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Bhutan News archive for 31 August 2009

August 31, 2009 - From

International Sources

Risk of revolt in refugee camps on the border between Bhutan and Nepal – AsiaNews.IT
The plight of the over 120 thousand Bhutanese exiles in Nepal has led to the emergence of Maoist groups in refugee camps. Indian sources raise the possibility of an armed insurrection in the coming months. Meanwhile, the Bhutanese government promises …    [read more]

Lyonchhoen delivers keynote address in Fukuoka – Kuensel Online
Update 31 August, 2009 – Prime Minister Jigmi Y Thinley delivered a keynote address on Gross National Happiness on August 29 at Fukuoka, Japan, where he will hold high-level meetings with Japanese leaders of industry and commerce. The prime minister …    [read more]

16th SAARC summit to be held in Bhutan – Xinhua News Agency
KATHMANDU, Aug. 29 (Xinhua) — The 16th South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) Summit is scheduled to be held in the Bhutanese capital Thimphu on April 28-29, 2010, a Nepali local media reported on Saturday. According to eKantipur …    [read more]

Media Advisory – Minister Kenney to meet Bhutanese refugees – CNW Group
SHERBROOKE, QC, Aug. 28 /CNW Telbec/ – The Honourable Jason Kenney, Minister of Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism, will meet with Bhutanese refugees at the Service d’aide aux Néo-Canadiens. The Bhutanese refugees, of ethnic Nepalese …    [read more]

‘I haven’t had sex in the fields’ – Mid Day.com
She is no Suchitra Sen or Aishwarya Rai, yet her portrayal of the iconic romantic character Paro revealed dimensions into the character, hitherto explored. The raw appeal that Mahie Gill was able to inculcate into the heroin of Sarat Chandra …    [read more]

The need for a green inventory – Kuensel Online
31 August, 2009 – The department of forest (DoF) is mandated by the constitution with maintaining at least 60 percent of Bhutan’s forests. But a lack of expertise and funding has left the department incapable of even providing an accurate estimate …    [read more]

Indian co denies gender bias in Bhutan project – Press Trust of India
Thimphu, Aug 26 (PTI) Hindustan Construction Company (HCC), engaged in the construction of the Punatsangchu Hydroelectric Project in Bhutan, has said that it is not following any gender discriminatory employment policies. “It’s not company policy not …    [read more]

Himalayan nations hold first climate talks – Terra Daily
Nepal’s prime minister opened the first climate change conference of Himalayan nations on Monday with a warning about the dangers of melting glaciers, floods and violent storms for the region. With 1.3 billion people dependent on the water that flows …    [read more]

First overland cable link ushers new era for India and China telecom – Telecom Magazine
The first terrestrial high-bandwidth link commissioned between India and China marks a high point for two of the world’s largest telecom markets. India’s Reliance Communications collaborated with China Telecom for this overland 300 km cross …    [read more]

NHPC to hit bourses tomorrow – MyIris
The equity shares of the company will be listed on the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) and the National Stocks Exchange (NSE). Out of the total proceed, one-third would go to the centre as disinvestment proceeds and the rest would remain with the hydro …    [read more]

Kuensel – Bhutan’s National Newspaper

Lyonchhoen delivers keynote address in Fukuoka

Update31 August, 2009 – Prime Minister Jigmi Y Thinley delivered a keynote address on Gross National Happiness on August 29 at Fukuoka, Japan, where he will hold high-level meetings with Japanese leaders of industry and commerce.
   [read more]

The need for a green inventory
A dept. short of funds is mandated to maintain the optimal 60 percent forest coverage


31 August, 2009 – The department of forest (DoF) is mandated by the constitution with maintaining at least 60 percent of Bhutan’s forests. But a lack of expertise and funding has left the department incapable of even providing an accurate estimate of how much forest Bhutan currently has.    [read more]

More wild mushroom victims
Despite lots of warnings, the season takes its toll of poisonings

31 August, 2009 – Despite awareness messages on the dangers of eating wild mushrooms, at least three people have died and more than fifteen were hospitalised in referral and district hospitals around the country between May and August this year.    [read more]

Picture story

31 August, 2009 – A week-long Moenlam Chhenmo (great prayer ceremony) conducted by His Holiness the Je Khenpo at National Memorial Chorten in Thimphu concluded yesterday with the Marme Moenlam (butter lamp offering prayers) and Tshokhor (feast offering).

