KUENSELTHAT THE PEOPLE SHALL BE INFORMED MONDAY, MAY 18, 2020

Druk Gyalpo’s Smoke in Thimphu despite 1188 border closure GLOBAL COVID-19 Younten Tshedup SITUATION Tshering (name changed) runs from one shop to an- other along Norzin Lam in 4,723,001 Thimphu. Desperate, he is CONFIRMED CASES comparing the price of ciga- rettes. With the border gates closed in response to the New home atmosphere: Families take a break after they finish inspecting the 1,812,721 Covid-19 pandemic, import of any non-essential com- RECOVERED modity has become difficult. However, tobacco products continue to be available in 313,268 the market, despite the strict ban imposed. DEATHS Even before the pan- demic and closure of the border entry points, tobacco Convertible products were readily avail- High risk able. countries However, what has changed is the exorbitant currency USA 1,507,773 rate charged on tobacco. A Spain 276,505 stick of Wills Navy Cut now Italy 224,760 costs anywhere between Nu 40-50 in Thimphu which earnings hit UK 240,161 means a packet costs Nu 400 France 179,365 to Nu 500. A double packet Germany 176,244 (20 sticks) Wills Classic MB Subba year. this year, tourism generated Iran 118,392 costs Nu 1,000. From January 15 to a gross receipt of USD 10.14 Prior to the pandemic, a t looked like the coun- March 16, about 1,960 tour- million (M), according to packet of Wills Navy Cut cig- try was set to have ists cancelled their visa to TCB reports. Last year, tour- arettes was sold around Nu one of the best years visit . ism generated a total gross 120 to Nu 150 in Thimphu. in tourism after the The year 2019 saw a total receipt of USD 88.63M from Lonely Planet in Octo- of 315,599 tourists visit Bhu- the MDPR paying (interna- Cases in the Where is the tobacco Iber 2019 recognised Bhutan tan, which is a 15.14 percent tional tourists) arrivals, a region coming from? as the number one travel des- increase compared to 2018. 3.77 percentage change as Police have apprehended tination for 2020. What hap- The impact of the Covid- compared to 2018. India 90,927 many attempting to smuggle pened is just the opposite. 19 pandemic is also expected As per the annual tour- Singapore 28,038 in tobacco products in the Last year in the first to hit the country’s convert- ism revenue growth rate, the Bangladesh 20,995 border areas. Despite the quarter, from January to ible currency reserve as the gross receipt from the MDPR Thailand 3,028 multiple arrests and seizure, March, 12,786 tourists had Tourism Council of Bhutan paying arrivals was estimat- Nepal 291 there seems to be no short- visited Bhutan. The number (TCB) forecasts that Bhutan ed to hit almost USD 92 mil- age of tobacco products in dropped by almost half. Only is unlikely to see arrivals lion in 2020. This means that the capital. 6,624 tourists visited Bhutan until the next year. with the closure of tourism, Pg 2 in the first quarter of this In the first quarter of Pg 2 Source: The Straits Times, ANN As of May 17, 2020 HOME PAGE 2 Monday, May 18, 2020| KUENSEL Government to repatriate 639 Bhutanese from the Middle East Thinley Namgay Kuwait-Bahrain. road transport. tries are closed at present and The notification states In the first phase, 880 Lyonpo said that there there was no opportunity to that the lockdown measures Foreign Minister Dr Tandi Bhutanese returned home, were still 12,759 Bhutanese shift from one airport to an- need to be implemented for a Dorji said that the govern- followed by 1,017 and 563 in in 70 countries. “Seventy of other. If the airports resume, longer period in India to con- ment would arrange five re- the second and third phase, them from Canada and the the government will help,” tain the Covid-19 pandemic. patriation flights in the fourth respectively. USA have expressed their Lyonpo said. NDMA had also directed phase to bring back 639 Bhu- After completing the wish to come back to Bhutan.” Meanwhile, the National its National Executive Com- tanese from the Middle East. fourth phase (May 24-June Lyonpo said that the only Disaster Management Au- mittee (NEC) to issue notifi- Starting May 24, three 1), 3,099 Bhutanese will have method to bring back the thority (NDMA) of India has cations in the guidelines as flights will be send to Ku- returned home. citizens was to send the direct directed all the ministries, de- necessary, keeping in view wait, one to Dubai (United According to the foreign flight and government was partments, state governments the need to open up economic Arab Emirates) and another minister, 4,348 Bhutanese discussing with the embassies. and authorities to extend the activities while containing the one to Kuwait and Bahrain. have returned so far from 28 “We don’t have a problem lockdown until May 31. Covid-19. The flights will evacuate 398 countries, including those to bring back Bhutanese from Bhutanese from Kuwait, 131 who came through charted USA and Canada, but most of from Dubai, and 110 from flights, special flights, and the airports in other coun- Convertible currency Smoke in Thimphu despite border closure

