Monthly Archives: December, 0

It has been three years since the government approved the National Policy for Persons with Disabilities. The policy was to bring proper coordination between stakeholders to create an inclusive society for persons with disabilities. However, they still lack coordination. This was raised during the two-day national seminar coinciding with the International Day of persons with disabilities.

Bhutan will shed its Least Developed Country (LDC) status and become a Lower Middle-Income Country next year. The graduation entails exclusive access to certain international support measures. However, the transition would also imply a loss of the foreign grant, aid and technical assistance Bhutan currently receives as an LDC. One of the impacts of this transition is expected to be on the Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) who are already expressing concerns about losing their development partners. CSOs mobilize a major chunk of their funds from international donors.

His Holiness the Je Khenpo has administered Guru Thethreng Rig-Nga Wang and Guru Tshengye Wang at Thangzona in Punakha. Some ten thousand devotees gathered to receive the blessings today.

More than ten thousand devotees from across the country gathered at Trashigang to receive the oral transmission and empowerment of Traktung Dudjom Lingpa Sungbum. Dungsey Garab Rinpoche is presiding over the oral transmission at Rangjung Woesel Chhoeling Monastery. The month-long prayer ceremony began on Thursday.

Phuntshothang Gewog in Samdrup Jongkhar is known for a rice variety called Khamtey. Apart from making them self-sufficient in rice, it is also a source of supplementary income for the villagers. However, this year, rice production will decrease in Phuntshothang chiwog due to paddy lodging caused by wind. Paddy lodging occurs when the plant stems weaken to the point where they can no longer support the weight of the grain causing it to fall over which results in significant yield loss.

Re-deliberating the Civil Liability Bill, the National Council today agreed to only 69 of the 170 amendments returned to the House by the National Assembly. The House will now submit the Bill as a disputed Bill to His Majesty The King for Assent to convene a Joint Sitting.

Despite the health ministry’s initiative of oral self-testing kit services for HIV this year, people are still reluctant to avail of the testing services. The fear of testing positive and the stigma surrounding HIV/AIDs discourage people from taking the test. This is according to Lhak-Sam, a non-profit organisation that works with relevant stakeholders to take action towards effective response to HIV and AIDs and its negative impacts.

Pet dog owners who fail to register their pets and individuals who feed stray dogs will be penalized beginning Monday. The Department of Livestock initiated this to achieve its target of 100 per cent dog sterilization and sustain the dog population in the country. It is also to build safe and clean communities.

It has been just about a year since the Nganglam-Panbang highway was resurfaced. But the road is already in need of repair work. Blacktop has worn off in some stretches, especially between Norbugang and Tshelshingzor villages in Pema Gatshel. And this has worried travellers.

Vegetable wholesalers in Thimphu are finding it difficult to find a place to do business. They say they have been in this state since their old marketplace at the Centenary Farmers’ Market was closed due to the ongoing renovation works. Meanwhile, the authorities have a different story to tell.