Soon the government officials working in Soe and Lingzhi Gewogs under Thimphu Dzongkhag will get free electricity up to 100 units as proposed by Soe Gup during the recent Thimphu Dzongkhag Tshogdu.
Today, there are about 30 government officials working in the two Gewogs. Soe Gup Kencho Dorji said the need for the free electricity up to 100 units was discussed during Soe Gewog Tshogde since there was a proposal from the government officials working in his gewog.
“At present, each resident has to pay about Nu 3000 monthly as electricity tariff. If BPC could provide 100 units of free electricity to the government officials like given to rural people, the government officials will get more encouragement to work in rural areas. It will also help to reduce firewood consumption and help in the conservation of forests,” the Soe Gup said.
The two gewogs received power supply between 2016 and 2017. The official from the BPC said they will provide free electricity up to 100 units. However, he informed the house that, the gewogs and respective head offices should help in making clear distinctions between the government offices and private residences.
“In 2017, after receiving a letter from the Bhutan Electricity Authority, we segregated the government offices and institutions from private residences. But most of the residences were registered as institutions. Now we will cross-check between the government offices and private residences. Because we cannot exempt tariff for the government offices and institutions. If it is a residence for government officials, we will ensure they get 100 units free. If concerned authority could submit us the letter, we will provide the free units within this or in the coming month,” said Passang, the Head for Planning and Construction of BPC.
Meanwhile, due to forest clearance, BPC could not start works to supply electricity to Naro Gewog earlier. However, the official said, BPC has now acquired the clearance and is almost ready to float tender documents to supply electricity for the gewog.
Pema Tshewang