earnings hit From Pg 1 dence of the crime and have to await the judgment from the From Pg 1 13,902 Sources told Kuensel that Tourism Employment due to the lockdown in India court. the country will lose about USD 11,995 Estimate and closure of entry points, the BNCA officials said that 82M in convertible currency tobacco products in circula- regular surveillance to check from tourism. 9,060 tion could be those that are for open smoking is underway The government hopes that 6,650 confiscated by authorities. across the country. the country will receive more 4,770 “We have heard that there Foreign Minister Dr Tandi foreign assistance to make up 4,462 are a few shops that sell ciga- Dorji said, “Selling of tobacco for the loss of convertible cur- rettes legally. These cigarettes is banned in Bhutan by Act and rency from tourism. are those seized by authorities it is impossible for the govern- An official from the prime and instead of burning them, ment to give any permission minister’s office at a recent Tour Guide TCB Budgets Restaurants Others Operators certifed Hotel they are now allowed to sell for the legal sale of tobacco.” press briefing said that devel- Hotels Sources: TCB given the shortage,” according Lyonpo said that the illegal opment partners had come to a source. sale of tobacco has been going forward to assure more as- product development. edged and appreciated that However, officials from on for a while and that the sistance to help Bhutan cope A total of Nu 97 million has TCB’s efforts but felt that the the Bhutan Narcotics Control government is aware of it. “In with the situations created by been allocated for the training current plans and progammes Authority (BNCA) denied the recent times there have been the pandemic. and re-skilling programme, for were not satisfactory. allegations on the assumed increased illegal activities Officials from TCB recently which 1,412 have confirmed The committee’s chair, Dorji legal sale of tobacco. and we are trying our best to presented the tourism situation their participation. But the pro- Wangdi, said that some of the Officials said that the sale prevent any illegal smuggling report to the joint parliament gramme has been deferred due programmes being undertaken of tobacco products in Bhu- mainly because of Covid-19.” committee on Covid-19 pre- to social distance reasons. by TCB were not in keeping tan is prohibited by law and He said that more than paredness. According to TCB, travel will with the government’s stand- those available in the market tobacco, the priority is to pre- The TCB reported that the fundamentally change and the ing statement of focusing on two are illegal. vent the spread of Covid-19 government has allocated a sector will not resume as it was things in tourism sector: skilling An official explained that through such illegal activities. total of Nu 220.4M as the tour- before. programmes and development any controlled substances in- “We understand the problem ism stimulus package for train- TCB estimates that the of new tourist amenities. cluding tobacco products that and our legislative commit- ing and gainful engagement of closure of tourism has affected He said that there was no are confiscated by authority tee chairperson is also well affected people from the sector. the livelihoods of about 50,000 regional distribution as all are all incinerated (burned). informed on this. We will see According to TCB, a total of people in hotels, handicrafts, programmes were still concen- He said that according to the how we can amend the law to 2,512 people have confirmed airlines and transport among trated in current top five tourist- standard operating procedure make it more practical.” their participation in various other businesses. rich dzongkhags. (SOP), after the products are Meanwhile, those who activities under the stimulus The TCB hopes that arrivals “The current stimulus pro- seized they are stored in the sell tobacco said that there is programme. If the number of will start from January next year. grammes are largely traditional authority’s warehouse and re- a shortage of supply, which candidates remains the same The TCB estimates that Bhutan and there are no innovative main locked. is why the cost has escalated. and all the allocated money in January next year will see 30 and long-term strategies and A committee that includes “People who need it will buy it is utilised, TCB will spend Nu percent of the arrivals in Janu- programmes. Expenses must all the stakeholders including anyway, whether the rate is Nu 87,738 on each person on an ary this year. be prudent and programmes police, customs and BNCA of- 100 or Nu 1,000. Same people average. Thereafter, arrivals are esti- sustainable,” he said. ficials oversees the disposal. buy at the same frequency.” The amount allocated for mated to increase by 10 percent He said that it was the right Disposals are carried out once However, some buyers said engagement of affected people monthly for the rest of the year, time to take the opportunity to there is an adequate amount that their suppliers do not in infrastructure and product except for the peak months of focus on developing a standard collected at the warehouse. Of- reveal how they get the con- development is Nu 94.1 mil- March, April and September operating procedure (SOP) ficials said that products are signments. “As long as we get lion. But only 62 people have and October at 20 percent. for implementation of SDF as not immediately disposed of what we need, we don’t dig for confirmed their willingness to The joint parliamentary regional tourists would realisti- as some of them serve as evi- details.” engage in infrastructure and committee members acknowl- cally be the first ones to step in. HOME Monday, May 18, 2020| KUENSEL PAGE 3 Covid-19 hampers govt’s plan to rescue Bhutanese women in Iraq

