Mof Calls for Uniform Travel Allowances for All Agencies

KUENSELTHAT THE PEOPLE SHALL BE INFORMED WEDNESDAY, S EPTEMBER 30, 2020t/V His Highness The Amir of Kuwait passes away On the Royal Command of His Majesty The King, special prayers will be conducted across the nation today upon the passing away of the Amir of Kuwait, Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al- Sabah. His Majesty will offer prayers and karmi tongchoe (thousand butter lamp ceremony) in Samdrupjongkhar. His Majesty is on a tour of the east and southern parts of the country. The Late Amir, who passed away yesterday at 91, is a good friend of Bhutan. Under the wise leadership of His Highness, Kuwait has not only achieved peace, progress and prosperity but also a high international standing in the global community. His Highness leaves behind a legacy of outstanding contributions to the advancement of peace and stability. The demise of His Highness is a great loss not only to Kuwait but also to the international community. To honour the Late Amir, national flags across the nation, all Bhutanese Embassies, Missions and Consulates will be flown at half-mast.

Highlanders COVID-19 use technology MoF calls for uniform to survey travel allowances for BHUTAN - 280 pastureland

Yangyel Lhaden all agencies GLOBAL What took days earlier, the Yangchen C Rinzin the public servant would be allowance and for travel allow- COVID-19 highlanders of Merak and Sak- eligible for Nu 15,000 in the ance,” the notification stated. SITUATION teng gewogs in Trashigang have eginning Sep- first month. “The concerned agencies been able to accomplish with- tember 1, the “Then the travel allowance will have to arrange govern- in a short time using nothing finance minis- would be Nu 10,000 per month ment vehicles or hire private more than their smartphones. try has asked for subsequent months,” the vehicles for all officials’ travel 33,568,504 Tsamdro, the mobile all agencies notification stated. in lieu of mileage for official CONFIRMED CASES application, that was com- Bfunded by the government to The finance ministry has tours.” menced in July has helped adhere to a uniform monthly clarified that the monthly Mileage rate, however, the highlanders of Merak and travel allowance for all staff lump-sum allowance of Nu will remain the same at Nu 16 Sakteng survey their tsamdro irrespective of position levels. 15,000 is for travels involving a km. The agency can permit 24,669,912 or pastureland themselves. This, Finance Minister continuous stay at a particular carpooling with a minimum RECOVERED Pastureland in the country Namgay Tshering said was to place and the allowances are of two officials travelling in the is being surveyed for the first rationalise the current budget for official travels. same vehicle. time after His Majesty The King for Fiscal Year 2020-2021 con- The allowance would be Considering the cost of granted Tsamdro Use Thram sidering the Covid-19 situa- applied on pro-rata basis, travel, the ministry has also 1,006,701 (TUT) to the highlanders. The tion. meaning the official who travel advised agencies to minimise survey is piloted in Merak and The ministry notification officially other than Covid-19 the authorisation of travel by DEATHS Sakteng. applies to both central and related duty for less than 30 an individual official and to On October 19, 2017, the local budgetary agencies. days irrespective of the num- conduct meeting or monitor- Source: The Straits Times, ANN representatives of the high- The finance ministry in a ber of months, would be eligi- ing of projects through virtual As of September 29, 2020 landers of 32 gewogs under 12 notification instructed that for ble for Nu 500 a day. platforms as much as possible. dzongkhags appealed to His any official travels like sensi- The allowance of Nu 500 The ministry’s decision Majesty to maintain the status tisation or awareness pro- would apply to all officials ir- states that 20 percent of re- quo of the tsamdro right prior grammes, in-country training, respective of position levels. vised allowances would apply to the revision of Land Act 2007. retreat, workshops but other “The monthly lump-sum to all officials if food and lodge than Covid-19 related duty, Pg 2 allowances are only for daily are provided. Pg 2 www.kuenselonline.com Covid-19 sends food prices ratcheting up HOME PAGE 2 Wednesday, September 30, 2020| KUENSEL MoF calls for uniform travel allowances for all agencies From Pg 1 and training in hostels if the “Although it was not a to be prudent and to cope up The agencies can spend the The agencies are advised donor agencies require to strict notification it was im- with the situation where the grant themselves, but such to arrange food and lodge in conduct meetings. portant to have such uniform country’s domestic revenue uniformity would ensure the the guesthouse or other fa- “This was decided given ceilings in travel allowances,” had fallen due to Covid-19. budget on travel is spent ju- cilities or manage the costs the domestic revenue situa- Lyonpo said. “This is in no “This decision was also diciously.” within apportioned annual tion, and the agencies should way intended to supersede made after many agencies The finance minister said block grant allocated. . prioritise donor-funded man- the Pay Revision Act 2019.” shared concerns and pro- that the decision was taken to However, it was decided datory meetings/seminars/ Lyonpo said that this de- posed to keep uniform al- meet expenses with the given that officials on Covid-19 training over similar activities cision is only to advise and lowances to make sure block budget, as there is no income related duty including the funded by the government.” make all budgetary agencies grants are used optimally. from the domestic revenue. Covid-19 Task Force mem- Porter and pony charges bers in Phuentsholing and of Nu 1,200 per dholam have Samdrupjongkhar would be also remained unchanged, paid a lump sum of Nu 15,000 which is applicable to all civil a month irrespective of the servants including those on Highlanders use technology duration of duty. Covid-19 duty. The individuals have to Meanwhile, the finance to survey pastureland manage their own food and minister Namgay Tshering lodge. “This rate would be said that this was just an applicable for any new task interim measure given the forces or committees that current situation and also to would be established by the rationalise the expenditure government hereafter,” the apart from making the travel notification stated. allowances uniform across The ministry also notified agencies. that the revised rates would Lyonpo said that this also be applicable to activi- measure would remain until ties funded by donors. the situation improves or as The ministry has also and when the government’s advised all the agencies to revenue performance im- host meetings or seminars proves.

