It was a hard blow for those working in the construction sector through the Build Bhutan Project (BBP) when the promised wage revision turned out to be everything but that. The labour ministry announced the attractive revision in January this year. More than a thousand registered with the BBP eagerly waited for the revision which was supposed to be in effect from last month.
The BBP committed to increasing the salary by Nu 6,000. The workers were also promised a minimum of Nu 4,000 as a construction allowance. So, in February, those working with the BBP should have earned a minimum of Nu 21,000. But that did not happen.
“They are discouraging us. They have lied to us. Some of my friends are trying to withdraw and give up the profession. It is my first time working in such a field, and it is very difficult. I feel the Nu 12,000 is too low for such a hard laboured profession. We have to work like labourers breaking stones, carrying them and in the mud. I would be grateful if they give us what they promised,” said Tshering Choden, an employee in the construction sector.
“It was even broadcast on BBS saying that we will get a minimum of Nu 21,000 by February end. They gave us their word. We have heard rumours that we won’t be getting the said pay. We have to work with stones, gravels and dust. It is very difficult. I have to pay my rent on the 5th every month and sometimes, I cannot make payments on time,” said Tashi Om.
“I feel very discouraged and sad because they did not keep their promise. I have even shifted my house after the announcement of pay revision. I used to live with my relatives. We are in a very difficult situation right now. If the government pays us what they had promised, we would be grateful, happy and encouraged to work even more,” said Sudhir Thapa.
“A lot of youth like us were happy and encouraged when we saw the news on BBS and other social media. Officials from the labour ministry also called us to let us know about the good news. And suddenly I don’t even know what is happening. Maybe we are confused or the officials have failed to convey the messages clearly. I don’t like blaming someone. I am just nervous and confused at this point. It is very difficult in Thimphu. I cannot afford the prices of goods and products in Thimphu. I thought the pay revision would solve all my problems,” Mamta Rai.
Meanwhile, the Labour Minister says the project will now be thoroughly assessed to include skilling and include other sectors such as the Technical and Vocational Education and Training. The pay revision was also halted because of changes in the policy and plans of the Labour Ministry.
“It is true that the Ministry had announced the pay revision and it is also true that we could not fulfil it. The government is to be blamed for this matter. In just a month, the situation in the country has changed drastically. There were many changes in policy, plans and guidelines. The review will be conducted thoroughly on grounds such as aligning the BBP to the TVET, developing programs to enhance skilling and also see the foreign workers policy. I want to sincerely apologise to all the affected individuals. Due to the current situation, things keep on changing,” said Ugyen Dorji, the Labour Minister.
Today, an unskilled construction worker is paid about Nu 13,000. The Build Bhutan Project was launched in July last year. The labour ministry plans to mobilise, create and manage a pool of skilled workforce and promote the construction sector.
Tshering Dendup
