Kezang Tenzin, 63, has been working as Gyadrung for Thedtsho Gewog in Wangdue Phodrang for the last eight years.
But, his job could be on the line if the local governments respond to a circular saying they play no role in the functioning of gewog administrations.
“I have been working here for a long time and if our post is done away with, it would be difficult for us.”
The Department of Local Governance had recently sent a circular to all the 205 gewogs asking whether there still is a need for a Gyadrung in the gewogs.
Gaydrungs are paid a Nu 13,000 a month and their job entails writing applications, dispatch works, and general office duties.
“A Gyadrung’s work may seem not so important but Gyadrungs are the ones who deal with most of the works,” said Gelegphu Gewog’s Gyadrung, Chakramani Rai.
Many local leaders also say Gyadrungs continue to play an important role. A few of them have already written to home ministry to retain Gyadrungs.
“Gyadrungs are neither under the local government nor civil service. This could be reason why the home ministry asked us to send the report,” said Gelegphu’s Gup, Tashi.
Minjey Gup in Lhuentse, Jigme Tshewang said retaining Gyadrung’s post also addresses unemployment.
According to home ministry, the circular was just a study to find out the efficiency of the Gyadrungs. The ministry says nothing has been decided. If any decision is to be made, the ministry said, it will be done collectively after receiving the responses from the Gups.