TV Schedule Sept 30, 2020 A tsamdro in Trashigang (Photo: druktrails.com ) Semgi Remo 10am ticipation in mapping their such issues. “We even have Bhutan Premier league from From Pg 1 Paro Woochu Sports Arena 3pm Earlier, with the enact- tsamdro,” the press release a map to refer to.” (LIVE) ment of Land Act 2007, from NLCS states. NLCS came Earlier, there was little tsamdros and sokshings were up with the concept based the gewog officials could do on the premise that the local about tsamdro issues as it was In Business Africa 12:30pm reserved as State Reserve For- est. inhabitants possess expert state land. HARDtalk 2:30pm For the highlanders, knowledge on their local en- Sangay Dorji said that vironments and boundaries. the people migrated to lower Witness History 10:30pm tsamdros are their ancestral asset and their livelihoods Merak Gup, Lam Rinchen valleys and sought resettle- depend on them. said that NLCS officials ment as they did not own pas- Man vs. Wild 12:10pm Sakteng Gup Sangay trained the people on its tureland. With TUT entitled, Food Factory 2:30pm Dorji said that the people of use and it took less than 10 those who did not own yak or Sakteng were happy as they minutes to learnt about the sheep were looking forward Into The Wild With Bear Grylls And were entitled ownership to application. to raising them, he added. Akshay Kumar 6:10pm the land they have been using A user can press the start The tsamdro allocated for generations. button and walk around the on TUT cannot be sold, ex- Impact Wrestling 9:30am Each household would tsamdro and pause when they changed, gifted, donated and The Immortals 1:30pm get three pasturelands for rest and stop when the survey leased. It may be inherited spring, summer and winter is completed. “It is simple,” upon obtaining necessary UFC Bad Blood 7:30pm based on their traditional he said. approval from NLCS. area of use. The survey of According to the press re- In Merak, the gup said The Hangover Part II 11:30am spring and summer pasture- lease, the application could that disputes among people land has been completed. collect data quickly and easily arose when mapping tsam- The Dark Knight Rises 1:20pm National Land Com- either online or offline using dro but later were settled in Aquaman 4:20pm mission Secretariat (NLCS) GPS-enabled smartphones in a just and fair manner. “Two developed the user-friendly remote locations. households were not happy, application to reduce huge There were numerous is- they wanted to file a case but Deadpool 2 1:30pm financial expenditure. “The sues related to tsamdro in the so far they did not.” MasterChef Australia 5:10pm beauty of the application is gewog, Sangay Dorji said. The Tsamdro application that the highlanders take ac- He said that granting will be used to survey other Predator 8:10pm tive collaboration and par- ownership would reduce tsamdros in the country. HOME Wednesday, September 30, 2020| KUENSEL PAGE 3 Global Covid-19 death toll touches million mark Younten Tshedup Calling it an “agonizing to “bridge national boundaries” people with an active infection at health protocols put in place in- milestone”, United Nations to fight back against the virus. the isolation facilities. cluding mandatory isolation of Covid-19 has claimed more Secretary General, Antonio Experts say that the death toll A major achievement for individuals upon testing positive than a million (M) lives as of Guterres, said, “It’s a mind- from the pandemic is expected the country so far has been in have proven effective. Also, a per- yesterday, according to the numbing figure. Yet we must to rise further as the outbreak maintaining zero deaths from son is declared recovered only Johns Hopkins University (JHU) never lose sight of each and continues to accelerate in many the pandemic. after testing negative on multiple in the US. every individual life. They were countries around the world. Eu- Preventing mortality due to occasions. Anyone arriving in the Data from the university fathers and mothers, wives and rope is witnessing a resurgence Covid-19 remains one of the main country from aborad is mandato- show that some 1,000,555 peo- husbands, brothers and sisters, of the disease after lockdowns objectives of the government with rily quarantined for 21 days. ple across the world have now friends and colleagues. The pain were lifted. the increasing cases both within Health ministry’s reinforce- died from the virus with over has been multiplied by the sav- India crossed 6M cases on and outside the country. ment of its three Ts – Testing, 33M confirmed cases and more ageness of this disease.” Monday and is closing in on the An up-front reason for this Tracing and Treatment – strategy than 23M recoveries. He said that with no prob- US. The virus has been spreading achievement according to ex- has also contributed to an effec- The road to 1M confirmed able end in sight to the spread of fast in India, with the country re- perts was the age group of those tive containment and prevent- deaths started in December the virus, it was crucial that the cording about 90,000 confirmed who are infected. The epidemi- ing further spread of the virus, last year, when doctors in international community learn cases a day earlier this month. ological data shows that risk of officials said. central Chinese city of Wuhan from the mistakes made in the Meanwhile, back at home, severe disease, complication and However, experts have cau- reported a discovery of a ‘pneu- first 10 months of the pandemic. the country is 20 cases shy of death from Covid-19 is higher in tioned that with the high recovery monia of unknown cause’. The “Responsible leadership mat- hitting the 300 confirmed cases elderly people. rate and zero death, the residents first death from Covid-19 came ters,” he said. “Science matters. mark. Although the number of Besides the lone 65-year-old must not become complacent. In after 12 days following the an- Cooperation matters and misin- cases has surged following a local patient (apart from the American the event of community transmis- nouncement of the discovery. formation kills.” transmission in Phuentsholing, tourist) who was released from sion and larger outbreaks, all age Within a month, the death toll World Health Organisa- the rate of recovery remains high the isolation ward on Septem- groups including children and reached 131. tion’s (WHO) Director General for the country. ber 1 after testing negative twice elderlies would be infected. However, according to in- Dr Tedros Ghebreyesus said With 210 people considered within 24 hours, all the Covid-19 This would mean the prob- ternational media, experts have that the 1M Covid-19 deaths recovered, the Covid-19 recovery positive cases in the country have ability of having severe cases cautioned that the figure could marks a “difficult moment for rate for Bhutan stands at 75 per- been relatively young so far. would increase and there could be probably much higher. the world”. He urged countries cent as of yesterday. There are 70 Among others, stringent be unfortunate mortalities. S/jongkhar schools to resume on October 4 Most students still in quarantine