Thousands of devotees attended the prayer ceremony and recited the Badza Guru mantra a billion times for the benefit of all sentient beings.    [read more]

Team Thu Tob moves into semis

Yangphel Archery 31 August, 2009 – Team Thu Tob has moved into the semi final round of the ongoing Yangphel Archery Tournament after it emerged ahead of team Dorji Lekpa and team Pelden in yesterday’s match at the Changlimithang archery range in Thimphu.    [read more]

DoR restores road link to Dagana

UP AND RUNNING – 10 days after the August 20 deluge, Dagana is back on track31 August, 2009 – With the Dagachu bridge restored yesterday, traffic has resumed on the Sunkosh-Dagana highway that was closed for 10 days, leading to a shortage of essentials in this central dzongkhag.    [read more]

Choden girls and Changzamtog guys champs

U-16 Cricket Tournament 31 August, 2009 – Choden and Changzamtok lower secondary schools (LSS) are the champions of the under-16 girls and boys cricket tournaments respectively for Thimphu schools.    [read more]

Is it worth digging?
31 August, 2009 – There is growing excitement about the possibilities of finding wealth hidden beneath our pristine natural environment.    [read more]

October conference on democracy
To mark the region’s transition to democracy, CBS/UN host a high profile conference

30 August, 2009 – A conference on democracy, featuring fifteen internationally acclaimed scholars and experts, who may include Arundhati Roy, along with government ministers and parliament members from 14 countries, will be held in Bhutan this October.    [read more]

Picture Story

30 August, 2009 – The four new dzongrabs selected through open competition. (From left) Sherub Dorji, Samdrup Jongkhar, Mani Sangye, Zhemgang, Sonam Tshering, Bumthang, and Pema Dorji, Chukha. They were formally appointed yesterday.    [read more]

Bhutan Observer

Eight chortens lost in one month
Eight chortens in three gewogs have been vandalised and desecrated in the month of August alone in Pemagatshel.
The last vandalism of two chortens took place in an isolated village of Mawa under Shumar Gewog on the night of August 24. Since all the chortens are old, the details of their nangten were not known.
The desecration [...]    [read more]

Co-ops galore in Trashigang
Trashigang Dzongkhag will be supporting more than 40 dairy, 14 poultry and four piggery cooperatives to tap domestic livestock market to achieve self-sufficiency and employment in rural Bhutan.
According to the dzongkhag, six dairy cooperatives including Pam Medey Gonor Gongphel Tshogpa and Galing Pam Medey Gonor Gongphel Tshogpa are already functional.
The remaining 34 groups, which are [...]    [read more]

Health, fitness, diet and more
Wangchen, 32, the second Mr Thimphu, is a certified fitness trainer. He eats six small meals a day but has never touched suja or sikam for the last four months. In four months of his preparation for Mr Thimphu competition,
he spent more than Nu 100,000 on diet. He talks to Phuntsho Wangmo about bodybuilding, fitness, [...]    [read more]

Connecting Bhutan, truly
Come February 2011, and all the gewogs in Bhutan will be connected with mobile cellular communication services. Bhutan InfoComm and Media Authority (BICMA) has disbursed Nu 188.385 million from its universal service fund (USF), to the two telecom operators in Bhutan to connect the designated rural and remote areas on a cost-sharing basis.
The head of [...]    [read more]

Apple season begins on high hope
This year, apple exporters are hoping for a good season as the apple prices have shot up to Nu 650 to 700 a box, the highest price recorded in the last 15 to 20 years.
Lungpa Tandin, the Secretary General of Bhutan Exporters Association (BEA), said, this season would be favourable for the farmers as apples [...]    [read more]

Use of our mountain slopes
With the rising rural to urban migration, the constraints on urban infrastructure will keep on increasing. It will be unrealistic to assume that this flow of people from villages to the towns will stop in the foreseeable future. Our towns will keep on expanding in a planned way as well as in an unplanned, haphazard [...]    [read more]

Six treated for mushroom poisoning
Six men from Denchi village in Pemagatshel were treated in the district hospital after they had consumed a poisonous mushroom on August 21. Two were brought to the hospital in a serious condition. The victims consumed a poisonous mushroom locally called khibamung.
“Pupil in one of the patients’ eyes had constricted when they were brought to [...]    [read more]

