance certificates Thimphu, latest by th before collected from the Finance Section, NRDCL HQ d. No objection certificate if employed. 9 December 2011 5:00 PM. upon payment of Nu. 500/-(Non refundable) e. Expected remuneration per month 1. Curriculum Vitae. w.e.f. 28.11.2011 during office hours. 4. A consultant will be selected in accordance with the procedures 2. Academic Transcripts. For detail please contact the Procurement Unit, set out in the World Bank’s Guidelines: Selection and employment 3. Copy of Citizenship Identity Card. of consultants by Bank Borrowers, available at www.worldbank.org/ 4. NRDCL HQ, at Telephone No.323834/323868 procedure. Medical Fitness Certificate (latest). Extn No. 5. Security Clearance Certificate (latest). 108 5. Preferred qualification Dy. General Manager a. Bachelors Degree (Sociology) or 6. No Objection Certificate, if employed. Adm & Finance Division b. General graduates with relevant experiences 7. Experience Certificates. 6. The duration of the assignment shall be 1 year 8. Any other relevant documents. 7. Expression of Interest must be delivered on or before December 16, Only the selected candidates will be call for the selection interview, the date & time for which will be announced at a later date 2011 at the address below. through media and also posted on the NRDCL website. Aa-Yang Music School 8. Interested consultants may obtain further information at the address Registration open for Winter Music Program given below from 09.00-16.00 hours on all working days. For Further information please contact the HR Section, NRDCL HQ, and Thimphu at Tel.No. 323834/328959 (Ext.No. 107 or 140) at Aa-Yang Music School. For details contact Project Coordination World Bank Project Engineering DivisionThimphuThrom during office hours. deFax:02331954 Mobile:17601601 :77305005 17110979/17600238 Executive Secretary NRDCL Management November 27 NovemberNovember 27 27 November2011 27

2011 The TheThe Sunday2011 2011 The 13 SundaySunday 12 education Journalist Journalist low income life 1313 Sunday Exam Time: Hopes, Fears and Realities Hanging on and living cheap

Geley Gyamtsho - Thimphu everything becomes more expensive it becomes a daily challenge just to cope. For people like Karma, poverty is not a disgrace, but it’s hen most people suffer, it is usually away from the cam- damned inconvenient. eras and the media, so when a middle aged woman called The recent inflation figure is 8.33 percent and driven by the in- WZangmo saw a homeless man begging outside a restaurant crease in food prices up to 10.56 percent and non-food prices by 7.12 in the capital, she instinctively bought him a plate of momos. percent. There’s nothing unusual about that, except that Zangmo is also Many members of low-income families no longer eat meals togeth- homeless and the Nu 35 she paid for the momos was a considerable er on a regular basis. “I always have something light for breakfast, chunk of the Nu 200 she earns every day for cleaning houses. That not because I am on a diet, but just one way I can save money,” said isn’t a salary. In fact, it’s almost an insult. The point is, with little to Bikash Roy, a mechanic. “I never make it home for lunch so most live on, these people have little to live for. of the time I skip it and get home for dinner.” he said. He has a wife If the generosity of poor people to one another isn’t so much rare as and two kids to support. hardly noticed, then the vast numbers of low-income earners strug- Meanwhile, high house rents in the capital are already having a gling to make ends meet seem almost invisible by comparison. serious impact on low income groups. “If something doesn’t change Keeping up with the bills, paying outrageous rents, and trying to soon, we won’t be able to pay the rent at all, which will force us to raise children with a chance of a half-decent future, low income move out of Thimphu,” said Dorji Khandu, another government families are having a very tough time even keeping a toe hold on the driver. “There seems to be nothing to hold on to, except the hope of a economic realities they face. better future.’’ A survey conducted by The Journalist found the realities harsh and For an office worker like Pema Namgay, with a the usual basic sal- the conclusions grim among the drivers, road sweepers, mechanics, ary of Nu 4,000, even a 100 percent hike would give him just Nu Tsundu Dorji - Thimphu hope of getting into Sherubtse ment is more important that con- advantages of one course over office workers and the house cleaners we spoke to. All had children, 8,000. With Provident Fund deductions he might be able to take College.” Another student Class tinuing their studies – even those another or the distinct features of and all reported that life is becoming increasingly hard and every home about Nu 7,000 a month. ith the most impor- XII science student at Zhemgang who score excellent marks. a particular course beforehand. parent has great difficulty putting their children first as their priority. “I am lucky. I live with my sister. A monthly salary of Nu 7,000 tant exams in their High School wants to acquire a This decision may well be a A more serious problem is the In order to meet the needs of providing for their children, many would not be enough when most apartments in Thimphu cost way Wentire lives starting scholarship in engineering with matter of regret in the near fu- sheer number of Class X students parents are now in considerable debt. As a result, the children often over Nu 5,000,” he said. very soon, most class X and pure maths being his favourite ture, as their lives could be spoilt who are about to take the Bhutan see adults under stress and arguing, which, although a valuable edu- According to the Prime Minister, Lyonchhen Jigmi Y Thinley during XII students are busy with last subject. by a single mistake. Certificate of Secondary Exami- cation, can deeply affect their own sense of security. the seventh Meet the Press session, there seems to be “no immedi- minute cramming and revising. Tashi Dorji, a class X student Irrespective of their family, nation (BCSE-class X). Government drivers are paid a monthly salary ranging from Nu ate solution” to the skyrocketing house rents but given the pace of Both classes know they need to at Motithang High School who social or cultural background, The fact is, many of these 5,000 to Nu 6,000. For extra cash they drive taxis when they are off construction, housing in Thimphu may help those looking to rent in perform well. This is crunch time wakes up at 4 am and studies till all students ought to have the students are still quite immature duty, which can earn them anywhere between Nu 4,000 to Nu 6,000 the future. But promises about the future tend to change and rarely on many levels. late at night, is hoping to gain a best chance in life, and there is both mentally and physically, a month after fuel expenses and maintenance. meet expectations. For Class X students, their marks scholarship outside the country no heavier burden in life than which will make it difficult for “It is impossible to support my family without taking a loan from The Journalist visited a poor cobbler, who was industriously engaged will decide what stream they will so that he can study Science, and unrealised potential. them to make the right decisions a bank. In doing so, our monthly salary is reduced to Nu 3,000 from in fastening a new sole onto a leather shoe. take during the next academic one day become a doctor. Some students said that choos- for their immediate future. the basic salary of Nu 8,000,” said= Dorji Khandu, a government “It is getting harder and harder to make ends meet these days year; for Class XII, their results Likewise, Deki Choden is aim- ing the right discipline of study By and large, those who secure driver. and you feel so much pressure when you have mouths to feed,” he will determine the future direc- ing for the Commerce stream and in class XI is very important for good marks will be fine but those “Debt and loans are an everyday part of my life considering the low moaned. tion of their life. wants to become a teacher. one’s career and this is where whose marks do not measure up income my work pays me,” said Karma Dorji, another government He makes between Nu 3,000 to Nu 6,000 a month. Adding to his A teacher of Samtse Dzong- Thinley Phuntsho is hoping they need extra support and for higher studies will have some driver. troubles were a mound of uncollected shoes, which were eating into khag, “The students will be able to qualify for the Royal Bhutan guidance. tough choices to make. This is “At the end of the month, with the bank loan already deducted his income. to perform well if they have put Institute of Technology and wants Khandu Pema, a former teacher also where teachers, parents and from my small salary, I barely have enough money to feed my fam- Some customers only collect their repaired shoes towards the end of extra effort in their studies.” to become an engineer, otherwise, said, “Parents, teachers and, of counsellors must all play a sup- ily. Then I still have to pay back other money that I owe people, so the month when they receive their salary. Sangay Dorji, another teacher he will end up having to repeat a course the students themselves, porting role. we are left struggling for the entire month, and it doesn’t stop there.’’ “Others just never come back..” Omar said. in Samtse, said that it is “high year in one of the private schools. should know their ability in Once the results are declared, Karma is hoping to invest in an Alto car to use as a taxi to earn ex- Although basic financial assistance programs are available from time students concentrate very “If my parents can’t afford each subject and their ambitions online applications for admis- tra income. But even if he manages to get a loan to buy the car, there the government, as well as a few private organizations, receiving hard on their studies. Play can it, I will do a computer course before choosing a stream. They sion into secondary and tertiary won’t be much extra cash. Firstly, anything he earns will simply go help can be a humbling experience. come later.” in Phuentsholing,” said Tashi should also be both honest with education programmes will be- towards paying the loan, and secondly, the income of taxi drivers has It is not what a government does, it is how they proceed to do it Dorji, a class XII student at Lhamo, who considers himself themselves and realistic.” gin. For these students, it will be dropped dramatically as there is now so much competition. that matters. And, if a free society cannot help the many who are Yangchenphug High School in ‘just average’ in studies. As many appear confused over a crucial turning point in their “In life, even being frugal is simply not enough to meet your fi- poor it cannot save the few who are rich; but if a free society is mutu- Thimphu, said he feels tense and For some students, particularly exactly which stream to focus life – and the first tentative steps nancial obligations and everyone I know must look for ways to earn ally supportive, it can be jointly productive. There is still much work under pressure but thinks he those from disadvantaged family on, it is vital for the teachers towards a career. extra cash,” he said. to be done and done fast. has done enough. “I have every backgrounds, finding employ- and counsellors to explain the For all of these people, this is life, it is not a rehearsal and as November 27 November 27 November 27 2011 2011 The The 2011 Sunday Sunday Journalist Journalist Sunday The 14 Journalist 14 15 15 Women: Time To Fulfill Their True Potential

