SATURDAY

KUENSELTHAT THE PEOPLE SHALL BE INFORMED APRIL 25 COVID-19 - 7 GLOBAL SIT UAT ION 2,762,484 CONFIRMED CASES 762,628 193,227 RECOVERED DEATH Prime Minister Dr and Health Minister Dechen Wangmo engage in a discussion after the meet the press session yesterday High risk countries USA 890,198 Spain 219,764 Govt. saves Nu 2.3B Italy 189,973 France 158,183 Germany 153,584 from travel, training UK 143,464 and inessential spending Cases in the region Nu 1.27b spent so far on Covid-19 activities 23,502 12,075 Younten Tshedup fairs ministry has purchased about The health ministry received 4,689 1,200 kilolitres (1.2 million litres) of Nu 146M for the quarantine centres 2,854 The government has spent Nu fuel and about 20,000 liquid petro- and the procurement of medical 1.27 billion (B) so far for Covid-19 leum gas (LPG) cylinders for both equipment and drugs. 48 response and containment plans, commercial and domestic use. Nu 48M was released to the cabi- of which Nu 988 million (M) was The Food Corporation of Bhu- net secretariat for the procurement of Asia News Network as of April 24, 2020 spent on buying essential food tan has stocked over 8,000 metric personal protective equipment (PPE) items and fuel. tonnes (MT) of rice worth Nu 197M, suits and goggles, N-95 mask and the Focus Point Latest figures with the finance 824MT of edible oil and about logistical expenses for the quarantine ministry show that the economic af- 300MT of pulses. centres in Thimphu. Pg 2 Covid-19’s silver lining for tourism sector Yangchen C Rinzin eign minister Dr at the “This situation has been a lesson meet the press yesterday said that for us to realise that we should have The Covid-19 pandemic walloped although the pandemic wreaked a strong policy to protect workers, as the tourism sector, but Tourism havoc in many areas, this is a chance they were the worst affected.” Council of Bhutan (TCB) is consid- to work on the tourism policy to Lyonpo said that the other activi- ering it as an opportunity to reboot make tourism efficient. ties are to beautify the tourist sites, the industry and give it a new face “With high value, low volume in redevelop or create new ones, and post-Covid-19. mind, this is the time we can devel- also look into waste management. TCB’s chairperson and For- op a stronger policy,” Lyonpo said. Pg 2 HOME PAGE 2 Saturday, April 25, 2020| KUENSEL Govt. saves Nu 2.3B from travel, training and inessential spending

From Pg 1 tivities, which are common not be utilised further due to cation sector alone has Nu Service Commission, Nu Where will the money expenditures spent on new the Covid-19 pandemic. 632M including Nu 60M for 216.7M is allocated for human come from? appointment of officials, third However, officials from the professional development of resource development and The government has been country travel, acquisition of finance ministry said that the teachers provisioned under management services, and Nu saving money from all the properties, and disaster con- possible savings are not real the dzongkhags. 5M for workshop and coach- non-essential undertakings tingency among others. savings, but are the unused The National Assembly ing skills for managers. Nu that were planned in the cur- Of the Nu 7.9B provisioned budget that was appropriated has a budget provision of Nu 35.5M is allocated for badges rent fiscal year to be used for under general reserves for the for each agency in the 2019-20 178.6M of which Nu 5.4M is for to be given to all civil servants. Covid-19 related activities. current fiscal year, Nu 610M fiscal year. the parliamentary exchange With the government About Nu 2.3B has been has been identified as possible An official said that the Nu programme and Nu1.5M each now reprioritising it planned identified as possible saving saving. 2.3B saving, which is being for the Speaker and Opposi- undertakings, most of these so far. Another Nu 920M has used for Covid-19 related ac- tion Leader’s in-country travel activities would be slashed, Using technical adjust- been saved from the amount tivities is just a notional budg- and official visits. diverting the budget to the ment, which is allowed in the surrendered by different et figure, meaning that there is Of the Nu 87.8M provi- possible saving pool. Public Finance Act, the possi- agencies during the mid-year no real money being saved for sioned for the National Coun- Under the current expend- ble saving, for now, has mainly budget review held in Decem- Covid-19. “If we have to spend cil, Nu 1.5M is for the chair- iture budget outlay for the come from three sources – ber last year. These are the this budget, we have to borrow person’s in-country travel and 2019-20 fiscal year, Nu 1.9B is general reserves, amount sur- amount surrendered by agen- this money from the domestic official visits. earmarked for in-country trav- rendered by agencies during cies for not being able to carry treasury,” he said. The Anti Corruption Com- els. For out-country travels, the mid-year budget review out certain activities from the mission (ACC) has a budget there is a budget appropria- and from the indicative sav- approved budget prior to the Budget surrenders allocation of Nu 9M for man- tion of Nu 256.6M. ings from agencies after the review. Of the Nu 1.2B allocated for datory training of its new re- With the current travel outbreak of Covid-19. The indicative savings, the human resource develop- cruits in the current fiscal year. restrictions, majority of these Under general reserve, which is Nu 780M, is the budg- ment of civil servants in the From Nu 358.5M recom- budgets will also be diverted budget is provisioned for ac- et from activities that could 2019-20 fiscal year, the edu- mended for the Royal Civil to the possible saving pool. Covid-19’s silver lining for tourism sector From Pg 1 and in the first phase, we’ll The plan also includes di- start with 16 sites in Thimphu. versifying handicraft products The seal on the booklet is to and exploring tourist attrac- recognise their own achieve- tions beyond culture and na- ment for being able to visit the ture tours. sites.” Another major transforma- The director general said tion is enhancing and strength- that TCB is also exploring spir- ening procedures for tourists to itual, wellness and wellbeing come to Bhutan. Currently, tour tourism. booking is a lengthy procedure He added that with Bhu- and sometimes takes a year. The tan being known as the land system has been in place since of medicinal herbs, peaceful tourism first began in 1974. surrounding, and with GNH, According to TCB’s Direc- Bhutan is an attractive desti- tor General Dorji Dhradhul, this nation for travellers to reflect, is one of the major complaints relax and rest. from tourists. The tourist has Bhutan today has no tour- to book through a local opera- ist after the only tourist in the tor, pay advance through their country left Bhutan earlier this bank, which is challenging. week. The only tourist left in “We’re now relooking into the country was the woman these procedures to see how we who tested positive for Covid- can strengthen and make them Tourists at the base of Taktshang Monastery (file photo) 19 on March 20. easier for tourists without ham- The tourist ban after the pering the tourism policy.” instituted a working group that Dorji Dhradhul said that for the programmes is to develop pandemic has resulted in a He added that TCB will look is looking into transforming instance, one common com- Druk Nyekor, which is already national revenue loss of USD into making payment easier tourism with three objectives: plain from tourists is about the in advance stage and it will also 4.4 million after 2,550 interna- building on the digitalisation reacting, rethinking, and recov- lack of toilet facilities. So TCB is cater to international tourists.” tional tourists cancelled due to drive and institute an efficient ery post-Covid-19 focusing on looking into developing road- He said that TCB will iden- Covid-19 between January 15 visa or route permit procedure. the approach to new tourism. side amenities and build with tify 108 religious sites and and March 23. It excludes can- “We’re not saying we’ll do “We can do so many things toilets and assign a caretaker lhakhangs to take people on cellations from regional tourists. away with the current proce- right now since there is no tour- including a convenience store pilgrims. A booklet would be However, about 200 tour- dures. We’ll study the services ist in the country,” he added. or café. issued to record and seal every ists have still kept their book- and make recommendations “The tourism stimulus package “We’re also looking into time a person visits these sites ings on and not cancelled with to ensure tourists experience that is developed will also con- promoting domestic tourism until they complete 108. the hope to visit Bhutan after fewer hassles.” tribute to the transformation of and programmes are being “We’re expecting to start the pandemic according to the He said that TCB has already tourism.” designed,” he said. “One of maybe in about three months director general. HOME Saturday, April 25, 2020| KUENSEL PAGE 3 Nu 1,271M allocated for stockpiling essential food items MB Subba response and containment new EDP in view of new eco- of Covid-19 virus. Budget provided for the following nomic scenario. “The 21st The government has, as of The overall response and Nu in million Century Economic Policy April 20, received more than support has been encourag- Health 146.9 should be a much longer vi- Nu 90.018 million (M) and ing. According to the finance sion document,” he said. USD 5,675 as contributions ministry, people under quar- Essential food and fuel 988.68 The committee advised for the Covid-19 response antine and isolation have Quarantine 77.35 the government to use the fund. also contributed to express opportunity of the current Others 58.46 Officials from the finance their appreciation to the gov- crisis to revive domestic ag- ministry, led by Finance Sec- ernment. riculture in a big way. Total 1,271.39 retary Nim Dorji, appraised As part of its budget The government, the com- this to the joint parliamen- re-appropriation exercise Source: Ministry of Finance mittee said, should use the op- tary committee on Covid-19 to deal with the Covid-19 portunity of the current crisis preparedness on April 21. pandemic, the government resilience and boost growth. could face was depletion of to re-engineer policy and in- The amounts include has allocated a total budget The finance ministry also foreign currency reserve, both vestment direction in health contribution received in cash of more than Nu 1,271M for stressed the need to revitalise Rupee and convertible cur- and education sectors, private and cheques. The contribu- health, fuel, appropriated, the rural economy and cre- rencies. school, as well as tertiary edu- tions received as internation- and essential food items. ate employment opportuni- “Therefore, the govern- cation and health services. al assistance have been de- The government says ties with the main focus on ment must accord the highest The committee also rec- posited as cheques through it has already stockpiled tourism, agriculture and in- attention to management of ommended that the ministry the government budgetary vaccines and essential frastructure. Foreign Currency Reserve in formulate plans and strate- process. medicines to last up to nine close dialogue with the Royal gies to retain Bhutanese The government has months. Food and other es- Joint committee’s recom- Monetary Authority,” he said. workers in the domestic opened Current Deposit Ac- sential items are also being mendations The committee also drew economy after Covid-19. counts with Bank of Bhutan stockpiled. The joint parliamentary com- the finance ministry’s atten- “Nonetheless, a lot of re- and endorsed an operational A National Resilience mittee expressed concerns tion for the need to review prioritisation activities being guideline for proper manage- Fund of Nu 30 billion (B) about Foreign Currency Re- the economic development done based on the position ment of the contributions. has been established to deal serve. policy (EDP). of budget and practicabil- Officials have been informed with the circumstances and The committee’s chairper- Members of the commit- ity of implementation being to make voluntary monetary the need for unconventional son, , said that tee stated that the govern- done,” the committee chair contributions towards the strategies to build economic an imminent risk that Bhutan ment needed to formulate said. Routine immunization should continue: Health Minister PM reviewed the APA components of the three Tshering Palden ing physical distancing, proper health ministry, UNICEF and handwashing and other advi- WHO also issued a media ad- The health ministry is assuring sories have to be complied for visory yesterday assuring par- parents and encouraging them personal safety and the na- ents that it is safe for them to to vaccinate their children as tion’s well-being. bring their children for routine scheduled after parents raised Prime Minister Dr Lotay immunization services. concerns with health workers Tshering said that on His Maj- The advisory states that the on whether it was safe for them esty’s command the govern- novel Coronavirus pandemic to bring their children for im- ment is working to administer is a stark reminder that health munisation. flu vaccine for everyone. services such as immunization At the meet the press ses- The message is also part of and other emergency services sion yesterday, Health Minister this year’s World Immuniza- should be continued to reduce Dechen Wangmo reiterated tion Week, which is observed vulnerability against vaccine- that routine immunisation for from April 24 to 30. Themed, preventable diseases. children must be continued. “Vaccines work for all,” the UNICEF Representative to “Routine immunization week-long observation aims Bhutan, Dr Will Parks said, “In World Immunization week is observed from of your child should continue to promote the use of vaccines these unprecedented times, April 24 to 30 even during the Covid-19 pan- to protect children against our message to parents is to immunization programme, the caregivers to vaccinate their demic to minimise the risk of vaccine-preventable diseases. make sure children receive advisory states. children against preventable disease outbreaks and loss of Bhutan has sustained their routine immunizations WHO Representative in diseases.” life due to vaccine-preventable high immunization coverage while following national guid- Bhutan, Dr Rui Paulo de Jesus The health ministry, diseases.” of over 95 percent for many ance on COVID-19 preventive said, “Vaccines are safe, effec- UNICEF and WHO is continu- The minister said, “The years and the routine immu- measures.” tive and life-saving tools to con- ing collaboration to ensure country had invested a huge nization schedule protects WHO’s technical guidance trol and prevent an outbreak uninterrupted routine immu- amount of resources in hav- children against 13 diseases. to help countries protect criti- of infectious diseases. Doctors, nization services in the coun- ing a very good health care On average, about 87 children cal immunization services dur- nurses and other health service try. The Japan Committee for system and we want that to be get vaccinated every day in the ing the COVID-19 pandemic providers are putting their own Vaccines, GAVI and the Bhutan protected.” country. complements Bhutan’s effort health at risk to care for our Health Trust Fund also support Lyonpo emphasised on Following concerns raised to sustain the momentum and families. We must trust them the procurement of vaccines in preventive measures includ- by parents and caregivers, the progress made until now in the when they call on parents and Bhutan. PERSPECTIVES PAGE 4 Saturday, April 25, 2020 | KUENSEL