Ban on corporal punishment – a tall order?
Teaching in the Bhutanese classrooms are not the same today in an ever complex teaching – learning environment.
Almost suddenly, the society demands the “elusive” quality education. On the other hand classrooms have become cramped. Teaching, suddenly is not a one way communication where teachers are knowledge “giver” and students knowledge “receiver”.
On the other hand both [...]    [read more]

Imagining India: A book review
Title: Imagining India: Ideas for the New Century Author: Nandan Nilekani Publisher: Penguin, New Delhi Pages: 531 in hardbound Price: Rs 699
Imagining India: Ideas for the New Century (published 2008) by Nandan Nilekani, co-founder of Infosys Technologies Limited (Bangalore) and one of India’s ‘finest and most dynamic minds’ today, is a wealth of insightful perspectives, [...]    [read more]

What do we eat?
Sir, I am particularly worried about last week’s Bhutan Observer story on fallowing of wetland.
Bhutan is considered an agrarian society with little landholdings. As the editorial rightly said, less than 8 per cent of the total area is arable. This is a concern especially because if we lose such a little land to development and [...]    [read more]

Bhutan News archive for 30 August 2009

August 30, 2009 - From

International Sources

FINER for health – Kuensel Online
30 August, 2009 – Delegates from the federation of industry and commerce of north eastern region (FINER), Guwahati, and Bhutanese medical professionals met yesterday to discuss issues related to the health care system. The meeting discussed how FINER …    [read more]

KPMG identifies 11 areas for Indo-Bhutanese cooperation – Newstrack India
Thimphu (Bhutan), Aug.23 (ANI):iLeading audit, tax and advisory services firm KPMG has reportedly identified eleven keys areas in which India and Bhutan can cooperate. Titled a ‘Study of Investment Climate in Bhutan,’ the KPMG report identifies …    [read more]

16th SAARC summit to be held in Bhutan – Xinhua News Agency
KATHMANDU, Aug. 29 (Xinhua) — The 16th South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) Summit is scheduled to be held in the Bhutanese capital Thimphu on April 28-29, 2010, a Nepali local media reported on Saturday. According to eKantipur …    [read more]

Chidambaram meets Bhutan King – New Kerala
Thimpu (Bhutan), Aug.22 : Visiting Indian Home Minister P. Chidambaram called on Bhutan King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck here on Saturday. According to Kuensel News, the two leaders are said to have reviewed bilateral relations and discussed …    [read more]

Chidambaram holds talks with Bhutan king, PM – Hindustan Times
Home Minister P Chidambaram, on a four-day visit to Bhutan, has held talks with the country’s top leaders including the King and Prime Minister on a wide range of issues including border management, security and checking militant activities. King …    [read more]

India to set up cultural centre in Bhutan – Times of India
THIMPHU: Bhutanese can now look forward to learning playing the sitar or the tabla and know more about Indian literature and theatre at their doorsteps, literally. The Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) and the Bhutan government have agreed …    [read more]

Bhutanese double gold medallist – Kuensel Online
23 August, 2009- A Bhutanese civil servant has been awarded two gold medals for topping the masters in public administration (MPA) examinations and his outstanding performance in the final year from Rashtrasant Tukadoji Maharaj (RTM), Nagpur …    [read more]

India’s cultural centre in Bhutan – Mynews India
Thimphu : Soon Bhutanese will be enjoying Indian culture as India will open up a cultural centre in Bhutan pretty soon. Bhutanese can now look forward to learning playing the sitar or the tabla and know more about Indian literature and theatre at …    [read more]

Media Advisory – Minister Kenney to meet Bhutanese refugees – CNW Group
SHERBROOKE, QC, Aug. 28 /CNW Telbec/ – The Honourable Jason Kenney, Minister of Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism, will meet with Bhutanese refugees at the Service d’aide aux Néo-Canadiens. The Bhutanese refugees, of ethnic Nepalese …    [read more]

Bhutan first private insurance company opens shop – Newstrack India
Thimphu (Bhutan), Aug 23 (ANI): Bhutan’s first private insurance company has opened shop here with a promise of providing quality and speedy service to become the country’s insurer of choice. According to a report filed by Chennai Online, except for …    [read more]