Kelzang Wangchuk | Samdrupjongkhar antined 87 students staying in Samdrupjongkhar thromde Although schools in Samdrup- who study in schools outside jongkhar had reopened with the thromde on September the Covid-19 preventive pro- 26. “The health officials would tocols on September 28, most conduct the RT-PCR test on of the students would report to October 3 and release if they their respective schools only on test negative.” October 4 as they are under a The CDEO said that the weeklong quarantine. dzongkhag administration Schools in the thromde would arrange transporta- would also open on October 4 tion to drop the students to as the dzongkhag Covid-19 task Dungsam Academic, Karmal- force had submitted a proposal ing higher secondary school for the stipend to the National and Orong central school on Task Force Committee (NTFC) October 4. “All the schools are for students who will be kept in ready.” containment mode. The thromde education of- According to the notifica- ficeR (TEO), Dorji Gyalpo, said tion issued by the task force about 264 students are studying on September 22, besides the Samdrupjongkhar Middle Secondary School in the thromde schools- Dung- normal Covid-19 preventive sam Academic and Samdrup- protocols like washing hands, that all students of class IX to also have to get RT-PCR test for areas of Jomotshangkha, Sam- jongkhar middle secondary use of face masks and physical XII staying in Samdrupjong- Covid-19 without having to un- drupcholing and Dewathang, school. Of the 264 students, 33 distancing, schools would also khar thromde would have to dergo facility quarantine. the notification stated. from the thromde and 72 from have to maintain an inventory undergo mandatory seven-day Those schools receiving The Chief Dzongkhag Edu- Dewathang are day students of of day students with travel his- quarantine and get RT-PCR test students from Samdrupjong- cation Officer (CDEO), Kinzang Dungsam Academic. tory of their parents and fam- for Covid-19. Their joining of khar thromde should verify Dendup said although the edu- “We have submitted a pro- ily members to ascertain the schools would depend on the the Covid-19 test results of the cation ministry had provided posal for stipend for these stu- vulnerability of Covid-19 and test results. students on their reporting to the standard operation proce- dents to the NTFC as we would implement prioritised curricu- Students of classes IX to schools and follow other meas- dure (SoP), schools had also have to keep them in contain- lum as per the guidelines of the XII staying in the town areas ures of Covid-19 preventive developed their SoP as per the ment in the school as the throm- ministry of education. of Jomotshangkha, Samdrup- protocols. This also applies to health protocols. de is considered the high-risk The notification stated choling and Dewathang would students coming from the town He said the task force quar- zone,” Dorji Gyalpo said. EDITORIAL PAGE 4 Wednesday, September 30, 2020 | KUENSEL Sharing cost MY COUNTRY, MY TOWN hutanese quarantined and tested for Covid-19 have the option to pay the quarantine charges and bear the cost of the RT-PCR test starting next month. The decision follows what the task force calls "overwhelming offers from the Bgeneral public" to bear the cost. This is a good gesture from the public knowing that the cost of containing the virus is digging a big hole in the government coffer. The government, as of September 17 has spent about Nu 248.27 million on hotels that served as quarantine facilities for 14,667 people. The number would have increased by a few hundreds as more are quarantined since the government last released the figures. Following the notification from the task force, there is a lot of confusion although the notification is clear and simple. Many assumed that the cost of quarantine would be passed over to individuals. The option is open unlike what many misunderstood—the government will still continue to support the cost of rooms, meals and the test for people who cannot afford. There is no compulsion. The notification is talking about people who are travelling from high-risk areas like Phuentsholing to low risk Alfresco kennel: A areas. As travellers would have to undergo a mandatory cool spot for canines week-long quarantine, there is a huge cost involved. It to crash out as a seems some had offered to bear the cost of the quarantine couple have done... and the test. and there’s room There are many options. Not travelling from high risk to low risk or to the high risk is the best. Health authorities for one more Photo: are pleading with people to not travel, unless it is unavoid- Ugyen Dorji, Kuensel able. Every single individual returning from a high-risk zone is an additional cost to the government. With schools Send in your pictures to: [email protected] reopening and students from high-risk areas relocated, quarantining thousands of students is costly. The Covid-19 pandemic has derailed all our plans. MY SAY If the economy has been battered by the impact of the pandemic, cost of the available resources is diverted to containing Covid-19. We have, even if it costs us dearly, managed well. The number of people testing positive may An app could do have increased and the restrictions caused inconvenience, but we have managed to keep the people safe. There is the contact tracing not a single death reported because of Covid-19 when the global death has touched the million mark yesterday. The community methods may be required an automated process and If there are people who want to share the cost, it should transmission of Covid-19 has for efficient and effective contacts in close proximity be welcomed. Individually, it is about Nu 10,000 for a finally happened within the contact tracing. could be traced from the borders of the country. The An alternative method compiled database in case of week-long quarantine and the cost of the test. We have tactic of the health ministry of contact tracing could be a community transmission. people who could not only afford but also waste, higher in dealing with community mobile app that logs in the An important concern amount, for instance, in a session of card games or in a transmission has been the geographical coordinates of would be a violation of drayang or a karaoke. prompt contact tracing the user at regular intervals. individual privacy and More than anything, it is contributing to the country exercise from the affected This information from elements of unhealthy state when the country is going through a pandemic times. We individuals. Contact tracing multiple devices could surveillance. Therefore, have seen, since March, how Bhutanese came forward with methods include the Druk be compiled and used to this project could be contributions, in cash and kind. That was when we had just Trace App, maintaining track mobile users in close undertaken and managed a few cases in the safety of the quarantine facilities. logbooks, and interviewing proximity to the affected by independent institutes The expenditure has increased. We detected 280 as of affected individuals. mobile users. Such an app such as the CST and the yesterday. We are doing community surveillance, we have While these methods would eliminate the hassle Gyalpoizhing College of IT as have worked satisfactorily of physically scanning a temporary measure during to manage containment facilities and the number of peo- for now, in case of a rising QR codes or writing on the pandemic. ple having to undergo quarantine has increased. Take for number of community registers. With such an app example the students and the frontliners returning home. transmissions alternative contact tracing could be Phuntsho We always talk about serving the Tsawa-Sum in our small capacities. Sharing the cost of containing the pandemic would be a great service. We can silently write Make your opinions known. Send your letters to a cheque for a week’s quarantine and testing cost and help the government. We need not make an appointment with the Lyonchhen, take a picture and put it on social [email protected] media or call the media to cover how much or what they contributed. Letters are edited for space and clarity

