The Opposition Party is urging the government to come up with an Economic Recovery Plan at the earliest to address the disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic to the economy. The party is also questioning the government’s decision on discontinuing the free supply of stationery and uniform to students. The Opposition Leader sent two letters to the Prime Minister yesterday.
According to the Opposition Leader, although there is an Economic Contingency Plan in place, it has not been so effective. The Opposition Leader said there should be a comprehensive Economic Recovery Plan since the overall economic situation has already entered into a recession with the projected growth rate of lower than negative six per cent, triggering distress and helplessness for many people.
“Unemployment, disrupted economy and loss of income can be only revived if the government comes up with a plan. But the government should work collaboratively with the private sectors to come up with a plan,” said Dorji Wangdi, the Opposition Leader.
The Opposition party also said that the government should refrain from making ad-hoc decisions without prior information before the reopening of schools.
“Often the government says something and does something else. Last time, the government said there is enough current budget but now the government is saying that they don’t have money to buy it. Secondly, the government said they will give a tablet each to all the students but I wonder how they can give as they are not able to buy the uniform and stationery,” the Opposition Leader said.
He also added that the government should continue providing free stationery and uniform to the students at least for this year since the income of the people has been badly affected by the pandemic last year.
Tshering Zam