Smuggling is the MY COUNTRY, MY TOWN worst crime today ven with the borders sealed and strict re- strictions in place, smuggling has become so rampant of late that it seems smugglers are competing or testing people who are ensur- ing that no illegal activities are happening Eamid the new coronavirus pandemic. The Royal Bhutan Police and related authorities have ratcheted up their surveillance system. However, in just a week’s time, police with the help of Desuups and other volunteers have apprehended about six people who were smuggling in banned products. High on the list are tobacco and banned substances. The amount of “drugs,” as it is known, people are try- ing to smuggle in is disturbing. Thousands of pills and tablets, besides cigarettes and chewing tobacco are the most common substances smuggled. It doesn’t reflect nicely on the society. Many are convinced that this is just the tip of the Down but not out: A defunct overturned wheelbarrow provides an inadvertent but iceberg. This is because of the courage of the smug- fertile ground for pumpkin plants Photo: Phuntsho glers even with strict restrictions in place. Smuggling is an old business. It becomes rampant when there is a crisis, health or economic. The Covid-19 pandemic has provided the same opportunity to smugglers. There is a huge black market that provides opportuni- ties for quick money. Cost of tobacco products has shot Media should not be considered through the roof. This is encouraging people to smuggle. We have stringent laws on banned substances and government’s mouthpiece tobacco. However, in today’s case, it is not so much about implementing the laws, but the risk posed by smuggling. This week, Kuensel editorial information comes into their checking function, and “free Smuggling breaks all rules. The borders are closed and titled “Misunderstanding possession.” press has a legitimate interest the media” stated that Article 20 imposes the duty in reporting on and drawing the movement of people restricted to contain the spread “spokesperson still remains on the “government to provide the public’s attention to of Covid-19. This is the priority of the government. And a joke, young journalist are good governance and promote deficiencies in the operation of it is the same all over the world. dictated what to write, time an efficient civil administration Government services, including Smuggling increases the risk, as goods and movement media receives is when the based on the democratic values possible illegal activities.” This of people escape the eyes of the authority. All goods that newsmakers benefit, lengthy and principles.” Media must is because “in a democratic come in legally are sanitised, there are standard operat- bureaucratic procedure and hold “government and their system the actions or omissions ing operations even if goods are imported. All these are media have to wait if the Dasho instrumentalities accountable of the government must be to ensure that there are no risks of importing the virus is on tour.” to the governed.” If media subject to the close scrutiny with the goods. This shows bureaucrats is dictated what to write or not only of the legislative and still consider media as the denied access to information, judicial authorities” but also of With borders sealed and neighbouring states under government’s mouthpiece. how can media perform these the public through media. a lockdown, one question is who is supplying and how. Article 1(1) of the Constitution functions? Such practice will A legal scholar said: From the quantity of drugs seized, we can surmise there states: “Bhutan is sovereign, not only breed corruption “Journalists are distinctive is a racket or a nexus. We cannot do anything that is sovereign power belongs to the and political tyranny but facilitators for the democratic beyond our jurisdiction, but we can on our side of the people of Bhutan.” This echoes also shield bureaucracy process to function without border. the true concept of democracy, from accountability. Many hindrance” but the media also The risk is real. From Assam to West Bengal, our two government by the people, of democracies have failed across has a duty to follow the “virtues immediate neighbouring states, new Covid-19 cases are the people and for the people. the globe because of the same of accuracy, honesty, truth, Article 7(5) of our reason. objectivity, fairness, balanced increasing on a daily basis. While we have successfully Constitution guarantees that In a democracy, a reporting, respect or autonomy contained the spread from imported cases, the risk of “there shall be freedom of the government is merely an agent of ordinary people.” community infection is from along the borders. That's press, radio and television and of the public and “must be It is time our bureaucracy why we are restricting trade and movement of people. other forms of dissemination responsible for their conduct surrendered their ego. It is time Long before we realized, His Majesty The King had of information, including there can be a few secrets.” to uphold the fundamental warned that “the reckless action of a single person who electronic.” Freedom means The public has “every right rights of media to build a clandestinely crosses the border for trade, or to meet the right or power to ask to know every public act.” vibrant and transparent acquaintances, or to bring someone to Bhutan, risks or express, not otherwise. Government has no choice bureaucratic system. Right of spreading the coronavirus in their community and in It imposes the duty on the to restrict information but the media is the duty of the state to ensure these rights. has the duty to disclose to government. the country.” Our government has already media. Freedom of media is The greed of quick money is jeopardizing what has recognised the media as the the rights of people in which been done so far. Smuggling is not only making banned fourth estate because of this the other fundamental rights Sonam Tshering substances available at a high cost, but it is also risking reason. Media must act as such as right to information Lawyer, Thimphu a national effort to contain the contagion. a watchdog to “inform and and freedom of speech and Given the risk, the perpetrators should be penalized alert the public about such expression are ensured and Disclaimer: The views so that it will discourage others who are mulling to make undesirable phenomena in effectively exercised. expressed in this article are the most of a pandemic. society as soon as the relevant The media has a special author's own.

