The second Dzongkhag Yargay Tshogdu (district development committee) in Wangduephodrang saw extensive discussions on the enrollment of children aged between 6-12 years in schools by 2013.
Presenting a report on the status of child enrollment, the district education officer said district is lagging behind.
“It is the government’s aim to achieve 100 percent enrollment but in Wangdue Dzongkhag, school enrollment is comparatively low,” said Tshewang Dorji.
The chairperson of the Dzongkhag Yargay Tshogdu urged the Gups (head of a cluster of villages) and Mangmis (deputy head) to make a detailed assessment and submit the report in the next session.
The Wangdue Dzongda (governor) highlighted the importance of education.
“It is the responsibility of the Gups and Tshogpas (village representatives) to ensure that all the children are enrolled in the school. By next year, when the school reopens we will monitor the enrollment status. If parents fail to send their children to school, we will try to find out the reasons,” said Dzongda Lhendup Wangchuk.
The meeting also saw discussion on issues related to land and construction of houses on wetland (paddy fields)
Some of the members said most of the houses constructed on the wetland are 20 to 30 years old. The owners have been made to pay fines which they said is unfair.
Gyeltshen, the Rubesa Gup, said “people who have constructed houses on the wetland 30 years ago had to pay a fine of Nu36, 000. These people are farmers. They do not have the money.”
Kinzang, the land record officer said fines have been waived off for houses constructed on wetland before 1988.
“If the house was constructed before 1988 and the owner has paid the insurance and tax, then the owner will not have to pay the fine.”
Members also discussed the restoration and renovation of monasteries and issues related to agriculture, forest, livestock, health and communication. The two day meeting ended today.