Kuensel – Bhutan’s National Newspaper

October conference on democracy
To mark the region’s transition to democracy, CBS/UN host a high profile conference

30 August, 2009 – A conference on democracy, featuring fifteen internationally acclaimed scholars and experts, who may include Arundhati Roy, along with government ministers and parliament members from 14 countries, will be held in Bhutan this October.    [read more]

Picture Story

30 August, 2009 – The four new dzongrabs selected through open competition. (From left) Sherub Dorji, Samdrup Jongkhar, Mani Sangye, Zhemgang, Sonam Tshering, Bumthang, and Pema Dorji, Chukha. They were formally appointed yesterday.    [read more]

FINER for health
30 August, 2009 – Delegates from the federation of industry and commerce of north eastern region (FINER), Guwahati, and Bhutanese medical professionals met yesterday to discuss issues related to the health care system.    [read more]

Grooming tomorrow’s leaders

30 August, 2009 – The capital city is literally under siege from our leaders of tomorrow.

They are pouring in, in the hundreds, from all parts of the country and filling up the nightclubs, restaurants and compelling photo studios and tailors to put in the extra hour.
   [read more]

Climate change is about economics and politics
Developed countries must reduce emissions by at least 40 percent to prevent irreversible climate change

30 August, 2009 – Climate change is not about science, it is about economic growth and politics, according to the centre for science and environment (CSE) in New Delhi, India.    [read more]

From pride of place to abandon ship!
RNR Centre, Dagana30 August, 2009 – It is the biggest and most imposing traditional styled building in the whole of Drujeygang gewog, Dagana dzongkhag.
   [read more]

Thrompon of many chosen by few

Analysis 29 August, 2009 – When the country’s capital city, Thimphu, with around 80,000 residents, elects its first thrompon (mayor) later this year, not more than 10,000 people will be eligible to vote.    [read more]

American interest in mining rights
J Matthew Fifield, has offered to prospect and extract Bhutan’s minerals


29 August, 2009 – Oil in the Bangtar area under Samdrupjongkhar dzongkhag, copper, gold and silver in the black mountain area of central Bhutan and tungsten in Sarpang are the potential minerals an American businessman J Matthew Fifield has offered to prospect for and, if found viable, then extract them.    [read more]

Royal Kasho for extra-ordinary sitting
29 August, 2009 – His Majesty the King yesterday issued a Kasho, commanding the Speaker of the National Assembly and Chairperson of the National Council to convene an “extraordinary sitting of Parliament”.    [read more]

LG elections: A logistic nightmare
29 August, 2009 – It’s going to be a “logistical nightmare” for election officials when Bhutan goes to polls to elect a total of about 1,200 gups, tshogpas, mangmis, thrompons and thromde tshogpas, during the long overdue local government election.    [read more]

Bhutan Observer

Use of our mountain slopes
With the rising rural to urban migration, the constraints on urban infrastructure will keep on increasing. It will be unrealistic to assume that this flow of people from villages to the towns will stop in the foreseeable future. Our towns will keep on expanding in a planned way as well as in an unplanned, haphazard [...]    [read more]

Six treated for mushroom poisoning
Six men from Denchi village in Pemagatshel were treated in the district hospital after they had consumed a poisonous mushroom on August 21. Two were brought to the hospital in a serious condition. The victims consumed a poisonous mushroom locally called khibamung.
“Pupil in one of the patients’ eyes had constricted when they were brought to [...]    [read more]

Ban on corporal punishment – a tall order?
Teaching in the Bhutanese classrooms are not the same today in an ever complex teaching – learning environment.
Almost suddenly, the society demands the “elusive” quality education. On the other hand classrooms have become cramped. Teaching, suddenly is not a one way communication where teachers are knowledge “giver” and students knowledge “receiver”.
On the other hand both [...]    [read more]

Imagining India: A book review
Title: Imagining India: Ideas for the New Century Author: Nandan Nilekani Publisher: Penguin, New Delhi Pages: 531 in hardbound Price: Rs 699
Imagining India: Ideas for the New Century (published 2008) by Nandan Nilekani, co-founder of Infosys Technologies Limited (Bangalore) and one of India’s ‘finest and most dynamic minds’ today, is a wealth of insightful perspectives, [...]    [read more]

