DOCSLIB.ORG

2021 VNR Report

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
2021 VNR Report Transformations for Sustainable Development in the 21st Century Bhutan’s Second Voluntary National Review Report on the Implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development Gross National Happiness Commission Royal Government of Bhutan United Nations High-Level Political Forum 2021 MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS ROYAL GOVERNMENT OF BHUTAN THIMPHU, BHUTAN MINISTER OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS Foreword The Kingdom of Bhutan is honoured to present its second Voluntary National Review (VNR) report to the 2021 United Nations High Level Political Forum (UN HLPF). It has undertaken this second national review as it accords high importance to the conduct of timely assessments, as a means to facilitate effective implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This has special significance to us as Bhutan marks the 50th anniversary of its membership in the United Nations. This is in keeping with its commitment to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, which Bhutan endorsed along with other members of the United Nations in 2015. The 2030 Agenda has particular significance for Bhutan as it has long championed a higher purpose for development, as expressed by our development philosophy of Gross National Happiness (GNH), and based on which it has made important contributions towards shaping the Global Goals. The Royal Government of Bhutan (RGoB) also considers this an important opportunity to share with the international community an update on progress and experiences since its first VNR in 2018. It is pleased to share that the Dewa Platform—an integrated dashboard to monitor GNH, SDGs and national development progress—has been developed. The RGoB is also pleased to report that with the ongoing implementation of the 12th Five Year Plan (FYP), it has been making broad-based progress across the SDGs. Numerous programmes are underway towards meeting targets for the 12th FYP’s 17 national key result areas (NKRAs), which are closely aligned to the SDGs. As presented in the first VNR report, the 12th FYP was formulated with GNH and the SDGs as a guiding basis, and represents a major step in implementing the 2030 Agenda. In particular, priority concerns and policy actions identified in the first VNR report are being addressed. For instance—to improve key social outcomes—national policies on gender equality, disabilities, and mother and child health have been endorsed, and a health flagship programme is under implementation. Towards improving economic resilience and productive capacities, greater emphasis is being placed on sustainable tourism, organic agriculture, cottage and small industries, and digital transformation. The adoption of a national climate change policy, REDD+ strategy, updated environment strategy, and roadmap for disaster risk management, are part of larger efforts to reduce vulnerabilities and manage climate change impacts. However, Bhutan, like the rest of the global community, has been greatly affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Deep and far-reaching impacts are already evident, particularly on the economy and livelihoods, and on the revenue landscape and education. While health impacts have not been as severe, the health Post Box No. 103, Gyalyong Tshogkhang, Thimphu, Bhutan EPABX 00975-2-323297, 322771, 322473, 322459, Fax: 00975-2-323240 Website: www.mfa.gov.bt 2 MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS ROYAL GOVERNMENT OF BHUTAN THIMPHU, BHUTAN system’s capacity to deal with a prolonged pandemic is of great concern—with epidemiological changes already placing pressure on the sustainability of free healthcare services. It is therefore expected that progress of several related SDGs is “at risk” today, as compared to 2018 when the first VNR assessed almost all SDGs to be “on track”. At the same time, however, it must be noted that Bhutan under the benevolent guidance of His Majesty the King has handled the pandemic remarkably well—with strong preventative and inclusive response measures in place since early 2020, owing to which adverse impacts are expected to have been mitigated to an extent. Moving forward, Bhutan will continue to implement the 12th FYP to ensure that progress across the SDGs is sustained. It will also implement its smooth transition strategy, which is aimed at sustaining its upcoming graduation from the UN’s Least Developed Country (LDC) category in 2023; building resilience while addressing remaining structural challenges; and adjusting to the loss of LDC benefits. At the same time, Bhutan is already drawing important lessons from responding to and dealing with the pandemic. These include, among others, the need and possibilities for long-term, transformative and green solutions for its food system, local economy, public services delivery, approaches to learning, data ecosystem, and preparedness for disasters and future pandemics. More importantly, the pandemic has also accentuated the strength of Bhutanese leadership and spirit of community cooperation at all levels. Therefore, as Bhutan works to “build back better” from the pandemic, it will also continue to build on these collective strengths in order to accelerate the SDGs. In doing so, the RGoB looks forward to strengthening cooperation with its development partners, including civil societies and the private sector, so that progress towards an inclusive, low-carbon and resilient development pathway can be sustained. To this end, the RGoB has the pleasure of presenting this report, which identifies opportunities for continued collaboration and partnership; and is structured around the theme of transformational processes that build on past achievements and draw lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic—as it moves towards LDC graduation, the SDGs and GNH. Dr. Tandi Dorji Foreign Minister Royal Government of Bhutan Post Box No. 103, Gyalyong Tshogkhang, Thimphu, Bhutan EPABX 00975-2-323297, 322771, 322473, 322459, Fax: 00975-2-323240 Website: www.mfa.gov.bt 3 Contents EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ..................................................................................................................................... 