MANAGING DIRECTOR - Bachu Phub Dorji, MANAGING EDITOR - Ugyen Penjor, PRINTING GM - Karma Nima, MARKETING & SALES GM - Karma J Yangzom, KANGLUNG REGIONAL MANAGER - HOME Saturday, April 25, 2020| KUENSEL PAGE 5 OAG drops charges against former finance minister ACC proposed to charge former minister and seven others in connection with illegal encroachment

Rinzin Wangchuk the mother plot 166, which tan- interviewed and interrogated allegations. payment made for the regulari- tamount to encroachment into 19 people. “The NSC 2000-2001 was zation of 3.28 decimals of excess After more than a year of re- state land. The 7-decimal plot measured based on the Plane land, and updating registered view, the Office of the Attorney later increased to 10 decimal. OAG findings and deci- Table Survey map of 1988 and area of Plot No. 164, from 7 to General (OAG) dropped the Surveyor KB Rai, recollect- sion other documentary records 10.28 decimals, in the Chazhag case where the former finance ing the 1988 survey and prac- Namgay Dorji became the law- issued by the court and home Thram had all taken place when minister, Namgay Dorji, and tices of the past, told ACC that ful owner of land measuring ministry as per Section KA 1-3 the land was still owned by Leki seven others were indicted for there existed a general practice 10.28 decimals of registered of the Land Act 1979 which are Wangmo. illegal encroachment on gov- of recognizing some land as land under Plot No 164 and directly relevant and provide “For these reasons, any li- ernment land at Taba, Thim- “Thram-less” or “Government Thram No 711 in August 2001, credible evidence pertinent to ability arising from the alleged phu. Land” when the landowner and not in 1992 as concluded by the land ownership issue,” OAG offence, if any, should inevita- The OAG concluded that was unable to validate his/her the ACC report. stated. bly fall on the landowner, Leki the investigation was carried ownership. Similarly, three All the land ownership The separation of seven Wangmo,” OAG stated. out with neither prima facie residents of Taba, stated to ACC transfers, from Aum Bakhum- decimals from its original area “Therefore, ACC proposing basis nor on the discovery of that the “land in question was through two sisters - till Namgay of 20 decimals or the slight to charge Namgay Dorji for the credible evidence to substan- an empty land and was known Dorji, were in strict compliance changes noted in the shape of alleged offence of encroachment tiate its allegations. The OAG to have been used as a crema- with the due process estab- the separated plot was due to to state land is not discernable to wrote to the Anti-Corruption torium.” lished under Section KA 1-3 of the demarcation of an access OAG, both in law and fact,” OAG Commission (ACC) yesterday Based on the statements, the Land Act 1979, according to road between the two plots as stated. “The questions of “who informing its decision to drop the ACC concluded that the OAG. evidenced by the survey maps of to be charged for what offence” the case “entirely.” land bearing Plot No. 164 was To determine the relevancy 1988 and NSC 2000-2001. must be dictated by the facts of The commission in its in- state land. of the statements made by sur- “It was not an illegal shifting the case and not by preferential vestigation report forwarded During 2000 NSC, Namgay veyor KB Rai and three residents of its location into state land as choice of an investigation.” to the OAG on March 1, 2019, Dorji unable to personally rep- of Taba, the OAG sought conclu- concluded by ACC, but by the Based on the findings, the proposed to charge the former resent his sister Leki Wangmo, sive clarifications from the NLCS demarcation of the new access OAG determines that all the finance minister along with requested a local land commit- on the history and status of Plot road between the two plots Thram transfers and regu- two former local government tee member, Dophu, to repre- No 164. The NLCS clarified that which made the lawful owner, larization of excess land in the officials of Kawang gewog for sent his sister while measuring the land in Plot No. 164 was Leki Wangmo, forego 2.72 deci- Chazhag Thram of Plot No 164 encroaching into state land her land, which is currently dis- never a state land. To substanti- mals while regularizing excess was executed in strict compli- during the New Sathram Com- puted by ACC as state land. The ate the correctness of its record, land.” ance with the requirements pilation (NSC) survey in 2000. ACC report implies illegal own- the NLCS enclosed old records OAG also established that under Section KA 1-3 of the ership transfer of the land from of its Thram, survey maps of ownership transfer from Dech- Land Act 1979. ACC’s investigation Leki Wangmo to Namgay Dorji. 1988 and NSC 2000-2001. en Wangmo to Leki Wangmo, “Besides the loss of 2.72 dec- report The report concluded that the Hence, OAG established the demarcation of seven deci- imals, out of seven decimals of In 1987, Dechen Wangmo, land transfer was done in 1992 that the land under Plot No. mals out of 20 decimals, the excess area, there is not a shred sister of Namgay Dorji, bought and hence alleged Namgay 164 was never a state land nor assignment of new plot and of evidence, even by implica- 20 decimals of wetland from Dorji of illegal encroachment vacant land without Thram as Thram numbers by the DSLR, tion, to corroborate the allega- Aum Bakhum. It comprised and deceptive practice. concluded by the ACC report, the demarcation of access road tion of encroachment into State six bunds of paddy field called Both former Kawang gup which is based solely on dubi- that delinked plot No 164 from land by the lawful owner, Leki Churagang. The plot was num- Sonam Dorji and former man- ous statements that does not the previously shared common Wangmo,” OAG stated. bered 166. gmi Rinzin were implicated give credence to support the boundary with Plot No 166, the Seven decimals from the for two counts of offences as initial 20 decimal land was they endorsed the Kappa form transferred from Dechen of Leki Wangmo’s 7-decimal Wangmo to her sister Leki plot and witnessed the illegal Wangmo under plot number survey, which enabled Namgay 164. Dorji to encroach on state land. During the course of inves- Sonam Dorji, Rinzin and tigation, ACC found that plot other five residents of Taba, 164 was once recorded as a were implicated for facilitating ‘government land’ and other Namgay Dorji to successfully time as ‘thramless.’ The 1988 register a state land in his name detailed survey map showed by signing the no objection let- plot number 164 completely ter stating that Leki Wangmo’s as a different plot and separate 7-decimal land identified as from the mother plot, 166. plot 164 is registered as ances- Later, Leki Wangmo had tral land. given her 7-decimal plot to her The commission received brother, Namgay Dorji, with a complaint on November 20, the latter overseeing the 2000 2017 alleging that Namgay NSC survey although actual Dorji had encroached into transaction did not take place. state land between 2004 and During the survey, Namgay 2009 at Taba. The investiga- Dorji had measured a state tion began in May 2018 during land identifying it as a 7-deci- which ACC officials reviewed Zimdra Impex, one of the biggest departmental stores in Phuentsholing was damaged by mal land in plot number 164 documents and summoned, fire early morning yesterday. The fire that started around midnight to 1am was contained and moved the plot away from around 5am. ADVERTISEMENT PAGE 6 Saturday, April 25, 2020| KUENSEL

ANNOUNCEMENT NOTiCE ON CANCEllATiON Of biD MiNisTry Of ECONOMiC AffAirs MiNisTry Of WOrks AND HUMAN Department of Intellectual Property sETTlEMENT MoEA/DoIP/G3/2020/1179 PMU, SASEC Project,DoR,MoWHS, As per the Ofce order no. MoEA/SEC/DoIP/09/2020/29 dated April 23, 2020 of Phuentsholing, Bhutan the Oftg. Secretary, Ministry of Economic Afairs, a Branding Bureau comprising DoR/SASEC/2019-2020/11/NCB relevant ofcials from the Department of Cotage & Small Industry (DCSI) and This is to notfy to all our valued bidders that the bid DoIP is established w.e.f April 26, 2020 coinciding with the World Intellectual for “Dredging work at bhawanijhora”, which was Property Day 2020. The establishment of the Branding Bureau is a part of invited through kuensel on 3 March 2020, has been actvites to be implemented under the fve-year project ttled “An Enabling cancelled under the circumstances of emergency Innovaton Environment to Strengthen Business Compettveness through Brands and technical difcultes. The inconvenience caused and Designs” (EIE-BD) between the DoIP and the World Intellectual Property is highly regreted. Organizaton (WIPO) with the objectve to empower the natonal stakeholders to increase their business compettveness through efectve use of the IP system. For enquires and clarifcaton purpose, please contact telephone nos. 05-253978/ 1807/ The Branding Bureau will not be a separate ofce but will functon within the 17280043/ 17538452 during ofce hours OR email existng organizatonal structure of the two departments. Broadly, the Branding to [email protected]/ Bureau will provide the following services: [email protected] • Advisory services on Intellectual Property (IP) related branding issues viz. creaton, exploitaton and maintenance of Trademarks, Industrial Designs, Geographical Indicatons, etc.; ClAssifiEDs • Advisory services on non-IP-related branding issues viz. marketng, advertsing, packaging, etc.; • Technical support in fling IP applicatons at natonal and internatonal sale: Jumbo 2018. Vacancy: Security level; and Contact 17430623. Guard, salary Nu. • Implement awareness-raising actvites viz. workshops, training, 7,250 with benefts. brochures, etc. Free food and • Legal advice on IP infringement and dispute resoluton mechanisms at rent: Etho Metho accommodaton natonal, regional and internatonal level including the legal rights and Tours Pvt.Ltd. is during training. remedies as per relevant laws and treates. searching for an Contact 1834/1934. ofce space (three The IP related branding services will be catered by the DoIP and the non-IP related Vacancy: 2 thousand fve branding services will be catered by the DCSI, as and when required. experienced welder hundred-four Any interested individuals may like to visit the aforementoned respectve ofces and 2 machine thousand sq.f). for availing the services. operators for Preferably a big Thangthong Iron and Director General open space with Steel, Phuentsholing. ample car parking. Contact 05253273/ Locaton: Town TiME EXTENsiON NOTiCE area, Motthang, 17160520/77297884 DrUk GrEEN POWEr COrPOrATiON liMiTED Changzamtog, for details. (a company) Changangkha, NU. PEr UNiTs Of fOrEiGN CUrrENCy Chubachhu. Contact as of yesterday Tala Hydropower Plant NOTES Rinchentse, Tala: Bhutan 17791313/tours1@ ethometho.com.bt Buy Sell No. DGPC/THP/TSD/HR&DC-07/2020/1089 US $ 75.00 77.35 The last day of submission and opening of bid against Tender No. THP0039/2020 rent: Shop PoUnD 92.60 95.15 dated 09.03.2020 for “Extension and Modifcaton of HrDC block at THP” which space for rent at EURo 80.75 83.00 was scheduled for 24.04.2020 is hereby extended up to 11.05.2020. The bids shall Changzamtog. Three YEn (100) 69.65 71.60 now be received up to 13:00 Hrs on or before 11.05.2020 and shall be opened on months rent free. HK $ 9.65 9.95 the same day at 14:30 Hrs (bsT). Contact 17232222/ AUS $ 47.60 48.90 17584958. Sing $ 52.60 54.10 All other terms and conditons of the NIT shall remain unchanged. Courtesy BnB Head, Technical Support Division

