According to reports, there are rumours about people in remote areas forced to donate for the COVID-19 relief fund. However during a press conference yesterday, the Foreign Minister Dr Tandi Dorji said it is not allowed for any local government or agency to compulsorily make people donate but will be entirely on a voluntary basis.
“A lot of people are coming forward to help the government. Some are donating money, some are helping with vegetables and fruits and some with rice. This is a noble gesture and it will help the government because we have a lot to spend on, and I want to thank them for it. But It is not at all compulsory for an individual to donate anything. It should solely depend on their ability to donate and their choice and wish. Through a voluntary basis. The government never made the donations compulsory. I want to urge the people who are forcing the donations to immediately refrain from going further,” said Dr Tandi Dorji, the Foreign Minister.
Tshering Dhendup