1 1. INTRODUCTION ...................................................................................................................................... 4 1.1 BACKGROUND.................................................................................................................................... 4 1.2 CONTEXT .......................................................................................................................................... 4 1.3 METHODOLOGY AND REPORT PREPARATION PROCESS .................................................................................. 6 2. A PANDEMIC RESPONSE THAT INSPIRES IMPROVED IMPLEMENTATION OF GNH AND THE SDGS ........... 8 2.1 HIS MAJESTY THE KING LEADING THE FIGHT AGAINST COVID-19 ................................................................... 8 2.1.1 Ensuring preparedness and securing high-risk areas.................................................................. 8 2.1.2 Reducing vulnerabilities triggered by the pandemic ................................................................... 8 2.1.3 Strengthening capacities for a multi-purpose human resource pool ............................................ 9 2.1.4 Ensuring access to essential public services and leaving no one behind .................................... 10 2.2 KEY LESSONS TO TAKE FORWARD........................................................................................................... 10 3. BHUTAN’S DEVELOPMENT TOWARDS AGENDA 2030 AND GNH ........................................................... 12 3.1 POLICY AND ENABLING ENVIRONMENT ................................................................................................... 12 3.1.1 Integration of the 3 SDG dimensions and incorporation of SDGs in the national framework ..... 12 3.1.2 Creating ownership for the SDGs ............................................................................................ 12 3.1.3 Institutional mechanisms ......................................................................................................... 13 3.2 TRACKING PROGRESS OF GOALS AND TARGETS .......................................................................................... 14 3.2.1 SDG indicators and dashboard ................................................................................................ 14 3.2.2 Summary of progress on the 17 SDGs ...................................................................................... 16 4. THEMATIC ISSUES ................................................................................................................................. 24 4.1 SDG 1: END POVERTY IN ALL ITS FORMS EVERYWHERE ............................................................................... 25 4.1.1 Eradicating extreme poverty and reducing poverty in all its forms ............................................ 25 4.1.2 Enhancing access to basic services, technology and economic resources .................................. 27 4.1.3 Building resilience and strengthening social protection systems ............................................... 28 4.1.4 Way forward ........................................................................................................................... 30 4.2 SDG 2: END HUNGER, ACHIEVE FOOD SECURITY AND IMPROVED NUTRITION, AND PROMOTE SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURE 31 4.2.1 Enhancing nutrition security ...................................................................................................
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Population and Migration in Thimphu Thromde
    Population and Migration in Thimphu Thromde Sangay Chophel* Abstract As a developing country, Bhutan is on the upward trajectory of urbanization. While it has benefits it also exerts pressures. Within Bhutan, Thimphu thromde has the largest urban population, which exhibit many forms of urbanization. Using the data from 2017 Population and Housing Census of Bhutan, the paper projects the population of Thimphu city till 2027 due to lack of its population projection. The cohort-component method is used for projection. The net-migration from 2005 to 2017 is calculated using residual method. Further, employing probit regression, the determinants of migration to Thimphu thromde is examined. Age, marriage, unemployment, land, household composition, household income and education are significant determinants of migration. Introduction Urbanization in Bhutan has continued apace. The urban population has increased from 30.9% in 2005 to 37.8% in 2017, and largest share of the overall population reside in Thimphu thromde (city) at 15.8%1 where most of the government offices are based. The other three cities are Phuntsholing, Samdrup Jongkhar and Gelephu thromdes. There are relatively smaller urban areas in each of the 20 districts. The annual growth rate of Thimphu thromde (3.72%) has * Senior Research Officer, Centre for Bhutan & GNH Studies. Email: [email protected], [email protected] 1 See the report of the first census conducted in 2005, Population and Housing Census of Bhutan 2005, and the second census conducted in 2017, 2017 Population and Housing Census of Bhutan. 114 Population and Migration in Thimphu Thromde outpaced the national population growth rate (1.3%) as it is evident from the last two censuses.
