A motion to relocate some government offices to other Dzongkhags to ensure equitable regional development and to avoid overcrowding in the capital was rejected by a majority of votes in the National Assembly today.
The motion was put forward by the Member of Parliament (MP) of Jomotshangkha Martshala constituency, Norbu Wangzom, drawing attention to overpopulation, traffic congestion and waste management problem in the capital.
With 18 per cent of the total population in Thimphu, housing crunch and high rental expenses, inadequate vacancies in schools for children, waste management issues and traffic congestion were the problems highlighted by MP Norbu Wangzom.
“I want to suggest the government to do thorough research on the feasibility of instituting some of the government offices in other districts to ensure equitable regional development and institute them in the 12th Five Year Plan,” suggested Norbu Wangzom, the Jomotshangkha Martshala MP.
“One of the major problems that we will face in future is acute shortage of water. It is still prevalent in many parts of the capital. And to add on it, when it gets overcrowded diseases such as the recent outbreak of communicable coronavirus will spread very quickly,” added Pema Gyamtsho (PhD), the Opposition Leader.
“No one mentioned a government office in particular but I will reveal it. Mines and Minerals office should not be here in Thimphu when all the works and implementation are done in the south region of the country. The government should prioritize on developing health and education sector in the regional areas,” recommended Yeshey Dem, the Khamaed Lunana MP.
However, the majority of the members in the House was against the motion saying that works are underway to ensure equitable regional development. It was also shared that the plans to relocate some government offices to other Dzongkhags are in place but the motion was too soon.
“The Prime Minister’s office had started working and is still working to ensure equitable regional development through programmes and plans. Plans to shift government offices to other districts are in place and is clearly there. And when research, plans and work are underway, I don’t think this motion should be even here today,” said Dr Tandi Dorji, the Minister for Foreign Affairs.
“The cabinet needs to be here in the capital. If the Labour Ministry is shifted to Trashigang, I think the Minister will have to use a helicopter to reach here during Lhengye Zhungtshog. We should be aware of our land terrain. In foreign countries, they would travel 500 km in 2 to 3 hours whereas, in our country, It would take days. We have promised to do it and the works are underway. Is there a need to put forward the motion?. It means the government is being forced to do it soon,” added Kinga Penjor, the Gangzur Minjey MP.
According to the Population and Housing Census of Bhutan 2017, more than 135,000 people have been recorded in Thimphu with over 55,000 motor vehicles.
Meanwhile, the House also rejected a motion regarding the need to include farm shops, power tiller service, fuel and Liquified Petroleum Gas depots and Community Information Centres under gewog administration. With only 18 members in favour of it, the motion was turned down. The Agriculture Minister Yeshey Penjor said, adequate human resource, technical expertise and other required resources are not there at the gewog level.
Tshering Dendup