Yangchen C Rinzin in the wake of Covid-19 pan- ting help from IOM to iden- that they are being treated the IOM currently but are demic in India, they were tify the women, locate and well, paid on time and are in stuck in Iraq and they could Thirteen Bhutanese women kept under quarantine for rescue. There is also a rep- good situation. not return to Bhutan due to who were sent to Iraq 21 days in Delhi. resentative that is helping to However, a majority of Covid-19 situation. through unregistered agents On April 7, the women locate the Bhutanese in Iraq. Bhutanese in Iraq had been Meanwhile, The Office and were reportedly abused were brought to Bhutan and “We’re trying to be in requesting to return home of Attorney General charged and harassed were rescued were quarantined for 21 touch with all the girls. Em- and shared the torture they two women last month to so far. days. After completing their bassies are also helping and are going through with the Thimphu dzongkhag court These women were sent quarantine period on April had it not been for Covid-19, government. for the attempt of trafficking. to Iraq to work through pri- 30, the women are now back we could have helped a few The Royal Bhutan Police The two unregistered agents vate individuals, claiming home with the families. more girls.” is also investigating the case tried to send three Bhuta- to be employment agents. It is reported that at least Lyonpo said that from based on some of the Bhuta- nese to Iraq, with the prom- Of the 13, four women had 170 women are already in the identified, they have list- nese agents they have iden- ise of better jobs in 2018. managed to return on their Iraq who were sent by illegal ed women in two categories tified. Most of these agents The three Bhutanese own after paying the agents Bhutanese agents. like urgent and very urgent. had sent the women to earn women were rescued from in Iraq. Lyonpo Dr Tandi Dorji The very urgent list includes money where they (agents) Delhi airport while planning The government man- said that the Covid-19 pan- women who were threat- earned about USD 1,200 to to fly to Baghdad, Iraq. The aged to rescue nine girls demic has disrupted the ened, in danger, physical or 3,000 for each girl just for two agents were also ar- through a ”diplomatic pro- rescue process. “It is likely sexually abused, harassed, sending them to Iraq. rested. cess” with the help of Inter- to take time to save the rest no payment or not well. It was also found that The two women who are national Organisation of Mi- of them, as the rescue opera- “We’re working to rescue earlier victims have turned related to the Iraq case are gration (IOM) in Baghdad, tion is on halt right now,” Ly- the ones in this category agents and sent other charged for trafficking based Iraq’s capital city, on March onpo said. “This is because first,” Lyonpo added. Lyon- women to Iraq. Police are on six elements, which are 13, according to foreign min- many offices are closed and po said that they managed investigating the case based recruitment, transportation, ister Dr Tandi Dorji. there are lockdowns.” to locate some Bhutanese on “debt bondage” and traf- threat, deceptive, and illegal However, while returning However, lyonpo said women in Kurdistan, but ficking. purpose. to Bhutan, one of the women that they are continuing to were not abused. They have A police source said that was detected with fever and work on this case and get- told government officials there are three women with

People shouldn’t worry about expiry dates of essential items: Agriculture Minister

