Eligible Bhutanese youth can now register for the Gyalsung training programme online. The project’s website was launched in the capital today. Bhutanese youth born in 2005 and who attain the age of 18 this year, will be the first batch to participate in the National Service training. The project is in line with His Majesty’s Royal Vision to shape the country’s youth into more capable, committed and confident citizens.
All eligible youth can apply for the Gyalsung training programme through the Gyalsung portal within 100 days from today’s announcement.
Although it is a year-long programme, the training for the inaugural batch next year will only be for four and a half months. It will begin in September, 2024.
During this period, the cadets will undergo basic military training followed by courses in national education, leadership development, life skills and other activities.
After the end of the registration period, the applicants will undergo a medical screening.
“Part of the medical screening is that they will be tested for drugs among others. But that is not just to exempt them but rather to help us make sure that even before the Gyalsung training, they receive the appropriate intervention. In that regard, we are working closely with relevant authorities, especially the Pema Centre,” said Dasho Karma Tshiteem, the chairperson of the National Service Core Working Group.
The chairperson says there will be an intake of 6000 individuals for the first batch. He added that school dropouts are also eligible to register as long as they fulfil the age criteria and have not been convicted.
Even for Bhutanese living abroad, he said they will have to sign up through the Gyalsung portal.
Dasho said those born before 2005 irrespective of education status are not eligible for Gyalsung due to capacity constraints but can join the Desuung programme instead.
Students born in 2005 but in class 11 or below can defer their training if they wish to complete their high school. Eligible students in class 12 this year or college wanting to pursue their education can get an exemption. However, this will be a one-time measure and will not be granted for future batches.
In case an individual fails to complete their national service, it will be considered a felony of the fourth degree.
The training will be year-long starting with the second batch in 2025, and will be carried out from the 1st of March till the 31st of January.
Nearly 13,000 youth will go through the training every year which will take place in 4 locations located across the country.
His Majesty The King announced the launch of the Gyalsung during the 112th National Day on 17 December 2019.
The Gyalsung Act was adopted by the Parliament on 11 November 2022.
Tashi Yangden
Edited by Yeshi Gyaltshen