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 Wednesday, September 30, 2020| KUENSEL PAGE 5 INvItAtION FOR BIdS PHUENtSHOLING tHROMdE PT/ADB-SASEC/2020-2021/17/00543

Date August 7, 2020 Grant No. and Title 0400-BHU (SASEC Road Connectvity Project) Contract No. and Title Pt/Contracts/2020/ALCS/01 (Constructon of Land Customs Staton, Ahlay, Pasakha) Deadline for Submission of Bids Extended to 23 October 2020, 14:30 hours (local tme) 1. The Royal Government of Bhutan has received fnancing from 4.6 Equipment Requirement: (i) Motor Grader – 1 No. (ii) the Asian Development Bank (ADB) toward the cost of SASEC Vibratory Roller – 1 No. (iii) Hydraulic Excavator of min. Road Connectvity Project. Part of this fnancing will be used for 200CC capacity – 1 No. (iv) Paver Finisher – 1 No. (v) Water payments under the contract named above. Bidding is open to Tanker – 1 No. (vi) Bitumen Sprayer – 1 No. (vii) Mixture bidders from eligible source countries of ADB. Machine – 2 Nos. (viii) Tipper – 2 Nos. 2. Phuentsholing Thromde (“the Employer”) invites sealed bids (ix) Total Staton – 1 No. from eligible bidders for the constructon and completon of 5. To obtain further informaton and inspect the bidding documents, Land Customs Staton at Ahlay, Pasakha (“the Works”). Bidders should contact: 3. Natonal Compettve bidding will be conducted in accordance Phuentsholing Thromde with ADB’s Single-Stage: One Envelope procedure and is open Bikash Sharma to all bidders from eligible countries as described in the bidding Pelkhil Lam, 21101 document. Tel.: 00975-05-251915 / 17372162 4. Only eligible bidders with the following key qualifcatons should [email protected] partcipate in this bidding: Fax: 00975-05-252882/251915 4.1 Financial Requirement: Minimum Average Annual 6. To obtain the bidding documents in English, eligible Bidders Constructon Turnover (AACT) of Nu. 55.03 million in the should last three years • visit htps://www.tenderlink.com/adb and register for an 4.2 Financial Resource Requirement: Financial Resources, less account (free of charge); its fnancial obligatons for current contract commitments • locate the notce in Tenderlink by searching for Constructon of Nu. 13.76 million of Land Customs Staton at Ahlay, Pasakha; and 4.3 Constructon Experience in Contracts of similar size and • click “Download the tender documents” found at the botom nature Requirement: Partcipaton in at least one contract of the notce. that has been successfully or substantally completed within 7. Submit your bid the last fve years and that is similar to the proposed work, • electronically through the web portal where the value of bidder’s partcipaton exceeds Nu. 22.01 htps://www.tenderlink.com/adb million • on or before the deadline 23 October 2020 at 14:30 hours 4.4 Constructon Experience in Key Actvites Requirement: (i) local tme; and Completed constructon of at least one G+1 building in the last fve years, and (ii) Completed constructon of at least 3 • together with a scanned copy of the original Bid Security/Bid- km of road works in the last fve years Securing Declaraton as described in the bidding documents. 4.5 Project Personnel Requirement: (i) Project Manager with Late bids and hardcopy submissions will not be accepted. Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering (or others) -1 No. (ii) Bids will be opened immediately afer the deadline. Bidders will Project/ Road Engineer with Bachelors in Civil Engineering have the opton to atend the electronic bid opening via an online (or Diploma) – 1 No. (iii) Electrical Engineer with Diploma in conferencing system. Electrical Engineering - 1 No. (iv)Surveyor with Certfcate in The link to the virtual opening will be sent to the bidders seven days Surveying – 1 No. (v) Site Supervisor, a VTI graduate or Class prior to the opening. XII graduate – 1 No vACANCY ANNOUNCEMENt NAtIONAL HOUSING dEvELOPMENt CORPORAtION LIMItEd, tHIMPHU NHDCL/CS/HR-15/2020/2180 NHDCL would like to invite applicatons for the following regular posts. Sl.# Positon ttle Slot Minimum qualifcaton Minimum aggregate of 55% in class XII with one year relevant training or minimum aggregate of 1 Cashier 1 55% in class X with two years relevant training 2 Bus Driver 1 Class VIII pass with valid PD licence for medium vehicle and 2 years driving experience For further details, visit www.nhdcl.bt or contact HR at 323147. Management, Corporate Services

