In Samtse, the district’s Nu 114 M annual grant for the 2024-25 financial year has been diverted for spillover projects. This has left the local leaders worried about the lack of funds for critical development initiatives. They are now seeking assistance from the government to address the shortage.
At the Dzongkhag Tshogdu meeting held on Thursday, local leaders in Samtse expressed their dissatisfaction over the re-appropriation of the district’s Nu 114 M annual grant for spillover activities.
This decision, they argued, has left the district administration without any budget for new infrastructure projects, thereby hindering development efforts in the district and its 15 gewogs.
Phuntsho, the Dophuchen Gup said “when the limited budget allocated for the Samtse District is diverted to spillover projects, it hampers works for the much-needed overall development in the district. It would be more effective if the central government could cover the costs of these spillover projects.”
Leela Dhar Chapagai, the Denchukha Mangmi said “the lack of budget caused by spillover activities has stalled our plans to upgrade Dorokha town. We vacated the area with the expectation that work would begin this year, but without the necessary funds, we’re uncertain how these projects will be completed.”
Nima Dukpa, Chairperson, Samtse Dzongkhag Tshogdu said “due to this year’s limited budget, we were unable to allocate funds for the livestock sector and many other critical areas. As the largest district with numerous pressing issues, Samtse would greatly benefit if the government could manage the budget for spillover projects, allowing us to concentrate on other important development projects.”
Other local leaders also highlighted that the lack of budget has delayed the construction of a proper vegetable shed which was already planned.
Samtse Dzongda Minjur Dorji assured that these projects have been included in the Small Development Project (SDP) fund, which supports initiatives with budgets ranging from Nu 5 M to 50 M ngultrum. However, he noted that the central government is currently reviewing these plans adding that their approval remains uncertain.
The District’s Planning Officer explained that Nu 100 M of the district’s annual grant is allocated for the ongoing construction of a 20-bed hospital in Tashichhoeling, and Nu 14.5 M for the reconstruction of a pump gallery at the Dhamdum Pump House.
Due to the limited budget, the district’s plan to procure over 100 computers for 19 primary schools in 11 gewogs is also in a limbo for now.
In addition to the district’s annual budget, the 15 gewogs of Samtse received a total of Nu 127 M for the 2024-25 fiscal year. This budget will be used for various sectors such as education, health, drinking water, irrigation, monsoon restoration, disaster management, agriculture, livestock, and cultural activities. Around Nu 64 M will be dedicated to constructing and maintaining farm roads in various gewogs.
The Dzongkhag Tshogdu decided to write to the Finance Ministry and the Prime Minister’s Office, requesting reimbursement for the budget spent on spillover activities.
The house also resolved to seek assistance from the Education and Skills Development Ministry to purchase computers for the 19 schools in Samtse.
Passang Dorji, Samtse
Edited by Phub Gyem
