Gewog Administrative Officers (GAOs) play a key role in managing day-to-day administrative work at the local government level. However, local leaders in Dagana say the current practice of appointing officers on contract is affecting public service delivery. They are now calling on the Royal Civil Service Commission to appoint regular Gewog Administrative Officers.
Except for Lhamoi Dzingkha and Tsangkha, the remaining 11 gewogs in Dagana currently have Gewog Administrative Officers serving on contract.
Dorona Gewog has not received a replacement since its previous Gewog Administrative Officers left just a few months after taking up the post.
Local leaders worry that the contract officers may also leave the system at any time.
During the recent Dzongkhag Tshogdu, local leaders raised the need to appoint experienced and regular Gewog Administrative Officers. They say contract officers often face challenges in handling routine administrative work and ensuring uninterrupted public service delivery.
Tsendagang Mangmi Kuenzang Tenzin said, “Some gewog administrative officers resign even before completing one year of their appointment. After their resignation, it becomes difficult for us to get replacements. As a result, public service delivery and development activities at the gewog level are affected.”
Local leaders also state that the Royal Civil Service Commission has been transferring experienced regular Gewog Administrative Officers to ministries and replacing them with newly recruited officers.
They say experienced officers have become even more important after the Ministry of Finance introduced the Performance-Based Grant system for gewogs.
Besides administrative duties, Gewog Administrative Officers also advise local leaders on the latest government policies and systems.
“Regarding the matter, we will write to the Royal Civil Service Commission. We will also send copies to the members of Parliament representing Dagana and the Cabinet office,” said Bal Bdr. Rana, the chairperson of Dzongkhag Tshogdu.
The chairperson said the issue could be affecting gewogs across the country and stressed the need to appoint regular officers to ensure continuity in local administration and public service delivery.
Pema Tshewang, Dagana
Edited by Sangay Chezom
