More than 1,500 youths who are eligible for this year’s Gyalsung National Service training have applied for exemption. Completing higher education, health conditions, and pursuing monastic lives were some of the primary reasons cited in the applications. According to the Gyalsung Office, the applications are being reviewed and the total exemption number will change subject to approval. On the other hand, those wishing to defer their training will be considered separately.
A total of 1,631 eligible youths, 964 males and 717 females have applied for exemption.
The Gyalsung Act of the Kingdom of Bhutan 2022 exempts religious personalities and individuals deemed medically unfit, including pregnant or nursing 18-year-old mothers from the Gyalsung training.
Only four eligible youth for this year’s training have not registered. The Gyalsung Office said they are yet to ascertain their whereabouts.
As for deferment, the Act grants deferments only for a year. Deferment will be granted in cases where a student has attained the age of 18 but is still in class 12.
On the other hand, those who are 18 years old but are in prison serving sentences for fourth-degree felony offences are ineligible for the training.
The Gyalsung Office said, registered youths along with their parents or legal guardians will receive an email from the Gyalsung Office about reporting dates and other logistics. Respective gewog administrations will also be notified.
This year’s training will commence on September 1st and end on January 15, next year.
During the four months, Gyalsups will be taught basic military training, national education, and life skills programmes.
Almost 13,000 eligible youths have registered for this year’s national service training. For the 2025 batch, the training will be for a year, which starts from March 1st till January 31st 2026.
His Majesty The King announced the launch of the Gyalsung National Service in 2019 during the 112th National Day celebrations.
Tashi Dekar
Edited by Sherub Dorji