    [Show full text]
  • The Kingdom of Bhutan
    Updated March 23, 2020 The Kingdom of Bhutan Background were best served by elected leaders. The first election went The Kingdom of Bhutan, also known as the Land of the smoothly in 2008, and the second, in 2013, brought a Thunder Dragon, is a small, landlocked Himalayan country situated between India and China. The mountainous Figure 1.Bhutan in Brief kingdom is about half the size of Indiana, with an estimated population of 782,000, approximately 115,000 of them in and around the capital city, Thimphu. Bhutan’s economy has grown primarily as a result of hydropower, agriculture, and forestry development. The United States has no significant trade relations with Bhutan, and its foreign aid mission and bilateral consular affairs are handled by the U.S. Embassy in New Delhi, India. Deputy Secretary of State John Sullivan visited Bhutan in August, 2019. Bhutan has participated in a U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) regional program for South Asia directed at developing power infrastructure, and it has implemented programs intended to help mitigate some of the effects of climate change. With 70% forest cover and extensive hydropower, Bhutan is a carbon negative country. The Constitution, Elections, and the King The constitution of Bhutan establishes three branches of Source: CIA World Factbook, Economist Intelligence Unit, Media government: legislative, executive, and judicial. The bicameral legislature, or Chi Tshog, includes the National Assembly (Tshogdu), with 47 elected representatives, and peaceful transition of power in which the opposition the National Council (Gyelyong Tshongde), with 25 People’s Democratic Party won 32 of the 42 elected members, 5 of which are selected by the king.
    [Show full text]
  • A/HRC/42/8 General Assembly
    United Nations A/HRC/42/8 General Assembly Distr.: General 3 July 2019 Original: English Human Rights Council Forty-second session 9–27 September 2019 Agenda item 6 Universal periodic review Report of the Working Group on the Universal Periodic Review* Bhutan * The annex is being circulated without formal editing, in the language of submission only. GE.19-11259(E) A/HRC/42/8 Introduction 1. The Working Group on the Universal Periodic Review, established in accordance with Human Rights Council resolution 5/1, held its thirty-third session from 6 to 17 May 2019. The review of Bhutan was held at the 6th meeting, on 8 May 2019. The delegation of Bhutan was headed by the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Tandi Dorji. At its 10th meeting, held on 10 May 2019, the Working Group adopted the report on Bhutan. 2. On 15 January 2019, the Human Rights Council selected the following group of rapporteurs (troika) to facilitate the review of Bhutan: Argentina, Austria and Bahrain. 3. In accordance with paragraph 15 of the annex to Human Rights Council resolution 5/1 and paragraph 5 of the annex to Council resolution 16/21, the following documents were issued for the review of Bhutan: (a) A national report submitted/written presentation made in accordance with paragraph 15 (a) (A/HRC/WG.6/33/BTN/1); (b) A compilation prepared by the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) in accordance with paragraph 15 (b) (A/HRC/WG.6/33/BTN/2); (c) A summary prepared by OHCHR in accordance with paragraph 15 (c) (A/HRC/WG.6/33/BTN/3).
    [Show full text]
  • Pdf Banco Mundial
    Estudios de Asia y África ISSN: 0185-0164 ISSN: 2448-654X El Colegio de México A.C. Rodríguez-Calles, Luis Breve historia de Bután. Una identidad y un horizonte común en torno a la felicidad como objetivo político Estudios de Asia y África, vol. 54, núm. 2, Mayo-Agosto, 2019, pp. 373-390 El Colegio de México A.C. DOI: 10.24201/eaa.v54i2.2434 Disponible en: http://www.redalyc.org/articulo.oa?id=58660239007 Cómo citar el artículo Número completo Sistema de Información Científica Redalyc Más información del artículo Red de Revistas Científicas de América Latina y el Caribe, España y Portugal Página de la revista en redalyc.org Proyecto académico sin fines de lucro, desarrollado bajo la iniciativa de acceso abierto ESTUDIOS DE ASIA Y ÁFRICA, VOL. 54, NÚM. 2 (169), 2019, PP. 373-390 ISSN 0185-0164 e-ISSN 2448-654X CULTURA Y SOCIEDAD https://dx.doi.org/10.24201/eaa.v54i2.2434 Breve historia de Bután. Una identidad y un horizonte común en torno a la felicidad como objetivo político A brief history of Bhutan. An identity and a common horizon around happiness as a political objective LUIS RODRÍGUEZ-CALLES* Resumen: Se hace un repaso histórico de los acontecimientos más re- levantes ocurridos en el territorio que ahora pertenece a Bután, en el periodo que llega a la instauración de una monarquía hereditaria a principios de siglo XX. En un cuadro se resumen esos acontecimien- tos. Así se pretende dar luz al periodo histórico más desconocido del país con objeto de complementar otros análisis académicos sobre la felicidad, el budismo y las particularidades del modelo de desarrollo en Bután.
