Chencho Dema

Wangdue—The Kazhi Gup, was charged with culpable driving by the Wangdue police after a tragic incident that resulted in the death of a man in his 50s. The incident occurred on June 7 in Phangyul gewog.

Police charged the 37-year-old Gup under Section 66 (1 and 2 (b)) of the Road Safety and Transport Authority Act 1999, which states that a person who culpably drives a motor vehicle and causes the death of another person is guilty of an offence and liable to imprisonment for at least six months or as the Court determines or to a penalty of 50 penalty units or both. Section 2 (b) states that a person culpably drives a motor vehicle if he or she drives the motor vehicle with unjustifiable gross non-observance of a standard of care which a reasonable person would have observed in all the circumstances.

The case was forwarded to the Wangdue court on June 25.

The accused, who was initially detained by Wangdue police, was released on bail on June 9. The deceased was an Extended Support Personnel (ESP) for the Wangdue Dzongkhag.

The Gup  did not have a driver’s license. The incident took place in Phangyul gewog after an irrigation project event.

According to sources, following the celebration, the Gup loaded metal tent poles into the back of his Bolero. While the accused was reversing the vehicle, the poles struck a gate, causing the deceased, who had climbed the gate to remove decorations (Dhar), to fall.

It was reported that the impact from the poles led to the victim’s fatal fall.  The victim was rushed to Wangdue hospital but was pronounced dead on arrival.

Lhakpa Quendren

If you are an aspiring entrepreneur from Zhemgang and neighbouring dzongkhags, a new startup centre in Zhemgang is now available to support you in transforming your innovative ideas into reality.

The centre, established to support startups and small businesses, aims to create job opportunities and stimulate economic growth in the region by fostering a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship within local communities.

The facility, located a few kilometres from the dzongkhag administration, features 20 rooms equipped with conference and training facilities, recreational areas, business development services, incubation spaces, and opportunities for promotion and networking.

Zhemgang startup centre is housed in the former RLDC building

The dzongkhag general service personnel (GSP) and elementary service personnel (ESP), who participated in the Skills for Life program, have started their bakery business. Another space is used by a young artist entrepreneur who promotes ecotourism through paintings.

Zhemgang Dzongda Kesang Jigme said that the initiative is aligned with the 13th Plan for economic development, the private sector, and entrepreneurship. “The government is striving to improve the business ecosystem.”

It is expected to foster networking and collaboration among entrepreneurs, investors, and industry experts to promote sustainable development and prosperity.

Zhemgang’s assistant economic development and marketing officer, Ugyen Zangmo, said the startup centre was aimed at driving long-term economic prosperity and foster innovation. “Moreover, we aspire to engage the community for promoting entrepreneurship as a viable career option and encouraging sustainable business practices.”

“Our vision includes nurturing a thriving ecosystem where local startups not only flourish but also contribute significantly to the regional economy,” she said, adding that this involves creating a supportive environment with tailored incubation programs, mentorship, and access to resources and funding for aspiring entrepreneurs.

 

Plans and way forward

The dzongkhag plans to enhance entrepreneurship at the startup centre by providing robust incubation support through mentorship programs, facilitating access to funding, and offering technical assistance tailored to the needs of startups.

And promote marketing opportunities by organising events and workshops to showcase startup products, enhancing visibility, and attracting potential customers and investors.

The plans include facilitating networking and collaboration through events that connect startups with experts, investors, and local businesses, fostering partnerships and accelerating business success.

Besides, community engagement initiatives and sustainable practices are prioritised to strengthen ties with the local community and promote a culture of entrepreneurship.

The centre, housed in the former Regional Livestock Development Centre (RLDC), is renovated and maintained by the dzongkhag administration with Nu 2.45 million. The Ministry of Industry, Commerce, and Employment supported the equipment and furnishing of the centre with Nu 3 million.

Gelephu Mindfulness City (GMC). What is it, really? Most Bhutanese do not understand this critically important national dream.

GMC is a vision of our prosperity and pride on the global stage. As a nation, Bhutan has consistently led by example, showcasing to the world its commitment to Gross National Happiness (GNH) over GDP, its environmental stewardship, and its unique cultural heritage. Yet, amidst these achievements, we find ourselves at a pivotal juncture that demands profound introspection.

Dreams are important for progress, but they must be anchored in a foundation of practicality and foresight. While GMC represents ambitious goals for our future, the pursuit of economic gains through tourism and hydropower cannot overshadow the pressing realities that require immediate attention.

