Should officials visit dzongs, schools and public gatherings in their office uniforms or in national dress? This question came up during the recent Monggar Dzongkhag Tshogdu, where members agreed that the national dress should take precedence, especially in institutions where the national flag is hoisted. The Monggar District Administration raised the discussion after noticing a growing trend.
During the Dzongkhag Tshogdu, the Monggar Dzongrab said personnel from different agencies were increasingly turning up at dzongs, monasteries, gewog offices, and even public events in their office uniforms instead of wearing the national dress. He added that the practice is becoming common, where some personnel often arrive in their office uniforms for convenience, which has led to inconsistencies in dress etiquette.
‘‘For instance, if uniformed personnel have some work with the census office in district administration, they often come directly to the dzong in their uniforms, forgoing the trouble of wearing Gho and kabney. This trend has been observed. Some officials are acting according to their convenience, leading to inconsistencies. Therefore, we are deliberating this matter to ensure uniformity, which will not only help promote our cultural identity but also educate the youth on its ethical significance,’’ said Sangay Dawa, Monggar Dzongrab.
‘‘We do not understand the importance of having separate uniforms, nor have we researched it. However, I think it is only appropriate for individuals to visit offices, institutions and lhakhangs in proper national dress,’’ said Chenga, Thangrong Gup, Monggar.
During the meeting, the district also requested that all officials present prioritise national dress at formal gatherings and institutions.
The session directed regional offices in the district to review and share their guidelines with respective agencies so that everyone clearly understands the existing rules.
“This will help all of us better understand the existing norms. Even if your guidelines permit the use of respective uniforms for official purposes, I would like to urge you all to come in Gho and Kira. It is our duty to promote and preserve our national attire,’’ said Lungten Jamtsho, Monggar Dzongda.
To clear any confusion, the Tshogdu decided to formally write to the Ministry of Home Affairs seeking clarification on the etiquette surrounding institutional uniforms.
“This will streamline which uniforms are considered appropriate in the presence of the national flag and which are not. This resolution will also contribute to a better understanding of such issues at the national level,’’ said Karma Sonam Wangchuk, Chairperson, Dzongkhag Tshogdu, Monggar.
According to the Department of Law and Order under the Ministry of Home Affairs, uniforms other than those of military personnel are generally not allowed when visiting key institutions.
However, there are exceptions, particularly for technical personnel on assigned duty and certain officials, such as forestry and customs officers, provided they wear the complete dress code.
Meanwhile, the Royal Bhutan Police will continue monitoring dress etiquette at dzongs and administrative offices.
Namgay Wangchuk, Monggar
Edited by Sonam Pem