Choki Wangmo 739MT of oil, 337MT of puls- of the total population dur- es, 186MT of salt and 270MT ing disasters and epidemics In the last three months, the of sugar for emergencies. like the Covid-19, but upon government has distributed As people raised con- assessment, it was found 7,415 metric tonnes (MT) of cerns about the expiry date that the country had only 20 rice, 805MT of oil,425MT of of the stocked goods, Ly- days worth of supply for half dal, 34MT of butter, 344MT onpo said that stocks would the population. “The policy of cheese, 188MT of milk, be replenished. “The con- was never implemented be- 2,346MT of milk powder, and sumption period of goods in cause the country did not 19.5MT of tea. the retail shops will expire face national problems in This includes stocking earlier than those in the go- the past except for flashflood Volunteers including Desuups, teachers and staff essential items in the far- downs.” and earthquake in small of Thramgom LSS and Melongkhar PS distribute His flung dzongkhags such as “Food security is not pockets.” Majesty’s Kidu food items to the needy in Melongkhar Dagana, Zhemgang, Mongar, only about quantity but also Wholesale dealers and village, Trashiyangtse yesterday. Lhuentse, and Trashi- about quality, and we en- the Food Corporation of yangtse, according to Ag- sure consumer protection,” Bhutan are regularly im- riculture Minister Yeshey he added. porting according to market Penjor. “We have stocked up The Bhutan Agricul- demand and not in one go, in remote areas in prepara- ture and Food Regulatory thereby addressing the prob- tion for uncertain situations Authority and the Office of lem of expiry dates. during monsoon.” Consumer Protection are Besides Food Corpora- FOR NEWS, VIEWS AND The items are first monitoring to avoid the tion of Bhutan, 16 wholesal- FEEDBACK stocked in gewog and dzong- challenges. ers and large retailers have khag administration, and the Lyonpo said that the been provided concessional Call 324684 or email regional go-downs. food security policy required working capital to stockpile Phuentsholing go-down three months’ supply of es- essential and other com- [email protected] has stored 5,635MT of rice, sential items for 50 percent modities for six months. PERSPECTIVES PAGE 4 Monday, May 18, 2020 | KUENSEL A real WOW MY COUNTRY, MY TOWN factor idden among lush green forest and far away from the madding crowd, there is a lot of activity happening at Wobthang, Bumthang. It is an agricultural pro- gramme on a scale that many had been Htalking about. The Wobthang Organic Wonders, WOW in short, is venturing out in organic farming, a poten- tial we had recognised for a long time ago. Although still at an initial stage, the project could already been seen as a model farm that could help decide thousands of Bhutanese who are now rethink- ing farming as a source of livelihood or even business. It may be a long time for the group to reap the har- vest, but it is already showing what needs to be done if we are thinking agriculture. From the images coming Grounded by Covid: A teaching model in Melongkhar school, Trashiyangtse (just in out of Wobthang, it takes more than a few likeminded case you thought it was the real deal) Photo: Neten Dorji, Kuensel people joining hands to go big. If we want to relook at agriculture as an alternate means of livelihood or business, there are so many things that we have to Send in your pictures to: [email protected] consider. The noise of tractors and tillers may not be a rare sight for farmers in Bumthang, but it shows that we MY SAY need farm machinery, experts – both scientific and indigenous and above all, the willingness to get the hands dirty. There are soil experts, livestock veterans, machines and operators and a lot of young hands engaged in WOW. It will be a different project, not only from the scale but the purpose and will leave a With prayers lasting impression. Then there is the support and appreciation of peo- It is with profound grief Over the years, in the for the cause of which he ple. Government officials, cabinet ministers and the that I came to hear of the course of our individual stood ready and willing to curious ones are stopping by Wobthang to see what is sad demise of Goongloen endeavours to serve the give his all. happening. In fact, one returnee from the WOW site Gongma Lam Dorji, the Tsa Wa Sum, I came to To the great soldier said he never thought agriculture was that “sexy.” world’s longest and oldest know him intimately. His Goongloen Gongma Lam The success of the project would depend on many serving army Chief. Under dedication and absolute Dorji I wish fare thee well. his able stewardship subservience to the Kings May the family he leaves factors. As of now, it has passed as an exemplary pro- spanning three successive and his commitment to behind have the strength and ject. The approach itself is different. When the project Monarchs’ reigns (1964 serve and give his very best the courage to bear through invited people to join, it was not through the regular – 2005), he shaped and in the service of the nation the absence of the great man “financial incentives, future scope or qualification.” moulded the Royal Bhutan was unmatched. From him that he was. All they needed was people with interest, appreciation Army into a modern force I learnt the meaning of of nature and the will to work. There are about 50, comparable to the very best service and dedication to the Tsering Wangda mostly young people. Some may leave when school in the world. Monarchs and the country or colleges reopen, but they would have learned the value of hard work and national priorities. The project, an initiative of the Leader of the Oppo- sition Party, is also drawing another kind of attention. Make your opinions known. Send your letters to Supported and pre-financed by the Prime Minister, it is a case of rising above party politics and leading [email protected] by example. If the project becomes a WOW factor in the next parliamentary election, both parties could Letters are edited for space and clarity claim an equal share of the credit. The political mile- age would be greater if more WOW projects can be replicated in other dzongkhags. The objective of the project, however, is a national inspiration- ensuring food-self sufficiency. Govern- FOR NEWS, VIEWS, AND FEEDBACK ments have come and gone, but the promise to rein- vent the way we farm our land and make Bhutan food Call 324684 or email secure has remained a rhetoric. Like the OL overseeing the project said, we shall [email protected] reap what we sow. The initiative, the way it is done, and the interest, if sustained, could let all reap more than cabbages and cauliflowers.

