Monthly Archives: December, 0

The COVID-19 pandemic has claimed close to a million lives and devastated livelihoods of millions worldwide. Although Bhutan's fight against the virus has been commendable, to say the least, the measures adopted have affected livelihoods of many with the low-income groups being the hardest hit.

Businesses are reopening and some children are back in school following the cautious relaxations of lockdown in a phased manner. But business is taking time to pick up. The pandemic has taken its toll on many businesses.

Tarayana Foundation has been playing a vital role in uplifting the livelihoods of low-income sections of the society in rural areas. And in Tsirang, the Foundation has constructed over 300 houses in five gewogs since 2015. Of which, about 120 beneficiaries are from Tsirang Toed and Pungtenchhu Gewogs.

Like other southern districts, Samtse is classified as a high-risk area. Despite starting inter-district travel to and from Samtse last week, those leaving Samtse towards low-risk areas need to undergo a mandatory seven-day quarantine. However, unless necessary, district officials are advising people not to make travel plans. 

Farmers of Sergithang Toed under Sergithang Gewog in Tsirang are now hoping to be less dependent on imported rice. To expand paddy cultivation in the chiwog, 18 households developed over 18 acres of wetland through the agriculture land development project. Tsirang Dzongkhag Agriculture Sector in collaboration with the Central Machinery Unit in Gelegphu provided machinery support for the project.

The start of the nationwide lockdown on August 11 marked a new beginning for the people of Phoseng under Trong Gewog in Zhemgang. The village was connected with electricity on that day. They were pleased that they get to stay in a house which was lit unlike in the past.

Year-on-year Consumer Price Index increased to a record high in July this year making it the highest increase over the past five years. It increased by 7.56 per cent compared to the same month last year. It means on average consumers are paying 7.56 per cent more compared to what they paid in July last year for the same goods and services.

To provide a continued service to the mandatory clients, the Bhutan Narcotics Control Authority (BNCA) started a virtual outpatient counselling during the lockdown.  There are 110 clients who receive the treatment services from the authority. All these clients are given one to one individual counselling services.

Participating virtually in this year's United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), Prime Minister Dr Lotay Tshering said, global issues like climate change and pandemics affect developing countries disproportionately. And this year's theme to commit to multilateralism is timely and appropriate.

Thruebab or Blessed Rainy Day is tomorrow. The sacred rain will start from 11:13 pm tonight and will last for a week according to the College for Astrology at Pangrizampa in Thimphu.