The Prime Minister, Lyonchen Jigme Y. Thinley said, “I was very unhappy “This is not about men versus women, nor about losing or winning. It’s over the women’s results in local government election.” about women putting themselves out to test their determination. It is also The PM also said that Druk Phuensum Tshogpa (DPT) will try to attract as about breaking the cycle of the stereotype tradition in society and coming many women as possible in next election as per the qualification and eligibil- out of the closet with an attitude and determination of feeling their presence ity criteria. and importance at the decision making level, and reaching out to everyone across the board.” There is no denying that Bhutanese women have had a late start compared to men in terms of education with the percentage of women completing To encourage women’s participation in elections, the ECB includes both gen- higher education picking up only in the recent years. ders in all the documents within the legal framework. What’s more, Bhutan is a traditional society where women are tasked with Starting with the Local Governments, the ECB also included gender sen- the primary responsibility for family and home, and the need to generate sitivity as an integral part of the voter education program and agenda to income leaves little room for the time, inspiration or ambition to participate promote the public’s perception of women as candidates and leaders. in public life or to rise up in the world of business. “The ECB facilitates and ensures the integrity of the process, but the respon- The National Council Member Tshewang Lhamo of Chukkha Constituency sibility to promote and nominate women candidates for contesting election said, “I see so many potential women in our society to play a greater role in ultimately rests upon the political parties (for National Assembly) and the politics and national level decision making. But we need to change the way electorate (for National Council and Local Governments),” said Deki Pema. women perceive themselves and the way men perceive women and their role It is not just in politics and the civil service that women lag behind but also in society, and that can only be done through education. Women also need to in the world of business. The most prominent women in business are two sis- change the way they feel so that they themselves can push or go forward and ters Aum Phub Zam, the proprietor of Yarkay Group of companies, and Aum say, “Yes we can!” Dago Bidha the proprietor of Etho Metho Group of Companies. They have Election Commissioner, Deki Pema said, “It should also be pointed out that really carved an important niche in a man’s world. while numbers matter, it is also important that those women already elected The irony of the situation is that girls score just as highly in school exams to office or holding positions in public view excel themselves so as to firmly as boys do, so why aren’t they using their talents to make their own mark in anchor the trend of women in leadership roles.’’ Bhutan today? She added that participation by women in the recent Local Government The answer is that they are still beholden to the traditional thinking that elections as voters was certainly a satisfactory turnout. dominates society. Girls grow up, get married, and raise a family. The man “There is an indication that women are coming up,” says Tshewang brings home the money. Lhamo. “Lately, we saw interested women candidates participating in the Perhaps females need to believe more in themselves, broaden their horizons local government election and it didn’t matter to them whether they won or and understand that there is nothing actually preventing them from becom- lost, it was the participation that counted the most to them. ing anything they want to be. In fact, the government is encouraging them “We will see more women coming forward to participate in such areas in to go out and fulfill their potential. the future. I would like to emphasize here that we really need to trust our Realising that everything is possible is the first step to making an idea come women and their determination. to life.

Phub Tshering Dekey In Afghanistan, one fourth of the parliament seats are permanently reserved for women representatives. However, Karma Damcho Nidup hy are only a handful of women striving to said filling the quota just for the sake of filling empty seats “may not be reach the same heights that men have enjoyed for for the best if the women are not capable of doing the job.” What’s more, Wso long? there are always plenty of critics who are happy to see them fail. That’s Although women in Bhutan represent close to 50 percent politics. of the population, out of 72 seats in parliament just 10 are This is a shrewd observation, as very few women actually vote for occupied by women. female candidates, while husbands and fathers also play a role in influ- Even though Bhutan has liberalized equal rights, irrespec- encing their choice. tive of gender, very few women seem interested in either Meanwhile, in the judiciary, there is not a single woman in the Su- the challenge of leadership or a senior role in politics and preme Court except for one judge, Drangpon Tashi Chhozom, in the business. high court. One reason is the collective perception of themselves. Out of 23,170 civil servants, only 7,326 are female. A ratio of 3-1. Most Bhutanese women just don’t think they are capable There are nine female civil servants at the executive level, nine spe- enough to enter and take on men in the political and busi- cialists, 3,717 in professional and management departments, 3,162 in ness arenas. This negative approach has prevented women supervisory and support and 429 in operational areas. from taking part in both national level decision making and In fairness, the ratio of women in the civil service is less than men creating a career for themselves. because during the initial period of development in the country, only This negative perception is surely misplaced as women boys only went to school because they could bear the physical stress, but have proved themselves to be eminently capable and just as as access and other facilities improved girls also began attending class. intelligent and sometimes even better educated than their Since then, they have often outshone boys at every academic level. male counterparts. The Commissioner of Royal Civil Service Commission (RCSC) P.M Prad- National Council member, Karma Damcho Nidup said, han said, “Gender has nothing to do with enrolling people in the civil “There are no short cuts to enable Bhutanese women to play service. It is purely merit based. There is no provision to credit simply a greater role in politics unless it is an interim measure.” being male or female.” She reasoned that “it is mainly due to the way Bhutanese There are some encouraging signs, however, because over the years the have been brought up as most people think women can number of female civil servants has been increasing. only manage homes and bring up children,” and this think- Meanwhile, the local government election held in June this year saw ing is still well entrenched in 21st Century Bhutan. less than 10 percent women candidates contesting for the election. women’s issues November 27 November 27 2011 2011 Sunday 16 National Conversion JourThe nalist JourThe nalist hydro power 17 Sunday National Conversations Powering Meet your MP Into The Future

