Local leaders are happy with the new guidelines for annual grants for gewogs for the financial year 2019-2020. Unlike previous years, gewogs now have the financial authority and the flexibility to pump in the budget on required projects.
The sensitization meeting on the annual grants for gewogs was organized in Phuentshogling on July 1.
The gups, gewog administration officers and the planning officers from Chhukha, Haa, Paro and Samtse were sensitized on guidelines for the annual grants for gewogs. The guidelines aim to empower gewogs and deepen the decentralization process by enhancing citizen-centric local development and growth in service delivery. Local leaders appreciated the guidelines as it also included the flexibility and discretion in planning while using gewog budget.
“The local leaders are very happy with this year’s annual grants for gewogs. We not only got enough budget but equally empowered with authority and responsibility. We were pleased and fully support the grants. The Finance Minister and the team sensitized on the guidelines of the annual grants for gewogs. We too felt it necessary and very important,” Tshering Nidup the gup of Bongo Gewog, Chhukha, said.
“With the new guideline, unlike in the past, we can now provide the services faster. Earlier, we have to go through gewog, then dzongkhag then to the ministry to approve the budget. In this way, it is a lengthy process in seeking approval for works and to finish any project on time. Now with the new guidelines for annual grants for gewogs, it will benefit us in providing services to the people,” added Tshering Dorji, the gup of Dop Shari, Paro.
The first allotment of Nu 2.4bn has already been sanctioned for two hundred five gewogs in the country. The gewogs will get Nu 12bn in five years period. In the 12th five year plan, both local and central government are allotted Nu 50bn each.
Ministry of Finance and Gross National Happiness Commission organized the day-long program.
