The resumption of student enrolment at the Trongsa College for Heritage and Contemporary Studies has brought renewed hope to businesses in Taktse village. Shops and rental buildings near the college had struggled after student admissions were reduced. With 125 new students joining the college this academic year, businesses are hoping to see customers return.
When the college was established at Taktse in 2011, it became an important source of business for the village. More than 1,000 students studied here between 2011 and 2023, creating demand for shops, accommodation and other services.
But as student enrolment declined from 2023, businesses around the college also felt the impact.
Around 80 students from three courses graduated last year. This year, however, the college has introduced five new four-year undergraduate programmes and enrolled 125 new students.
For businesses that depend largely on students and staff, the return of students is already bringing renewed optimism.
“When there are no students in college, even villagers cannot sell a single bundle of spinach because there is no one to buy. Now that the number of students and staff is increasing, we can sell vegetables, cheese and other products,” said Lhamo, a shopkeeper, Taktse, Trongsa.
“As college has restarted, all the house owners and shopkeepers are happy. We feel that things are returning to normal now that the students are back,” said Nidup Gyeltshen, another shopkeeper, Taktse, Trongsa.
The impact extends beyond shopkeepers. The shops give students and staff easy access to daily necessities, as Trongsa town is 17 kilometres away.
Today, there are more than 10 shops and around 20 buildings built for rent around the college.
For Taktse, the return of students could mean more than a busier college campus. It could also mean a revival of the small economy that grew around it.
Thinley Dorji, Bumthang
Edited by Sonam Pem
