The List of the Members
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Continuing Customs of Negotiation and Contestation in Bhutan
Continuing Customs of Negotiation and Contestation in Bhutan Adam Pain and Deki Pema∗∗ Introduction A concern for the maintenance of traditional values and customs in the processes of modernisation within Bhutan is evident in much of Bhutan’s official documentation. The fundamental importance given to the maintenance and fostering of Buddhism, its beliefs and associated institutions reflected in Bhutan’s rich culture, is constantly returned to and emphasized in commentary. Thus the establishment of the Special Commission for Cultural Affairs in 1985 “is seen as a reflection of the great importance placed upon the preservation of the country’s unique and distinct religious and cultural traditions and values, expressed in the customs, manners, language, dress, arts and crafts which collectively define Bhutan’s national identity” (Ministry of Planning, 1996, p.193). Equally the publication of a manual on Bhutanese Etiquette (Driglam Namzhag) by the National Library of Bhutan was hopeful that it “would serve as a significant foundation in the process of cultural preservation and cultural synthesis” (Publishers Forward, National Library, 1999). One strand of analysis that could be pursued concerns the very construct of “traditional” and what is constituted as “within” or “without” that tradition. As Hobsbawm (1983) reminds us with respect to the British Monarchy, much of the ceremonial associated with it is of recent origin. Equally national flags, national anthems and even the nation state, are, as Hobsbawm would have it, “ invented traditions” designed largely to “ inculcate certain values and norms of behaviour by repetition, which automatically implies continuity with ∗ Research Fellow, School of Development Studies, University of East Anglia & Planning Officer, Policy & Planning Division, Ministry of Agriculture, Thimphu 219 Continuing Customs of Negotiation and Contestation in Bhutan the past” (op. -
6 Dzongs of Bhutan - Architecture and Significance of These Fortresses
6 Dzongs of Bhutan - Architecture and Significance of These Fortresses Nestled in the great Himalayas, Bhutan has long been the significance of happiness and peace. The first things that come to one's mind when talking about Bhutan are probably the architectures, the closeness to nature and its strong association with the Buddhist culture. And it is just to say that a huge part of the country's architecture has a strong Buddhist influence. One such distinctive architecture that you will see all around Bhutan are the Dzongs, they are beautiful and hold a very important religious position in the country. Let's talk more about the Dzongs in Bhutan. What are the Bhutanese Dzongs? Wangdue Phodrang Dzong in Bhutan (Source) Dzongs can be literally translated to fortress and they represent the majestic fortresses that adorn every corner of Bhutan. Dzong are generally a representation of victory and power when they were built in ancient times to represent the stronghold of Buddhism. They also represent the principal seat for Buddhist school responsible for propagating the ideas of the religion. Importance of Dzongs in Bhutan Rinpung Dzong in Paro, home to the government administrative offices and monastic body of the district (Source) The dzongs in Bhutan serve several purposes. The two main purposes that these dzongs serve are administrative and religious purposes. A part of the building is dedicated for the administrative purposes and a part of the building to the monks for religious purposes. Generally, this distinction is made within the same room from where both administrative and religious activities are conducted. -
Farming and Biodiversity of Pigs in Bhutan
