Bad News for applicants.

Australian Endeavour Award: Bhutanese, who applied for the Australian Endeavour Award scholarship, and waited for more than six months, were disappointed to learn that they were not awarded the scholarship.

The Endeavour Award scholarship results for postgraduate award that included masters and PhD, Endeavour Research Fellowship and Endeavour VET awards were declared on the evening of December 17.  As of last evening, applicants were trying to find out if anyone had been awarded the scholarship, but had not come across anyone who had.

It is estimated that at least 2,000 Bhutanese had applied for the scholarships to study in Australia, which has become the top destination, besides India, for higher education and other reasons.

A media consultant of a private firm, who applied for a PhD scholarship, said he received calls from people, asking him if he was awarded the scholarship. “I seriously feel that the Australian government had to cut down the 2013 intake, because of fund constraints, or diverted the fund to some needy scholarship,” he said.

Comments on Sydney-based Macquire University’s online news for the international community also says applicants from Bangladesh and India also did not get the scholarships.

Officials from Australian high commission in Delhi refuted claims that no one from Bhutan got the Endeavour Award.

The head of education section, Dr Peter, said, while they do not have the authority to give details of how many Bhutanese applied and how many were awarded the scholarship, some Bhutanese have got the scholarship. “It’s an international merit-based scholarship, and this year’s scholarship was highly competitive,” he said.

Dr Peter also said there was no policy change as such, and that the scholarship was across the Asian region.

Some Bhutanese applicants said the letter of regret they received stated the fund for the scholarship had been reduced and the scholarship was highly competitive.

An unsuccessful applicant questioned why the letter, stating he didn’t get through, was dated October 24, but was received only last morning.

Some applicants said that not getting the award was not such a disappointment, because it was their third time trying.

A few applicants have not yet received confirmation on whether they have got the scholarship or not.

His Majesty's address to the Nation on the 105th National Day in celebrations in Thimphu.

On the occasion of the 105th National Day, it gives me much happiness to address our People of the 20 dzongkhags.

This National Day is of special significance.  The powers offered by our People to the King in 1907, after hundred years of nation building, were returned in 2008 to our People by the Druk Gyalpo.  It was in that year that we held the first elections under democracy and adopted the Constitution.  Today, we are nearing the end of the term of the first Parliament we elected in 2008, and the culmination of the tenth and largest 5-year plan.  So much work lies ahead and such immense responsibilities rest on our shoulders as we approach 2013.

Yet, with capable and dedicated citizens, who have great love for our country, with the guidance of the Fourth Druk Gyalpo, and with the ever-stronger bonds between People and King, I have great confidence that we shall achieve our goals.

Our People of Bhutan are unique.  We have a sense of family, community and brotherhood that inspires us to come together in times of need.  I have seen this following natural disasters and, most recently, in the way in which all Bhutanese came forward to offer whatever little we could afford to rebuild the historic treasure, Wangduephodrang Dzong.

In other nations, difficult moments in their history are met with strife, violence and conflict, as people sacrifice national interest in order to achieve individual ambitions.  In Bhutan, such acts and events have never occurred.  Our way of life, our heritage, loyalty and values remain strong in the hearts of our People and our People stand ready, even in times of great personal hardship, to place Nation above Self.  I am so proud of our People and offer my deep gratitude for the love you have shown for your nation.

It is during times of prosperity and success that we must remind ourselves of the work that lies ahead.  We have made a good start in our transition to democracy, but much remains to be done.  Our nation has seen great socio-economic growth, but it is more important that we have growth with equity.  We must raise, with all our effort, the less fortunate so that they may, at the earliest, begin to partake in the opportunities brought by modernisation and progress.  The government has provided education to our youth.  But for the nation to prosper for all time, a sound education must be succeeded by access to the right jobs and responsibilities, so that our youth may bloom as individuals and, at the same time, serve their nation well.  The recent Rupee shortage is a serious problem.  I feel it is a reminder that, as a nation, we must exercise our traditional sense of caution, and work even harder, as we address the challenges of the time.  For, no matter what challenges lie ahead, it is only the Bhutanese citizen, who can protect and safeguard Bhutan.