Advertsement Division will be opened from 10:00 AM tll 1:00 PM during Saturdays. For advertsement enquiries, contact 02-326191. DIVER SION Saturday, April 25, 2020 | KUENSEL PAGE 7

KwikPuzzle Xword 2001 © Gemini Crosswords 2012 All rights reserved Quick CLUES Cryptic Clues Quick Clues 123 4 5678Across Across Sudoku 1 RookAcross in chess (6) 1 Keep watch on this chap (6) 4 A charm1 Rook (8) in chess (6) 9 Soporific drug (6) 4 Possibly avenge it, possibly not (8) 910 4 A charm (8) 9 Representations seldom made (6) 10 Activities 9 Soporific to achieve drug (6)a goal 10 Death by hangings (8) 11 (8) 10 Activities to achieve a goal (8) 12 Peel read out what he did to the Corn Laws (8) 12 Sentimental 12 Sentimental fondness fondness (4,4) (4,4) 12 13 13 Grind a new bread (6) 13 In 13 addition In addition (2,4) (2,4) 15 The last of the wine (4) 14 15 Favourable 15 Favourable bias in bias in presenting facts (4) 16 Cor! Blow me! (6,4) presenting 16 Occur facts (4,2,4) (4) 19 A comfortable place in the garden (3,2,5) 15 16 17 16 Occur 19 Energy (4,2,4) and drive (3-2-3-2) 20 Where cricketers practise catches (4) 18 19 Energy 20 Distort and drive (4) (3-2-3-2) 23 Not the ‘in’ crowd for a start (6) 20 Distort 23 Overmuch (4) (6) 25 He’ll kill animals in the end (8) 19 20 21 23 Overmuch 25 Oblique (6) (8)25 Oblique (8) 27 Food of the gods (8) 27 Went so fast was barely visible (8) 22 27 Food of the gods (8) 28 Meaty language (6) 28 City 28 ofCity Red of Cross Red HQCross (6) HQ (6) 29 Second employer (8) 23 24 25 29 Ship’s 29 Ship’s biscuit biscuit (4,4) (4,4) 30 Pay for a seat (6) 30 Very 30 nearlyVery nearly (3,3) (3,3) 26

Down 27 28 DownDown 1 Commander of the main force (7) 1 Proverbially 1 Proverbially rich monarch rich monarch (7) (7) 2 It provides blanket coverage - for a dormitory feast? (9) 2 Miserly 2 Miserly person (9)person (9) 3 Make a second charge for killing? (6) 3 Most 3 recentMost (6)recent (6) 29 30 5 It houses the sewers in the Tuileries (4) 5 On opponents’5 On opponents’ ground (4)ground (4) How to play 6 The English way? Ah no - but a foreign sort (8) 6 Charlatan 6 Charlatan (8) (8) 7 Some find a bikiniFill in bizarre the grid in so Spanish island (5) April 23, answers 7 New 7 England New England state (5) state (5) 8 Oriental models are sent (7) 8 Baffle completely (7) that every row, every Across: 1 Blunder, 5 Suspend, 9 Samurai, 10 Travail, 11 Reach, 12 Easy-going, 8 Bafe completely (7) 11 Suitcase put in the car (7) Solution to last week’s puzzle 11 German city (7) column, and every 3 13 Watergate, 15 Spent, 16 Obese, 18 Like a shot, 21 False step, 24 Under, 25 11 German city (7) 14 At home with poetry? Quite the opposite (7) 14 Flightless seabird (7) X 3 box contains the Explain,STR AFE 26 Sequoia,S OR 27 Trestle,DERED 28 Apostle. BLUNDER SUSPEND 14 Flightless seabird (7) 17 Failure to notice surveillance (9) K I O H P W A A E N A A O L V E 17 In 17 a weakIn a stateweak (2,1,3,3) state (2,1,3,3) numbers 1 through 9.

18 Could mean coming in last everything considered (5,3) I NSURER PREMIUM SAMURA I TRAVA IL 18 Explain 18 Explain in detail in (5,3)detail (5,3) Answer Answer Down:M O 1E Bestrew,U R2 Unmeant,L S 3 ADark horse,T 4 Raise,E 5K So toS speak,O 6N Slang,S I 19 For enjoyment read some lines in bed (7) 7PI Evasive,TOT 8 Delight,BRE 14AT All HINat once,G 15 StatusRE quo,AC 16 OHfbeat,EASY 17 Eclipse,GO 19IN G 19 Hungarian 19 Hungarian stew (7) stew (7) 21 It’s true I will appear in the screen version (7) E T A S N E E N O P V H 21 Splendid 21 Splendid historical historical spectacle spectacle (7) HideDR OPout, SH20 Terrace,OTS 22 OAExact,SIS 23 Pasta. W ATERGATE SPENT 22 Promise father a part in the play (6) T N O B S L A T (7) 22 Disclose (6) 24 There could be more than two (5) PROVE HORNB ILLS O BESE LIKEASHOT 22 Disclose 24 Exclude (6) (5) O A O L O P F C A T I E 26 None of it is good it’s said (4) SCR AMBLED I GLOO F ALSESTEP UNDER 24 Exclude 26 Silvery-white (5) metal (4) T S E I I G L N B I X YEO AARSS E R 26 Silvery-white metal (4) MUMBLED SHARING EXPLA IN SEQUO IA Health A E E A C T E E A S C ACGOT U U C NUN BHUTANNERY OBO I STS TRESTLE A POSTLE Solution on Tuesday Capsule Cryptic Quick Across: 1 Strafes, 5 Ordered, 9 Insurer, 10 Premium, 11 Pitot, 12 Breathing, 13 Drop shots, 15 Oasis, Across: 1 Blunder, 5 Suspend, 9 Samurai, 10 Travail, 11 Reach, 12 Easy-going, 13 Watergate, 15 16 Prove, 18 Hornbills, 21 Scrambled, 24 Igloo, 25 Mumbled, 26 Sharing, 27 UNDPNunnery, 28assists Oboists. in strengtheningSpent, 16 Obese, 18 Like a shot, 21 False step, 24 Under, 25 Explain, 26 Sequoia, 27 Trestle, 28 Apostle. Down: 1 Skimped, 2 Risotto, 3 Foretaste, 4 Shrub, 5 Oppressor, 6 Dwelt, 7 Raisins,decentralisation 8 Damages, 14 On holiday, 15 Obbligato, 16 Postman, 17 Oarsmen, 19 Lollies, 20 Sponges, 22 Melee, 23 Disco. Down: 1 Bestrew, 2 Unmeant, 3 Dark horse, 4 Raise, 5 So to speak, 6 Slang, 7 Evasive, 8 Delight, 14 All at once, 15 Status quo, 16 Offbeat,Rebus 17 Eclipse, 19 Hide out, 20 Terrace, 22 Exact, 23 Pasta.

The UNDP made a contribution of about Nu 10.95 million (USD 350,000) to help with the royal government’s eforts

to strengthen the decentralisation process and to make the government more efcient. up Make

BC Q&A PAGE 8 Saturday, April 25, 2020| KUENSEL “India will stand by our close friend and neighbour, Bhutan.” webinars. Another series of five live webinars on “Man- aging Covid-19: Experiences and Best Practices of India” will be hosted by the Post Graduate Institute of Medi- cal Education and Research, Chandigarh from 27 April onwards, where we also hope to see Bhutanese par- ticipation in good numbers.