Tshering Wangchen - Thimphu total, there are 5,400 people working on phase one – 3,900 are Indian, 1,500 are Bhutanese including contractors. en new hydro projects have been selected by the Government of As of Punatsangchhu Phase 2, there are 346 authorities involved in India and the Royal Government of Bhutan with the ambitious the project, of which 306 are Bhutanese and 40 are Indian. All together, Tplan of generating 10,000 megawatts (MW) by 2020 under the there are 1,900 workers, of which 1,240 are Indian and 660 are Bhuta- Framework Agreement. nese. Six projects will be developed bi-laterally by the two governments and Regarding the displacement of villages along the Punatsangchhu the remaining four through joint ventures by the government corpora- Phase 1, 130 acres of land have been bought from private individuals, tions of the two countries, with Druk Green representing Bhutan’s side. with rest being government land. Between 30 to 45 acres are on lease The ten projects are Punatsangchhu I, Punatsangchhu II, Mangdechhu, return basis. Sunkosh Storage (main dam), Kuri-Gongri, Amochhu Storage, Wangch- Nu 130 million was paid in compensation to land owners and the hu Storage, Bunakha Storage, Khorlongchhu and Chamkharchhu. project has also been given clearance for 595 acres of government land, Apart from the 10,000 MW initiatives, Druk Green has also initiated which is mostly barren. several small-medium projects of its own on a public private partnership During the 18th Meet the Press session, the Minister of Economic Affairs basis. (MoE), Lynopo Khandu Wangchuk commented on the Punatshangchhu The total energy expected to be produced in Bhutan by 2020 will be land acquisition, saying that the procedure to acquire land both private approximately 15,000 MW including the present four operating power own and government owned is in accordance with the Land Act. Karma Lhamo of Mongar constituency Norub Wangzom from the Jomotshangkha-Martshala constituency, plants. Mongar Samdrup Jongkhar However, Lyonpo added that the project has no authority to decide on At present, Druk Green Power Corporation Limited (DGPCL) operates the issues of the land replacement and compensation. Interviewed by Phub Tshering Dekey Interviewed by Tshering Wangchen and maintains the Chhukha hydro power plant (336 Megawatts), Ku- “It is the Dzongkhag administration and the Land Commission who richhu (60 MW), Basochhu (64 MW) and Tala (1020 MW) plants with a decides these matters.” total generating capacity of 1,480 MW. What has been your biggest achievement as an MP so far? What has been your biggest achievement as an MP so far? Furthermore, the project has decided to give 10,000 units of free electric- Raising the voice of women and children in the legislation process and achiev- I now know my roots better. In 2010, Druk Green generated 7304.52 Gigawatt hours (GWh) of elec- ity for every acre of land or an equivalent amount of money, if people ing 70 percent of my campaign pledges. What has been your biggest frustration or failure since you joined politics? tricity, out of which 5705.60 GWh was exported to India, and 1628.03 wish. Lyonpo also said that if both the house and the land has to be What has been your biggest frustration or failure since you joined politics? So far so good. For this, I would like to express my sincerest gratitude to all the GWh was sold to the Bhutan Power Corporation for domestic consump- acquired, the affected family will be also given employment in addition When my pledges of relocation and up gradation of Tsamang and Tshakaling LG members and the Dzongkhag administration. tion. to the free electricity. Primary schools couldn’t be incorporated in 10FYP. As a legislator, what has been your biggest triumph? Hydro energy production is seasonal. During the winter months Bhu- This year, the Bhutan Power Corporation (BPC) has purchased As a legislator, what has been your biggest triumph? I am now more acquainted with the various acts of the country tan still has to import electricity from India as the energy generated is 1375.319023 MU from DGPC for domestic consumption and exported Making the laws gender neutral. How close are you to fulfilling the promises you made to your constituency not enough. This is because during the rivers run low and generating 4905.42 MU up to the end of October, 2011. The DGPC will be supplying How close are you to fulfilling the promises you made to your constituency in 2008? hydro power depends entirely on the power and levels of water flow. 1730 MU to the BPC until December 31. in 2008? Approximately 70 percent Every year, the maximum power generation of electricity is during the Meanwhile, the Mangdechhu hydro plant has the capacity of generat- The farm road construction and mobile connectivity is already achieved. Elec- Do you welcome the prospect of having more political parties in 2013? monsoon season. In 2010, the DGPC produced maximum energy output ing 720 MW. tricity, RWSS, irrigation channels are 70 percent done. Yes. The more the merrier. during July with 138.756 million units for domestic consumption. Do you welcome having more political parties in 2013? Currently, there are a total of 131 engineers working on the project; 22 Is the media fulfilling its role as a vital pillar of democracy? DGPC has to import electricity from India during December, January, from India and the rest from Bhutan. There are also 71 foreign workers Yes. More political parties would offer more choice to the voters. I am not sure, but at least I sense them trying. February and March. However, once the Punatsangchhu (Phase I) is with one Indian contractor, who employs five Bhutanese. Is the media fulfilling its role as a vital pillar of democracy? completed in 2016, it is highly likely that Bhutan will no longer have to In the eyes of the public, has the image of MPs improved? A total of Nu 1120 million was paid to local contractors for the con- The Bhutanese media is trying and doing its best but still have a room for the import electricity. I should be asking the same question to you. Not all things that you see or hear improvement. They should also impart true information. struction of roads and housing colonies, and 80 percent of construction are believable. In the last few years I have learnt that people can be deceiving This winter, DGPC has projected that Bhutan will need to import 162.44 of the approach roads are almost complete. The colony building has Has the image of MPs improved in the eyes of the public? too. MU, which will cost over Nu 302 million. already begun. It might take some time to understand and realize the roles of MPs. Do we need more competent MPs in 2013? According to the Department of Energy (DoE), the Tala hydro power Nu 889.31 million was also paid to both Indian and Bhutan service Do we need more competent MPs in 2013? Even though I don’t see anything that reflects incompetency with the pres- plant is selling electricity to India at the rate of Nu. 1.8 per unit; providers. MPs should be competent to raise the people’s voice both in and out of the par- ent MPs, we are in our infancy and are equally maturing with the democratic Chhukha at Nu. 2 per unit and Kuriuchhu at Nu. 2 per unit, while power “After the completion of the project in February 2012, whatever Bhutan liament, as well as being approachable to the people. system. from the Basochhu plant is entirely for domestic consumption. Are Ministers underpaid and over-worked? Are Ministers underpaid and over-worked? requires will be used and rest will be exported to India,” said Chencho In regards to the loans Bhutan received from India, the upper stage of Tshering, the Joint Managing Director of Mangduechhu. Looking at their important roles and responsibilities, they should be paid a little All employees are underpaid and over-worked. Going by the present experi- Basochhu hydro plant (24MW) will be paid off by December 2025, and higher than present. The total cost of Punatsangchhu Phase 1 is Nu 35,148 million which ences in other countries, we are all overpaid and underworked. the lower stage (40MW) will be cleared by December 2024. Are MPs overpaid and under-worked? Are MPs overpaid and under-worked? includes a 60 percent loan at 10 percent interest and a 40 percent grant. Meanwhile, the Tala hydro plant will be paid for by December 2018 One should step in to the MPs shoes and only then would they realize. I have just answered that question The total cost of Phase 2 will be Nu 37,778 million, which includes a 70 and the Kurichhu hydro plant by December 2015. percent loan at 10 percent interest and a 30 percent grant. Has Bhutanese democracy matured in the last four years? Has Bhutanese democracy matured in the last four years? Till date, the cost of Punatsangchhu (Phase 1) amounts to Nu 16,000 Democratization itself is a long process, it might take many years to mature, but Democracy is a process. But we all have to understand is that the present gov- Lastly, the total cost of Mangdechhu hydro project will be Nu 28,963 million and the expenditure of Phase 2, Nu 1,900 million. Currently, it’s definitely improving. ernment has left no stone unturned since coming to power. million with a loan of 70 percent at 10 percent interest and a 30 percent there are 879 official workers; 702 are nationals and 177 are Indian. In grant. NovemberNovember 27 27 November 27