Animal Genetic Resources, 2011, 48, 47–61. © Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, 2011 doi:10.1017/S2078633610001256 Farming and biodiversity of pigs in Bhutan K. Nidup1,2, D. Tshering3, S. Wangdi4, C. Gyeltshen5, T. Phuntsho5 and C. Moran1 1Centre for Advanced Technologies in Animal Genetics and Reproduction (REPROGEN), Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Sydney, Australia; 2College of Natural Resources, Royal University of Bhutan, Lobesa, Bhutan; 3Department of Livestock, National Pig Breeding Centre, Ministry of Agriculture, Thimphu, Bhutan; 4Department of Livestock, Regional Pig and Poultry Breeding Centre, Ministry of Agriculture, Lingmithang, Bhutan; 5Department of Livestock, Regional Pig and Poultry Breeding Centre, Ministry of Agriculture, Gelephu, Bhutan Summary Pigs have socio-economic and cultural importance to the livelihood of many Bhutanese rural communities. While there is evidence of increased religious disapproval of pig raising, the consumption of pork, which is mainly met from imports, is increasing every year. Pig development activities are mainly focused on introduction of exotic germplasm. There is an evidence of a slow but steady increase in the population of improved pigs in the country. On the other hand, indigenous pigs still comprise 68 percent of the total pig population but their numbers are rapidly declining. If this trend continues, indigenous pigs will become extinct within the next 10 years. Once lost, this important genetic resource is largely irreplaceable. Therefore, Government of Bhutan must make an effort to protect, promote and utilize indigenous pig resources in a sustainable manner. In addition to the current ex situ conservation programme based on cryopre- servation of semen, which needs strengthening, in situ conservation and a nucleus farm is required to combat the enormous decline of the population of indigenous pigs and to ensure a sustainable source of swine genetic resources in the country. -
AFS 2016-17 [Eng]
ANNUAL FINANCIAL STATEMENTS of the ROYAL GOVERNMENT OF BHUTAN for the YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2017 Department of Public Accounts Ministry of Finance ii Contents 1. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ................................................................................... 1 2. BASIS FOR PREPARATION .............................................................................. 1 3. FISCAL PERFORMANCE .................................................................................. 1 4. RECEIPTS AND PAYMENTS ............................................................................ 3 5. GOVERNMENT RECEIPTS BY SOURCES .................................................... 4 5.1 DOMESTIC REVENUE ............................................................................... 5 5.2 EXTERNAL GRANTS ................................................................................. 6 5.3 BORROWINGS EXTERNAL BORROWINGS .......................................... 8 5.4 RECOVERY OF LOANS ........................................................................... 10 5.5 OTHER RECEIPTS AND PAYMENTS .................................................... 11 6. OPERATIONAL RESULTS .............................................................................. 12 6.1 GOVERNMENT EXPENDITURE............................................................. 12 7. BUDGET UTILISATION .................................................................................. 25 7.1 UTILIZATION OF CAPITAL BUDGET................................................... 25 8. ACHIEVEMENT OF FISCAL -
Deconstructing Androcentrism in Buddhist Literature Through the Lens of Ethnography: a Case Study of Bhutanese Nuns
KEMANUSIAAN Vol. 25, Supp. 1, (2018), 143–165 Deconstructing Androcentrism in Buddhist Literature Through the Lens of Ethnography: A Case Study of Bhutanese Nuns *SONAM WANGMO JULI EDO KAMAL SOLHAIMI FADZIL Department of Anthropology and Sociology, Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, University of Malaya, 50603 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia *Corresponding author: [email protected] Published online: 20 December 2018 To cite this article: Wangmo, S., Edo, J. and Fadzil, K.S. 2018. Deconstructing androcentrism in Buddhist literature through the lens of ethnography: A case study of Bhutanese nuns. KEMANUSIAAN the Asian Journal of Humanities 25(Supp. 1): 143–165, https://doi.org/10.21315/ kajh2018.25.s1.8 To link to this article: https://doi.org/10.21315/kajh2018.25.s1.8 Abstract. Traditional androcentric sociology has reinforced biased views of women and portrayed women as silent research objects of minor importance that figure marginally in academic writing, thereby distorting the knowledge base. The same tendencies have been observed in Buddhist religious literature. The bone of contention in the feminist critique of Buddhism is the omission of women from religious literature. Although Buddhist women’s spiritual prowess was well documented in early Buddhism in religious literature such as the Therīgatha, later Buddhist literature began to demonstrate androcentric tendencies, in most instances completely ignoring the religious lives of women. Since women have been largely sidelined in Buddhist texts, it is important to go beyond textual dimensions to gain deeper insights into women’s religious lives. The feminist Buddhist scholar, Rita Gross (2009), in her monumental work, A Garland of Feminist Reflections, emphasised the need to explore various ways other than our own to think, live and practice religion to broaden our horizons to avoid a narrow-minded approach to academic research. -