TO ADVERTISE IN KUENSEL Call 326191 or Email: [email protected] ADVERTISEMENT PAGE 6 Wednesay, September 30, 2020| KUENSEL

ABRIDGED UNAUDITED FINANCIAL POSITION NOTICE INVITING TENDER- DRUK FERRO ALLOYS LTD. REVISED DATE PHUENTSHOLING ROYAL UNIVERSITY OF BHUTAN ABRIDGED UNAUDITED FINANCIAL POSITION JIGME NAMGYEL ENGINEERING AS AT 30 JUNE 2020” COLLEGE, DEWATHANG As at As at Partculars JNEC/ADM-14/2020-2021/ 30th June 2020 (Nu.) 30th June 2019 (Nu.) The date of submission of the bidding documents SOURCES OF FUNDS: for the Constructon of Staf Quarter and its Site Equity Fund 289,776,200.00 289,776,200.00 Development Works at JNEC was postponed due to Reserve & Surplus 126,637,631.60 156,703,922.75 the natonwide lockdown. Long Term Borrowings In view of the unlocking of Samdrupjongkhar 44,392,810.61 - (Sof Loan Covid ‘19) Dzongkhag, the College is hereby pleased to Other Long Term Liabilites 1,172,464.00 1,216,149.00 announce that the revised date of submission of the bidding documents is on 12th October 2020 by Deferred Tax Liabilites (Net) 62,580,673.94 80,223,408.68 10:30 AM. Long Term Provisions (Gratuity) 9,173,122.00 7,246,849.00 The Tender will be publicly opened on 12th October, Current Liabilites and Provisions 106,617,530.17 188,983,396.38 2020 at 11:00 AM in the College Conference Hall 640,350,432.32 724,149,925.81 in the presence of the representatves of bidders APPLICATION OF FUNDS: present during the event. Fixed Assets (Net Block) 331,906,969.29 347,711,831.66 The complete set of Tender Document can be Current Assets, Loans & Advances 308,443,463.03 376,438,094.14 downloaded from the College’s website: www.jnec.edu.bt 640,350,432.32 724,149,925.80 For further clarifcaton, please contact Estate STATEMENT OF UNAUDITED COMPREHENSIVE INCOME Manager at 07-260161/17439947 during ofce for the Half Yearly ended 30 th June 2020 hours or email at [email protected] For the half year For the half year Management Partculars ended ended 30th June 2020 (Nu.) 30th June 2019 (Nu.) Realisaton (Net) 408,782,601.86 510,782,587.35 ANNOUNCEMENT Cost of Producton 408,674,090.74 470,844,096.80 MINISTRY OF HEALTH PROFIT/(LOSS) FOR THE PERIOD 108,511.12 39,938,490.55 Ministry of Health will be introducing Human Corporate Income Tax @ 30% 27,127.78 11,981,547.17 Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccines natonwide for: Proft afer Tax 81,383.34 27,956,943.39 1) All class 6 boys in all schools. Other Comprehensive Income: 2) All out of the schoolboys who are aged 12 years old. Add: Balance brought forward 155,533,868.26 273,635,079.36 3) And all boys of monastc Insttute who are from previous year aged 11-14 years old Less: Dividend Declared & paid (28,977,620.00) (144,888,100.00) With efects from 28th September to October 28, Balance carried to Reserve & 126,637,631.60 156,703,922.75 2020. HPV vaccinaton will protect the boys from Surplus getng HPV related cancer and also protect their partners and reduce the circulaton of HPV related cancer. HPV vaccines will be available in all health NOTIFICATION centers across the country. BHUTAN DEVELOPMENT BANK Please avail the vaccinaton on tme before it is too late. We would like to inform our valued clients that the submission of loan deferment forms has been extended tll October 31, 2020. You are once again reminded For more informaton please contact Hotline # 112 to download the forms from our website www.bdb.bt or contact the nearest or 6060 Branch Ofces for hard copies of the deferment forms. Kindly fll up the forms irrespectve of your decision to defer or contnue paying the monthly installments CLASSIFIEDS and submit the forms within October 31, 2020. We will not accept any forms afer the due date and you will be liable to pay the monthly installment thereafer. locaton available For further inquiries, kindly contact the following ofcials or visit your nearest Rent: Shop and Storage for immediate rent. Branch Ofces: space with spacious Contact 17727305/ parking in prime 1 Ms Pema Choden # 97517629446 [email protected] 17593995. 2 Ms Sonam Pelden #97517742252 [email protected] TO ADVERTISE IN KUENSEL Management Call 326191 HOME Wednesday, September 30, 2020| KUENSEL PAGE 7 Pawo’s Lunana: A Yak in the Classroom enters 2021 Oscars Chhimi Dema also shows the government’s Feature Film at the CineAsia help towards the growth of the Film Festival in Amsterdam, Bhutanese film Lunana: A Yak industry,” said Pawo Choyning the Netherlands. in the Classroom has officially Dorji. The film follows a school- entered the 2021 Oscars. The film was screened in teacher, Ugyen, who wants to This is the second-ever 13 countries—the USA, the leave for Australia to become Bhutanese film to enter for UK, Ireland, Canada, Italy, a singer. Oscar nomination, the first the Netherlands, Egypt, South The title of the film crossed being Dzongsar Khyent- Korea, Taiwan, China, Indone- Pawo’s mind when he heard a se’s The Cup (1999). sia, India, and Japan. real-life story about Dechen Director/producer/writer The film won five awards— Tshering, a teacher in Lingzhi Pawo Choyning Dorji was also Audience Choice Award for who had to tether a yak in the the producer of Dzongsar Khy- Best Feature Film and Best classroom for yak dung to start entse’s Hema Hema: Sing Me a of the Fest Award at the 2020 a fire. Song While I Wait. Palm Springs International “The story was about Lunana: A Yak in the Film Festival, the Lessinia seeking a place where one be- Classroom was shot in Lu- d’oro Prize for Best Film at longs,” said Pawo. “As a film- nana, Gasa, on solar-charged the 26th Film Festival Della maker, I want to share stories batteries. Lessinia in Verona, Italy, the of Bhutanese hopes, love, “The entry into the Oscars Microcosmos Jury Award for aspirations, fears, losses and was a step for the Bhutanese Best Film at the Film Festival sacrifices. I want to tell a story film industry of the country. It Della Lessinia, and the Best of our time.” DIVER SION PAGE 8 Wednesday, September 30, 2020 | KUENSEL