MANAGING DIRECTOR - Bachu Phub Dorji, MANAGING EDITOR - Ugyen Penjor, PRINTING GM - Karma Nima, MARKETING & SALES GM - Karma J Yangzom, KANGLUNG REGIONAL MANAGER - Ugyen Wangdi ADVERTISEMENT Monday, May 18, 2020| KUENSEL PAGE 5

NOTIFICATION MINIsTry OF LAbOur ANd HuMAN resOurCes Department of Labour

MoLHR/DoL/FWD/2020/02/ In order to facilitate smooth and orderly exit of foreign workers afer the lockdown is lifed in India, all employers of foreign workers are requested to advise their workers to remain at their respectve worksites tll it is confrmed that they will be permited to enter India. Once entry is permited by India, employers are requested to inform MoLHR the number of workers and date on which they wish to leave. Exit will be facilitated in a staggered manner to prevent congregaton of large number of workers at border exit checkpoints so employers are requested to ensure that workers leave only upon receiving a notfcaton from MoLHR. All employers must complete the Undertaking Form available on the website of the Department of Immigraton and Labour. The form must be presented at Immigraton Checkpoints along with a copy of the TWP (COVID-19) Card and Work Permit. Also please inform your respectve Foreign Worker Recruitment Agent. For any clarifcaton, please contact the Chief Labour Ofcer at (02) 339922 during ofce hours and mobile number 17311669 afer ofce hours. Chief Labour Ofcer

TeNder NOTIFICATION bHuTAN deveLOpMeNT bANk LIMITed BDBL/ADM/35A/2020/3521 Bhutan Development Bank invites sealed quotaton from interested and eligible Natonal Bidders for the supply and delivery of drinchen Ama savings boxes. The detailed terms and conditons can be purchased from the Procurement Secton during ofce hours from 18th May 2020 to 17th June 2020 on payment of Nu.500/- each, which is non-refundable. The last date for submission of quotaton is at 12:30 pM on 17th June 2020 & shall be opened on the same day at 02:30 pM. For further informaton contact +975 02-322579/ 17531871 during ofce hour. Management ADVERTISEMENT PAGE 6 Monday, May 18, 2020| KUENSEL