    [Show full text]
  • The Kingdom of Bhutan Health System Review
    Health Sy Health Systems in Transition Vol. 7 No. 2 2017 s t ems in T r ansition Vol. 7 No. 2 2017 The Kingdom of Bhutan Health System Review The Asia Pacific Observatory on Health Systems and Policies (the APO) is a collaborative partnership of interested governments, international agencies, The Kingdom of Bhutan Health System Review foundations, and researchers that promotes evidence-informed health systems policy regionally and in all countries in the Asia Pacific region. The APO collaboratively identifies priority health system issues across the Asia Pacific region; develops and synthesizes relevant research to support and inform countries' evidence-based policy development; and builds country and regional health systems research and evidence-informed policy capacity. ISBN-13 978 92 9022 584 3 Health Systems in Transition Vol. 7 No. 2 2017 The Kingdom of Bhutan Health System Review Written by: Sangay Thinley: Ex-Health Secretary, Ex-Director, WHO Pandup Tshering: Director General, Department of Medical Services, Ministry of Health Kinzang Wangmo: Senior Planning Officer, Policy and Planning Division, Ministry of Health Namgay Wangchuk: Chief Human Resource Officer, Human Resource Division, Ministry of Health Tandin Dorji: Chief Programme Officer, Health Care and Diagnostic Division, Ministry of Health Tashi Tobgay: Director, Human Resource and Planning, Khesar Gyalpo University of Medical Sciences of Bhutan Jayendra Sharma: Senior Planning Officer, Policy and Planning Division, Ministry of Health Edited by: Walaiporn Patcharanarumol: International Health Policy Program, Thailand Viroj Tangcharoensathien: International Health Policy Program, Thailand Asia Pacific Observatory on Health Systems and Policies i World Health Organization, Regional Office for South-East Asia. The Kingdom of Bhutan health system review.
    [Show full text]
  • The Executive
    The Executive VOLUME I NOVEMBER 7, 2018 - NOVEMBER 7, 2019 YEAR IN OFFICE Laying foundation for change 1,000 Golden Days Plus Digital transformation Removal of “cut Teachers, the Narrowing gap Densa Meet: off” for Class X highest paid civil through pay the other servant revision Mines and Cabinet Minerals Bill AM with PM: Getting to know Revising Tourism policy 9 better Tariff revision Private sector Policies development approved committee Laying foundation for change “Climb higher on the shoulders of past achievements - your task is not to fill old shoes or follow a well-trodden path, but to forge a new road leading towards a brighter future.” His Majesty The King Royal Institute of Management August 9, 2019 Contents • Introduction 8 • From the Prime Minister 10 • Initiating change 13 • Country before party 14 • Revisiting our vision 15 • The 12th Plan is critical 18 • The Nine Thrusts 19 • Densa, the other Cabinet 22 • High value, low volume tourism 22 • More focus on health and education 24 • AM with PM: A dialogue with the Prime Minister 25 • Investing in our children 26 • Pay revised to close gap 27 • Rewarding the backbone of education 28 • Taking APA beyond formalities 29 • Block grant empowers LG 30 • Major tax reforms 30 • TVET transforms 31 • Cautious steps in hydro 32 • Encouraging responsible journalism 32 • Private sector-led economy 33 • Meeting pledges 34 • Policies Approved 36 • Guidelines reviewed and adopted 37 • Overhauling health 38 • A fair chance for every Bhutanese child 41 • Education comes first 42 • Grateful
    [Show full text]
  • A Provisional Physiographic Zonation of Bhutan
