After Drayangs across the country came to an abrupt closure following the government’s order in January, more than 900 drayang workers have lost their jobs. Although the government announced re-engagement opportunities, they claim that most of the programs are designed for literate individuals. More than 300 of them do not have a proper education. They also allege that the officials concerned do not respond properly to their queries regarding employment opportunities.
26-year-old Ugyen Tenzin, a father of three worked in drayangs for more than a decade. He hopes to learn carpentry after the Labour Ministry asked all laid-off employees to register for various training and upskilling programmes in January.
However, he says that he was asked about his qualification while registering for the programmes. As someone who had never been to school, this came as a surprise because the government had promised job opportunities for all affected drayang employees.
“This is not just my issue. We have a WeChat group with around 500 members. Most of them are unhappy with the qualification requirement. Therefore, if the government could support us as well and create awareness on the scopes and opportunities, we would be immensely benefited,” said Ugyen.
He also said about 400 other friends remain unaware of the skilling and upskilling opportunities announced on the Labour Ministry’s website.
“We do not mean to say that the government and ministry concerned are not doing their job. But there is no clear information from their side. The registration is also being carried out upon the coordination of the Drayang Association’s chairperson. No separate announcements were made thereafter,” added Ugyen.
“I received a call from a government official and the person asked me about my education. I said I do not have any qualifications and immediately the call was cut off. This made me think that there is no support for illiterate ones like us. Most of us took advances from our owners. So, it is difficult for us to repay them without a job. Many are media-shy and they suggest we raise the issue on their behalf,” said Nima Lhamo, former drayang employee.
“I can’t imagine our lives, had we not received His Majesty’s Kidu. The government at one time said that we would be provided jobs but now they are silent. So, we would be grateful if we are informed at the earliest whether we are going to be employed or not,” said Yeshey Tshogyel, former drayang employee.
“So far we were happy because the government said that we would be given jobs. But when it is time for us to get the jobs, they are asking us about qualifications, certificates and so forth. Since I did not go to school, I would be very thankful if we could be also provided equal job opportunities,” said Kinley Pelden.
The Labor Ministry in an email interview said individuals without functional literacy or low levels of education would also be provided opportunities to join the Skill Development Plan without having to register as job seekers. They would be offered different courses depending on their interests and abilities such as carpentry, masonry, hairdressing and culinary among others.
However, the ministry said they must be willing to travel and stay at the designated training institutes or places during their training. The ministry also plans to enrol them in short-term courses in the Build Bhutan Project and the Youth Engagement and Livelihood Programme.
They will be also provided basic entrepreneurship training, after which they could avail themselves of loans. Likewise, community-based skills training through Village Skills Development Programme would also be initiated for them in the gewogs.
The Ministry added they have called most of the individuals and inquired about their educational background to register them in varying courses as per their qualifications. They said officials responded to as many calls as possible but must have missed out on a few. The ministry suggests they keep track of their announcements on vacancies and training opportunities.
Passang, Trongsa