2011 TheThe The 2011 18SundaySunday 18 focus Journalistist Journalist religion 19 Sunday

Brown Parrotbill Through the lens of Asha Kezang Gomchen

Paradoxornis unicolor Brown Parrotbill feeds mainly on seeds, Tradition grass and bamboo shoots to which their bill is suitably adapted. Living in tropical to southern temperate climates, they are usually non-migratory. Size: 21 cm Is Dying Habitat: Reed beds and bamboo groves Ugyen Dorji – Trashigang Paradoxically, such a necessity has failed to sustain, let alone Location: Koshala, Trongsa omchens (lay priests) encourage, the institution of are in rapid decline in the gomchen. Its dying trend is August, 2011 Gsome rural communi- attributed to the social, political, ties in the East and some people and economic changes that have are apprehensive that the trend followed the country’s moderniza- might lead to the irreparable ero- tion efforts. sion of their spiritual and cultural Long before money became foundations. the overriding feature of the Phegpari-Bongzor under Trashi- Bhutanese economy, there was gang Thrimshing, a chiwog com- a time when gomchens were prising of more than 70 house- highly regarded for their services holds, has barely four registered to society. They enjoyed offerings gomchens of which only two are of food from the community and full-fledged. sometimes exemption of labor Further east, in a desperate contributions for communal de- move to keep the waning gom- velopment activities. chen tradition alive, Pasaphu un- But in the face of waning labour der Kangpar gewog has resorted contribution systems, and increas- to giving religious training to ing consumption of imported themselves. toll on the gomchen tradition is seven, middle-aged, illiterate men foods, the prerogative of exemp- Disheartened by the meager the focus on modern education. from the village. tion from labor and offerings of monetary returns for their services Sending every child of a school- “If we don’t respond to this is- local food appear to have failed or their dismal societal status in going-age to school has taken the sue urgently, it will have serious to serve as an effective stimula- rural societies, others who contin- form of a state policy, just as it implications for our community,” tion for the occupation. ue their religious pursuits migrate has become a social norm. said Tsozin Tenzin of Pasaphu, Asked why he does not want to to urban cities like Thimphu and Although her father is a gom- under whose guidance the seven devote his life to being a gom- Phuentsholing where they can chen, Sangay Lhamo, 29, a moth- men in his village are being chen, one of the young registered make a fair amount of money. er of three from Warmrong Khar- trained. learner gomchens of Phegpari- An old gomchen from Pasaphu, phu, feels her children should not “Without gomchens, who will Bongzor said, “These days, you who has been doing rounds in end up becoming a gomchen and perform rimdros (healing rituals) cannot survive as a gomchen. I Thimphu for the last five years, go to school instead. “These days for the sick, funerals for the dead, find working with my chainsaw said that he earns at least Nu 300 everyone wants their children to or conduct tshechus (festivals) in far better,” he said, relating how to Nu 500 a day for his religious be educated,” she said. our Lhakhang?” he asks, add- he became better-off after he services, which is far more than Amid these changes, the once- ing that such social functions are started working as a wood-cutter what he gets back in his village. flourishing institution of gomchen indispensable to the rural way of he bought. He said he rarely gets a day off to is seen to be falling apart irreme- life. “Without spiritual influence, For him, the money he earns take rest. diably, leaving some rural com- our society will not prosper, even from working with his chain- According to him, the respect munities in the East wondering, economically.” saw is the only key to a decent gomchens once commanded in what will happen to them when The role of the gomchen is survival. the rural societies is now gone. the last of gomchens disappear? widely acknowledged to be crucial Like him, many gomchens are They have now become mere Meanwhile, in Pasaphu, age has for the spiritual and cultural well- seen to be venturing into eco- objects of criticism. The nominal rendered the old batch of gom- being of rural communities. nomically rewarding pursuits like labour exemptions and the little chens incapable of their services, In his article “The Positive running small shops or working customary offerings of food they and the aging, learner-gomchens Impact of Gomchen Tradition on at construction sites to meet the get occasionally are, more often are yet to show any sign of prog- Achieving and Maintaining Gross monetary obligations posed by than not, met with complaints ress. With none of the youth in National Happiness”, Khenpo their growing household expen- from the people. this village interested in pursuing Phuntsho Tashi, Director, Nation- ditures. “The only instances gomchens the occupation, Tsozin Tenzin al Museum of Bhutan, Paro ob- Of late, a significant number are respected are when someone does not hold out much hope in serves that “The Gomchen advises of “functionally literate” gom- in the village falls ill or when their struggle to keep the tradition and provides spiritual services on chens in rural communities have somebody is dead,” he said. “Oth- alive. almost any aspect of life includ- found a perfect opportunity to erwise, you are criticized even for “Things might work but only if ing education, family relations, forgo their religious pursuits for working in the construction sites the government intervenes. It’s marriage, birth, death, business, financially and socially reward- to earn some money for your the last possible remedy,” said healing, and even farming from ing political posts in the local living.” Tsozin. planting to harvest”. governments, after deregistering But what has taken the greatest November 27 November 27, 2011 2011 The The Sunday 20 film Journalist Journalist leisure 21 Sunday

Last week solution Cryptic Across

5 Stop and fire (3,3) 6 Concerning inside information going to Eastern writer (6) Good Girls 9 Nation embraces popular foreign dramatist (6) 10 They examine the pupils (8) 11 Not the gardener’s favourite little number (4) 12 Correction as part of learning (10) 13 Well organised part of the barracks (7,4) 18 To borrow money then move away is risky (5-3-2) love 21 Metal press (4) 22 Group of men in pursuit of a mate (5,3) 23 Organised raid in backstreet exposes Chinese criminals (6) 24 Spanish gooseberry (6) playing 25 Frenchwoman forced to take in a French man (6)

