The government has made it clear that Drayangs will not be brought back, putting to rest years of speculation following their closure in 2022. The clarification came in Parliament after a question was raised about the government’s election pledge to review the ban and consider reviving the industry.
A National Assembly member said that although the government had pledged during the election to review the ban and study the possibility of reviving Drayangs, more than two years into its tenure, it had yet to announce a clear decision.
In its written response, the government said multiple studies by relevant agencies, independent researchers and the National Commission for Women and Children found concerns over the safety and well-being of Drayang workers.
The reviews highlighted workplace exploitation, unsafe working conditions and the controversial request system. A technical assessment in 2021 also found that none of the Drayang establishments met the required standards.
The government said it later introduced a new operating framework that removed the request system. However, most operators reportedly chose not to continue without it, leading to the permanent closure of Drayangs in January 2022.
More than 60 Drayangs closed, leaving close to a thousand people without jobs. The government said operators received compensation and support to convert their businesses into karaoke bars and discotheques. Former performers were also offered training, reskilling programmes and other opportunities.
The government said the Economic Stimulus Programme has supported Bhutan’s creative industry through skills training, mentorship and exposure opportunities for artists.
The government said it believes the issues surrounding Drayangs have been resolved.
However, former Drayang owners say they have accepted that the industry will not reopen.
They say the government’s training and reskilling programmes failed. So, many former employees have returned to their villages, while others now work in karaoke bars. Some still feel the closure was unfair, arguing that karaoke bars and nightclubs continue to operate in ways they say are similar to Drayangs.
Anita Chhetri