    Journal of Bhutan Studies A PROVISIONAL PHYSIOGRAPHIC ZONATION OF BHUTAN Chencho Norbu etal1 Abstract The concept of physiography integrates all of the main components of the natural environment, such as bedrock, surface drift deposits, landform, soils, climate, water, and plants and animals. This paper summarizes the provisional physiographic zonation of Bhutan, based on soil survey fieldwork by the National Soil Services Centre, with some material incorporated from other environmental disciplines. The main influence in shaping the landscape of Bhutan has been the uplift of the Himalayas following the collision of the Indian and Asian continental plates. This has given rise to the basic topographic structure of the country with the High Himalaya in the north from which long ranges formed of metamorphic rocks run southwards and then descend steeply to the duars. The main valleys follow more or less north- south course, but show considerable variation in their longitudinal profiles. They all have narrow gorge-like sections in the South but vary in the sections upstream. In western and central Bhutan the riverbeds have stepped profiles and the flatter sections form Inner Valleys with relatively gentle side slopes and wide floors at altitudes ranging from 1100 m at Wangdi to 2600 m at Jakar. The rivers in the east are cut deeper, and their valleys are narrow and steep throughout. 1 Ian Baillie, National Soil Resources Institute, Cranfield University, UK. Email: [email protected], Tshering Dorji, Tsheten Dorj, H. B. Tamang, Kado Tshering & Austin Hutcheon, National Soil Services Centre, Semtokha, Ministry of Agriculture, PO Box 119, Thimphu, Bhutan .Email:[email protected] 54 This structure forms the basis of the proposed zonation in which Bhutan is divided into transmontane plateau, High Himalayan peaks, High Himalayan plateau remnants, North- South valleys and ranges, front foothills and duars.
    [Show full text]
  • Bhutan's Political Transition –
    Spotlight South Asia Paper Nr. 2: Bhutan’s Political Transition – Between Ethnic Conflict and Democracy Author: Dr. Siegried Wolf (Heidelberg) ISSN 2195-2787 1 SSA ist eine regelmäßig erscheinende Analyse- Reihe mit einem Fokus auf aktuelle politische Ereignisse und Situationen Südasien betreffend. Die Reihe soll Einblicke schaffen, Situationen erklären und Politikempfehlungen geben. SSA is a frequently published analysis series with a focus on current political events and situations concerning South Asia. The series should present insights, explain situations and give policy recommendations. APSA (Angewandte Politikwissenschaft Südasiens) ist ein auf Forschungsförderung und wissenschaftliche Beratung ausgelegter Stiftungsfonds im Bereich der Politikwissenschaft Südasiens. APSA (Applied Political Science of South Asia) is a foundation aiming at promoting science and scientific consultancy in the realm of political science of South Asia. Die Meinungen in dieser Ausgabe sind einzig die der Autoren und werden sich nicht von APSA zu eigen gemacht. The views expressed in this paper are solely the views of the authors and are not in any way owned by APSA. Impressum: APSA Im Neuehnheimer Feld 330 D-69120 Heidelberg [email protected] www.apsa.info 2 Acknowledgment: The author is grateful to the South Asia Democratic Forum (SADF), Brussels for the extended support on this report. 3 Bhutan ’ s Political Transition – Between Ethnic Conflict and Democracy Until recently Bhutan (Drukyul - Land of the Thunder Dragon) did not fit into the story of the global triumph of democracy. Not only the way it came into existence but also the manner in which it was interpreted made the process of democratization exceptional. As a land- locked country which is bordered on the north by Tibet in China and on the south by the Indian states Sikkim, West Bengal, Assam and Arunachal Pradesh, it was a late starter in the process of state-building.