Down Sudoku Last week solution Bad Guys 1 Solid block of cars (8) 2 A venue for a match away from home (6) 3 One providing a deal for the better (8) 4 Account that is allowed to run on to attract interest? (6) 5 Packed and ready to go off (6) 7 No more wine — that’s the limit (6) 8 Sit and canoodle, form bond together (11) 14 Passing of time in pleasing fashion (8) 15 The prototype of a girl in love, perhaps (8) 16 Used a club building provided by the company (6) 17 A way to cook eggs — divine in cabbage (6) Sonam Dekey - Bumthang her character. At the time of the ant look and even went to the are not able to grasp that ‘Reel 19 Baby lettuce gets planted (6) screening, she was contesting for extent of spitting and making hor- life’ and real life are poles apart.” 20 What one spends won’t be in deposit (6) hutanese filmgoers the reality singing show Super rible comments behind her back. According to Tshering, the rural don’t especially warm to fe- Star. The experience was too much population believes whatever is Bmales playing negative roles “She did well, but the character and she finally gave up acting in shown on screen to be true, while but the actors see it as a challenge. was so negative it became difficult negative roles. She believes that the urban population understands To many people, only guys for the audience to overlook and those vicious comments affected the difference between the fact should play the bad guys. Women support her during the show,” one her. and fiction. Last week solution shouldn’t, as it leaves a bad im- filmgoer said. An army official, who is also “They should appreciate and Quick pression on females. “When it came to Dechen Zam’s big movie lover, said he has seen welcome those negative characters Across Down Soni Choki doesn’t seem to character in the SHS, it was awe- many people gossiping or bitching with open arms, just as they do so 1 Small North Atlantic flatfish (3) mind. “I always love it when some and I think no one else about negative role actors. “I don’t for the positive ones. It is so good 1 Piece of bedroom furniture (8,5) people hate me in a negative role. 8 Tending to float (7) 2 Wearing down (7) could have done justice to that understand why these people are to see that many of our actors, 3 Aquatic bird (4) Such reactions mean that I did 9 Edict (anag) (5) role. She did a great job and with- acting illiterate. It doesn’t make whether they play positive or 4 (In soccer) kick the ball between an justice to the part.” She says she 10 Turn (over) — impudent (4) out her playing that part, where sense talking bad about actors negative roles, they have succeed- 11 Novice (8) opponent’s legs (6) much prefers these kinds of roles would the spice and the drama when everybody knows that it’s ed in becoming good actors. This 13 Payment demanded for someone’s 5 Clever — prudent (8) rather than the romantic parts - be in the movie?” said Kuenzang just a fictitious performance. We shows that our film industry is release (6) 6 Place a wager (3,2) and is always ready for them. Lhaden, a business woman. should appreciate it; because of making drastic improvements and 14 Israelite leader famous for his 7 Staying power (9) “I have to work harder for such She added that Dechen Zam them we are entertained. Such climbing the ladder of success. strength (6) 10 Absent-minded (9) characters and find the best should be greatly appreciated roles are like an eye opener and it Today’s teen heartthrob, Tshering 17 Improved in quality — made 12 Musical piece for soloist(s) and or- angles to showcase my negative because she has already proved makes us think twice how things Phuntsho said that he first started wealthy (8) chestra (8) image just to make it look real so herself to be great actor in any can be in our personal lives if we his acting career in a negative role 19 Initial stake in a poker game (4) 15 Timepiece (7) 16 Period of instruction (6) that the viewers enjoy the film, given role and at such a young act negatively.” and it took him nine more movies 21 Stylishness (5) 18 Prepared (5) because if the audience does not age too. Tshering Wangmo, studying to be accepted by the audience in 22 Contagious skin infection (7) enjoy it then what’s the use of 24 Speak dictatorially (3,4,3,3) 20 Whip (4) Dechen Zam was not available medicine at University of Science their hearts. 23 Noticed — tool (3) working so hard? I try to make for comment. and Technology in Bangladesh, “But those who know me say sure the audience can get lost in Tshering Yangchen, Revenue Of- said that without the negative I shouldn’t give up acting the the character.” ficer, RRCO in Phuntsholing said roles, no movies would be interest- negative characters. They feel that Although some young fans and that “I just don’t like the charac- ing. “Those negative characters I do very well in that area, and I relatives told her not to accept ter she played, but that doesn’t are the main spice in a movie. I personally feel the same.” He also such roles she explained that mean I dislike her off screen. It’s like those kind of roles, they grab revealed he will be playing the Dilbert playing the negative character a natural feeling, and no offence all the attention.” bad guy for his upcoming project. is often the strongest role in any meant.” Film Director Tshering Wangyal After receiving an overwhelm- film. However, people’s unpleasant said that negative character is as ing positive response after her first To Choki, every role is always remarks can have an effect and equally important as the others. If film debut in Sem Hingi Sangtam, challenging. “Being able to play some actors are very sensitive to a movie consists of only the hero, Yeshey Choden said, “I want to be each and every role with full jus- criticism. heroine, comedians and others known for my work, not for any tice; that’s what I call a real actor A real incident happened to one without any kind of negativity, particular identity as a good posi- and I am going to give my best to actress who had played many suspense or the ability to thrill, tive character actor. I have to ex- become one.” negative roles in Bhutanese films. then the twist in the tale will be periment with different roles. I am After watching one of the latest She was never able to walk down missing. It is a challenge for those new to the industry and haven’t Bhutanese movies, “Sem Hing Gi the street as an ordinary person. actors who take up such roles and received any such roles, but if I Sangtam” (SHS), which featured The moment people caught sight some of them do it very well. was ever offered a good negative Dechen Zam in a negative role, of her, they gave her an unpleas- He said, “I feel that some people role, I wouldn’t say no.” some viewers were divided over November 27 November 27 November 27 November 27 2011 2011 2011 The The 2011 The advert Sunday The JournalistSundayADVERT22 22 SundayJournalist Journalist ad23vert ADVERT23 Sunday Journalist

Dungsam Polymers Limited Thimphu Thromde Nganglam Bhutan Post Box No-215 DPL/TEN-DOC-05/2011/ 253 Thimphu-11001:Bhutan Notice Inviting Tender No.TT/ENGG/(BUDO-II)2011-2012/4537 Dungsam Polymers Limited is pleased to invite sealed tenders from Bhutanese and Non-Bhutanese contract licensed holders for Second Bhutan Urban Development Project fabric cutting, valve making, stitching and printing of PP bag in Finishing Department. Expression of Interest For Local Consultant (sewerage Engineer) Sl. No Name of Works Contract Category EMD/Bid Security Cost of Tender Period of contract 1. Executive Secretary, Thimphu Thromde invites application from eligible Individual Local Consultants for Fabric cutting, valve making, stitching 1 120,000.00 undertaking sewerage related works to infrastructure Development in North Thimphu under the World Bank Project. and printing of PP bags Eligible Contractor Nu. 300/- 3 years 2. The objectives of the assignment are as follows. The tender documents with detail terms and conditions for above works can be purchased from the office of Dungsam Polymers a. Assist Engineering Division, Thimphu Thromde in implementing the physical component of BUDP-II. It is also intended rd rd Limited at Nganglam during office hours (8:30 am to 5:30pm) from 3 December to 23 , 2011 along with written application to to ensure that designs are adhered to and quality and safeguard parameters, as required by the Government of Bhutan above office with photo copies of valid Contract License and Tax Clearance Certificate. and World Bank are compiled with .Also, this consultancy is expected to result in skills transfer by ensuring close work- The tender may be delivered by hand or by registered post in sealed envelopes and received by the DPL, Nganglam no later than ing relations among the consultants and Thimphu Thormde staffs. b. Review and recommend suitable changes if required for engineering designs, surveys, investigation on sub-projects. 1400 hours on 24th December, 2011 and shall be opened on the same day at 1500 hours. Any tender received after the deadline c. Examination, interpretation and compliances of designs and contract documents. for the submission shall be rejected. d. Ensure that execution of work is in compliance with approved designs and specifications Please note that bids shall be rejected at the time of opening if:- e. Designing of Sewerage treatment plant and networks. 1. Integrity Pact is not signed by authorized person and witnesses with legal stamp affixed. 3. The interested individual consultants must provide the following information indicating that they are qualified to per- 2. Bid bond is not sufficient or not enclosed. form the services: 3. Contract License is not enclosed. a. Curriculum Vitae 4. Declaration form is not signed. b. Citizenship ID Copy 5. One number complete set of copy is not enclosed. c. Security clearance certificates d. No objection certificates if employed For any enquiry, please contact Project Manager (+975-7-481241/17611003) e. Expected remunerations per month For Dungsam Polymers Limited 4. Project Manager A consultant will be selected in accordance with the procedures set out in the World Bank’s Guidelines: Selection and employment of consultants by Bank Borrowers, available at www.worldbank.org/procedure. 5. Preferred qualification/Experience Ministry of Education a. Degree in Civil Engineering with at least four years of relevant experiences or b. Diploma in Civil Engineering with at least 8 years of relevant experiences. Department of school Education c. Experience in working for externally funded projects such as ADB, World Bank etc. School Planning & Building Division, Thimphu d. Relevant assignments undertaken for large government organizations. Gol(14)SPBD_Edn/11/0454 6. The duration of the assignment shall be 2 years INVITATION FOR BIDS (IFB) 7. Expression of interest must be delivered on or before December 16.2011 at the address below. 1. The Ministry of Education has received grant from the Government of India towards the cost of school development , and it 8. Interested consultants may obtain further information at the address given from 09.00-16.00 hours on all working intends to apply part of the proceeds of this grant to payments under the contract as mentioned below. The SPBD, Ministry of days. Education now invites sealed bids from eligible and qualified bidders for Construction of School Project Coordinator infrastructures as mentioned below: World Bank Project; Thimphu Thromde ; Fax:02331954 ; Mobile :17601601/77305005 Executive Secretary SL.# Contract No. Name of Construction Bid Security Contract Duration T h i m p h u T h r o m d e 1. GOI-PSP-14 Construction of Pangserpo Primary School, Dagana Nu.652,850.00 15 Months

