Members of the milk processing unit group of Yangthang village in Haa are unhappy and disappointed because only a few selected members of the group have been provided with materials for cow shed construction, free of cost by the Livestock Office. The materials included 10 bags of cement and 15 pieces of CGI sheets.
The vast majority of the members who have been left out are not happy.
“The group was founded on the understanding that we will all work together irrespective of whether we succeed or fail,” said one of the members, Rinchen Dawa. He added that they have equally worked and also made equal monetary contribution to get the unit started. “But today, only ten members have been rewarded with the construction materials. This is not fair.”
Another member, Ugyen, said: “We need to know why this had happened.” They said they would leave the Group if only a few selected are to enjoy the benefits.
The Gewog Livestock Extension Officer, Sangay, said the construction materials were given to the active members. By active members, he said, were those who contributed milk in large quantities. “Other members would receive construction materials in the 11th Five Year Plan.”
“But, our understanding of active contributor is any member who contributed milk regularly. I also think if the materials were handed on a lucky draw basis as it was intended, we wouldn’t have any complaints,” said one of the members.
The members also said that they have not been informed about it by the Dzongkhag or the Group’s chairperson. “We knew only after the materials have been given out to the so called active members,” said Gyeltsen, one of the members.
“If they want to decide everything on their own, I don’t see why there is a need for a group committee,” he added.
The members said the materials should have been given to the group instead. They said it could have been used to build a better dairy shed, benefits of which could be reaped by all.
Formed in 2007, the Milk Processing Unit Group of Yangthang village has 36 members.
