Article 22
Local Governments
Bhutan decided to have the unitary system of Government. It is governed as one single unit with one legislature. Bhutan has a proud history of Local Government with sound foundations for a genuinely workable democracy at all levels of society.
The decentralization policy fully enabled the people to participate in the decision making process. His Majesty Jigme Singye Wangchuck, the Fourth Druk Gyalpo, initiated the decentralization process with the establishment of the Dzongkhag Yarkye Tshodue in 1981 and the Geog Yarkye Tshogchung in 1991. Decentralization was to empower the local people to develop their areas, bestow responsibilities and account-abilities, and to enhance capability towards self-reliance. Decentralization and streamlining of the administrative system have paved the way for greater participation of the people in the socio-economic development of the country.
With the elected members, Local Governments will represent their local communities. They should be responsible and accountable, and should focus on community identity and civic spirit. They must provide appropriate services to meet community needs in an efficient and effective manner, and to facilitate and coordinate local efforts and resources in pursuit of community goals. Decentralization will bring about constitutionally organized institutions that will endeavour to implement the vision of the Constitution, enjoined by section 7 of Article 9, which reads:
“… to develop and execute policies to minimize inequalities of income, concentration of wealth, and promote equitable distribution of public facilities among individuals and people living in different parts of the Kingdom.”
Decentralization to the Local Governments is a desirable means of diminishing tension among the gewogs and the centre. In Milton’s words,
“Local Government is essential for developing a real political competence, federalism and delegation”.
The Article for the Local Government had the most intensive and extensive debate among the Drafting Committee members. The same deliberation was repeated in Parliament.
Decentralization leads to accountability. Under the gaze of the public, the leaders are continuously accountable at the operational level and finally to the electorate. So they ought to be responsible and must continuously gain enough support in their constituency. Moreover, the people should have direct and free choice of electing independent local leaders from the candidates of their choice and not the candidates forced upon them through the selection and nomination of political parties.146
Local Government is the grass roots democracy that emphasizes trust in small decentralized units and municipalities for local identification of problems, solutions at the field and involvement of the local people. Appreciating the Article, DANIDA stated that:
“The article on Local Governments (Art. 22) is clear and comprehensive. It intends to render the possibility of a very genuine local democracy which according to the experience is important for democracy in any country. It is especially commendable that art. 22 section 16 makes it practically possible to initiate such a democratic structure… according to which the local Government shall be entitled to levy, collect and appropriate taxes, duties, tolls and fees in accordance with such procedure and subject to limitations as may be provided by the Parliament by law is an example of a possibility created for a genuine democracy.”
It was further emphasized by UNDP, which stated that:
“A comprehensive Article on Local Governments (Article 22) supports the policy of decentralization.”
Explaining to the people, Their Majesties said:
(a) The Constitution provides that the Dzongdag would still be the chief executive officer in the Dzongkhag and would have no political affiliation with any parties. As you all know that it was only in the year 2002 that we have passed the Dzongkhag Yargay Tshogdue Chathrim and accordingly decentralized administrative and financial powers to the people. 147
(b) The Dzongdag will be the executive head since all the Dzongkhags will have major development … However, he will not be involved in politics. Our Dzongdags will not be allowed to participate in the politics at all. As regard to the Gup, we have the Dzongkhag Yargay Tshogchung and the Gewog Yargay Tshogchung Acts which has given the power to the people in policy making, administration and matters related to finances.148
(c) Political and monetary powers will be bestowed to the Local Governments to facilitate direct participation of the people for the management of their social well-being and economic development.149
(d) The people of Bhutan have direct and free choice to elect their candidates and not candidates forced upon them through the selection and nomination of political parties. Similarly, people can dissolve Local Governments. Therefore, there is no need for opposition since it is not based on political parties.150
Local Government is the continuation of the historical evolution and political system, which was resuscitated and refined by His Majesty. It is responsive, effective and efficient local administration and social service to the local people. Local Government promotes self-governance, shares power with the people at the grass root, develops local resources and capabilities and attends to their local interests. Consequently, the State develops and executes policies to minimize inequalities of income, concentration of wealth, and promote equitable distribution of public facilities among individuals and people living in different parts of the Kingdom and ensures equal treatment of all the Dzongkhags. Rural and urban migration could be mitigated. With passage of time, there will be equal growth with the maintenance of local knowledge, family values and respect for nature. All these would be continuously judged by their electors. Negligence of any area is a failure of a nation. Hence, Local Government and decentralization are curative and preventive actions.
To be continued.................
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