Indian Ambassador to Contact tracing, quar- antine and testing have Bhutan, Ruchira Kamboj been the key elements of talks to Kuensel on the Bhutan’s policy response Bhutan-India collaboration to Covid-19. What about in the wake of Covid- India? Ours has been a pro-active 19pandemic. and graded response led by Prime Minister Modi. We started screening entry into India from mid-January that India would ensure all receive some of these mon front to combat Covid- itself, while also gradually possible support to Bhutan medicines as well? 19. Any follow-up action on increasing restrictions on to minimize the health and Prime Minister Modi has the SAARC VC? travel. This step-by-step ap- economic impact of the pan- emphasized that the fight A number of follow-up ac- proach helped avoid panic. The Prime Minister of demic. against Covid-19 is not just tions have been taken by Meantime, we also increased India called Lyonchhen on one country’s, but also all India pursuant to the SAARC our public awareness cam- the telephone last week. How has India helped the of humanity’s. Our ancient Leaders’ Video Conference paigns on TV, print and so- QCan you brief us about Bhutanese students and Indian heritage sets out that on 15 March. The SAARC cial media. We made special this? nationals returning home the world is one family, “Vas- Covid-19 Emergency Fund efforts to reach out to vulner- Indeed. Prime Minister Dr. over the last few weeks? udhaiva Kutumbakam”. He with India’s contribution able groups. We also worked Lotay Tshering and Prime As you are aware, India has repeatedly underscored of US$10 million now has a quickly to ramp-up capac- Minister has been in lockdown since the need to put human beings healthy corpus pledged by all ity in our system including have recently had an excel- 25 March, which has subse- at the centre of our vision SAARC member countries. through training our medical lent, warm tele-conversa- quently been extended till 3 of global prosperity and co- A dedicated COVID- staff across the country. tion, reflective of the special May. Despite the restrictions, operation, and to freely and 19 website (http://www. We enhanced diagnostic and privileged relations India has facilitated the openly share the benefits of covid19-sdmc.org) for use by capabilities and we also between our two countries. maximum number of special medical research and devel- all SAARC countries has been developed protocols for Prime Minister Modi ex- Druk Air flights to ensure the opment. The world is facing set up by the SAARC Disaster each stage of managing the pressed his admiration for return of Bhutanese students a common challenge and the Management Centre, Gandhi- pandemic: for screening at the personal touch and wis- and nationals, ordinarily key to success against Covid- nagar, Gujarat, to disseminate entry points; contact tracing dom of His Majesty The King resident in India. 1,350 Bhu- 19 is all about togetherness reliable information, best of suspected cases; quar- of Bhutan and Lyonchhen, tanese students from Chen- and resilience. practices and COVID-19 up- antine and management of both of whom have led from nai, Bengaluru, Ahmedabad, In this spirit, India has dates in the region. isolation facilities; and for the front to limit the spread Mohali, Mumbai, Amritsar, reached out to the global SAARC health profession- discharge of cleared cases. of infection within Bhutan. Chandigarh and Delhi have community – our neigh- als at the level of Director We have also responded The Prime Ministers also been able to return to home bourhood, the extended General have also held a vide- to the call of our people discussed the regional situa- as an outcome of these ef- neighbourhood as well as oconference on 26 March to abroad, evacuating Indians tion, and updated each other forts. Several Bhutanese have other countries - offering a exchange best practices and from different countries. We on the steps being taken by also returned home by road helping hand to deliver medi- lessons learned to combat have similarly helped some their respective governments through special arrange- cal supplies and assistance, Covid-19. Likewise, senior of your citizens, in keeping to curb the effects of the ments made in coordination whenever and wherever trade officials of SAARC with the special nature of our pandemic. Prime Minister with State Governments. No sought. In this vein, we have countries have met virtually bilateral relations. Modi thanked Lyonchhen for doubt, this exercise has been been honoured to hand over through a videoconference On mitigation measures, Bhutan’s contribution to the possible only because of two consignments of medical on 4 April to discuss the im- recently the Aarogya Setu SAARC Covid-19 Emergency robust cooperation between supplies to Bhutan. pact of travel restrictions and Mobile App, a futuristic Fund and both leaders also the Ministry of External Af- A third shipment contain- other issues affecting intra- tool for coronavirus track- expressed satisfaction at the fairs, India, the Royal Bhutan ing essential medicines in- regional trade. ing and contact tracing, progress made in imple- Embassy in New Delhi, and of cluding Hydroxychloroquine Live Webinars have also has been launched by our menting the special arrange- course Druk Air. is expected to be handed over been streamed by faculty Prime Minister. He has also ments agreed on 15 March to Bhutan next week. members of the All India emphasized the importance between the leaders of the India recently announced Institute of Medical Sciences, of Ayurveda and Yoga, both SAARC countries. Prime that essential medicines Lyonchhen and Prime Raipur on Covid-19, under of which are timeless in the Minister Modi referred to including Hydroxychoro- Minister Modi joined their our e-ITEC Programme. effort to boost immunity and the timeless and special quine would be supplied counterparts in the SAARC We were delighted that 36 enhance general health and nature of India-Bhutan ties, to neighbouring countries Video Conference held on Bhutanese health care of- wellbeing. and assured Lyonchhen upon request. Will Bhutan 15 March to launch a com- ficials participated in these Pg 9 HOME PAGE 9 Saturday, April 25, 2020| KUENSEL Local governments decided the revised 12th Plan activities

Tshering Palden three years which would be and limited interaction Of the 17 national key re- for the 12th Plan. in phases. The first phase will with others from outside sult areas (NKRAs), Thinley India’s ambassador to In light of the Covid-19 situa- cover about 1,400km costing the community served as a Namgay said there are some Bhutan, Ruchira Kamboj tion, the Gross National Hap- close to Nu 2.3B. natural barrier to the spread concerns in the case of four said that India’s assistance piness Commission (GNHC) Online education is a of Covid-19 in those areas, key result areas. to Bhutan had always been has reworked on the 12th new priority in the educa- so the prioritised activities The first two NKRAs is on shaped by the priorities of the Plan programmes and activi- tion sector, for the ICT sector seemed feasible. economic diversity and gross government of Bhutan. ties in consultation with the priority is given to increasing The local governments domestic product growth “As we understand this, local governments. the bandwidth and making have to prioritise farm roads (GDP). “While we are still at the Government of Bhutan Some of the depriori- the internet affordable. that connect villages away an early stage, when we look is formulating plans to fast- tised activities are mainly He said the Department from the gewog centre, at the present situation, there track the implementation of constructions which are not of Roads and Project DAN- benefit the most number of are some concerns whether 12th Five Year Plan activities yet initiated, such as office TAK have agreed to make the households, and those that we would achieve our eco- and wherever possible, front- construction, staff quarter road at least pliable. can help promote agriculture. nomic growth target,” he said. load investments. To this end, construction, fencing, study The amount for the local “Based on the criteria, The GDP growth target for we have been consulted, and tours, workshops, and train- governments in the Plan re- each gewog choose a road the 12th Plan is 6-7 percent on we are in close touch with ing. mains the same, he said. for the government to begin an average annually. “Based your side.” GNHC secretary Thinley He said that the GNHC base course work immedi- on today’s situation, the fore- She assured that India Namgay said, “In their place, had told the local govern- ately,” Lyonchhen said. cast average GDP growth is would stand in solidarity with activities related to tourism, ments to prioritise health He said improving the 4.7 percent. So there are some Bhutan as it re-calibrates its mainly focusing on activities and food security activities, roads has been prioritised as concerns whether we would development pathways in the that can be implemented but it was up to them to de- the activity is doable by local achieve the GDP target if wake of Covid-19. immediately like roadside cide. contractors and materials are the situation continues,” the During Lyonchhen’s lat- amenities, and construction The secretary briefly readily available locally. GNHC secretary said. est conversation with Indian sector has also been rescal- updated the media during He said that it would also There are also concerns Prime Minister Narendra ing.” the Meet the Press session help farmers in accessing whether those NKRAs related Modi, the Indian PM agreed In the agriculture sector, yesterday where he fielded markets for their farm pro- to health, education, and em- to the reprioritisation of the focus is on improving questions from the press. duce and boosting agricul- ployment would be achieved activities and projects sup- market access so that farm- Prime Minister Dr Lotay ture in general. owing to the Covid-19 situa- ported by the government of ers are incentivised to pro- Tshering said that the degree The 12th Plan has a total tion as schools remain closed India. According to the Prime duce more. of implementation of the pri- budget outlay of Nu 310B of and plan activities repriori- Minister’s Office, Lyonchhen Thinley Namgay said the oritised Plan activities would which Nu 193B is the cur- tised. said such adjustments would government would target depend on how long the rent budget, and Nu 116B is “Hopefully, if things im- make it convenient for the improving about 9,239km Covid-19 situation continue. the capital budget. “There prove, then we may be able government to align with the of farm roads at the cost of He said that the topog- is no change in the overall to do.” Covid-19 situation. Nu 14 billion (B) in the next raphy of rural settlements budget.” India committed Nu 45B

“India will stand by our close friend and neighbour, Bhutan.”

From Pg 8 the Caribbean. Some local manufacturers Could you update us on compliance of the ongoing In terms of international These efforts have drawn are reporting shortages of the third internet gateway, lockdown. Concerned State partnerships, India has de- praise from others. While the raw materials from India. which Bhutan is trying to Governments are working in livered medical supplies WHO has lauded India for How does GoI ensure the get from Bangladesh. unison to fulfill the joint en- and assistance, whenever announcing a series of meas- supply of raw materials? We fully appreciate the sig- deavour to contain the spread and wherever requested in- ures to take care of commu- I am pleased to share that nificance of a third internet of Covid-19 and to ward off cluding to Maldives, Sri nities directly affected by the the Government of India has gateway for Bhutan, not least any possibilities of infection Lanka, Nepal, Bangladesh, ongoing lockdown imposed made all efforts to ensure the considering the increased spreading across the border of Afghanistan and of course to fight the coronavirus, uninterrupted movement usage of internet in Covid-19 our two countries. Bhutan. Medical commodi- Microsoft co-founder Bill of essential as well as non- times, with an emphasis on ties have also been shipped Gates has commended Prime essential commodities to online education. The issue Any updates on progress to , Seychelles and Minister Modi’s leadership Bhutan. Around 400 vehicles is under consideration of in the Punatsangchhu-I Mauritius in our extended and the proactive measures carrying essential goods and both sides and we hope to ar- Hydroelectric project? neighbourhood, as well as taken by the Government of supplies enter Bhutan on a rive at a mutually acceptable Let me assure you that efforts to Italy, Iran and China at India to tackle the Covid-19 daily basis, a figure that is decision, within the earliest are underway and ongoing to the height of the crisis in outbreak in India. Both His comparable to the number of time frame. find a holistic solution and those countries. India has Majesty and Lyonchhen have vehicles prior to the lockdown way forward. In this vein, we also not been shy of granting graciously praised the bold in India. I will add that even How is GoI assisting Bhu- hope to convene early meet- clearances for export of key and decisive steps taken by as both our countries con- tan in its effort to prevent ings involving Bhutanese pharma products to partners our Prime Minister to fight tinue to face exceptional and cross border infection? and Indian stakeholders via such as US, Brazil, Spain and against Covid-19, we are in- extraordinary circumstances, The full machinery of the video-conferencing, which is Israel, and to other countries deed deeply touched by their India will stand by our close Government of India is the new normal! in Africa, Latin America and kind gestures. friend and neighbour, Bhutan. geared towards ensuring strict ADVERTISEMENT PAGE 10 Saturday, April 25, 2020| KUENSEL noticE inVitinG tEndEr tashi inFocomm LimitEd TICL/HRAD/16/2020/81 Tashi InfoComm Limited would like to invite sealed bids from the eligible Bhutanese small class contractors (holding valid trade license) for fber trenching works within Thimphu . A complete set of biding documents can be downloaded from Tashi InfoComm Limited’s website (www.tashicell.com) from 27/04/2020 to 13/05/2020. The last date of submission is 13/05/2020 untl 1:00 pm and shall be opened on same day at 2:00 pm at TICL’s head ofce, Thimphu. Bids must be accompanied by bid security of the amount 2% of your quoted amount in the form of Demand Draf or Bank Guarantee, drawn in favor of Tashi InfoComm Ltd, Norzin Lam, Thimphu Bhutan. For further informaton, please contact civil engineering secton at 77889977 (Ext: 8805) noticE inVitinG Quotation during ofce hours. tender no.: 000/BoB/tender/2020/005 dated 25/04/2020 Civil Engineering Secton Bank of Bhutan invites sealed bids from natonal/internatonal frms for “audit Strategic Planning & Project Department and cErtiFication oF iso 27001:2013 oF data cEntEr)”:-

