To better understand the importance of social policies, the National Assembly members are attending a five-day course in Paro. The course covers various topics including the basic concepts of social policy, social protection, the importance of investing in children, and issues related to growth and inclusion.
Social policy covers policies and programmes aimed at preventing or protecting all people against poverty, vulnerability and social exclusion.
The meeting aims to help members of parliament better understand and address demographic, economic and social challenges to bring about positive change in the country.
“The 13th Five-Year Plan was just endorsed and we know that the elected member of parliament represent their constituency and they need to know what the issues are. So, this course will cover topics including evidence and the importance of data in designing policies and making budgets, choices and decisions based on what people need, not just in one part of the district but across the country. That’s where the data will play a very important role,” said Andrea James, UNICEF Bhutan Representative.
“The members of parliament should be aware of the issues and policies. We cannot make decisions and discuss points carelessly. This workshop is going to teach us how to analyse data, research findings and evidence reports which will help align our roles based on the evidence,” said Lungten Dorji, National Assembly Speaker.
Along with the National Assembly Speaker, 20 members and three secretariat officials are attending the workshop.
This is the eighth cohort of the social policy course which has trainees over 230 participants including parliamentarians, civil servants, local government leaders and civil society representatives.
The workshop is jointly organised by Sherubtse college, UNICEF and UNDP.
Namgay Wangchuk, Paro
Edited by Sonam Pem
