17 government agencies have withdrawn pool vehicles from officials not entitled to them, following a directive from the finance ministry issued earlier this year. The notification issued in February this year instructed agencies to recall vehicles from P1-level officers and specialists, who are not eligible for dedicated transport. The move is part of efforts to tighten vehicle use and improve accountability across the public service.
Ministries such as Home Affairs, Infrastructure and Transport, Education and Skills Development, and Industry, Commerce and Employment are among those that have complied.
District administrations in Chhukha, Haa, Thimphu, Pema Gatshel, and Zhemgang, along with several autonomous and constitutional bodies including the Anti-Corruption Commission, the Supreme Court, and the National Council have also reported compliance.
Vehicles once used by ineligible officials have now been reassigned to the general pool vehicle within the respective agencies.
The Pay Structure Reform Bill of Bhutan 2022 states that the designated duty vehicle shall be maintained at existing level to position level EX3 and above until reviewed and rationalised by the government.
Lekey Dorji, the finance minister said, “Budgetary agencies have submitted action-taken reports on withdrawal of vehicles assigned to positions not eligible for dedicated vehicles. Consequently, vehicles previously used by P1 officers and specialists in the respective agencies have been withdrawn and reassigned to the general vehicle pool of the respective agencies and have been in use for only official works.”
While the finance ministry says it has not received any formal complaints regarding misuse, public concerns persist. People continue to raise questions about vehicles being used for unofficial errands, especially after office hours and on weekends.
An individual who preferred anonymity said, “When civil servants are not entitled to use government vehicles for their personal purposes, it is a huge burden to the government. I believe this might be one of the reasons behind the finance ministry’s directive. We often see officials using government vehicles to drop and pick up their family members. I also feel that designated drivers should handle government vehicles strictly. However, it is concerning to see anybody driving on their wish despite having designated drivers. It doesn’t look good.”
Another person said, “When I saw the Ministry of Finance’s notification in social media, I shared my opinion urging only the designated drivers to manage the government vehicles. If we can manage government vehicles efficiently, the money saved from the maintenance and misuse could be used for some other important public development activities.”
Likewise, another individual who preferred anonymity said, “I believe the general public also has a role to play in curbing the misuse of government vehicles by unentitled employees. For instance, if we see a vehicle being misused, we can take photo and report it to the ministry concerned or post it in social media with valid information. We should not fear of officials attacking us back. This kind of public vigilance could help ensure responsible use of government vehicles.”
Similar views were also shared on social media.
To prevent misuse, the finance minister also said that agencies have put in place control measures. These include parking vehicles within office premises after office hours, requiring prior approval for official use, and assigning designated drivers to maintain vehicle condition and responsible driving.
Some agencies have also introduced carpooling to reduce fuel expenses and make more efficient use of their vehicle pool.
Under the current arrangement, the responsibility for monitoring vehicle use rests entirely with agency heads and transport officers.
The finance ministry maintains that enforcement is decentralised and that it trusts agencies are ensuring compliance.
Still, continued public complaints suggest that closer oversight and greater transparency may be needed.
Samten Dolkar