Bids details: Bid ExtEnsion noticE Sale of bid documents From 25/04/2020 to 19/05/2020 Last date of submission 19/05/2020 at 1430 hours druk GrEEn PowEr corPoration Place of submission Procurement Unit, BoB Head Ofce, Norzin Lam, LimitEd Thimphu (a company) Opening date 19/05/2020 at 1500 hours DGPC/CPD/CMPD/18/2020/124 Venue for opening of bid BoB Head Ofce, Norzin Lam, Thimphu The date of submission of bids against NIT No. CO0042/2020 dated March 03, 2020 for “Face- The bid document can be obtained from the corporate website lifing of CHP Dam Complex” at Chhukha, is hereby htps://www.bob.bt. extended up to 14:30 hrs of may 11, 2020 and shall For Bank of Bhutan Limited be opened on the same day at 15:00 hours. All other terms and conditons of the Bidding Document shall remain unaltered, unless otherwise notfed. noticE inVitinG Quotation Head khoLonGchhu hydro EnErGy LimitEd Contracts Management and Procurement Division A Joint Venture of Druk Green (Bhutan)&SJVN (India) Telephone: +975 2 339874 Incorporated under the Companies Act of the Kingdom of Bhutan, 2000 Kholongchhu Hydroelectric Project (600 MW), Trashiyangtse 04/KHEL/P&C/NIT/2020/1747 addEndum no. 1 Kholongchhu Hydro Energy Limited (KHEL), Trashiyangtse, Bhutan is pleased to ministry oF works & human invite sealed bids from eligible Bhutanese suppliers having valid trade license for “Supply of Liveries”. sEttLEmEnt Department of Roads The Bidding Document shall be on sale from April 25, 2020 to May 25, 2020. Bridge Division, Thimphu Bids shall be received up to 11.00 am Bst on or before May 26, 2020 and shall be opened on the same day at 11.30 am Bst. Interested Bidders may obtain MoWHS/DoR/BD/15/2019-20/2257 the complete set of Bidding Document upon payment of non-refundable fee Bridge Division, Department of Roads, MoWHS, of Nu. 1,000.00 (Ngultrum One Thousand only) from the Procurement and Thimphu hereby issues Addendum No. 1 for the Contracts Division, KHEL, Trashiyangtse or download from KHEL website (www. bid; detail design and constructon of Dhamdum khepbhutan.com), in which case, the bidders should register themselves by Bridge at Samtse on Samtse - Sipsu SNH, Phase I: intmatng the Procurement and Contracts Division, KHEL before the deadline for Detail Design Works, RFP Ref. No.: MoWHS/DoR/ submission of the bid and submit the cost of the Bidding Document at the tme BD/15/2019-2020/01. For details please visit the of submitng the bid. For further informaton, kindly contact this ofce at tele Ministry’s website- www.mowhs.gov.bt. No.04-781158/ 781167/ 781169 during ofce hours. Chief Engineer Chief Engineer (Contracts) Bridge Division ADVERTISEMENT Saturday, April 25, 2020| KUENSEL PAGE 11

