For over a decade, Community Centers have been a lifeline for residents of remote gewogs, bringing essential services to their doorsteps. However, over the past few years, frequent changes in parent organisation, has created confusion and uncertainty among the public and staff keeping these centres running. During a consultation for public hearing by the National Assembly’s Good Governance Committee in Pema Gatshel, people of Zobel Gewog raised the need to ensure uninterrupted service delivery.
In Zobel Gewog, residents recently gathered for a public consultation meeting led by the Good Governance Committee of the National Assembly. The goal is to improve Community Center services and provide much-needed stability.
The confusion surfaced as the parent organisation of the Community Centres kept changing. The centre was initially under the Bhutan Post and later taken over by the Bhutan Development Bank Limited and the Cottage and Small Industry respectively.
Currently, the centres function under the respective gewog administrations following directives from the Public Service Delivery Division under the Office of the Prime Minister.
The staff running these centres are now requesting the Good Governance Committee to place them permanently under the Public Service Delivery Division through the RCSC.
Sonam Darjay, Shumar Mangmi said “We remember the Community Center used to offer money transaction services. We need that resumed along with reliable mail delivery service. Resuming these services would greatly benefit our community.”
Pema Dorji, Zobel Gup said “Currently, we must travel to the district administration for services related to land Thram. If printing services are available here, it would save us considerable time and expense. Also, providing legal stamps would be incredibly helpful for agreements in our villages.”
The issue has also led to interruption in service delivery with operators confused about whom to report to when machines broke down and needed maintenance.
Kuenzang Thinley, Community Centre Operator in Zobel Gewog said “We would be grateful to be placed under the Public Service Delivery Division. Direct placement would avoid the problems we faced in the past when changes in government led to uncertainty. We are still worried today.”
Yoga Maya Chamlagai, Community Centre Operator in Yurung Gewog said “We face numerous challenges. There’s no clarity for repairing equipment, and we often struggle to replenish essential supplies like paper and toner. This hinders our ability to provide timely service.”
The Good Governance Committee said they recognise the vital role of Community Centers adding that the committee will take these concerns seriously.
Lhakpa Tshering Tamang, Member of Good Governance Committee in the National Assembly said “This year’s public hearing aims to provide permanent solutions, ensuring stability for the centers and consistent service for the public.”
Yeshey Jamtsho, who is also a committee member said “Community Centers are the closest point of contact for delivering services to our citizens. While they currently operate under the Gewog office, we also have the Public Service Delivery Division within the Prime Minister’s Office.”
The Good Governance Committee will conduct the public hearing on public service delivery in August.
Public hearing is a meeting where government officials listen to the opinions, concerns, and suggestions of the public on important issues, laws, or policies. It allows citizens, experts, and stakeholders to share their views before decisions are made.
Thinley Dorji, Pema Gatshel
Edited by Phub Gyem
