The Samtse Dzongkhag Tshogdu (DT) rejected the resignation of Norgaygang Gup, Rinchen Dorji. The gup, on Sunday, submitted resignation citing he is demotivated to work since the dzongkhag administration has been biased and do not cooperate with the gewog’s works. The gewog’s mangmi and the tshogpa of Joenpang-Linggarnang chiwog also submitted their resignation letter to the Gewog Tshogde.
The DT chairperson, Nima Dukpa, says the reasons cited for resignation are not substantial. The chairperson said the gup, as an elected official, needs to be responsible to the people. On the other hand, the Norgaygang Gewog Tshogde is yet to decide on the mangmi and tshogpa’s resignation.
The issue that led to the gup tendering his resignation is concerning the construction of Chugu Farm Road in Joenpang_Linggarnang chiwog last year. According to the dzongkhag planning office, the gewog had deviated from the original plan and constructed an additional 1.3 kilometres of farm road, which was not approved by the dzongkhag on security grounds. The gewog was then asked for justification and fined Nu 33,000. The fine has not been paid so far.
The Dzongkhag Administration forwarded the issue to the Department of Law and Order after the gewog failed to justify the deviation. However, the gup says he got verbal approval.
The Department of Law and Order asked the Police in Samtse for a report on the matter. On May 26, the Tashichhoeling Police called the gup, mangmi, and the chiwog tshogpa to get their personal information. According to the gup, fearing arrest, he decided to resign. A police investigation is now underway to determine how and why the road was constructed without approval.
Sherub Dorji, Samtse