NOTIfICaTION NOTICE INVITING TENDER T BaNk LTD. TashI INfOCOmm LImITED This is to inform all our valued clients that in line with His Majesty’s Royal address Thimphu dated 10th April 2020, the Monetary Measures in response to COVID-19 outbreak TICL/PRO-08/2020/857 taken by the Government of Bhutan, Royal Monetary Authority of Bhutan and Tashi InfoComm Limited, Thimphu invites sealed the Bank are as follows: bids from interested Clearing & Forwarding Agents 1. Loan repayment will be deferred for three months (April to June 2020) for the Clearing & Forwarding of TICL imports from for all loans both performing and Non-performing loans except loans to Kolkata to Phuentsholing. Government, Loans to Financial Insttutons and Staf Incentve Loans. The last date of Bid submission is may 20, 2020 on 2. Interest will be waived of for three months (april to June 2020) for all or before 11:00am and it will be opened on same performing loan as on 29th february 2020 including loans availed on or day at 2:30pm at TICL conference hall, Thimphu. before 10th april 2020; and Visit our website www.tashicell.com to download the Bidding Document. 3. No penal interest/ late fees shall be charged on all loans for three months (april to June 2020) Procurement & Inventory Secton In view of the Monetary Measures, Bank will be disabling Standing Instructons TENDER sUBmIssION TImE (SI) for all monthly loan EMI deducton. Clients wishing to pay the monthly EMI despite the Monetary Measures have to inform the bank while depositng the EXTENsION loan amount so that the amount will be adjusted directly to the loan principal Tashi InfoComm Limited, Thimphu hereby extend amount. the Bid submission date for the supply of 3-Phase For more informaton and clarifcaton, kindly refer the RMA directve and Transformers and other accessories advertsed in guidelines on the “monetary measures in response to COVID-19” available on the Kuensel and Business Bhutan of dated april 11, our website www.tbank.bt or contact the following ofcials: 2020. The new Bid Submission date is on or before may 13, 2020; 11:00am and the opening will be on i. Mr. Gembo Dorji at 17773320 or email to [email protected] the same day at 2:30pm. ii. Ms. Sermila Rai at 17605464 or email to [email protected] Procurement & Inventory Secton Please stay home and be safe! Management NOTIfICaTION OffICE Of ThE PRImE mINIsTER & PUBLIC NOTICE CaBINET mINIsTRy Of ECONOmIC affaIRs S-20/157 In line with the decision of the 56th Lhengye Department of Industry Zhungtshog, all government and autonomous Company Registry Division, Thimphu agencies are required to share a copy of Press This is to notfy the general public that the following companies have been Release/ Announcement/ Notfcaton related to struck of from the list of incorporated companies maintained by the Registrar COVID-19 with the Department of Informaton of companies with efect from 20th april 2020 as empowered by Secton 370 of and Media, Ministry of Informaton and the Companies Act of Bhutan, 2016 and these companies shall remain dissolved Communicatons via email to [email protected] hereafer; soon afer the release. This is to streamline the disseminaton of ofcial The Journalist Private Druk Neytshuel Private Yarphel Constructon informaton to the public on COVID-19, while also Limited Limited Private Limited archiving the developments on a dedicated website K W Constructon Private Rinchen Builders Private Agarwood Bhutan Private (www.gov.bt/covid-19) of the government that Limited Limited Limited was developed for the purpose. Jangbogo Tour Bhutan Drukwave Comm & Sherimung Constructon While releasing details on respectve websites Private Limited Financials Private Limited Private Limited and social media platorms of ministries and Dophu D. Constructon Styling Bhutan Private Sersang Food Private government agencies, the website will serve as Private Limited Limited Limited a comprehensive source on COVID-19 and other This acton has been taken in pursuant to their failure to report their business important communicaton materials coming out of status even afer two consecutve notces which were given over a period of the government. four months. However, the liability, if any, of every director or other ofcer who As per secton 4.5 of the guidelines for Disaster is exercising any power of management and of every member of the company Response and Coordinaton Mechanism 2020, the shall contnue and may be enforced as if the company had not been dissolved in Department of Informaton and Media, Ministry keeping with the secton 371 of the Companies Act, 2016. of Informaton and Communicatons serves as the Informaton unit under the Informaton, Registrar of Companies Communicaton and Transportaton Desk during tmes of disaster. Therefore, all agencies are to cooperate with immediate efect. PERSPECTIVE PAGE 12 Saturday, April 25, 2020| KUENSEL I hear my King calling hutan has made ing on to the principle of implementing the aspira- great moments the “survival of the fittest” tions of His Majesty. Our in history. Our In moments of uncertainty and where the elderly and DeSuung, our security dzongs, solid the vulnerable are either forces, all our volunteers, and majestic, confusion, such as this, once forgotten or ignored. How the ones hitherto unknown Bstand today, not just as cul- blessed are our Bhutanese and unseen Bhutanese tural icons showcasing the again we can only turn to our elders to be the first ones to individuals who stepped elegance of the Bhutanese King- for Hope and Light, for receive our King’s compas- forward to express their architecture, but more so, sion and care. They remain Damtshig, is so moving and they are symbols of her vi- Refuge and Clarity, for Strength our nation’s number one deeply humbling. This is brant past. and Courage to move on. priority. such a winning combina- A glimpse into our his- Equally fortunate are tion for Bhutan. tory reveals how fortunate our youths! They are in- However, the battle isn’t we are, to be born in the deed our ’s over yet. We have heard soil of Palden Drukpa with dared to dream her dreams shine came about! heartbeat and have always the emotionally charged our Druk Gyalpos to define to define her destiny. Today, even as many stirred his intellectual in- words of our Majesty; felt our destiny. Each stead- And today each of our mighty countries lay stag- terests and deep concerns. that intense moment of fastly and uncompromis- Druk Gyalpos endears to us gering and broken, we once Today with thousands solemn silence even as our ingly rose to protect and deeply. again, stand tall, unafraid either in quarantine or Druk Gyalpo spoke - reas- strengthen the solidarity Thus, when our Druk and confident, daring to observing social isolation, suring us yet cautioning us of our nation. The national Gyalpo Jigme Khesar Nam- face this Covid-19 storm our Druk Gyalpo takes even to remain alert and guard character and the personal- gyel Wangchuck took over together. Our King, with his greater care to save them our individual behaviour ity that sets us apart; the the helm of affairs, he em- sharp military judgements from falling into boredom as well as, of the possible national consciousness and bodied the continuity of the and penetrating insights, or sinking into potentially pitfalls and dangers that identity that so distinctly great Wangchuck legacy. has created DeSuung - the serious mental or emo- can simply come from a has become our own today, With his regal aura and Guardian of Peace who tional disturbances. Chik- careless person’s mistake is the result of the unbend- strong charisma, our Druk now stands as the Great Thuen, highly evocative which can undo everything ing resolution and sharp Gyalpo won global admira- Wall protecting us from the and entertaining, has now we have achieved so far. vision of our Kings. tion and respect. At home invasion of Covid-19. Our become a powerful unifying This bids us to gather our Each era gave birth to a with his all-embracing love confidence is restored and force for solidarity and to heads and hearts to make Dragon King as an antidote and compassion, His Maj- our hope lighted up. drive home the key ‘Stay- a personal pledge to take to the ills and adversities esty personified our hopes Here is a King who re- At-Home’ message and full responsibility to align of the time. The crown- and dreams. members his people living create awareness for the our efforts and behaviour ing of Gongsar Ugyen Today, as the icy hands offshore far from home and nation to beat Covid-19. to our King’s efforts to beat Wangchuck put an end to of Covid-19 grips the world, reaches out to each one In moments of uncer- Covid-19. the internal intrigues and sending forth waves of fear across the ocean to ensure tainty and confusion, such And before you put strives, bringing home and confusion across the their safety and comfort. as this, once again we can aside this page, would peace, just when the great globe, our Mewang once Here’s a King, who acts with only turn to our King- for you do this for your King? powers were preparing for again struck a deep chord astounding spontaneity to Hope and Light, for Refuge Pause for a moment to take World War I. In the midst of in both the young and the use his kindest possible and Clarity, for Strength and a mindful breath – your economic depression and old, as he rushed out to measure to address the Courage to move on. He is breath of solidarity and World War II, Druk Gyalpo answer to the country’s need specific to each one of our Lungten ghi Gyalpo, gratitude to this Peerless Jigme Wangchuck rose toughest call. To this Man, us. The National Resilience predestined by Guru Druk Gyalpo. to consolidate the young Our King, nothing is as im- Fund has provided shelter, Rinpoche and Zhabdrung Kingdom. Around the time portant as Bhutan and the created employment, re- Rinpoche to rule this Drag- Breathing in, fill your when the great powers Bhutanese. Even before the lieved the burden of loan on Kingdom as our Com- whole being with the love were torn by ideological tidal waves of this virus hit payment and touched the passionate Warrior King. of your King. clashes, our Druk Gyalpo Bhutan, our King is on the lives of each Bhutanese In turn how have we re- Holding your breath, Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, ground meeting his people; deeply, lifting their morale sponded? Our fellow Bhuta- dwell in that moment of the icon of modern Bhutan assessing their readiness; and optimism. If the coun- nese have been incredible, love. brought people’s voices awakening them from their try’s economy doesn’t serve coming together in a spirit Breathing out, send out to the forefront and put slumberous complacency the purpose of its people of solidarity and oneness. your love for your King, an end to the evils of serf- and ignorance; re-kindling in times of their need, why Our Chab-Je Rinpoche for Bhutan and for the dom. Druk Gyalpo Jigme hope and assuaging their have a strong economy, leading Zhung Dratshang World that’s suffering. Singye Wangchuck shook fear and much more… But our King reasoned with is the most vital force pre- the world by challenging this is no surprise! You compassion. No act can be paring the ground for all GDP with the principles and I know, our King has as endearing really. Such auspicious interconnection of our GNH; years later, walked the Bhutanese soil sublime-humane benevo- tendrel and circumstances Contributed by he stunned the world and a thousand times before, lence is a true testimony to arise. The Royal Govern- Karma Pedey humbled his people with is familiar with every crack of our Druk Gyalpo’s noble ment led by Honourable Norbuling Rigter College the gift of democracy when and corner of Bhutan and and magnanimous spirit Lyonchhen has been most (NRC), Paro elsewhere democracy had knows all the facets and that each Bhutanese will meticulous and efficient in to be fought for with many faces living there. cherish for all times. a bloodshed. Each Druk While our King worked No Bhutanese is left Gyalpo has served a pur- tirelessly night and day, behind. No Bhutanese pose higher than self; each many like myself, may receives any less than the To adverTise iN KueNsel: answered the daunting calls have just stood and stared, other. Every Bhutanese gets of the Nation - giving a new Call 326191 or fax 326638; basking in the Bhutanese his measure of the King’s e-mail us at: [email protected] strength, a new confidence sunshine never asking from love and care. Today, the and a new stability. Bhutan where and how this sun- world is viciously hold- DZONGKHAG Saturday, April 25, 2020| KUENSEL PAGE 13 First sighting of white-bellied heron in Bumdeling Neten Dorji | Trashigang longchhu bank.” Official said, because of White-bellied heron (Ardea human exploitation and dis- Insignis) was sighted for the turbances in riverine habitats, first time along Kholongchhu birds might have migrated to in Trashiyangtse on April 12. safer place and where river- The lone bird was spot- having lots of fish and other ted at the black-necked crane species for feed. rooting ground, between According to officials, Dungzam to Kangteng Bridge. white-bellied heron was spot- “This is the first time heron ted at Jamkhardrang, below has been spotted in Bumde- Gomphu Kora lhakhang few ling,” said officiating chief for- years back. est officer, Tshering Dhendup. Heron has been recorded The species was confirmed mostly in the central and through binocular and physi- southwest parts of the country. cal observation. White bellied heron is cat- Officials with Bumdeling egorised as critically endan- Wildlife Sanctuary, however, gered and listed as protected could not tell whether the species under Schedule I of bird had migrated from others Forest and Nature Conserva- parts of the country. tion Rules and Regulation. “We have not been able to The estimated global confirm whether the bird is population of the bird is 60. a vagrant or a resident one,” Bhutan has about 45 percent said an official. “It has been of the bird according to the feeding and perching on same 18th WBH population survey location alongside the Kho- 2020. The heron was never sighted in Bumdeling before

Shooting boulders block Gyalpoizhing-Nganglam highway

Staff Reporter

Before the roads department could mend the first block on the Gyalpoizhing-Nganglam highway, a rockslide blocked the highway yesterday at around 24km from Gyalpoizh- ing towards Nganglam. The regional Depart- ment of Roads (DOR) office in Lingmethang deployed a machine to clear the 100m stretch of road covered by falling boulders. Lingmethang regional DOR’s executive engineer, Karma Rinzin said that two machines would be deployed today to clear the blockage and open the road to traffic in the afternoon. However, DOR officials said the first block that took place at the canopy area, around 38 kilometres away from Gyalpoizhing towards Nganglam would take around The road is blocked at about 24 kms from Gyalpoizhing a week more to make it pli- side (Photo: DoR Lingmethang’s Facebook page) able for medium and heavy vehicles although it is open to Rinzin, said the base of the formation width of the road small vehicles. road has been damaged and itself is taken and cutting is The chief engineer, Karma need a longer time. “The required.” HOME PAGE 14 Saturday, April 25, 2020| KUENSEL Govt. stocking essential items to last six months move, lyonpo said, could be grains that have high nutri- a way to engage and provide tional content and takes less commercial farming oppor- time to mature.” tunities to interested groups Improving agricultural and individuals. market facilities was among “The government is there the reprioritised activities of to help with agricultural in- the 12th Plan, the GNHC Sec- puts. Interested groups can retary Thinley Namgay said. avail themselves of CSI loans It is expected to help farmers at a reduced interest rate,” access markets for farm pro- Lyonpo said. “Our focus is duce and to boost agriculture to produce vegetables and production in the country.