Today, the most important duty for us is the 2013 elections to Parliament.  I would like to say that we – all of us – are new to this democratic transition.  We have all equally acquired four and a half years of experience in democracy.  Experience comes with participation, so I urge you all to come forward as candidates, members of parties and voters for 2013.

Remember, achieving democracy is not the goal.  The real fruits of our efforts should be that democracy brings greater unity, harmony and prosperity to our nation.  Democracy must be able to fulfill the aspirations of our People.

Many hundreds of years ago, Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal unified the nation, established the dual system and laid the foundations on which a unique Bhutan was born.  This new nation was then further strengthened over the course of history by fifty-four Desis and generations of Bhutanese.  The last hundred years, the Wangchuck dynasty further strengthened the foundations laid by the Zhabdrung, and handed over a special nation to our People in 2008.  All of this was possible because our People have lived as one small family, true to the ideals of the Zhabdrung and the foundations of a unique and special Bhutanese identity.

As we approach the elections of 2013, we must therefore keep in mind these foundations of our nation and prevent all ethnic, religious or political divisions in our small nation.  We must participate in democracy with the spirit of harmony and fraternity.  In 2008, our democratic transition and the wholehearted participation by the people, including the 80% voter turnout, were lauded by the world.  I urge you all to exercise your right to vote – it comes but once in 5 years – for it is an act of great benefit to the nation.

With the Blessings of the Triple Gem and our Guardian Deities and the good fortune of our People, I am confident we will conduct the second elections under democracy successfully in 2013.

For me, I hold sacred the endeavours begun by my father, the Fourth Druk Gyalpo.  I have committed myself to bringing to fruition all the noble endeavours begun in his 34 years of service and sacrifice.  I also hold sacred my duty to ensure the success of democracy, and I shall work to lay the strongest foundations for a vibrant democracy within my reign.

Above all, I believe that the Golden Throne is not a Throne of wealth, power and prestige.  The Golden Throne of Bhutan is a unique Throne of Destiny to serve our People and Nation.

As King since 2006 I have always served with complete dedication and integrity.  Sometimes I may have erred.  Yet, you, my people, have given me even more love and support and placed your complete faith and trust in me.  To our People of the 20 dzongkhags, I offer my heartfelt gratitude, and I pledge that I shall give everything to be of service to you and Bhutan.

In this land, blessed by Guru Padmasambhava, Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal and our Fourth Druk Gyalpo, I pray that there shall be everlasting peace, prosperity and happiness.

Working group to explore economic areas of cooperation

Haryana’s chief minister
 (first from right) takes a tour of the
 National Assembly hall

Haryana State Govt. Delegation: A working group, comprising officials from the ministry of economic affairs and the Haryana state government, has started discussions on the possibility of Bhutan selling hydropower to the Indian state.

A MoU was signed on December 15 between the economic affairs secretary Dasho Sonam Tshering and Haryana’s principal secretary of industry YS Malik yesterday, in presence of economic affairs minister Khandu Wangchuk and Haryana chief minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda at the convention centre in Thimphu.

The working group will also look into other economic areas of cooperation, such as agriculture, livestock, urban planning and infrastructure development.

“With huge power shortage that risks its investment and industry, Haryana state government have requested us to work together to meet their power demand,” lyonpo Khandu Wangchuk said, adding that the ministry is planning to work with them soon. “Haryana state has a robust economy, and economic co-operation with them would benefit the local economy.”

Bhupinder Singh Hooda, during the MoU signing, said the signing is a watershed event, and has laid foundation for a relationship that is responsive to each others interests, a relationship that is consultative, and ensures participative and mutually beneficial cooperation. “It provides us the roadmap for future interactions and cooperation,” the chief minister said.

In July this year, when northern India was hit by one of the worst power failures, Haryana, being one of the states, saw millions wake up to no electricity.  Water supply, hospital services, rail and road operations were severely disrupted, along with the business activities.