notificAtion Announcement MiNiSTry oF AgriCULTUrE ANd ForESTS kuensel corporAtion limited Bhutan Agriculture and Food Regulatory Authority (BAFRA), thimphu Thimphu BAFRA/MoAF/5-1/1250 Kuensel would like to request all our valued clients This is to notfy the public that the slaughter of animals, import and sale of meat to menton the bill number against which you are and fsh is prohibited from May 22, 2020 to June 21, 2020 coinciding with the making the payments in the partculars column in auspicious Fourth Month of the Bhutanese Calendar in accordance with the your e-payment instructon voucher and similarly in Secton 16.5 of Livestock Act of Bhutan 2001. the deposit slip for over the counter deposits, and kindly mail the payment instructons/deposit slip to Further, Department of Forests should put restricton on fshing within country as [email protected] it is also prohibited. Therefore, BAFRA ofcials will be strictly inspectng at entry points, check posts, and other appropriate locatons throughout the country to monitor illegal actvites. The Authority requests all concerned to heed to this notfcaton. clAssifieds Defaulters shall be fned and penalised as per the provisions of Livestock Rules Announcement: and Regulatons of Bhutan 2017. Contact Zenith Cargo to Cooperaton and support from the public is highly solicited. Vacancy: Need 2 carry your goods from Minister kitchen helper. Basic Kathmandu to Bhutan. salary 8,000 plus tps Mail: haripkr@gmail. plus PF (500 plus every com. Wechat: harikarki to AdVertise in kuensel afer three months). NU. pEr UNiTS oF ForEigN CUrrENCy Contact 77342451. as of yesterday Call 326191 or fax 322975; notes Email: [email protected] Buy Sell Lost: Lagthram No. 255 US $ 74.30 76.60 PouND 90.70 93.20 of Mrs. Muna Lama To Subscribe KUENSEL EuRo 80.25 82.45 under Yangphel thang, contact 332845/ 17728174. YEN (100) 69.45 71.40 , HK $ 9.60 9.85 For news: Samtse Dzongkhag. AUS $ 47.85 49.20 Finders may contact SiNG $ 52.20 53.65 Call 324684 (English) / 333563 () 77887822. Courtesy BNB DZONGKHAG Monday, May 18, 2020| KUENSEL PAGE 7 Online farmers’ market system launched Rajesh Rai | Phuentsholing farmers.” This means that traders In the wake of Covid-19, to from across the border will help farmers access market not have to come into Phuent- for their farm produce, an on- sholing and they can order line Farmers’ Market System online from their respective (OFMS) was launched on May places. FCBL will help the 15 in Phuentsholing. logistics. The OFMS is a joint ini- Dorji Tashi said that this tiative of Food Corporation of system will also offer farmers Bhutan Limited (FCBL) and the opportunity to first see the Royal Securities Exchange scope and opportunities to of Bhutan (RSEB). supply farm produce within It is to ensure that Covid-19 the country itself where there containment protocols are fol- are specific needs such as lowed strictly at all levels. The schools and hotels. system is also an extension to RSEBL CEO Dorji Phunt- the existing Bhutan Commodi- sho said the online system ties Market Initiative. will go a long way in chang- FCBL officials said it is ing lives of rural folks and in broadly aimed at mapping The online marketing system was launched at FCBL office in Phuentsholing yesterday transformation of agricultural production, spotting market market in the country. and linking the parties by dis- an information hub for the Once they make the deal ment settlement to export. “It wasn’t possible with- seminating market informa- buyers and sellers. Farmers are online, the logistics and the Officials said FCBL expect out the prospective partner- tion across the country. expected to upload the details payment are expected to be to roll out the programme as ship of FCBL,” he said. OFMS has two modules. of their produce with their negotiated between the two they receive necessary sup- In this difficult time, it The first one is a simple and contact information to attract parties based on their mutual port and instructions from the is everyone’s responsibility straightforward online market potential buyers without hav- convenience. The platform is government. to try and help the govern- platform, which will serve as ing to involve any third party. meant to serve as digital mar- FCBL’s director for depart- ment and not just rely on the ket place solely for the domes- ment of corporate business, government for help, Dorji tic market free of charge. Dorji Tashi said this system Phuntsho said. The second module is is launched as a method to He said that the online an aggregator model where tackle the risk of Covid-19. marketing practice should con- Goenshari in FCBL will act as the aggre- “RSEBL is helping us free tinue even after the Covid-19. gator to handle logistics and of cost,” he said. “It is just the beginning. payment. FCBL will play a “With this online system, We will need to improve and need of mangmi central role starting from there is no need of middle- we cannot be complacent, “ purchase to logistics to pay- men, which is helpful for the he said. Phurpa Lhamo | Punakha Administrative Officer Kinley Choki said that on With the recent passing of top of administration work, Goenshari gewog’s mangmi which mostly included plan- and with its gaydrung on ma- ning, she had to handle the ternity leave, the gewog in Pu- gaydrung’s responsibilities. nakha is today short of staff. She added that with The gup and administra- Covid-19 pandemic, there tion officer are the only of- were more activities. ficials providing services to According to the LG Act, the public. if a vacancy occurs in a local According to Guy Yeshi government for any reason Dorji settling disputes related before the expiry of its term, to water, land, and marriages the chairperson shall with- were some of the common is- out delay address a warrant sues in the gewog. to the election commission/ “Mangmi handles arbi- officer of the locality for issue tration work. With him gone, of a writ for elections to fill I have to handle everything.” such vacancy, provided the In Goenshari, the nearest remainder of the term is not village to the gewog office is less than six months. 7km away. Punakha’s election of- With the irrigation season ficer, Damcho Lhamo, was starting, water disputes are notified of the vacancy on expected to arise. May 11. However, the gewog of- According Damcho fice has not received any Lhamo, the casual vacancy Monks of Trongsa dratshang and the nearby monasteries initiated Kanjur Lingkor complaint from the public notification was forwarded to (carrying sacred religious texts) around Trongsa town yesterday. The desuups, dzongkhag with regard to unavailability the Election Commission of officials and volunteers also took part in the programme. The event was organised to ward of services. Bhutan (ECB). off of Covid-19 and wellbeing of the country. DIVER SION PAGE 8 Monday, May 18, 2020| KUENSEL Dzepa Chunyi: The Twelve Acts of the Buddha