What do we eat?
Sir, I am particularly worried about last week’s Bhutan Observer story on fallowing of wetland.
Bhutan is considered an agrarian society with little landholdings. As the editorial rightly said, less than 8 per cent of the total area is arable. This is a concern especially because if we lose such a little land to development and [...]    [read more]

His Majesty approves extraordinary sitting
Today, His Majesty the King granted a Kasho commanding the Speaker of the National Assembly and the Chairperson of the National Council to convene an extraordinary sitting of parliament. While it had been widely known that parliamentarians expected and additional joint sitting of the Civil Service and Local Government Bills, the kasho and royal messages [...]    [read more]

workshop on BRIDGE
HRH Princess Sonam Dechan Wangchuck on August 25 released electoral documents and DVDs on rules, regulations, guidelines, strategies and interpretation, at the opening of a workshop on BRIDGE (Building Resources in Democracy, Governance and Elections) Civic Education Development Project sponsored by Ausaid
   [read more]

Yangphel quarter finals tomorrow
The biggest archery tournament of the year, Yangphel Archery Tournament, has reached the quarter finals. The first match tomorrow will see Predator, Six Mongling and Daju Bhai playing at the lower bacho at the Changlimithang archery range in Thimphu.
From the 154 teams in the league, 24 teams will be playing eight matches of the quarter [...]    [read more]

Oh, this kabney protocol and naked people!
   [read more]

Stop the nangten gold rush
Last year, Pemagatshel Dzongkhag saw seven chortens vandalised in a month. This year, this month alone, eight chortens have been vandalised in three gewogs in the dzongkhag. Last June, within two nights, four chortens were lost in Thimphu Dzongkhag, including three of them from Mewang Gewog alone in a single night.
And as aways, in all [...]    [read more]

Bhutan News archive for 29 August 2009

August 29, 2009 - From

International Sources

16th SAARC summit to be held in Bhutan – Xinhua News Agency
KATHMANDU, Aug. 29 (Xinhua) — The 16th South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) Summit is scheduled to be held in the Bhutanese capital Thimphu on April 28-29, 2010, a Nepali local media reported on Saturday. According to eKantipur …    [read more]

Risk of revolt in refugee camps on the border between Bhutan and Nepal – AsiaNews.IT
The plight of the over 120 thousand Bhutanese exiles in Nepal has led to the emergence of Maoist groups in refugee camps. Indian sources raise the possibility of an armed insurrection in the coming months. Meanwhile, the Bhutanese government promises …    [read more]

KPMG identifies 11 areas for Indo-Bhutanese cooperation – Thaindian.com
Thimphu (Bhutan), Aug.23 (ANI): Leading audit, tax and advisory services firm KPMG has reportedly identified eleven keys areas in which India and Bhutan can cooperate. Titled a ‘Study of Investment Climate in Bhutan,’ the KPMG report identifies …    [read more]

Chidambaram meets Bhutan King – Thaindian.com
Thimpu (Bhutan), Aug.22 (ANI): Visiting Indian Home Minister P. Chidambaram called on Bhutan King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck here on Saturday. According to Kuensel News, the two leaders are said to have reviewed bilateral relations and discussed …    [read more]

Chidambaram holds talks with Bhutan king, PM – Hindustan Times
Home Minister P Chidambaram, on a four-day visit to Bhutan, has held talks with the country’s top leaders including the King and Prime Minister on a wide range of issues including border management, security and checking militant activities. King …    [read more]

India to set up cultural centre in Bhutan – Times of India
THIMPHU: Bhutanese can now look forward to learning playing the sitar or the tabla and know more about Indian literature and theatre at their doorsteps, literally. The Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) and the Bhutan government have agreed …    [read more]

Bhutanese monk at the Tibetan – Staten Island Advance
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — Venerable Lama Karma Namgyel, a Bhutanese Buddhist monk, is visiting the Jacques Marchais Museum of Tibetan Art on Lighthouse Hill. Lectures and special events will take place today through Tuesday. Today from 1 to 3 p.m., Lama …    [read more]

Bhutanese double gold medallist – Kuensel Online
23 August, 2009- A Bhutanese civil servant has been awarded two gold medals for topping the masters in public administration (MPA) examinations and his outstanding performance in the final year from Rashtrasant Tukadoji Maharaj (RTM), Nagpur …    [read more]