The peak power demand in Haryana is more than 7,385MW and, with rising urban and industrial demand power supply in the state, mostly from its thermal plants, is insufficient.

The chief minister, during the signing of MoU, also committed 35 scholarships to Bhutan over a period of five years in Haryana University, five for bachelor’s of science and two in bachelor’s in veterinary science.  This will be formalised before the end of February next year.

The delegation from India, led by Haryana chief minister, who were invited by the prime minister, met with Lyonchhen Jigmi Y Thinley yesterday, and also called on agriculture minister Pema Gyamtsho.

The delegation left the country yesterday.

भैसीले दुरुस्तै मान्छेको अनुहार भएको बच्चा जन्माए पछी

यो संसार बिचित्र कै छ बाच्नु नै पर्छ के के देखिन्छ र सुन्निन्छ अनि देख्नु पर्छ र सुन्नु पर्छ ..।. थाईल्याण्डमा त्यस्तै किसिमको एक घटना भएको छ। एक किसानले पालेको भैसीले मानिसको जस्तै अनुहार भएको बच्चा जन्माएको छ । बिशेष गरि अनुहार दुरुस्तै मानिसको जस्तै छ भने हात र खुट्टा भैसीको जस्तै छ तर अधिकांश शरीरको भाग मानिसको जस्तै छ । यस्तो किसिमको अनौठो घटना भए पछी गाउलेहरु अब गाउमा कुनै दैबी शक्ति उत्त्पन्न भएको बताउछन्। एक जना गाउले भन्छन "भैसीले जन्माएको बच्चा हेर्दा मैले त मान्छेको बच्चा हो कि भैसीको ? छुट्याउनै सकिन ।" तर दुखद कुरा जन्मिएको केहि समयमै त्यस किसिमको बच्चाको मृत्यु भयो ।


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Building on wetland punishable by Law

A ruling that might have to be applied retroactively, given the number of standing violations

Trashigang Dzongkhag Tshogdu: Anyone, who starts construction on agricultural wetland in Trashigang, would now be taken to court, the dzongkhag tshogdu (DT) decided recently.

The decision was taken, following many people still trying to build houses on wetland, and after Shongphu gewog raised the issue of illegal construction.

It was found that over 35 houses have already been constructed on agricultural wetland in Chongthi and Buna villages in Shongphu.  Around 26 are huts, while the rest are concrete and traditional mud structures.  These constructions on wetland had begun since 1992.

“Many are still starting to build houses on wetland,” Shongphu gup Kinzang Wangdi said. “Most houses were built without proper housing permit from the gewog.”

The defaulters, villagers, however cited lack of dry land or suitable land for them to construct their houses on.  Poor soil quality, meagre harvest, lack of irrigation channels, labour shortage and lengthy conversion procedure were some other factors the defaulters  reasoned for constructing on wetland.

But an inspection team found that most of the wetland actually has an access to proper irrigation channel.  The team also found that the wetland had high potential for paddy cultivation.

“Some have applied for conversion, but most applicants have already built houses,” gup Kinzang Wangdi said.

The dzongkhag tshogdu has decided to form a committee to investigate and check illegal construction on agriculture wetland. “After investigating the illegal constructions, we’d send the defaulters to court,” DT chairman, Kinzang Dorji said.

Trashigang dzongda, Lungten Dorji said the dzongkhag would prevent new constructions on wetland and take legal action against those who have already breached the law.

Land record officer Sigye Dorji said the land act of 2007 prohibits construction on wetland and that permission has to be sought from the national land commission before constructing on wetlands. “Except for people without dry land, no conversion of wetland is allowed,” Sigye Dorji said.

The district’s land record office has submitted a detailed report about the illegal construction to the agriculture ministry, but has not received a response from the ministry yet.

But the dzongkhag administration said that illegal constructions on wetland are “getting out of control” in gewogs. “If we don’t check illegal construction on wetlands from now on, we might end up without wetlands in some years,” Dzongda Lungten Dorji said.

Lungten Dorji said the existing problem of illegal construction is also because of lapses on gewogs and agriculture extension agents.