United Nations Bhutan Covid-19 Sitrep #3
BRIEF UNITED NATIONS BHUTAN COVID-19 SITREP #3 UPDATE 30 July 2020 Highlight of Key UN Achievements and Advocacy Messages Given the scale of this global COVID challenge, our world may need to go beyond simple categories of either optimism or pessimism. UN Bhutan is responding to the immediate needs of the people; the needs of the most vulnerable while strengthening economic resilience and building longer-term human capital in a comprehensive way so that we find new ways to ‘Build Back Better’. - Gerald Daly, UN Resident Coordinator, Bhutan One UN The Government of Bhutan is closely monitoring the coronavirus pandemic and while 101 cases have been confirmed in Bhutan, all were imported, and no deaths have been reported. While the health impact has so far been limited as compared to many other countries, the economic and social effects are significant. The health sector would be challenged to cope with a major outbreak and a possible stock out of essential health commodities such as drugs, reagents and consumables. An extended period of limited movement of people, goods, and finances will have important consequences for the economy, especially the tourism sector and related service industries. Bhutan is also likely to be negatively affected by any extended economic downturn in its neighbors (especially India). The UN in Bhutan (FAO, IFAD, ITC, UNDP, UNESCAP, UNESCO, UNFPA, UNICEF, UNODC, WFP, and WHO) moved quickly and pro-actively to respond to COVID-19. In particular, UN agencies developed a joint response framework aligned with “UN Framework for the Socio-Economic Response to COVID-19” includes both short-term measures to mitigate negative social and economic consequences along with medium- to long-term investments to strengthen the re-build and resilience to future crises. -
Exploring the Dragon Kingdom
EXPLORING THE DRAGON KINGDOM The Essence of Bhutan 13 Nights and 14 Days No treks but plenty of good day hikes Day 1 BANGKOK TO PARO (8000 feet) Today is your flight to Bhutan. As we near Bhutan (and if the weather is clear), we can see the massive peaks of the eastern Himalaya, including Kanchenchunga (third highest mountain in the world) and Bhutan's holy mountain, Chomolhari. Once we’ve completed visa formalities we proceed through customs and immigration and meet our Bhutanese tour leader and drivers in the arrival gate. We drive for about 20 minutes to Zhiwaling Hotel where will be received with a Chipdrel Ceremony (an elaborate Traditional welcome procession). After settling into our comfortable hotel, we’ll drive a short distance up the valley to Drukyel Dzong, the ruined fortress that protected the Paro Valley from Tibetan armies during the 18th century. If the weather is clear, we might have a glimpse of the white pyramid of Chomolhari, rising over the end of the valley. Today being our first day, we will undergo this gentle 30 minutes hike around the ruined Dzong to acclimatize before we return to our hotel. By early evening we return to our hotel for a welcome dinner and a brief trip orientation session. Zhiwaling Hotel Day 2 PARO We have a full day to explore the Paro Valley. Our first stop in Paro is the Ta Dzong (National Museum), a circular fortress that once protected this valley from Tibetan invasion. The impressive watchtower can be seen above Paro Rimpung Dzong, and it commands sweeping views of the valley below. -
Development and Its Impacts on Traditional Dispute Resolution in Bhutan
