Buildings in Bumthang and Tashi Yangtse follow traditional architectural designs to preserve their cultural heritage. However, owners say these structures require higher maintenance and incur greater costs. Despite this, they pay property taxes at the same rate as modern concrete buildings in other thromdes, and are now calling on the government to grant tax concessions.
Bumthang town, recognised as an architectural heritage area, requires all buildings to follow traditional designs.
Unlike other thromdes, where most structures use bricks and modern materials, buildings here are constructed using stone and wood. There are around 600 houses in the thromde area.
However, owners say maintaining these traditional structures is more expensive.
Building owner Dorji Tshering said, “We spend almost the cost of building one house here to construct two in other thromdes. Bumthang and Tashi Yangtse reflect our identity and tradition. We would be grateful if the government could consider our situation and reduce the tax.”
Thromde Ngotsab Ugyen Sangay said, “We preserve our culture as directed by the government, yet we pay the same taxes as other thromdes. This feels unfair, especially since we are required to follow traditional designs.”
“In Bumthang, we must construct buildings in traditional styles to preserve our culture. However, we would greatly appreciate a reduction in building tax,” said Ugyen Wangdi, a resident.
The concern was raised during the recent Mid-Term Review of the 13th Five-Year Plan in Bumthang.
“Building owners in Bumthang currently pay property tax based on rates for concrete buildings rather than traditional structures. This is not fair to the owners,” said Karma Tshering, the officiating planning officer, Bumthang.
In response, Finance Minister Lekey Dorji said the Department of Human Settlement under the Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport is working to address the issue.
“The Department of Human Settlement under the Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport is responsible for inspecting and verifying building categories, as per the law. I have been informed that the department has already begun work.”
Local government leaders also raised other concerns during the meeting, including issues related to the cost-sharing policy, the performance-based grant framework, and the need for additional financial support for the development of Bumthang town.
Thinley Dorji, Bumthang
Edited by Sangay Chezom