“The dzongkhag can’t be everywhere in 15 gewogs to check such illegal activities and gewog officials have to be vigilant,” Lungten Dorji said, adding that gups and agriculture extension officers have failed to intervene and stop these constructions from the start.

“Now we can’t stop the others, because even they wouldn't abide since we have already allowed many,” Lungten Dorji said.

Dzongkhag agriculture officials however said that the defaulters, who have built houses on wetland in Rangjung, are those who are well versed with the law.

“They’ve constructed houses deliberately on wetland,” senior agriculture extension supervisor Tshering Dorji said, adding that defaulters entailed serious legal action, including bulldozing of the houses.

Meanwhile, officials pointed out that home minister also constructed a couple of his resort’s structures on wetland in Lengkhar, about seven kilometres from Trashigang. “I think one or two of the structures have been built on wetland,” an official said under anonymity.

He said that the land hasn’t been converted, because it is still reflected as wetland in the thram. “We also haven’t received any letter for conversion either,” he said.

administrative action against committee.

Supreme Court Construction: The Supreme Court yesterday directed the High Court for works and human settlement ministry to take administrative actions against tender committee members in the award of the Supreme Court construction.

It was found the committee members had attempted to favour Nima Construction in awarding the work through manipulation and tampering with tender documents.

In the past, administrative actions the ministry implemented basically meant a mere reprimand.

Going by the Bhutan Civil Service Rules, administrative actions usually include reprimands, which normally falls under minor penalties, especially for a civil servant’s carelessness or negligence of duties and non-compliance or failure to implement provisions of the civil service Act and other laws and rules.

Minor penalties also include a fine of equivalent to a month’s salary, withholding of short-term trainings or an annual increment or two.

Major penalties comprise withholding of annual increment for three-five years, reduction of salary, withholding of promotion, long-term training, demotion, compulsory retirement with benefits and termination without benefits.

The ministry has three months to take whatever administrative actions against the tender committee members.

The minutes of the Inter-Ministerial Tender Committee meeting signed by the members on October 16, 2007 showed 11 members on the committee.

The members comprised former works and human settlement minister Kunzang Dorji, who was the chairman then, Supreme Court Construction project director and former High Court judge Jigme Zangpo, urban development and engineering services director Rinchen Dorji, its chief engineer Ugyen Tshewang, project director Phuntsho Gyeltshen, quality and control director Rinzin Namgay, construction development board executive director Wangdi Gyeltshen and ministry’s Deki Chhoden.

Two other representatives, finance secretary Lam Dorji and the then chief administrative officer from agriculture ministry Sonam Wangdi were also participants of the meeting.

After three months, works and human settlement ministry has to report to the Supreme Court and Anti Corruption Commission of the administrative actions taken against the members of the committee.

“Should the ministry fail to take any actions, the court will issue a contempt of court order to the ministry” Supreme Court justices said.

Contempt of court is a petty misdemeanor, that spells between less than a year to a month’s prison term.

The Supreme Court had affirmed ACC’s investigation report and recommendation for administrative action against the officials involved.

The court had, in November 2011 issued a letter to the commission to investigate the case because the litigation involved forgery and corruption and that it was a process before the case was submitted to the court.

ACC had basically re-examined the two investigations – one that it conducted and other by Yarkay Group – and enriched the findings by gathering additional information, documents and evidences.

The commission had, much before the case went to Supreme Court, forwarded their recommendations along with the investigation to the ministry for administrative actions against officials involved in the tender process.

However, the ministry did not heed to the recommendations arguing the case was subjudice.

The commission had also asked the ministry to take appropriate administrative actions against Nima Construction for intentionally misrepresenting and misinforming authorities to secure additional contract works besides the five it already had at hand.

It had seven projects at hand against CDB rule that allow only five.

“I’m happy that due justice has been done after five long years by the Supreme Court affirming ACC’s recommendation to take administrative actions against officials involved,” Yarkay Group’s managing director Phub Zam said.  “This shows our submission and pointing out elements of corruption and manipulation in the tendering process in relation to construction of Supreme Court office is proven correct.”