Tourism promises economic benefits, but we must first address fundamental challenges. Infrastructure, waste management, and cultural preservation are not mere checkboxes but prerequisites for sustainable tourism growth. Without these essentials, our dream risks becoming a mirage, enticing yet unattainable.

Similarly, our hydro projects, once heralded as pillars of economic stability, now pose financial burdens. This predicament demands a shift towards diversified energy sources and enhanced efficiency. Investing in renewable energy alternatives will not only mitigate financial risks but also aligns perfectly with our commitment to environmental sustainability.

At this crossroads, soul-searching transcends mere introspection; it necessitates decisive action. It calls for leadership that prioritises the long-term interests of our people and environment over short-term gains. It demands policies grounded in pragmatism and guided by the principles of GNH—ensuring holistic development that encompasses economic, social, and environmental well-being.

The journey towards GMC must embody Bhutan’s ethos of harmony and balance. It requires collaboration across sectors, harnessing the wisdom of our communities, and integrating traditional knowledge with modern innovation.

By nurturing local expertise and empowering our youth, we cultivate a sustainable future where progress resonates with our cultural heritage.

Transparency and accountability must underpin every facet of GMC’s development. Citizens deserve clarity on the project’s impacts, benefits, and costs. Public participation ensures that GMC evolves as a shared vision, reflecting the aspirations and concerns of all Bhutanese.

GMC symbolises more than infrastructure and economic growth; it embodies our collective ambition to forge a resilient and prosperous future. However, realising this vision demands more than visionary dreams—it requires meticulous planning, inclusive governance, and unwavering commitment to our values.

As we embark on this transformative journey, we must heed the call for deep soul-searching. Understanding GMC is more important. Every Bhutanese should understand the real potential of this national aspiration.

Thukten Zangpo 

The National Council’s Economic Affairs Committee (EAC) made four specific and one general  recommendations during yesterday’s session to strengthen the effectiveness of the 13th Plan.

EAC’s Chairperson Tshewang Rinchen, also an NC member from Samdrupjongkhar, presented the committee’s findings. He said that the 13th Plan aims to elevate Bhutan to a high-income Gross National Happiness economy by 2034, focusing on pillars of people, progress, and prosperity.

However,Tshewang Rinchen noted shortcomings in clarity and details, particularly concerning major economic projects in the 13th Plan except for hydropower and renewable energy.

He added that the committee’s recommendations, which included developing comprehensive plans and allocating resources for key economic sectors such as agriculture, tourism, mining, and manufacturing.

To strengthen local governments, the committee recommended that all vacant positions in local governments be filled by December this year to ensure effective service delivery and regional development.

NC members raised concerns about the allocation of substantial budgets to local governments despite shortages in critical personnel like engineers, accountants, livestock and agriculture officers.

The committee proposed revisiting the resource allocation formula (RAF) to ensure balanced regional development and suggested a common minimum infrastructure framework to address regional disparities.

Tshewang Rinchen said that the 13th Plan’s resource allocation has different criteria for dzongkhags, gewogs, and thromdes with standard deviation metrics.

He added that the government should consider a common minimum infrastructure framework like access to road, electricity, and water, among others.

According to the 13th Plan’s RAF, three criteria are considered for dzongkhags, which is 25 percent weightage for resident population, 10 percent for geographical area, and 65 percent for GNH index (inverse).

For gewogs, six criteria, 20 percent for resident population, 10 percent for geographical area, 25 for percent poverty distribution (headcount), 15 percent each for climate change vulnerability analysis index, GNH index, and transportation index are included.

For thromde, 40 percent weightage is allocated for resident population, 20 percent for geographical area, 10 percent each for poverty distribution (headcount), climate change vulnerability analysis index, GNH index (inverse), and unemployment distribution.

The committee also proposed the importance of timely completion of hydropower projects to manage debt risks and ensure sufficient domestic revenue. NC members also expressed concerns about maintaining adequate international reserves to meet constitutional requirements.

Furthermore, the committee recommended integrating the Nu 15 billion Economic Stimulus Programme (ESP) into the 13th Plan to enhance transparency, accountability, and effective monitoring of its economic impacts.

Members also voiced concerns about access to finance, private sector development, STEM education, and budget allocations for central schools.

While the majority of NC members supported the committee’s recommendations regarding project details for major economic sectors, revisiting RAF, and ESP integration.

However, the House directed the committee to further review its recommendations regarding prioritising human resource allocation for local governments and ensuring timely hydropower project completion.

The House plans to vote on adopting the 13th Plan, incorporating final recommendations and addressing member concerns and submissions by July 1.

 

 

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