Addressing the nation at the 111th National Day celebrations in Samtse, His Majesty The King underscored the importance of the role of the civil service in the country.
His Majesty began by saying that he spoke at length about the important roles and responsibilities of the civil service during the National Day celebrations in 2013.
“Five years later, I feel that it is an appropriate time to, once again, reflect on the important services provided to the nation by civil servants as a new government takes office and prepares to implement plans of national importance,” His Majesty said.
His Majesty said in 2006, when he became the King, the budget for the 9th Five Year Plan was Nu 87bn. In the 10th Plan, the budget increased to Nu 148bn, and in the 11th Plan to Nu 223bn.
“Now, as we embark on the 12th Five Year Plan, the budgetary outlay is expected to exceed Nu 300bn.”
His Majesty added in addition to the plan outlays, there are a number of major ongoing hydropower projects, including Punatsangchu I and II, Mangdechu and Nikachu projects.
“We have also begun discussions to construct the Sankosh Hydro Power Project, which would be one of the largest hydropower projects in the country,” His Majesty said.
“In my view, there will be an immense increase in both the magnitude and scope of the national development plans considering the goals of the 12th Plan and the anticipated activities in the hydropower sector.”
His Majesty said as the budget expands and the quantum of work increases, the associated risks are also magnified. “Thus, it is critical for our civil servants to be more alert, concerned, prepared, and mindful than even before.”
His Majesty said in a democracy, elected governments serve a fixed term and, irrespective of how well meaning the government is and how well they perform, their fates rest in the hands of the electorate and that periodic changes in government are inevitable.
“Therefore, our civil service has the responsibility to ensure continuity in pursuit of our timeless national goals and objectives,” His Majesty said.
His Majesty said Bhutan’s greatest wealth in human resources is epitomized by the country’s civil servants who serve in every Dzongkhag, Gewog, and village, and should know intimately the most pressing issues, and the concerns and aspirations of the people.
At the same time, His Majesty said, they are well travelled around the world, so the civil servants are expected to be well informed and aware of the outside world.
“They should be up-to-date with advancements in technology and new practices, and able to use this knowledge for the benefit of our country.”
His Majesty said it is important that the civil servants, equipped with immense knowledge, skills, and experience, render their unstinted support to the government’s endeavor aimed at improving the welfare of the people.
As a developing country, His Majesty said, the country’s resources are limited. “We must manage our available resources wisely, minimize waste, and ensure that all our resources are directed at improving the wellbeing of the people, and in fulfilling our national vision.”
The civil service, His Majesty said, is tasked with the oversight, management, administration, and disbursement of funds for governance.
“So the responsibility falls squarely on the shoulders of our civil servants to ensure efficiency and effectiveness in utilizing our scarce resources.”