2. Bidding will be conducted through the National Competitive Bidding Tourism Council of Bhutan Druk Phuensum Tshogpa procedures as specified in the RGoB Procurement Manual, and is open to all Bidders registered as Large Contractor with CDB. Post Box No. 126 Thimphu Bhutan 3. (Service with Equity & Justice) Interested eligible bidders may obtain further information from the office of the SPBD or at [email protected] and inspect the Thimphu Bhutan Bidding DPT/ADM/01/2008-13/944 Documents at the address given below till 28th December, 2011 during office hours. TCB/SD-02/1656 4. Qualification requirement include key technical, financial, legal and other requirement as in the bid documents. Announcement Notification This is to bring to the notice of general public that 5. Interested eligible bidders may obtain further information from and The Tourism Council of Bhutan will be conducting a short course / training on the members who have been de-registered from inspect the bidding document at the office of the School Planning & Building Division, Ministry of Education at the address be- Druk Phuensum Tshogpa have been published in th low from 9: 00 AM to 4:00 PM form 28 November, 2011. A complete set of set of Basic Chinese Language starting mid December, 2011. DPT website. For further information please log bidding document in English may be purchased by interested bidders upon payment of a non-refundable fee of to Nu.3, 000.00 on to www.dpt.bt the Account Section, Ministry of Education and on the submission of written application to the address below. All interested individuals with a minimum qualification of class 12 may register 6. Bids must be delivered to the address below by or before 28th December, 2011; 2:00 PM. Electronic bidding shall not be per- with Services Division, TCB on or before December 09, 2011. However, Tour Secretary General mitted. Late bids will be rejected. Bids will be opened physically in the presence of the Bidders’ representatives who choose to Guides holding valid license are encouraged to apply for the course. attend in the person at the Conference Room, Ministry of Education, Thimphu at 3:00 PM on 28th December, 2011. Sale For further information, please contact Ms. Chimi Wangmo at 323251/52 2-storied building housing Thimphu Tshongkhang 7. All Bids shall be accompanied by a Bid Security as mention above. during office hours. in Gelephu Town. Offer received in 2009 was Nu 8. The address referred to above is: Diwakar Lama, Project Manager, SPBD, Ministry of Education, Thimphu 50 lacs with no airport and Mangdechu Project Chief Engineer Joint Director construction then. Contact: 17110577/17614641. November 27 November 27

2011 The The 2011 Sunday 24 world Journalist Journalist world 2525 Sunday Egypt’s army is hijacking the revolution Egyptian protesters believe that the military is working to reverse the gains of the revolution, writes Shashank Joshi.

Shashank Joshi ship of the transition – implying unless a popular team of civilian that a majority of Egyptians rulers was waiting in the wings, his week, Egypt exploded would ask SCAF to stick around which doesn’t seem to be the for one simple reason: its until July. case. But if elections are marred Tarmy crossed the line. The To understand whether this will by violence, or liberal groups Egyptian military, buoyed by make a difference, it’s important stay away, the situation might its apparent role as saviour of to examine how these conces- worsen. And its hard to see how the revolution, judged that it sions relate to the Egyptian security forces who have been could manipulate the country’s people’s grievances. Egyptian battling protesters this week can democratic transition to keep its protesters basically want four switch to guarding ballot boxes. privileges intact. It was wrong. things: early presidential elec- Much more important than Over the last ten months, tions; an even earlier transition postponing elections is restoring Egypt’s ruling body, the Supreme to civilian administration; a faith in government. In all likeli- Council of the Armed Forces genuine transition to a purely hood, this cannot be done with a (SCAF), has re-imposed martial civilian government; and ac- trickle of piecemeal concessions law, assaulted journalists, im- countability for officials, particu- from the army. The optimal so- prisoned people without charge larly those in the Ministry of the lution may be to delay elections and with impunity, and sharply Interior, who have been killing by two weeks (but no more), and curtailed rights of assembly and protesters for months. use the time to cobble together a freedom of expression. Then, The demonstrators have se- unity government. early this month, the govern- cured a concession on the first of What’s more likely is that SCAF ment went one step too far: it these, the timing of presidential will take a gamble by holding released a set of “supra-consti- elections. But it’s far from clear firm until elections, and then tutional principles” that would whether they can secure the reiterating its offer of a referen- have imposed tight limits on the other three. dum in the hope of isolating the scope of Egypt’s new constitu- The first problem is whether protesters, making them look tion. Tantawi is right on the issue of like uncompromising diehards. Those principles accorded the a “silent majority’. Whereas the Meanwhile, the United States military the status of “protector military’s approval rating in has responded with a stagger- of constitutional legitimacy”, the spring was 90 per cent, 43 ingly facile policy. It calls or “re- which was – quite reasonably – per cent now believe that the straint on all sides”, as if blame interpreted as a “right to launch military is working to reverse the for the crisis can be shared coups”. SCAF was to be given gains of the revolution. So the around equally. Washington is the exclusive right to scrutinize protests do have a popular base. repeating its flawed diplomacy its own budget, the right to But anecdotal evidence also from January, when it consis- manage “all the affairs of the suggests that many outside Tah- tently sought to prioritise “stabil- armed forces” without account- rir Square did not approve of fur- ity” over reform. It got neither, ability to elected legislators, and ther protests. Issandr El-Amrani, and fell far behind events in the a veto over any laws relating to a Cairo-based journalist, has de- eyes of ordinary Egyptians. the army. scribed an “ambience of martyr- The experience of Pakistan, In short, SCAF, led by the dom” in Tahrir Square, in which among others, shows that, as increasingly mistrusted Field “the fighting is being sustained tempting as it is to deal directly Marshal Tantawi, wants to by the protestors, not by the with military authorities, the create a political model resem- police”. That may not go down long-term political health of bling the Turkey of the 1980s or well with everyone: the Muslim Egypt will require civilian control Pakistan of today – an eviscer- Brotherhood is also sitting out over the armed forces. ated democracy with no control the violence in Tahrir Square, In very few countries can a over its national security policy, loath to do anything that would powerful military establishment weighed down by a bloated and jeopardise next week’s elections, be dissolved overnight – in Tur- self-serving military-industrial in which it expects to do very key, for instance it has taken de- apparatus. well indeed. cades of hard work and charis- To subdue the crowds, Tantawi Postponing elections carried matic civilian politicians. Egypt’s offered a controversial refer- great risks – it would deeply democrats should recognize that endum on the army’s role. He alienate Islamist groups, who this is only the second round in invoked a “silent majority” of would interpret any delay as what will be a very long fight. Egyptians who opposed the pro- an attempt at electoral exclu- Shashank Joshi is an associ- tests, desired stability, and were sion. It would also be pointless ate fellow at the Royal United content with military steward- Services Institute in London November 27 November 27