    [Show full text]
  • Third Parliament of Bhutan First Session
    THIRD PARLIAMENT OF BHUTAN FIRST SESSION Resolution No. 01 PROCEEDINGS AND RESOLUTION OF THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY OF BHUTAN (January 2 - 24, 2019) Speaker: Wangchuk Namgyel Table of Content 1. Opening Ceremony..............................................................................1 2. Question Hour: Group A- Questions to the Prime Minister, Ministry of Home and Cultural Affairs, and Ministry of Information and Communication..............................3 3. Endorsement of Committees and appointment of Committee Members......................................................................5 4. Report on the National Budget for the FY 2018-19...........................5 5. Report on the 12th Five Year Plan......................................................14 6. Question Hour: Group B- Questions to the Ministry of Works and Human Settlement, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Ministry of Agriculture and Forests................................21 7. Resolutions of the Deliberation on 12th Plan Report.........................21 8. Resolutions of the Local Government Petitions.................................28 9. Question Hour: Group C: Questions to the Ministry of Economic Affairs, Ministry of Finance, and Ministry of Labour and Human Resources....................................................33 10. Resolutions on the Review Report by Economic and Finance Committee on the Budget of Financial Year 2018-2019........................................................................................36 11. Question Hour: Group D: Questions to the
    [Show full text]
  • Royal Government of Bhutan National Policy and Strategic Framework To
    Royal Government of Bhutan National Policy and Strategic Framework To Reduce Harmful Use of Alcohol 2015-2020 (The document is approved by the 90th session of the Lhengye Zhungtshog held on December 2, 2015) (FINAL APPROVED COPY) Contents FOREWORD ...............................................................................................................................6 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS .........................................................................................................7 ABBREVIATIONS .....................................................................................................................9 SECTION I: BACKGROUND ..................................................................................................10 1. Introduction ...........................................................................................................................10 2. Alcohol-related situations in Bhutan .....................................................................................10 Prevalence and consumption pattern .................................................................................. 10 Availability and accessibility ................................................................................................. 10 Alcohol related harms ........................................................................................................... 11 Costs and economic implications ......................................................................................... 12 SECTION II: THE LEGAL
    [Show full text]
  • Budget Report FY 2020-2021 (ENG)
    “Under ordinary circumstances, we have always exercised extreme prudence and carefully weighed the costs and benefits of every expenditure, to ensure the most judicious use of our limited resources while constantly keeping the long-term interest of the nation at heart. However, the situation we are in today is extraordinary, and unlike any we have experienced thus far. We are confronted with a dangerous global pandemic of an unprecedented scale posing an imminent threat to our people. Therefore, building the resilience, confidence and security of our people must take greater priority over conserving our resources.” His Majesty the King, Address to the Nation, 10th April 2020 BUDGET FY 2020-21 HIGHLIGHTS ECONOMIC OUTLOOK • The economy is projected to improve from -1.1 to 0.97 percent. • The commissioning of MHP since 2019 has improved the goods and services balance as electricity exports significantly increased. • Current Account Deficit is projected to improve from 14.4 to 11.0 percent of GDP. • With various fiscal and monetary measures, it is expected to boost domestic demand and generate economic activities which will have a positive impact on growth. RESOURCES • COVID-19 pandemic to impact domestic revenue by 14 percent. • Total resources estimated at Nu. 53,822.073 million. • Domestic revenue estimated at Nu. 33,189.392 million. • Grants estimated at Nu. 20,142.848 million, expected to cover 56 percent of capital expenditure. • To ensure that the revenue targets are met, the MHP shall be maintained under profit transfer modality during the FY. EXPENDITURE • Total expenditure estimated at Nu. 69,151.122 million, 7 percent increase from the previous year.
    [Show full text]
  • Political Scenario in Bhutan During 1774-1906: an Impact Analysis on Trade and Commerce
    Political Scenario in Bhutan during 1774-1906: An Impact Analysis on Trade and Commerce Ratna Sarkar* and Indrajit Ray** The East India Company’s relationship with Bhutan may be traced back to the conflict between the Princely state of Cooch Behar and Bhutan in 1772 where the Deb Raja of Bhutan defeated King Khagendra Narayan of Cooch Behar. The latter’s army commander Nazir Deo re-attacked Bhutan1 on behalf of the Prince and subsequently won the battle with the help of British soldiers. The relation between Bhutan and British India became imminent when the Deb Raja solicited the mediation of Panchen Lama of Tibet and fell back to the British power. This relationship, however, opened up a new vista to British imperialism from the last quarter of the eighteenth century onwards. While the East India Company’s desire to promote its trade in the Himalayan kingdoms, especially Tibet, was one of the reasons to this end, the other reason might be its design to consolidate its empire in this subcontinent against the expansion of the Russian and Chinese imperialism. Various political events like wars and peace-treaties followed as the Company administration in Bengal sought to realise these objectives. In the ultimate analysis, these political events shaped the trade relation of Bhutan with its neighbouring countries. The present article seeks to bring out these causations between various political events and trade relation of Bhutan during the previous centuries. Section I of this article documents various political events that led to the evolution of Bhutanese trade during the eighteenth-nineteenth centuries.
    [Show full text]