In the absence of proper Terms of Reference or ToR for Thromde Ngotsabs in the country, it has been a challenge for them to undertake their roles and responsibilities and make decisions. However, the problem is likely to solve as the Department of Local Governance is currently drafting the ToR.
Thirty-nine-year-old Tashi Choden is Zhemgang district’s Thromde Ngotsab. This is her second term as the Thromde Ngotsab.
Despite her experience, without a proper ToR, she says it hampers her from taking major decisions such as endorsement of budgets, framing rules and regulations, and carrying out the development activities in the Thromde areas.
“For Thromde Ngostabs, we don’t have a role and responsibility and have no proper ToR to execute all our responsibilities although we try rendering our public services. Due to the lack of proper ToR, we aren’t able to undertake our roles to the fullest. As per the LG act, we are given many roles and responsibilities to exercise our power and functions. However, in the absence of a proper TOR, we lack in implementing those plans,” said Tashi.
Tashi said if the ToR is developed, she is ready to take on bigger responsibilities and develop her district. Today, she said her job is to deliver information from the district to the people of Thromde.
“If we are given a proper ToR or a greater role and responsibility, it won’t be much of a problem. I am put in a tight spot by those who voted for me. I have no answers when they question me on the important decisions and things I can do as a Thromde Ngotsab.”
Meanwhile, according to the Department of Local Governance, once the ToR is ready, it will bring about uniform implementation across all the districts.
Pema Samdrup, Zhemgang
Edited by Sonam Pem