2011 The The 2011 Sunday 26 culture Journalist Journalist culture 27 Sunday

Dance: How things have changed

Sangay Wangchuk - Thimphu has been dancing and singing for the last 54 generation to the next. The same can be said tempo,” he said. “The contemporary dancers lyrics, tempo, tunes, dance steps and forms,” Shera Lhendup became a pop icon with the years, quipped that “the rigsar dance is no dif- about original songs and dance that have kept the same tempo throughout and the beat said Sonam Dorji. song “Nga khatsa jo si lam kha lu”; his 1986 angay Chokkie, aged 12, nags her ferent from that of a masked dance.” been altered and added to as taste and times was faster.” First arising in the 17th century, zhungdra “Ngesem Ngesem” was also very popular, and mother to buy the cassette of the new The trend is also visible also in school cultur- change. Dhedup Lhamo, 87, and known to be a (zhung = “main”,”genuine” and dra = “mu- was the first to use keyboards. Smovie Sir Wang Drugay now screening at al shows, where rigsar songs are an absolute These differences stood out sharply in good dancer said, “the taste and preferences sic”) is an entirely endemic Bhutanese style. By the end of the 1980s rigsar was declin- Throwa Theatre. must at dance competitions. Thimphu when two different generations of for songs and dances changed following the Bödra, in contrast, evolved out of Tibetan ing in popularity until the arrival of Norling Sangay’s mother says that every time her Dago Zangmo, a dance teacher, said there is performers took to the stage during the day- introduction of modern education. court music (bö = “Tibet”, dra = “music”). Drayang, a popular and prolific record label, daughter sees actors on the big screen dancing no need to ask the students to include rigsar long folk festival organized at the Clock Tower “During our time since there was no proper Zhungdra is characterized by the use of which has released more than 130 albums. to a rigsar song, she has to get the cassette. songs during a concert, but when students are a few months back. education, let alone a modern one, we learnt extended vocal tones in complex patterns, Norling’s breakthrough release was the “I don’t know how she does it, but the very asked to perform zhundra or boedra dances, Performers sang and danced to Druk zhung zhungdra and boedra, Youth today are more which slowly decorate a relatively simple album Pangi Shawa, which set the stage for next day she is able to dance most of the most students turn away with embarrassment ngeng sung phayul rey, composed and first exposed and are interested in rigsar, and instrumental melody. Untrained singers, even future developments. steps she had seen the previous night at the and also seemed annoyed. performed by court dancers during third Druk other latest songs in English.” those with natural singing ability, find it In the early 1990s, the rigsar industry grew theatre.” “Students complain that dancing the tra- Gyalpo’s reign. A court dancer, Rinchen Leythro from Dran- very challenging to sing zhungdra. This has considerably as Drayang re-popularized Like Sangay Chokkie, there are thousands ditional songs makes them look older and The organizer and head of Music of Bhutan gla, Trongsa was happy the young children reduced the popularity of zhungdra compared the genre, adding more electronic elements. of youngsters who are into Bhutanese rigsar uncool in front of their friends.” Research Center, Kheng Sonam Dorji said it sang and danced to traditional folk music dur- to rigsar, the fast-paced pop style of Bhuta- Modern rigsar recordings often use electronic music and the steps performed by the dancers. The Dzongkha Development Commission is was not just the music and the dance that ing their annual choku (puja) in his village. nese music to use electronic synthesizers. approximations of drums and guitars This can be viewed as a positive sign; the also concerned about the effect Rigsar songs have changed over the years, but also the lyr- “Rigsar evolves with time, and anybody Although formally secular, the lyrics of Most Rigsar songs are composed for the flipside is that the popularity of modern Bhu- might have on Dzongkha. ics to some of the traditional songs. reserves the right to apply their whims to get zhungdra songs often tell Buddhist allego- growing Bhutanese film industry. Although tanese songs will ultimately lead to the decline Jigme Drukpa, a well-known singer and To reveal just how things had changed, more innovative and creative befitting the ries, such as Yak Legbi Lhadar, in which the all films are reviewed by the Bhutan Info- in traditional Bhutanese songs and dances dancer said rigsar songs have turned the Kheng Sonam Dorji had two groups of varied tastes of their generation,” he said. singer tells of his former life as a yak that was Comm and Media Authority (BICMA), it does like zhungdra and boedra. words into ordinary spoken dzongkha from performers – those among the court danc- The whole idea of creating such a forum of slaughtered in connection with a non-Bud- not have standard rules for lyrics in terms of Kunzang Wangmo, a Royal Dancer during the traditional poetry (Nyen nga). ers of the past and a young group of private discussion sprang from a two-week workshop dhist ritual in the Gasa district. language. the Third King’s reign said, “Our traditional “I am not impressed. It is like bringing disco performers – sing and swing to Druk zhung on folk music that preceded the day long Rigsar’s popular grew steadily in the 1970s, The reality is, many of the rigsar dance steps folk music and dances make our youth today dance steps into folk dancing.” ngeng sung phayul rey. performance by the dancers and singers on when the genre’s modern form developed. are copied from Indian, Nepali, Tibetan and feel sleepy.” Time Changes All Sonam Dorji said that the court dancers October 22. Dasho Thinley, then a schoolteacher, com- even Chinese dance songs. Today, it seems Bhutanese people “are taking far more inter- Many cultures that have been shaped performed the song in two stanzas. “They “It was conducted to reconstruct and revive posed and performed a song called Dorozam, without other the influence of another cul- est in rigsar songs and dances compared to through oral tradition have often been began with a low tempo in the first stanza the traditional folk music and dance forms which was very influential. ture’s music and dancing, Bhutan has noth- the traditional.” And Sangay Choden, who subjected to modifications along from one that gradually increased and ended on a high and was a great platform to revive the true Rigsar became very popular by 1981 when ing much to create of its own. November 27 NovemberNovember 27 27 2011 2011 2011 The The Sunday 28 foreign travel Journalist Journalist the land we love 2929 SundaySunday

well stacked for winter...

Prime Minister Tsundu Dorji - THIMPHU on the Road rime Minister Jigme Y. Thinley has visited nine countries and spent a total of 36 days abroad this year including “I don’t think I have to justify the visits with what has been Pvisits to the USA, Thailand, Japan, Bangladesh, Pakistan, achieved .We also gain in terms of strengthening our country so- the Maldives, Nepal and Afghanistan. cially, economically and geo politically. Moreover, there is always an According to the Cabinet Secretary, Dasho Tashi Phuntsho, image enhancement,” said the Cabinet Secretary. like any head of government it is imperative for the Bhutanese Records maintained in the PM’s office showed that several invita- Prime Minister to visit other countries. tions are sent to the PM from all over the world and an equal num- Our PM’s visit to SAARC countries are mandatory as he has ber of ‘letter of regrets’ are sent. been the chairperson of the SAARC this year. The other aspect This week alone, two letters of regret were sent to invitations from of the visits are based on the invitation of the governments of Bali (Indonesia) and Japan. 2011 has certainly been a busy year for close and friendly countries. the prime minister. November 27 November 27

2011 The The 2011 Sunday 30 sport Journalist Journalist entertainment 31 Sunday November 27 2011 Sunday ADVERT JourThe nalist Miley Cyrus, Adele on board for cover set Bob Dylan

Carlos Tevez’s advisor Kia Joorabchian has opened up the possibility of the controversial striker joining AC Milan.

oorabchian had productive talks with the Milan hierarchy as part of the first tentative stages towards securing Tevez's exit from Manchester City. J It is unlikely the discussions will trigger an immediate bid, although it may push Inter Milan and Juventus into making their own interest known. However, City are aware of developments and are relaxed about the prospect of them proceeding, whilst all the time stressing they would only be interested in a direct sale, not a loan, and then only if the price suited them.

Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish knows he has some tough calls to make as he seeks to end Manchester City’s unbeaten start to the Premier League season. Rooney: Don’t sack he Scot is not averse to effecting a seemingly ran- Villas-Boas Tdom change to what appears an established team, often with some degree of success. He did so last weekend when Manchester United striker Wayne Maxi Rodriguez marked his first league start of the season with a Rooney has thrown his backing goal in the win at Chelsea but this behind under-fire Chelsea boss Sunday the calculations are likely to be even trickier. Andre Villas-Boas. Craig Bellamy was also recalled to the starting line-up at Stamford Bridge and will be desperate to face the club he left in the summer he Blues are going through The Sun newspaper. but waiting in the wings are multi- a poor run of form lately, "There's no need to do that, I cannot million pound substitutes like Tlosing four of their last seven see the point in that at all. Andy Carroll, Stewart Downing matches in all competitions. "I must admit I've been surprised by Fifth in the Barclays Premier Chelsea's problems because in the last HAT DO Bob Dylan and Miley Cyrus have in common -- besides their and Jordan Henderson. perpetually chipper demeanor, of course? Dalglish will make his selec- League table and with their hopes in few years they've always been so solid, They're both doing their part to benefit human rights tion knowing just over 48 hours the Champions League group stage so hard to score against and so very dif- W organizationAmnesty International on its 50th anniversary. after the final whistle at Anfield he on the line, Villas Boas has been un- ficult to beat. The human-rights organization is releasing a sprawling, four-CD collection, will have to send out another side der intense scrutinity of late and talks "This season that hasn't been the case "Chimes of Freedom: The Songs of Bob Dylan Honoring50 Years of Amnesty for a Carling Cup quarter-final at of a premature departure after just but they've a new manager and a new International," on January 24, with the proceeds going to AI, according to Chelsea. five months in charge have surfaced. way of playing which will take time to numerous news reports. But his primary focus will be on But Rooney insists it would be settle. The collection, which primarily consists of cover versions of tunes from the Dylan pointless to dismiss the 33-year-old "Look at Manchester United celebrat- catalog, encompasses 80 artists. Among those taking a crack at Mr. Zimmerman's picking the right team to face City songbook: Adele, Sting, Elvis Costello, My Chemical Romance, Ke$ha and, yes, in a fixture which saw £35million now and urged Chelsea to show more ing 25 years of success under Sir Alex "Party in the USA" songbird Cyrus, who will contribute her take on Dylan's striker Carroll score his first two faith to their manager - just like how and look at Arsene Wenger at Arsenal "You're Gonna Make Me Lonesome When You Go." goals for his new club as the Reds United did with Sir Alex Ferguson. and David Moyes at Everton. On the other end of the age spectrum, 92-year-old folk icon Pete Seeger will offer won 3-0 in April. "There's a lot of people saying he "Ten years and more of stability and his version of "Forever Young," accompanied by a children's chorus. As good as that display was, should be sacked, that Chelsea should consistency there. So for me the best Aside from Dylan's original 1964 rendition of "Chimes of Freedom," all of the it will have no bearing on the make another change," the England option is to keep faith and keep your songs will be new recordings. team which takes the field at the international was quoted as saying in manager." weekend. November 27 2011 The Sunday 32 Journalist Can they be beaten? >> Cont. PG 1 >> Cont. PG 1 who have no capabilities at all. the elected members of parlia- “It is the third group that the Why can’t DPT ment have done well as a team Why can DPT DPT should either groom or re- and steered democracy safely be beaten? place if it wishes to win again,” be beaten? through its first phase of infancy. he said. Generally, Bhutanese par- GNH-centered foreign Rural development Tobacco, lottery, Gyalposh- liamentarians have failed to policy For the rural voters, an impor- ing & Chhukha impress the public, as one tant yardstick to assess the DPT The parliament passed the described, with their incessant Foreign policy is seen by many government’s performance is the controversial tobacco Act but clamor for pay, perks and recog- as the biggest achievement of so called “minimum programs” the DPT government took the nition. the DPT government. Bhutan’s - feeder roads, electrification of brunt of the flak. As the number village homes, mobile phone biggest export today, arguably, of people behind bars kept on Change connectivity, sanitation and is not hydropower but GNH. A rising, the government’s popu- Have some DPT members safe drinking water, and access Google search shows that, in larity started dipping further. served too long as ministers and to good educational and basic recent years, Bhutan was in the What came out strongly was in the process lost interest, touch health facilities. In all of these world news primarily because of that while the idea of Bhutan as with the people, dynamism and areas, the government has so far GNH. Although largely abstract, a tobacco-free country enjoyed enthusiasm? Many think so. done pretty well. the GNH philosophy has made a broad support, the mode of Some are even saying that may “On the development promises headways at the United Nations, implementation was disliked be it is now time for change, made to the people, most have and in countries such as South and unpopular. not just people but also ideas. been executed,” said an observ- Korea, Brazil, UK, France and Ja- The lottery scam in India Younger leaders should be given er. A local government leader pan – to mention a few. And at involving Bhutan lottery dented an opportunity to shine and from Wangduephodrang pointed the center of GNH proliferation the image of the DPT govern- encouragement must be given to out that the party has done a is none other than the Prime ment even as most of the lottery look at development from a bold great job and as long as Lyonch- Minister himself, relentlessly rules were put in place during new perspective. Otherwise, the hen and other senior ministers pushing for GNH agenda in the the earlier governments. The leadership vacuum will persist. It were with the DPT, it would be international fora. long unending saga involving is here that one self-styled politi- impossible to beat them. “The PM has been a flawless the courts in India, and subse- cal pundit said the youth will GNH ambassador,” noted an quent handing over of the case play a determining role in who observer. Mega plans to Interpol, left a doubt in the wins in 2013. The DPT presum- Bhutan’s bid for a non-perma- For those who wanted to see people’s mind as to whether ably is not very strong on the nent UN Security Council seat is bold and ambitious develop- underhand tactics were involved, youth front, at least for the time also being seen as a brave but ment plans, the DPT did not fail and if some in Bhutan had il- being. desirable move for a small coun- them. To propel the economy licitly profited. forward and make Bhutan a try. The SAARC Summit held in Land issues, such as the recent Blurred development self-reliant nation, the govern- Bhutan was another crowning furor over the Gyalposhing plots, Increasingly, the people seem ment came up with the blue- achievement for the govern- tarnished the government’s to be getting confused about the print for 15,000 MW of power ment. image as they sowed doubts direction development is tak- by 2020, the Education City, and suspicions in the minds of ing. Thimphu is growing too organic Bhutan, 100,000 tour- Strengthening of the public. In some quarters, much, so much so that the rest ists by 2012, health hub, etc. democracy the government’s handling of of Bhutan, apart from the areas With the inroads already made, Many give credit to the DPT the Chhukha tragedy in which adjoining the capital city, is fulfilling the hydropower dream government for having cre- seven children were killed in July looking like an economic back- does not seem far-fetched while ated an enabling environment 2009 and the “needless” praise, water. Simultaneously, although the tourism target - with 50,000 for democracy and adhering as one put it, by the PM for cer- the ‘minimum programs’ have arrivals registered this year - also to its principles in day-to-day tain officials associated with the been put into high gear, the looks achievable. The Chiphen governance. The roles and sad event also did not go down expected outcome – arresting Rigpel project, meanwhile, was jurisdictions of the three arms very well. urban drift, for one – is not hap- yet another bold move to make of the government – executive, pening, not for the time being. Is every Bhutanese ICT literate and legislative and judiciary – ap- Weak MPs there balanced development, is create an ICT-enabled knowl- pear much more defined and Seen right from the beginning the gap between the haves and edge society. A very investor- independent of each other today, as the weakest link in the DPT have-nots being reduced, are friendly FDI policy was another while the media has been touted chain, most DPT MPs, instead the larger goals of equity and indicator of the government’s as the “Fourth arm of gover- of asserting their presence on justice being met, are jobs being soaring economic ambitions. nance”. The monthly Meet the the political stage, have further created? Press is being cited as a prime sunk into oblivion. Apart from With such achievements to example of the government legislating, where again a few “These are some of the ques- boast of, all that the DPT needs giving primacy to media and have hardly raised their voice tions that need answering in the is a pool of strong candidates their role in fostering transpar- at all, they are free and on their next year or so and based on the backed up by a manifesto that ency and accountability in a own, so much so that now some findings the people will make is futuristic as well as based on democratic society. Likewise, the don’t even concern themselves their choices of political leaders ground realities. constitutional bodies have been with public opinion. and parties,” said a civil servant “If the PM comes back, the given the space and resources to A consultant and researcher in Thimphu. “The bottomline is DPT will win comfortably,” said function in an independent, free categorized the DPT MPs as fol- that when it comes down to it, an observer. “If he doesn’t, it will and fair manner. lows: the serving ministers who the DPT is simply another politi- be competitive but DPT will win Despite deserved criticisms, are performing; the MPs who do cal party and no political party with a slim margin.” there are many who feel that well in parliament; and those is invincible.”