11th plan will exclude MPs’ promises, decides Chhukha Dzongkhag Tshogdu

The members of the Chhukha Dzongkhag Tshogdu decided that pledges made by the Members of Parliament of the dzongkhag will not be included in the 11^th Five Year Plan. However, this, the local leaders said is a matter of concern and questioned the MPs how the pledges made will be fulfilled.

Of the 112 pledges made by the two members of parliament, 39 have been incorporated in the 11^th Five Year Plan. The remaining, even after several discussions could not be included due to the budget ceiling. This, the gups felt could send a wrong message to the people.

“When we don’t have the fund, problems could arise in between people and the gewog administration because they might say it is already in the manifesto but the dzongkhag and gewog administrations did not approve it,” said DYT’s Chairman, Dorji Penjore.

Lokchina’s Gup, Indra Lal Ghalley, said some people have an understanding that there is a budget ceiling for five year plans, but some they don’t and this causes misunderstanding. “People feel that whatever the MPs has promised, we strike it off from the list. That way we become the misjudged ones”

The Bongo – Chapcha constituency’s MP, Dawa Gyaltshen said pledges will be fulfilled as and when funds are made available. However, the budget, he said, does not include the promised budget of Nu.two million for every gewogs. “You should list out priority areas and use that money judiciously because, irrespective of whether being a MP, gewog or dzongkhag administration, we all work for the benefit of the people.”

The guideline for the usage of Nu.2 million is being formulated. The dzongkhag officials urged that the budget should be released soon.

“The MPs have informed us that every gewog will be provided with Nu.2 million and guidelines are also being prepared. But we would be grateful if it could be provided soon because it’s only in winter, the dry, season when we can carry out developmental activities in the dzongkhag,” said Chhukha dzongda, Pemba Wangchuk.

The budget for Chhukha Dzongkhag for the 11^th Plan is over Nu.911 million.