TOMORROW

Good Day Bad Day Multipurpose halls in schools are temporarily used to store essential items Choki Wangmo enough to sustain us for an- people could stock-up so that other the next 10 months,” ly- there would be no major cri- A good day for rituals (laza): The government has stocked onpo said, adding that people sis in case of a lockdown.” those born in the dog year. essential items enough to last should not worry about stock. Stocking up at homes is ex- Generally a good day (sogza): for four months—worth Nu 104 FCB has stockpiled 972 pected to create space at the those born in the sheep year. million. By mid-May, the coun- MT of cooking oil and 530 FCB depots to store more try will have stocked essential MT of legumes and grains. food reserve. APRIL 27, MONDAY items to last for six months. Import continues in the Prime Minister also urged Good Day Besides Food Corpo- meanwhile. Bhutanese to change food ration of Bhutan Limited “So far, we are stocking at habits. “Food diversification Bad Day (FCB), 16 wholesalers and the dzongkhag headquarters. will promote food sufficien- large retailers were pro- In the coming months, stocks cy, healthy living, and reduce vided concessional working will be distributed to gewogs the impact on the economy. capital to stockpile essential and villages,” Lyonpo said. We have to adopt rice substi- A good day for rituals (laza): and other commodities for Lyonchhen Dr Lotay tutes and eat more vegetables those born in the snake and horse years. six months, said Agriculture Tshering said that FCB and fruits. A changed lifestyle Generally a good day (sogza): Minister . should have stock of essen- could be the new normal” ly- those born in the rat and pig years. The country will require tial commodities to last six onchhen said. 17,000 metric tonnes (MT) of month’s at all times. To boost local food pro- A bad day (shedza): those born in the monkey and rooster years. rice in the next six months. The food stock, in the duction, the agriculture min- Within this month, 14,000 Covid-19’s wake, however, istry is currently exploring MT of rice would be procured should not remain in the 64,000 acres of private fallow from the SAARC food secu- stores, lyonchhen said. land across the nation with rity reserve. “Whole-sellers should dis- the help of gewog and dzong- Time of issue: 04:00 PM, 24 April 2020 “The stock should be tribute them to retailers and khag administrations. The SUNRISE : 5:27 am | SUNSET : 6:31 pm

Gasa Trongsa Bumthang Sarpang Phuentsholing FLIGHTS 11 16 12 25 28 1 8 7 20 16 DrukAir Date Flight No. Route Departure Arrival April 26 KB 290 Paro to Bengaluru 09:00 12:00 Thimphu Trashigang April 26 KB 291 Bengaluru to Paro 13:00 17:00 18 19 Domestic 7 8 April 26 KB 050 Paro to Yonphula via Gelephu 08:00 09:40

April 26 KB 051 Yonphula to Paro via Gelephu 10:00 11:40 Source: National Center for Hydrology and Meteorology. Note : All timings in local. Timings are subject to change. Call Drukair toll free No. 1300 for latest flight information. For any weather information: Call hotline 335578 PERSPECTIVE Saturday, April 25, 2020| KUENSEL PAGE 15 DeSuung: A Vision in Realization (Dedicated to graduates of the 38th batch and to all DeSuups) n February 2018, a be seen everywhere during their names, particularly on solidarity generated a lot massive forest fire both good and bad times social media profiles. On the of goodwill and apprecia- in Paro threatened – scenes at major national The DeSuups are official DeSuung Facebook tion for Bhutan beyond our the extant historic events, festivals, religious in defiance, with page, a DeSuup wrote thus: borders. establishments of congregations, natural “I am proud to be a DeSuup Also, from 12-18 No- spiritualI importance such disasters, reconstruction their social media and I think as a DeSuup vember, 2018, during the as the Sangchen Choekhor, projects etc. will be incom- profiles carrying you will be a complete Bhu- Moenlam Chenmo (the Choechotse and Taktshang plete without our men and this message: “I tanese”; one could almost great prayer ceremony) con- (Tiger’s Nest) monasteries, women in orange. And in am a DeSuup and hear his mind out. ducted by His Holiness the besides damaging thou- a pandemic situation like In the wake of the coro- in Rajgir, India, sands of acres of forests. today that is threatening the I can’t stay home”. navirus pandemic, “stay- some 120 DeSuups helped Foresters, armed force peace, security and prosper- Inside is not where home” is either an advice or manage the crowd and sup- personnel, villagers and ity of the nation, DeSuups they should be, an order to which compli- ported health officials of volunteers fought the fire for were in action from the ance is sought. The DeSu- His Majesty’s Kidu mobile almost a week. His Majesty very beginning supporting not certainly in the ups are in defiance, with medical unit in providing The King Himself was based in myriad capacities from current times, so their social media profiles emergency medical ser- at the Sangchen Choekhor loading and unloading feel the DeSuups. carrying this message: “I am vices. “The medical team, monastery for a few days goods to helping health a DeSuup and I can’t stay supported by DeSuup vol- to oversee the fire-fighting workers in quarantine fa- home”. Inside is not where unteers will provide same works. cilities, and from screening they should be, not certainly services during the special One night in the af- people at entry points to in the current times, so feel prayer ceremonies at Bod- termath of the fire, I was carrying out surveillance the DeSuups. hgaya from November 19 to having a conversation and patrolling our towns the day’s proceedings which DeSuups have become a 23”, Kuensel had reported. with my brother, a school and borders. Their contribu- they could only watch on household name in Bhutan That DeSuung has principal in Paro, who was tion is tangible and visible, television at the end of the for the good work that they redefined the concept of also involved in the fire- apparently filling out voids day despite having been have been doing. And espe- volunteerism and commu- fighting. “Of all things, I was which would otherwise re- at the venue much before cially in the current times nity service is evident from really impressed with the sult in delays, inefficiencies anyone else. These are where the need for trained, the popularity of DeSuups DeSuups”, he said. “Their and costs to the State and to moments of sacrifice and professional volunteers is in the country, and the huge sense of timing, discipline society. unsophisticated anecdotes increasing by the day, the number of people who are and readiness was amaz- Guided by the DeSuung of how DeSuups live up to word DeSuups is on tip of apparently interested to ing”. He narrated how the Honour Code, the DeSuups their core values. the tongue for planners and register for the program. DeSuups reported ahead of “keep service to their nation During the fateful Wang- decision-makers; sitting In the DeSuung Facebook time every morning, well before their own safety and due Dzong fire in June 2012, in a Covid-19 Task Force, I page, I read comments from equipped, and how they comfort”. During the 112th when His Majesty The King can say this safely. I should aspiring candidates propos- engaged in fire-fighting with National Day celebrations in was personally coordinating also say that the sense of ing that the qualification immense sense of duty. “It’s Thimphu last year, DeSuups rescue operations, we saw gratitude and appreciation requirement to undergo the quite different and far better reported to the Changlim- how DeSuup volunteers towards them is immeasur- DeSuung training be lifted. compared to how we civil- ithang ground at midnight came forward to support His able from different quarters. When registration for over ians do things. Now I under- to ready themselves for Majesty and the soldiers. His Majesty spoke so fondly 2,500 slots for the upcom- stand why our King started management of the thou- Six months later, during the and highly of the DeSuups ing 39th batch training was DeSuung”. He remarked in sands of people who would Pel Dechok Khorlo Dompai during a recent visit to opened a few days ago, I appreciation. turn up at the national sta- Wang in Punakha, where Phuentsholing after His believe the seats were taken DeSuung, meaning dium to witness the historic over two hundred thousand Majesty personally saw the within hours. Indeed, the “Guardians of Peace”, is the celebrations and to listen to people congregated for the hard work they are doing DeSuung website crashed brainchild of His Majesty His Majesty The King’s ad- blessings, one would vividly on the frontline, supporting because of the unprecedent- The King to promote the dress to the nation. The sta- remember how the DeSu- health workers and law en- ed number of people rush- spirit of volunteerism, the dium was full, hours before ups helped in all aspects of forcement agencies. ing to register themselves. positive influence of ethics, the program was to start, service delivery and crowd The spirit of service and This speaks volumes about and the values of communi- and thousands of people management- from cooking volunteerism of our DeSu- the success of DeSuung. ty service, integrity and civic were stranded on the roads, meals to serving hundreds ups transcend borders in Bhutan has always been responsibility in society. in the parking lots and at of thousands of devotees, times of need. In 2015, upon blessed with the vision- Since its launch in February various gates looking for from assisting traffic per- the Royal Command of His ary leadership and selfless 2011, 4,457 DeSuups have ways to enter inside. While sonnel to helping children Majesty The King, some service of our Monarchs. been trained in the 37 runs we comfortably settled into and elderly cross the bridg- DeSuups went to Nepal to DeSuung will be amongst of the DeSuung Integrated our seats, we saw the DeSu- es, from clearing trash to help during the earthquake the many legacies of His Training Program (DeSuung ups in full swing, helping maintaining surveillance. there. “A significant mo- Majesty The King’s reign to website). As you read this the police manage and con- DeSuups have created ment for DeSuung was the strengthen the peace, unity article, close to 2,500 train- trol the huge crowds. such a good image of the voluntary assistance to the and security of our country. ees of the 38th batch, mostly While thousands wit- institution of DeSuung and victims of the Nepal Earth- As we congratulate and teachers, are graduating nessed live, the arrival of built tremendous goodwill quake, as part of Bhutan’s salute those who graduate from seven training centres His Majesty in the grand and rapport with the public. Earthquake Relief Medical today, we share their sense across the country. They chipdrel procession, the Indeed, the mere sight of Unit, which operated a self- of pride and accomplish- will join fellow DeSuups spectacular thang-ra-dewa DeSuups gives one a sense sufficient district hospital ment; after all they are a part to supplement the work of and marchang ceremonies, of comfort and reassurance. in Nepal for several weeks. of a vision in realization. existing personnel working the Royal Address to the na- In them, we see manifesta- DeSuups were also part of in various capacities across tion and a variety of exciting tions of a King’s vision, the first-ever Bhutanese Contributed by the country in combatting programs, DeSuups could hopes and aspirations for Medical Response team dur- Chewang Rinzin Covid-19. be seen moving all around our nation and people. And ing the Nepal earthquake Director, RIGSS Adorned in their stand- the packed stadium, ensur- the DeSuups know that well, on 25th April 2015.” (The ing orange uniforms, DeSu- ing that everyone was com- that is why they proudly put Bhutanese, December 2016) (Views expressed are that ups across the country can fortable. They miss much of the prefix “DeSuup” before This gesture of support and of the author) ADVERTISEMENT PAGE 16 Saturday, April 25, 2020| KUENSEL

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