Paying guest accommodation is not so common in Bhutan. But, the first licensed paying guest accommodation in Punakha saw over 40 students showing interest to stay as paying guests. Paying guests (PG) are the ones who pay to stay in someone’s home for a temporary period.
The paying guest accommodation in Punakha unlike other PGs elsewhere has to follow certain rules. According to the Proprietor of the PG, Tshering Penjore, it is closely associated with Ugyen Academy. “We keep in line with the rules and regulations of the school. We even monitor their evening, morning and night studies”
All the tenants are students studying in Ugyen Academy. Ugyen Academy hostels can accommodate only 600 students and it is already packed.
The Principal of Ugyen Academy, Norbu Gyaltshen, said PG accommodation is a good idea.
“Firstly our boarding facility is quite stressed. So it eases our problem. Parents also have a choice, they can think of some other option, they can find a hostel if it’s not up to their expectation. Of course, we get healthy competition with boarding facility in terms of food and in terms of recreation and other facilities,”
The students are served three meals a day. They have to pay Nu.40,000 for accommodation in a year.