Washington University Journal of Law & Policy Volume 63 New Directions in Domestic and International Dispute Resolution 2020 Formalizing the Informal: Development and its Impacts on Traditional Dispute Resolution in Bhutan Stephan Sonnenberg Seoul National University School of Law Follow this and additional works at: https://openscholarship.wustl.edu/law_journal_law_policy Part of the Comparative and Foreign Law Commons, and the Dispute Resolution and Arbitration Commons Recommended Citation Stephan Sonnenberg, Formalizing the Informal: Development and its Impacts on Traditional Dispute Resolution in Bhutan, 63 WASH. U. J. L. & POL’Y 143 (2020), https://openscholarship.wustl.edu/law_journal_law_policy/vol63/iss1/11 This Article is brought to you for free and open access by the Law School at Washington University Open Scholarship. It has been accepted for inclusion in Washington University Journal of Law & Policy by an authorized administrator of Washington University Open Scholarship. For more information, please contact [email protected]. FORMALIZING THE INFORMAL: DEVELOPMENT AND ITS IMPACTS ON TRADITIONAL DISPUTE RESOLUTION IN BHUTAN Stephan Sonnenberg* INTRODUCTION Bhutan is a small landlocked country with less than a million inhabitants, wedged between the two most populous nations on earth, India and China.1 It is known for its stunning Himalayan mountain ranges and its national development philosophy of pursuing “Gross National Happiness” (GNH).2 This paper argues, however, that Bhutan should also be known for its rich heritage of traditional dispute resolution. That system kept the peace in Bhutanese villages for centuries: the product of Bhutan’s unique history and its deep (primarily Buddhist) spiritual heritage. Sadly, these traditions are today at risk of extinction, victims—it is argued below—of Bhutan’s extraordinary process of modernization. -
PA-Report-On-Government-Vehicles
The Royal Audit Authority conducted the audit in accordance with the International Standards of Supreme Audit Institutions (ISSAIs) based on the audit objectives and criteria determined in the audit plan and programme prepared by the Royal Audit Authority. The audit findings are based on our review and assessment of the information and documents made available by 10 Ministries, 34 Autonomous agencies and 20 Dzongkhags. Hon'ble Secretary Ministry of Finance Thimphu Subject: Report on 'Review of Government Vehicles and Foreign Vehicle Quota System' Sir, Enclosed herewith, please find a copy of the report on 'Review of Government Vehicle and Foreign Vehicle Quota System' covering the period 2013-14 to 2016-11. The Royal Audit Authority (RAA) conducted the audit under the mandate bestowed by the Constitution of Kingdom of Bhutan and the Audit Act of Bhutan 2018. The audit was conducted as per the International Standards of Supreme Audit Institutions on performance auditing (ISSAI3000). The audit was conducted with the following audit objectives: S To review and assess the adequacy of legislation and policy framework to plan, organize, control, direct, coordinate and manage government vehicles and foreign vehicle quota system; $ To ascertain some of the financial and economical implication of the foreign vehicle quota system; # To assess whether the allotment of government vehicles to the agencies are based on the mandate and responsibilities of the agencies; S To assess the adequacy of the controls to ensure economic use of government vehicles; S To assess the extent to which the budgetary agencies are complying with the applicable rules, regulations, policies, procedures and guidelines in place; S To evaluate the monitoring and coordination mechanism instituted to monitor the movement of government vehicles; and S To evaluate the completeness and accuracy of Government vehicle and foreign vehicle quota system database. -
Medical & Biological Sciences Merit Ranking
Medicine&Biological Sciences 2021 Merit List of Registered Candidates for Medicine & Biological Sciences 2021 (Min. 60% marks each in Physics, Chemistry, Biology and 55% in English) Index Number School Name CID Sex Stream MATHS ENGLISH PHYSICS BIOLOGY Merit Rank Total Marks Total DZONGKHA CHEMISTRY Application Number CHEMISTRY + BIOLOGY ) + BIOLOGY CHEMISTRY Total ( ENGLISH + PHYSICS Total 1 941_2104S02065 Seisa Kokusai High School Nidup Dorji M 11504002968 SCIENCE 94 93 93 94 90 374 464 2 941_2104S00822 12200260018 UGYEN ACADEMY HIGHER SECONDARY SCHOOL Ugyen Thukzom F 10701001905 SCIENCE 90 99 94 81 80 90 363 534 3 941_2104S00311 12200020001 YANGCHENPHUG HIGHER SECONDARY SCHOOL Rekha Chhetri F 11203002997 SCIENCE 89 93 93 73 83 91 358 522 4 941_2104S00198 12200260027 UGYEN ACADEMY HIGHER SECONDARY SCHOOL Ngawang C Gyeltshen M 11407002491 SCIENCE 90 95 94 75 76 355 430 5 941_2104S00560 12200260083 UGYEN ACADEMY HIGHER SECONDARY SCHOOL Tashi Lhendrup Dorji M 10101005811 SCIENCE 88 93 96 75 76 86 353 514 6 941_2104S00092 12200260036 UGYEN ACADEMY HIGHER SECONDARY SCHOOL Rohan Rai M 11205001712 SCIENCE 89 94 94 66 74 83 351 500 7 941_2104S01241 12200160179 NANGKOR CENTRAL SCHOOL Pema Tshomo F 10903001512 SCIENCE 87 93 88 81 82 350 431 8 941_2104S00911 12201390133 KARMA ACADEMY Tandin Choda M 11905001182 SCIENCE 91 89 92 78 78 350 428 9 941_2104S02353 12201390157 KARMA ACADEMY Sonam Tshomo F 10804001035 SCIENCE 87 92 93 79 77 349 428 10 941_2104S01380 12200620015 TENDRUK CENTRAL SCHOOL Roshan Phuyel M 11206002979 SCIENCE 92 88 90 79 78 348 -