Karma Phuntsho is a thought leader and changemaker, the the kindness of his mother. dulgence and physical austerity and to his five former colleagues. This founder of the Loden Foundation - adopted the Middle Way to enlight- began 45 years of his teaching and ing the appropriate place, race, enment. spiritual career in northern India. and the author of many books and time, father and mother, the - articles including Buddha entered the womb of the cream he received from Sujātā dha finally entered the state of The History of Bhutan. Queen Māyādevī in the form of a and sitting on the comfortable mat Mahāparinirvāṇa on his 81st birth- white elephant with six tusks. of kuśa grass, Siddhārtha entered a day. As he did with his life, the Bud- meditative absorption of the fourth dha used his final act of dying also Buddha was born miraculously dhyāna, actualized the highest form to deliver the message of imperma- in Lumbini. He is believed to of wisdom, and overcame the evil nence. As one of the most widespread have taken seven steps right af- forces of attachment, aggression and The fourth month in the current and inspiring stories, the life of ter his birth and declared: “I am ignorance. Bhutanese calendar, according to the Buddha is told in many bi- the supreme in the world.” the Drukpa Kagyu tradition, is the ographies, histories, prayers and the inner demons, the Buddha at- month in which the Buddha per- poems. The eighty years of Bud- as Prince Siddhārtha, grew up tained full enlightenment under the formed six of the twelve great acts, dha Śākyamuni’s life and works in the palace of Kapilavastu Bodhi tree when he turned 35. He with five of them occurring on the are told in numerous versions and mastering all the arts and skills - full moon day of the fourth month. languages. In Bhutan and Buddhist expected of a prince in his days. Thus, the forthcoming month is an Himalayas, the Buddha’s long and - auspicious time to remember the rich biography is often presented dhartha ruled over the king- attained enlightenment, the Buddha Buddha and his teachings. in the framework of Dzepa Chunyi dom with his father and lived a gave his first sermon at Deer Park (མཛད་པ་བཅ་གཉས་) or the twelve great luxurious life in the palace. He acts. This framework is traced to married Yaśodhara and had a the earliest sutras and masters son named Rāhula. such as Nāgārjuna and Maitreya. - It is used to sing hymns and say sioned with the state of ordinary prayers to the Buddha as well as to life after he came in direct con- recollect his enlightened personal- tact with people going through ity and activities. The twelve acts illness, old age, death and Sudoku are also commonly illustrated in art renunciation, Prince Siddhārtha forms in Bhutanese temples. renounced his palace life in Set in the traditional Buddhist search of solution to the prob- worldview and the theories of the lems of life. Buddha’s engagement in the world, the twelve great acts include the in his time, he followed physi- following in the common accounts: cal penance as a way to libera- tion. Siddhārtha spent six years previous life, was at the helm of undergoing a severe fast and gods in Tuṣita heaven. When it was meditation on the banks of river time to come down to earth, he Nairanjanā. passed on the celestial regal duties to his successor, Maitreya, and When austere penance and self- descended to earth. This is the first mortification, like decadent and act of the Buddha and it should not self-indulgent palace life, did be confused with the descent from not lead him to inner fulfilment Trāyastriṃśa heaven later in his life and liberation, he eschewed the when he visited that place to repay two extremes of excessive in-

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prevent further transmission. 1 through 9. Info - who.int Answer ASIA Monday, May 18, 2020| KUENSEL PAGE 9 Nepal reports its first Covid-19 death

Nepal reported its first kari, deputy spokesperson arrival. But since she had Covid-19 death on Saturday. for the Health Ministry. presented a fever and res- The Health Ministry The 29-year-old woman piratory problems, which are confirms a woman’s death from Barhabise in Sind- symptoms of Covid-19, the at Dhulikhel Hospital on hupalchok had given birth hospital conducted a poly- Thursday was due to the through normal delivery on merase chain reaction test on coronavirus. May 6 at Tribhuvan Univer- her nasal and throat swabs, The Health Ministry, in sity Teaching Hospital. She which came back positive. a statement issued late Sat- was discharged on May 7, as The Health Ministry had urday, said a postpartum the health condition of both later conducted the test woman, who died on the way the baby and the mother was again at the National Public to Dhulikhel Hospital, was normal. The woman had sub- Health Laboratory, whose the first Covid-19 fatality in sequently returned to her vil- results were positive once the country. lage in Sindhupalchok. again. “A detailed investigation According to the Health As of Saturday night, 281 and a series of tests show Ministry statement, the people had tested positive that this is the first death due woman reported a fever the local health centre. After on the way to the hospital. for Covid-19 in the country, to Covid-19 in the country,” and respiratory difficul- her condition worsened, she According to a doctor including the one death. reads the statement issued ties shortly after returning was referred to the Dhulikhel at Dhulikhel Hospital, she The Kathmandu Post by Dr Sameer Kumar Adhi- home and was treated at Hospital on May 14. She died was pronounced dead upon ANN Ministry worried about Covid-19 scenario when lockdown ends The three Ts -- tracing, test- reported cases daily and 289 ing and treatment -- at the critical patients. community level hold the “The second scenario is key to Thailand winning the the most suitable option for battle to contain Covid-19, us,” said Taweesin. the spokesman of the gov- The CCSA spokesman ernment’s Centre for Covid- also added that even if the 19 Situation Administration infection rate at the com- (CCSA) said, while revealing munity level were reduced three scenarios the Ministry by 30-50 per cent, the num- of Public Health has pro- ber of Covid-19 confirmed jected from now until Sep- cases would still be on a ris- tember. ing trend. “Examples from “The first scenario is national pandemic models if Thailand continues the indicate that we need to re- lockdown measures an- duce infection rate at com- nounced under the emer- munity level to more than gency decree, we will have 70 per cent to keep the new approximately 15 new cases confirmed cases at a man- per day and three reported ageable level,” he said. “In- cases per day,” Dr Taweesin tense lockdown measures Visanuyothin, CCSA spokes- in the short term helped us man, said on Friday (May achieve this and avoided a 15). “The number of critical major pandemic that could patients who need to stay have happened in April.” in ICU and use ventilation “The key strategies to re- machines will be 15, which duce community infection is easily manageable.” level is the 3Ts, which are “The second scenario is have approximately 114 ventilation machines; our the situation when Thailand tracing, testing and treat- when the country starts to new cases per day and 24 medical facilities and equip- lifts all lockdown measures ment,” Taweesin added. ease lockdown measures reported cases per day,” he ment should be adequate.” and allows all businesses to The Nation and lets certain businesses said. “We will also have 105 According to Taweesin, resume. The daily new cases ANN to operate as usual; we may critical patients who need the third scenario projects could jump to 398 with 65 HOME PAGE 10 Monday, May 18, 2020| KUENSEL More than 15 acres of land being prepared for cultivation Nim Dorji | Bumthang

