As part of India’s support for Bhutan’s 13th Five-Year Plan, the Government of India handed over Nu 1.24bn to Bhutan yesterday. The funding will support five major development projects, including college infrastructure, irrigation channels and mega farms. The cheque was presented during the 16th monthly coordination meeting between the two governments held yesterday.
Of the five projects, the highest allocation of Nu 469 M will go toward developing eight colleges under the Royal University of Bhutan. The budget will fund new infrastructure and renovations of existing facilities. The renovation includes upgrading science laboratories, staff quarters and student hostels, along with green energy initiatives and sports facilities.
Nu 262 M has been allocated for the development and maintenance of irrigation channels. The project will cover 24 irrigation schemes across 17 districts and is expected to benefit 3,161 households.
Another Nu 202 M will be used to establish three mega farms in Pemathang and Samrang in Samdrup Jongkhar, and Yarjugang in Wangdue Phodrang. The farms will employ De-suups and youths, and will also engage open-air prisoners in farming activities to produce a variety of fruits and vegetables.
Furthermore, Nu 60 M has been allocated for research on the government’s socio-economic priorities and to strengthen good governance. Civil Society Organisations, Non-Government organisations and Civil Society Organisation Authority, among others, will play a major role in this project.
An additional Nu 250 M has been provided as direct budgetary support to the Government of Bhutan.
According to the finance ministry, work on the first four projects is already underway.
Devika Pradhan
Edited by Sonam Pem