Statistical Information on Elections in Bhutan in Elections on Information Statistical Information on Elections in Bhutan (2006-2015)
STATISTICAL Statistical Information on Elections in Bhutan INFORMATION on Elections in Bhutan (2006-2015) www.election-bhutan.org.bt (2006-2015) Election Commission of Bhutan, Post Box No. 2008, Olakha, Thimphu, Bhutan Telephone: +975-02-334851/334852, Fax: +975-02-334763 Election Statistics (2006-2015) 2006-2015 Election Commi ssion of Bhutan 1 Election Statistics (2006-2015) © Election Commission of Bhutan No part of this book may be reproduced in any form. Anybody wishing to use the name, photo, cover design, part of material or thereof in any form of this book may do so with due permission or acknowledgement of the Election Commission of Bhutan. For any querry : [email protected] 2 Election Statistics (2006-2015) The Statistical Information on Elections in Bhutan 2006-2015 is the first edition of data being published by the Election Commission of Bhutan (ECB). The book provides comprehensive statistical information of all elections that the Election Commission has conducted since its establishment in 2006 to 2015 including the First and Second Parliamentary Elections in 2008 and 2013, Thromde Elections in 2011, three phases of Local Government Elections in 2012 and series of Re-Elections and Bye-Elections for both Parliamentary and Local Government. This publication will enable readers to get reliable information related to voters, voter turnout, election officials, media coverage of elections and other relevant and available information related to elections in Bhutan. The data and information compiled in this book are based on the information collected from the polling stations, Dzongkhag Election Offices, and the ECB Head Office. The book is expected to be a source of information and serve as a data bank for any users wishing to carry out research and studies on matters related to elections in Bhutan. -
The Judiciary of the Kingdom of Bhutan
The Judiciary of the Kingdom of Bhutan THE JUDICIARY OF THE KINGDOM OF BHUTAN HISTORICAL BACKGROUND - The Bhutanese legal system has a long traditional background, primarily based on Buddhist natural law and Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal’s Code from early 17th century. The first comprehensive codified laws known as the Thrimzhung Chhenmo or the Supreme Law was enacted by the National Assembly during the Third Druk Gyalpo, His Majesty Jigme Dorji Wangchuck’s reign. MISSION, POLICIES & OBJECTIVES - The Judiciary aims to safeguard, uphold, and administer Justice fairly and independently without fear, favour, or undue delay in accordance with the Rule of Law to inspire trust and confidence and to enhance access to Justice. INDEPENDENCE - Among others, the independence of the Judiciary is manifested through: (a) Separation of judicial power from the apex to the lowest court; (b) Collective independence (the concept of non-interference, jurisdictional monopoly, transfer jurisdiction, control over judicial administration); (c) Institutional and financial independence; (d) Personnel independence (qualification, selection and training, conditions of services, suspension, removal and disciplinary measures. Security of tenure and protection from arbitrary removal from office); (e) Decentralization of all personnel administration and financial operations to respective courts; and (f) Distinctive court building, distinct kabney and court seal. JURISDICTION The Royal Court of Justice The judicial authority of Bhutan is vested in the Royal Courts of Justice comprising the Supreme Court, the High Court, the Dzongkhag Court and the Dungkhag Court. Other courts and tribunals will be established from time to time by the Druk Gyalpo on the recommendation of the National Judicial Commission. Additional Benches are established in some Dzongkhags and Dungkhags with higher caseload.