More than 15 acres of land in Gorthak in Chumey, Bumthang is being prepared for cultivation. The land had remained barren for more than 15 years. Of the fourteen house- holds in Thrumo, only three are occupied. The rest have left the village and settled near the highway at Bithnag. Due to human-wildlife conflict the villager had left the land mostly fallow. The people here usually de- pended on weaving yathra products. The gewog administra- tion has carried out land rec- lamation on a cost-sharing basis with the villagers. The people have to pay for tractors. Excavator and Villagers return to restart cultivation in Chumey materials for the electric fencing will be provided by that there were acres of land is over, the people will grow difficult with increasing crop would not be a problem. the gewog office. The buck- now left uncultivated. buckwheat and wheat. depredation.” “And people won’t leave wheat seeds will be provided Gewog last year prepared Lhamo Yangchen, a Another farmer, Pema, their homes.” by the dzongkhag agricul- around 10 acres of land for farmer, said that she was said that with the gewog Gup said that with the ture sector. cultivation. very happy to work in the planning to connect her vil- land reclamation there would Chumey Gup Jamphel said Since the potatoes season field after 15 years. “It was lage with the road, farming be large potato production.

Cyclonic storm ‘AMPHAN’ TOMORROW Good Day likely to affect Bhutan Bad Day Staff reporter NCHM stated that it was over the southern and east- likely to move northwards ern parts of Bhutan during The National Centre for and further intensify into a the next 72 hours (May 18-20) A good day for rituals (laza): Hydrology and Meteorol- very severe cyclonic storm due to this influence. “Rest those born in the rat and pig years. ogy (NCHM) issued a public during subsequent 12 hours of the places can expect light Generally a good day (sogza): notification yesterday stat- (May 17-18) and further to moderate rain.” those born in the ox, dragon and dog ing that the cyclonic storm years. move northwards across the Thunderstorms accom- “AMPHAN” which started on northwest Bay of Bengal and panied by lightning and A bad day (shedza): May 16 at the Bay of Bengal cross West Bengal-Bangla- gusty wind can be expected those born in the snake and horse and adjoining Andaman sea desh coasts on May 20. in some parts of the country years. could lead to a very severe As per the NCHM, mod- during the same period. cyclonic storm. erate to heavy rain is likely

Time of issue: 04:00 PM, SUNRISE : 5:11 am |SUNSET : 6:44 pm 17 May 2020 FLIGHTS Gasa Trongsa Bumthang Sarpang Phuentsholing DrukAir Date Flight No. Route Departure Arrival May 19 KB 150 Paro to Bangkok 08:00 12:10 17 21 19 28 29 May 19 KB 151 Bangkok to Paro 13:10 15:25 7 10 9 22 17

Note : All timings in local. Timings are subject to change. Call Drukair toll free No. 1300 for latest flight information. Source: National Center for Hydrology and Meteorology. For any weather information: Call hotline 335578

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