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Idioms Take a page from someone's book An expression meaning to do something in a way that someone else would Take it with a grain of salt An expression meaning to treat the SCRABBLE information as exaggerated, believe Direction only part of something K O A E S F R Triple word Rack 1 5 1 1 1 1 4 1 score Make a 2 to 7 letters word from the "They aren't that good of a team even letters in each row. To total points of though they won the last fve games. your words, use scoring directions to You've got to take that with a grain of right of each row. 7-letter words get Y O D W I O Rack 2 50-point bonus. “Blanks” used as any 4 1 2 M3 4 1 1 salt, they lost eight before that." letter have no point value.

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Four rack total 196 Try to understand to Try Par score 125-135 Four rack total ADVERTISEMENT Wednesday, September 30, 2020 | KUENSEL PAGE 9

INVITATION FOR BIDS (IFB) NOTICE INVITING LIMITED TENDER ROYAL MONETARY AUTHORITY OF MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND FORESTS BHUTAN DEPARTMENT OF LIVESTOCK DEPARTMENT OF ADMINISTRATION NATIONAL HIGHLAND RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT & FINANCE CENTER, BumThANg NHDC/Adm-14/2020-2021/81 RMA/ADM-44/2020-2021/981 Royal Monetary Authority of Bhutan now invites The Natonal Highland Research & Development Center (NHRDC), Department of sealed bids from eligible and qualifed bidders for Livestock (DoL), MoAF, Bumthang is pleased to invite sealed tender from eligible “the supply and installaton of Electronic Variable Bhutanese license holders for the supply of the following items for one year. Display Boards and Floor Standing Digital Signage” Equipment/Items for Yak Sector, NhRDC, Jakar, Bumthang having valid trade license, tax clearance and OEM Last date of submission is on or before October 15, 2020 at 10:30 AM and will certfcate. open on the same date at 2:30 PM in NHRDC meetng hall. A complete set of bidding documents may be The detailed tender documents/forms can be purchase from the administraton purchased by interested bidders upon payment secton at the rate of Nu. 200/- or download from MoAF website (moaf.gov.bt) of non-refundable fee of Nu. 500.00 from the For further enquiry, please contact Yak Sector at 17459731 or Adm. Secton at 03- Department of Administraton & Finance, Head 631194/17623710 during ofce hours. Ofce, RMA. Program Director Bids must be delivered to the Executve Director, Department of Administraton & Finance on or before 14/10/2020 at 11:30 AM and electronic ABRIDGED NOTICE INVITING TENDER bidding shall not be permited. Bids will be opened (DOmESTIC COmPETITIVE BIDDINg) on the same date at 2:00 PM. DRUK GREEN POWER CORPORATION LIMITED Interested eligible bidders may obtain further informaton from Mr. Thinley Wangchuk, (a dhi company) Administratve Ofcer at 02-323111 ext. No. 112 TALA HYDROPOWER PLANT during ofce hours. RINChENTSE, TAlA Executve Director DGPC/THP/TSD/CD-01/2020/2099 NIT No: ThP0051/2020 Tala Hydropower Plant, Druk Green Power Corporaton Limited invites sealed bids RURAL LIFE INSURANCE from eligible bidders fulflling the eligibility criteria for “Repair and Maintenance COLLECTION ANNOUNCEMENT of Toilet and Ofces in Powerhouse, THP”. The bidding documents shall be available from 30.09.2020 to 30.10.2020. Bids ROYAL INSURANCE CORPORATION shall be received up to 13:00 hrs (BST) on or before 30.10.2020 and shall be OF BHUTAN LIMITED opened on 30.10.2020 at 14:30 hrs (BST).

