The Dzongkhag Tshogdu in Pema Gatshel discussed the need to allocate a separate budget for the construction of a new hostel for the monks. Currently, due to the lack of infrastructure, monks still reside in the old dzong while the District Administration moved to the new Druk Migjur Dechen Dzong at Denchi last year.
The Pema Gatshel Rabdey couldn’t move to the Druk Migjur Dechen Dzong last year as the new dzong does not have a hostel facility for the monks.
A few monks are accommodated in the attic of Lam Neten’s residence to perform daily rituals in the dzong.
The Rest of the monks reside in the old dzong. Lam Neten said it is inconvenient to manage transportation for the monks while performing major rituals in the dzong.
“These rooms are in the attic which are supposed to be used as an office space. These rooms don’t have fans even in such a hot place. The rooms can hardly accommodate 20 monks. So, we are facing inconvenience as there is no place for the monks to stay,” said Ngawang Sithub, Lam Neten, Pema Gatshel Rabdey.
The issue was discussed in the recent Dzongkhag Tshogdu. The construction of the hostel or Drasha requires a huge budget, which the district couldn’t allocate. Therefore, they are seeking a separate budget from the government.
“If we allocate the budget from the district, even the entire fiscal year’s budget won’t be enough for Drasha construction. Additionally, most of the construction works for Goendey and Dratshangs have been funded by the Department of Culture so far,” said Pema Dorji, Dzongkhag Tshogdu Chairperson, Pema Gatshel.
Lam Neten said that the monks would have to vacate the old dzong any moment as the Gyendun Duetshog decided to open a school for astrology studies in the old structure.
“If the Central Monastic Body commands us that the Astrology School will open on a given date and asks us to move out to the new dzong, we will have to do so immediately. We will have trouble without any space to live. I am concerned because, on the 1st day of the 9th month of the Bhutanese lunar calendar, the monks have to return from Yongla Gonpa. So, I am worried about where my monks will be accommodated,” said Ngawang Sithub, Lam Neten.
Following extensive deliberation, the Dzongkhag Tshogdu members have decided to write to the Department of Culture requesting a separate budget allocation for the construction of Drasha at Druk Migjur Dechen Dzong.
The District Culture Sector had already submitted a letter outlining the construction needs and provided the necessary drawings to the Department of Culture and Dzongkha Development. Pema Gatshel Rabdey currently has over 170 monks.
Thinley Dorji, Pema Gatshel
Edited by Phub Gyem
