Local leaders of Pema Gatshel say the Local Government Members Entitlement Act of Bhutan 2015 is not implemented by the book. This, in particular, is with reference to their leave and associated benefits. The issue was discussed during the Dzongkhag Tshogdu recently.
They said the Act entitles them to casual, earned, maternity, paternity and medical leaves. And with the LG Members’ Entitlement Rules and Regulations released last year, the benefits are at par with civil servants. However, they say that they are yet to claim Leave Encashment or Leave Travel Concession.
“The Act is already there but lacks implementation. We feel it’s a waste of resources printing so many copies of the Act if it is not going to be implemented,” Ugyen Tshering, the Dungmaed Gup, said.
“It has been almost two and a half years in office. But so far, we never received any entitlements as per the Act,” Ngajay Dorji, the Khar Gup, said.
The local leaders said proper implementation of the Act and its Rules and Regulations will help monitor misuse of leave entitlements and enhance efficient service delivery.
“If the entitlements are given accordingly, we can deduct benefits of those who take leave more than what is guaranteed. It will act as a tool for us to monitor our staff. Today, as our tshogpas informed us, there is no proper record of their attendance” Gup Ugyen Tshering said.
On the other hand, the Dzongkhag Finance Officer explained there is a need for clearer provisions in the LG Members’ Entitlement Rules and Regulations.
“For instance, for the civil servants, the earn leave entitlement and benefits are reflected in the BCSR. Similarly, for the LG officials, the rule has to state after how many days of accumulated leave they are entitled to encashment,” Karma Dorji, the Dzongkhag Finance Officer, said.
Following extensive deliberation, the Dzongkhag Tshogdu decided to write to relevant ministries seeking a clarification and necessary follow-ups.