RICB/LID-CO/(01)/2020/10445 Detailed NIT and bidding documents are available at DGPC website (www.drukgreen.bt) and can be downloaded from the website free of cost Royal Insurance Corporaton of Bhutan Limited during the period. (RICB) would like to notfy the public that the collecton of rural life insurance will begin from Head, Technical Support Division October 1, 2020 - December 31, 2020. Therefore, all concerned are requested to update NOTICE INVITING TENDER your insurance premium (@ Nu. 87 per member) with respectve gewog/thromde before December BHUTAN TELECOM LIMITED 31, 2020. BTL/Mkt-01/2020/273 Furthermore, please be informed that the Bhutan Telecom Ltd. is pleased to invite sealed bids from small Class contractors individuals who have not updated their premiums for “Repair & Maintenance of Gelephu Telecom ofce building” Sarpang. shall not be enttled to the insurance claims. Submission date of tender is on 14th October, 2020 before 12:00 noon and will For more informaton, visit our nearest RICB Ofce be opened at 2:30 pm on the same day in the conference hall of Bhutan Telecom, or contact us @ 1818/1515 for BT and @ 1811/1511 Gelephu. for TashiCell. Tender documents must be submited online. For details, visit at www.tender.bt Management NOTICE INVITING TENDER TO ADVERTISE IN KUENSEL: Bhutan Telecom Ltd. is pleased to invite sealed bids from small Class contractors for “Constructon of RCC joint boxes along Zilukha highway, Thimphu”. E-mail us at: Tender submission date 19th October, 2020 before 16:00 hours and will be [email protected] opened on 20th October, 2020. TO SUBSCRIBE KUENSEL: Call 327463; Tender documents must be submited online. For details, visit www.tender.bt or FOR NEWS: Call 324684, 322483 contact 17113190/17113500. Manager, Civil DZONGKHAG PAGE 10 Wednesday, September 30, 2020| KUENSEL Residents unhappy with Paro valley development project

Phub Dem | Paro He said that residents wanted to build up to three- Paro Valley Development storey on that limited land Project (PVDP), three years as an alternative source of after it was launched, has left income. residents disappointed. He added that there PVDP is a 20-year devel- were no clear directives on opment and land use plan for land substitution for those the preservation of cultural households who hold only landscape, topography, sur- Chu-shing. “Although there face hydrology, and natural are previsions for land sub- environment and existing set- stitution to those households tlement pattern. whose dry landfalls in green The recent Paro Dzong- zones, there are significant khag Tshogdu discussed the issues while implementing it.” significant challenge facing Some residents are of the the residents since the com- view that even if they violate mencement of the project. the rule, they can pay a mini- With developmental ac- mal fine and build what they tivities such as airport area desire. expansion and the city devel- Tshering Dorji said that opment projects Wangchang the current government, how- Gup Kuenzang Rinzin said ever, asked the dzongkhag to that with limited dry land implement the project. “This there was a restriction on de- is where lots of disagreements velopmental activities in the arise, as new developments gewog. are restricted in the same area He said that with an in- where lots of buildings were crease in population in Paro, built when the government locals requested the leaders lifted the restriction.” to increase their home struc- The construction of the ture to three-storey. dzongkhag court is on hold, Lamgong Gup Letho said as it falls in the green zone. that the limited dry land fell in According to Tshering a green zone where construc- Dorji, the location of court in tion of any sort is restricted. the green zone was surpris- He said that the identifica- ing as there are many private tion of green zones was con- structures and Royal Bhutan fusing and some residents’ Police station near the court land, near road points and area. feasible for construction fell Development Regulatory in environmentally sensitive Officer of Paro, Phub Lham zones. Tamang, said that Ministry of “We do not know how the Work and Human Settlement project was developed. Plan- (MoWHS) was only revising ning from a desktop is caus- the agriculture precinct in the ing lots of problems while the plan as there were lots of is- plan is implemented,” Kuen- sues with that precinct. zang Rinzin said. Although the local leaders For instance, a resident were recommending revising who owns only ten decimals the whole plan, she said that of dry land in Wangchang it would depend on the de- Gewog has invested in draw- partment and planning per- ing maps and loans to build a spective. house, but later it was found The Department of that half of the land lies in the Human Settlement sent a green zone. letter to the dzongkhag ear- “It is a hassle for the vil- lier this year stating that they lagers,” he said. would review and rationalise Kuenzang Rinzin said that the PVDP in this fiscal year the officials must develop the given numerous appeals re- plan studying ground reality garding land conversion and rather than through google precinct designating during map. the implementation of the Paro’s DT Thrizin, Tsher- plan. ing Dorji, said that there was DT passed a resolution a concern regarding the ceil- to request the government ing of the number of storeys and MoWHS to relook at the because of limited dry land. project. SPORTS Wednesday, September 30, 2020| KUENSEL PAGE 11 High Quality defeats Transport United 3-2 Thinley Namgay Transport managed six shots with four corner kicks. High Quality United FC High Quality received six (HQUFC) defeated Transport points from their last four United FC (TUFC) 3-2 in the games in the league. ongoing BoB Bhutan Premier Meanwhile, Ugyen Acad- League (BPL) at the Changlim- emy FC defeated Druk Stars ithang Stadium yesterday. FC 4-1 on September 28 in High Quality broke the Punakha. deadlock from forward Lha- Paro FC thrashed Tensung wang Phuntsho’s goal in the FC 5-0 at the MTC ground in 39th minute of the game. Skip- Wangdue on September 27. per Lhendrup Dorji doubled the This was the biggest return for club’s lead five minutes later. the defending champions after Transport fought back losing two consecutive match- in the second half. Chimmi es at home against Thimphu Dorji pulled back one with a City FC and Transport. long-range goal, three minutes With a 1-1 draw against into the second half. Follow- Paro United FC on September ing a free kick, Chimmi Dorji 26, Transport managed to earn equalised with his second in five points from the last five 72nd minute. games. With 10 points each, However, High Quality’s Thimphu City FC and Ugyen Tenzin Thinley scored the Academy FC were on the top of deciding goal for the team in the table as of yesterday. 81st minute. The club had Paro FC will face Paro eight shots and one corner United FC today at Woochu Tenzin Thinley of HQUFC (yellow -number 17) scored a deciding goal for the team kick in the entire game, while Sports Arena in Paro. yesterday