India’s cultural centre in Bhutan – Mynews India
Thimphu : Soon Bhutanese will be enjoying Indian culture as India will open up a cultural centre in Bhutan pretty soon. Bhutanese can now look forward to learning playing the sitar or the tabla and know more about Indian literature and theatre at …    [read more]

Thrompon of many chosen by few – Kuensel Online
Analysis 29 August, 2009 – When the country’s capital city, Thimphu, with around 80,000 residents, elects its first thrompon (mayor) later this year, not more than 10,000 people will be eligible to vote. The rest, although living daily with …    [read more]

Kuensel – Bhutan’s National Newspaper

Thrompon of many chosen by few

Analysis 29 August, 2009 – When the country’s capital city, Thimphu, with around 80,000 residents, elects its first thrompon (mayor) later this year, not more than 10,000 people will be eligible to vote.    [read more]

American interest in mining rights
J Matthew Fifield, has offered to prospect and extract Bhutan’s minerals


29 August, 2009 – Oil in the Bangtar area under Samdrupjongkhar dzongkhag, copper, gold and silver in the black mountain area of central Bhutan and tungsten in Sarpang are the potential minerals an American businessman J Matthew Fifield has offered to prospect for and, if found viable, then extract them.    [read more]

Royal Kasho for extra-ordinary sitting
29 August, 2009 – His Majesty the King yesterday issued a Kasho, commanding the Speaker of the National Assembly and Chairperson of the National Council to convene an “extraordinary sitting of Parliament”.    [read more]

LG elections: A logistic nightmare
29 August, 2009 – It’s going to be a “logistical nightmare” for election officials when Bhutan goes to polls to elect a total of about 1,200 gups, tshogpas, mangmis, thrompons and thromde tshogpas, during the long overdue local government election.    [read more]

In spirit and letter
29 August, 2009 – His Majesty the King’s command to the speaker of the National Assembly and the chairperson of the National Council to convene an “Extraordinary Sitting of Parliament” has cleared the air of uncertainty surrounding the “special session” and the need to pass urgent bills.    [read more]

Man found dead, Police investigate
28 August, 2009 – A 20-year old man was found dead on the bank of Dotikhola river in Phuentsholing on August 25, according to Phuentsholing police who are investigating the case.
   [read more]

Harsh penalties proposed
28 August, 2009 – Crave pelting down the expressway, taking your parent’s new car for a spin without a driving license or driving home after a late party? Beware!    [read more]

Reaching epidemic proportions

Chorten Vandalism 28 August, 2009 – For many eastern farmers, their chores do not end after a gruelling day’s work on the farm. Once darkness falls, they stay awake either guarding their crops from animals or guarding the village chorten from desecrators.    [read more]

Big players muscling in on apple business
28 August, 2009 – The volume of apple exported to India and Bangladesh has increased by almost 1000 metric tones (MT) since 2001, but the increase, according to those in the fruit export business, is not helping them.    [read more]

E-forestry takes root in Trongsa
Pilot scheme to be replicated nationwide and make service delivery faster

28 August, 2009 – The department of forest (DoF) is introducing an e-forestry service to improve its public service delivery system.    [read more]

Bhutan Observer

Ban on corporal punishment – a tall order?
Teaching in the Bhutanese classrooms are not the same today in an ever complex teaching – learning environment.
Almost suddenly, the society demands the “elusive” quality education. On the other hand classrooms have become cramped. Teaching, suddenly is not a one way communication where teachers are knowledge “giver” and students knowledge “receiver”.
On the other hand both [...]    [read more]

Imagining India: A book review
Title: Imagining India: Ideas for the New Century Author: Nandan Nilekani Publisher: Penguin, New Delhi Pages: 531 in hardbound Price: Rs 699
Imagining India: Ideas for the New Century (published 2008) by Nandan Nilekani, co-founder of Infosys Technologies Limited (Bangalore) and one of India’s ‘finest and most dynamic minds’ today, is a wealth of insightful perspectives, [...]    [read more]

What do we eat?
Sir, I am particularly worried about last week’s Bhutan Observer story on fallowing of wetland.
Bhutan is considered an agrarian society with little landholdings. As the editorial rightly said, less than 8 per cent of the total area is arable. This is a concern especially because if we lose such a little land to development and [...]    [read more]

