The Tsirang Dzongkhag Tshogdu wrote to the Prime Minister on Saturday requesting to retain the post of Gaydrungs. Headed by the DT Chairperson, all the Gups of Tsirang signed the appeal letter stating Gaydrungs play an important role in delivering public service. The government decided to discontinue the post of Gaydrungs permanently from the local government administrations early this month.
The gups in Tsirang are requesting the government to at least extend the contract of Gaydrungs for a few more years even if the government decides not to retain the post at all. They said this decision would provide the Gaydrungs with a cushion to explore and look for new work.
Patshaling Gup Chabi Kumar Rai said the abrupt decision will affect the lives of the Gaydrungs. “While they know that their contract was extended in 2019 for three years, they could not explore and look for other opportunities due to the pandemic. They could not even start businesses due to frequent lockdowns.”
“Doing away with the post will affect service delivery. Drafting a letter in town cost more than Nu 500. But Gaydrungs have been drafting all sorts of documents for people,” said Beda Moni Chamlagai, the Tsirang DT Chairperson.
“If the government has to do away with the post, people want to contribute money and pay the Gaydrungs. So we are seeking permission to do this way,” said Yeshi, the Mendrelgang Gup.
He also said that people are questioning whether the decision was taken after research and consultation with people and the local government members.
Similarly, the opposition also accused the Government of breaching both the resolution of the National Assembly and its subsequent commitment to Gaydrungs by discontinuing the post. The opposition says the Government had committed to base any extension in future on a detailed study of the necessity of their services. In a press release last week, the opposition asked the government to honour the resolution of the National Assembly and reconsider its decision.
The government stated that the decision was taken after deliberations among cabinet members and consultations with relevant agencies. The contract of the Gaydrungs expired on 2nd April. However, an executive order from the government stated that the Gaydrungs can work till the end of this month. The Cabinet last extended the Gaydrungs’ contract in 2019 as per the resolution of the National Assembly.
Meanwhile, several local leaders of Haa and Samdrup Jongkhar have also written to the Prime Minister today requesting to retain the post. And a few other districts are also planning to make similar pleas.
Kinley Dem/Pema Tshewang
Edited by Sonam
