With an aim to promote economic development at regional levels and enhance inclusive growth and decentralization, the Ministry of Economic Affairs appointed its first-ever Economic Development Officers in the country yesterday.
The officers will be deployed in two phases. The first batch of the ten officers will be deployed in ten prioritized dzongkhags.
Ten dzongkhags where loans from priority sector lending projects have been sanctioned and implemented have been chosen for the first phase.
The dzongkhags are Chhukha, Dagana, Lhuentse, Monggar, Pema Gatshel, Sarpang, Tsirang, Trashi Yangtse, Wangdue Phodrang and Zhemgang.
They will serve as a focal person for the Priority Sector Lending Scheme.
The Priority Sector Lending Scheme aims to transform the Cottage and Small Industries sector through better access to finance and increased opportunities for youth employment.
The officers will play a crucial role in spearheading economic development activities in the districts.
The second batch will be recruited towards the end of this year to cover the rest of the dzongkhags by 2020.
A two-week intensive induction course for the officers has begun. It is organized by the economic affairs ministry in collaboration with relevant sectors.