Bhutan’s civil service workforce grew last year, in contrast to the general perception of high attrition in recent years. The workforce increased by over 1,300 individuals, marking a 4.6 per cent rise. Additionally, the number of individuals leaving the civil service dropped sharply from over 5,200 in 2023 to approximately 2,000 last year. These are indicated in the Civil Service Statistics 2024 released yesterday.
According to the report, the country’s civil service has grown steadily over the past decade, reaching about 29,723 employees by the end of last year. This marks a 12.93 cent increase since 2014.
The country’s civil service is dominated by a younger workforce, with nearly 70 percent of civil servants under the age of 42.
Women make up 40.91 per cent of the country’s civil servants.
Despite the growth, the civil service witnessed 2,013 employees leaving the system last year, with 1,400 of those resignations being voluntary.
The Education and Training Services sector and the Medical and Health Services sector, which recruit more than half of the entire civil service workforce, also saw the highest number of separations. More than 55 per cent of the total separations were from these two sectors.
However, according to the report, some separations do not involve the physical separation of employees and are rather a change of employment type from contract to regular.
To fill the gap, 3,645 new hires joined the civil service, whereby the Education and Training Services sector absorbed the highest number of recruits, followed by the Medical and Health Services sector.
In addition, 465 civil servants availed themselves of Extraordinary Leave last year. This figure has fallen by over 42 per cent compared to 808 the previous year.
In an email interview, the RCSC attributed the drop in separation figures to unlimited civil service exam quotas, multiple recruitment windows, external appointments, and a higher superannuation age.
To ensure uninterrupted public service, the commission said it redeploys excess staff and hires contract employees, including resigned teachers and medical professionals.
With over 29,700 civil servants, there is one civil servant for every 26 Bhutanese.
Kinley Bidha
Edited by Kipchu
