Residents of Ura Gewog in Bumthang have been waiting for over a year to access Renewable and Natural Resources services in their community. In the absence of dedicated staff, farmers have to rely on extension officers from other gewogs, often facing delays during times of need. The issue was raised during the recent Dzongkhag Tshogdu.
The RNR office in Ura Gewog has remained locked for more than a year.
Without any officials occupying the space, even the staff quarters are deteriorating.
Farmers in the gewog largely depend on agriculture and livestock for their livelihoods. However, without extension support, accessing essential agriculture, livestock, and forestry services has become increasingly difficult.
“We face shortages of inputs like chemicals for potato weeding and delays in installing solar fencing. Since the district administration is far, officials cannot reach us on time when we need them. Having an extension officer in our gewog would make things much easier,” said Pema Wangchen, Tangsibi Tshogpa, Ura Gewog, Bumthang.
“With the country’s development, more farmers are relying on agriculture and livestock for their income. Despite their hard work, it is very inconvenient when there is no one to provide technical support. We urgently need both agriculture and livestock extension officers,” said Chimi Tobgay, Ura Gup, Bumthang.
In addition to RNR services, residents are also struggling without a Community Centre Operator. With many services now going digital, people face difficulties completing basic tasks.
“Nowadays, everything has to be done online. From withdrawing cash to filling out forms and even school admissions, we face challenges without proper assistance,” said Sonam Phuntsho, Resident, Pangkhar, Ura Gewog, Bumthang.
The gewog administration is now urging authorities to deploy RNR staff and a Community Centre operator at the earliest.
According to the district administration, efforts are underway to address the shortage.
“We are hopeful of recruiting a Community Centre Operator soon. We are also in touch with the ministry regarding the extension officers. We cannot leave the gewog without services, and we are working to resolve the issue as soon as possible,” said Sonam Tenzin, Assistant Human Resource Officer, Bumthang.
Residents remain hopeful for a quick solution. Ura Gewog, with over 300 households and nearly 2,500 people, depends heavily on potato cultivation and livestock farming.
Thinley Dorji, Bumthang
Edited by Phub Gyem