Meanwhile, the court affirmed the High Court’s ruling to dismiss compensation that Yarkey claimed because it was established that the company had accepted the four packages of the ministers’ enclave project as separate.

Yarkay had considered the construction of four structures of the ministers’ enclave as one project and argued that it being the lowest bidder, should have gained the contract to build the remaining four of the eight structures.

“I’m unhappy for not getting compensation for expenses I incurred in fighting the case, which in turn helped the government save Nu 220M because of our intervention,” she said following the  court order.

Yarkay claimed compensation of Nu 62M, the loss it incurred for being deprived of the award of the Supreme Court work due to malpractices the ministry practiced.

The controversy surfaced in October 2007 after works and human settlement ministry disqualified Yarkay from partaking in Supreme Court construction project.

The ministry said the company already had five contracts, the maximum, at hand.

Yarkay submitted to the courts that although they bid at Nu 580M, the lowest by about Nu 60M compared with Nima Construction’s bid of Nu 640M, it was made the second lowest evaluated bidder.

The whole issue of the bids being substantially higher than the estimated cost, Yarkay Group’s submission stated, emerged only after it pointed out irregularities and flaws in the ministry’s intention to try and award the work to an identified contractor that was not even eligible to be called for negotiations.

Had the company not raised any objection, the statement said, the other company would have succeeded.

The ministry subsequently brought in the cost estimate factor as an excuse to call a re-tender.

Yarkay Group filed the case with the Thimphu district court in November 2007.

It appealed to the Supreme Court after the High Court overruled its lower court’s judgment on October 10 last year.

Bhutan profile

Bhutan is a tiny, remote and impoverished kingdom nestling in the Himalayas between its powerful neighbours, India and China.  

Almost completely cut off for centuries, it has tried to let in some aspects of the outside world while fiercely guarding its ancient traditions.

The Bhutanese name for Bhutan, Druk Yul, means "Land of the Thunder Dragon" and it only began to open up to outsiders in the 1970s.

The Wangchuck hereditary monarchy has wielded power since 1907. But Bhutan became a two-party parliamentary democracy after elections in March 2008. This gave a landslide victory to the pro-monarchy Bhutan Harmony Party of former prime minister Jigme Thinley. The opposition People's Democratic Party also supports the monarchy.

Bhutan's ancient Buddhist culture and breathtaking scenery make it a natural tourist attraction.

Tourism is restricted; visitors must travel as part of a pre-arranged package or guided tour. Backpackers and independent travellers are discouraged.

The monarchy says it seeks to promote a balance
 between material and spiritual happiness

Buddhist culture                                         

King Jigme Singye Wangchuck - the father of the present monarch - went to great lengths to preserve the indigenous Buddhist culture of the majority Drukpa people. This ethnic group has a common culture with the Tibetans and other Himalayan peoples.

National dress is compulsory - the knee-length wrap-around "gho" for men and the ankle-length dress known as the "kira" for women.

The Bhutanese monarchy has also promoted the philosophy of "Gross National Happiness" (GNH), which strives to achieve a balance between the spiritual and the material.

But by the 1990s, attempts to stress the majority Buddhist culture and the lack of any political representation had led to deep resentment among the ethnic Nepali community in the south.

Refugees

Violence erupted and tens of thousands of Nepali speakers fled to refugee camps in Nepal.

Some 100,000 refugees live in UN-supervised camps in Nepal. Out of this refugee population have sprung a number of insurgent groups - the Bhutan Communist Party (Marxist-Leninist-Maoist), the Bhutan Tiger Force and the United Revolutionary Front of Bhutan.

The Bhutanese security forces believe they are behind the wave of bombings that rocked the kingdom in the run-up to the 2008 parliamentary elections.

The leaders of Nepal and Bhutan had promised to try and repatriate the refugees before the elections. However, there has been little progress on this front.

India does not allow the refugees onto its territory which lies between Bhutan and Nepal, and although the US and some other countries have agreed to accept tens of thousands of the refugees, some refugee leaders say that the only acceptable path is complete repatriation to Bhutan.