TOMORROW

Good Day r UPNBSSZBOEDFMFCSBUF r UPQFSGPSNBOOVBMPGGFSJOHT A good day for rituals (laza): Bad Day those born in the sheep, snake, monkey r UPBQQPJOUUPOFXQPTU and rooster years. r UPTIJGUIPVTF r UPIBOEBOEUBLFPWFSPGGJDF Generally a good day (sogza): r UPFOUFSJOUPOFXIPVTF those born in the snake and horse years. r UPTUBSUOFXCVTJOFTT A bad day (shedza): r UPSPPGIPVTF those born in the tiger and rabbit years.

Time of issue: 4:00 PM, SUNRISE : 5:52 am | SUNSET : 5:50 pm 29 September 2020

Gasa Trongsa Bumthang Sarpang Phuentsholing 21 24 23 31 31 10 14 12 22 21

Thimphu Trashigang 25 25 12 14

Source: National Center for Hydrology and Meteorology. For any weather information: Call hotline 335578

To adverTise iN KueNsel: Call 326191 or fax 326638; e-mail us at: [email protected]

Printed and published by Kuensel Corporation Limited, PO Box 204, Tel: 975-2-322483/324688, Fax: 975-2-322975, www.kuenselonline.com BICMA Lic no. 303000005, ISSN 0259 1499

INTEREST WAIVER ANNOUNCEMENT In continuation to Druk Gyalpo’s Relief Kidu, and in line to the Press Release from the Prime Minister’s Offce on the Comprehensive National Response to the Challenges of the COVID-19 Pandemic Phase II dated 26th June, 2020 and RMA SOP issued on 10th July, 2020, BoB would like to inform our valued clients the following:

Part A: Interest Waiver 1. 100% Interest waiver will be provided by Government from July till September, 2020. 2. 50% Interest waiver will be provided by Government from October till March, 2021 and other 50% will be borne by the clients.

Part B: Deferment 1. All loans sanctioned on or before 30th June, 2020 will be deferred till 30th September, 2020. 2. Deferment can be extended till 30th June, 2021. However, clients wishing to continue deferment have to email the attached form available in BoB website (www.bob.bt) within 30th September, 2020 to [email protected] or submit it to any of the nearest branch offces. 3. Non-submission of the deferral request within the specifed timeline will be considered as consent of the client for continuing repayment. 4. Kindly contact the following contact nos. for deferment conditions; 17567683/17811017/ 17233150

Part C: Incentive for Regular Repayments during the Deferment Period The Bank shall offer one percent interest rate reduction to borrowers. In order to be eligible for this incentive, borrowers are required to make payments during the deferment period as follows:

Sl. No. Period Repayment Condition

Only the principal portion of the Equated 1. 1st July, 2020 to 30th September, 2020 Monthly Installment (EMI)

Principal portion of the EMI; and 50 percent of 2. 1st October 2020 to 31st March, 2021 interest portion of the EMI

3. From 1st April, 2021 to 30th June, 2021 Full EMI

The incentive of 1% rebate will be credited to loan account after the end of deferment period (30th June, 2021).

For more information kindly call us at our toll free no. 1095 or +975-2-349903 (overseas and Tashicell users) during offce hours or visit our branch offces as well. - BoB Management