CSOs to be important players in the upcoming FYP

The Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) in the country will be among the key players in the 12^th Five Year Plan (FYP). 

Given their important role in the development of the country, the Gross National Happiness Commission (GNHC) says it sat together with the CSOs to formulate the guidelines for the upcoming FYP.

“Right from the beginning of the initial conception of the 12^th FYP concept to the formulation of the guidelines, we have reached out to all the CSOs,” said Lhaba Tshering, the Chief Planning Officer of the GNHC. “We actively engaged and discussed with them, listened to them, heard their views, and also shared what the government thinking is.”

As part of the efforts to engage with and involve the CSOs, a daylong workshop was held yesterday to familiarise them with the national development plans and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The number of CSOs has continued to grow since the enactment of the CSO Act in 2007. Today, there are over 50 CSOs in the country, playing important roles in their respective areas of focus.

Tarayana Foundation, for instance, strives towards the upliftment of rural lives. “Our main focus is poverty,” said Sonam Pem of Taryana Foundation. “Since poverty is multi-faceted, we work in different areas. We have actually developed a holistic community development model whereby we start from the basic needs like housing improvement.”

GNHC’s Chief Planning Officer says the CSOs like Tarayana Foundation reaches out to the vast corners of the society where the government has not been able to reach. “They reach out to far-flung communities where the mainstream development has not been able to reach,” he said.

He also lauded the works of other CSOs, such as the Loden Foundation and RENEW, which he said are making significant contributions even in the current FYP. “Loden Foundation is doing a great job in promoting entrepreneur skills, while agencies like RENEW are doing a great job in terms of nurturing and empowering women,” said Lhaba Tshering.

He added there are many other CSOs that are actively contributing.