His Royal Highness Gyaltshab, Jigme Dorji Wangchuck graced the inauguration of the Rehabilitation project at Ney under Gangzur Gewog in Lhuentse on November 1, coinciding with the coronation day of His Majesty the King. The event was dedicated to the commemoration of the 60th Birth Anniversary of His Majesty the Fourth Druk Gyalpo.
The Lhuentse Dzongkhag Administration and the residents of Ney village welcomed His Royal Highness The Gyaltshab through a traditional Chipdrel ceremony. His Royal Highness was accompanied by Her Royal Highness, Ashi Yaetso Lhamo.
Following the marching ceremony and offering of Choemey, Zhabten for His Majesty the King and His Majesty the Fourth Druk Gyalpo were recited.
On behalf of His Majesty the King, His Royal Highness the Gyaltshab granted the Royal Kasho and Lagthram for Khimsa to the rehabilitation beneficiaries. Under the command of His Majesty the King, a total of 51 households from remote and far-flung villages in eight geog under Lhuentse District have been rehabilitated at Ney. The project was implemented under the National Rehabilitation Programme, which was initiated by His Majesty the King. It was initiated to alleviate poverty and improve livelihood of the landless, and socio-economically disadvantaged people across the country. The Dzongkhag Administration executed the Project works.
His Royal Highness then unveiled the inaugural plaque and visited homes and met with the beneficiaries. Under the programme the beneficiaries are provided land, support for shelter and income generation. Beneficiaries said the rehabilitation programme has changed their lives.
A beneficiary, Yonten Dendup said when he worked in other people’s field, it was easier when the harvest was good, but whenever it was bad, he said, it became difficult, since he had to pay rent to the landowners.
Another beneficiary, Karma said, he was herding yaks before but now after receiving the kidu, it has become convenient for him to work.
Various cultural programmes were organised by students and the residents of Ney village including the beneficiaries.
The Ney Rehabilitation Project is the second one to be complete under the National Rehabilitation Programme. The project, which started in July 2012 and completed in June 2014, was implemented at a cost of Nu 53.87 Million. The existing infrastructures such as Lhakhangs, and schools were also renovated through the project.
Currently three more such projects are being implemented at Borongma under Norbugang Gewog in Pema Gatshel, Dewathang under Langchenphu Gewog in Samdrup Jongkhar and Bebji under Sombaykha Dungkhag in Haa district.
The rehabilitation programme is jointly coordinated by the Office of the Gyalpoi Zimpon, National Land Commission and the Gross National Commission in collaboration with other related sectors.
