The Information and Communications Minister, Karma Donnen Wangdi, says 72 % of the Flagship Digital Drukyul Programme has been completed as of last week. He said this while answering Chhumig-Ura MP Karma’s question at the National Assembly today. The Nu 2.6bn programme has eight projects which have all yet to be completed.
“So far we have collected biometric data from 482,381 Bhutanese. Through the Government Initiated Network project, we have been able to connect 1,578 government agencies and institutes with the Fibre Optic Government Network,” said the Minister. “Moreover, we have trained 6,039 Bhutanese through the ICT Capacity Building Project in addition to around 50 small and cottage industry entrepreneurs.”
Lyonpo also said 86 % of the Integrated Citizen Service project which would provide around 10 commonly used government services among others is complete. Other projects such as the Digital School project, Integrated Business Licensing System and Electronic Patient Information System are also well on track according to the minister. However, the Bhutan Integrated Taxation System or BITS may not be completed within this government’s tenure.
“The Bhutan Integrated Taxation System (BITS) will have an immense benefit to the country if we can successfully develop and launch it,” said the minister. “However, as all the members are aware, we had to postpone the GST implementation. We hope to see through all other projects except the BITS during our tenure”.
Kipchu, Bumthang
Edited by Yeshi Gyaltshen