His Majesty approves extraordinary sitting
Today, His Majesty the King granted a Kasho commanding the Speaker of the National Assembly and the Chairperson of the National Council to convene an extraordinary sitting of parliament. While it had been widely known that parliamentarians expected and additional joint sitting of the Civil Service and Local Government Bills, the kasho and royal messages [...]    [read more]

workshop on BRIDGE
HRH Princess Sonam Dechan Wangchuck on August 25 released electoral documents and DVDs on rules, regulations, guidelines, strategies and interpretation, at the opening of a workshop on BRIDGE (Building Resources in Democracy, Governance and Elections) Civic Education Development Project sponsored by Ausaid
   [read more]

Yangphel quarter finals tomorrow
The biggest archery tournament of the year, Yangphel Archery Tournament, has reached the quarter finals. The first match tomorrow will see Predator, Six Mongling and Daju Bhai playing at the lower bacho at the Changlimithang archery range in Thimphu.
From the 154 teams in the league, 24 teams will be playing eight matches of the quarter [...]    [read more]

Oh, this kabney protocol and naked people!
   [read more]

Stop the nangten gold rush
Last year, Pemagatshel Dzongkhag saw seven chortens vandalised in a month. This year, this month alone, eight chortens have been vandalised in three gewogs in the dzongkhag. Last June, within two nights, four chortens were lost in Thimphu Dzongkhag, including three of them from Mewang Gewog alone in a single night.
And as aways, in all [...]    [read more]

Are the political debates in Bhutan healthy?
   [read more]

Moenlam chenmo
The faithful at the Jigme Dorji Wangchuck Memorial Chorten in Thimphu where a moenlam chenmo is being presided over by His Holiness Je Khenpo. Hundreds of divotees attend the moenlam ceremonies every day.
   [read more]

Bhutan News archive for 28 August 2009

August 28, 2009 - From

International Sources

Media Advisory – Minister Kenney to meet Bhutanese refugees – CNW Group
SHERBROOKE, QC, Aug. 28 /CNW Telbec/ – The Honourable Jason Kenney, Minister of Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism, will meet with Bhutanese refugees at the Service d’aide aux Néo-Canadiens. The Bhutanese refugees, of ethnic Nepalese …    [read more]

KPMG identifies 11 areas for Indo-Bhutanese cooperation – Thaindian.com
Thimphu (Bhutan), Aug.23 (ANI): Leading audit, tax and advisory services firm KPMG has reportedly identified eleven keys areas in which India and Bhutan can cooperate. Titled a ‘Study of Investment Climate in Bhutan,’ the KPMG report identifies …    [read more]

Chidambaram meets Bhutan King – Thaindian.com
Thimpu (Bhutan), Aug.22 (ANI): Visiting Indian Home Minister P. Chidambaram called on Bhutan King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck here on Saturday. According to Kuensel News, the two leaders are said to have reviewed bilateral relations and discussed …    [read more]

Poor screening at ZIA blamed: 19 more Swine flu victims detected – New Nation
The country has recorded 19 more new swine flu cases in the last 24 hours after health authorities were blamed for lax screening of suspected people on arrival at Zia International Airport, country’s main entry point. “We have recorded 19 fresh A …    [read more]

Chidambaram holds talks with Bhutan king, PM – Hindustan Times
Home Minister P Chidambaram, on a four-day visit to Bhutan, has held talks with the country’s top leaders including the King and Prime Minister on a wide range of issues including border management, security and checking militant activities. King …    [read more]

India to set up cultural centre in Bhutan – Times of India
THIMPHU: Bhutanese can now look forward to learning playing the sitar or the tabla and know more about Indian literature and theatre at their doorsteps, literally. The Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) and the Bhutan government have agreed …    [read more]

Bhutanese monk at the Tibetan – Staten Island Advance
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — Venerable Lama Karma Namgyel, a Bhutanese Buddhist monk, is visiting the Jacques Marchais Museum of Tibetan Art on Lighthouse Hill. Lectures and special events will take place today through Tuesday. Today from 1 to 3 p.m., Lama …    [read more]

Bhutanese double gold medallist – Kuensel Online
23 August, 2009- A Bhutanese civil servant has been awarded two gold medals for topping the masters in public administration (MPA) examinations and his outstanding performance in the final year from Rashtrasant Tukadoji Maharaj (RTM), Nagpur …    [read more]

India’s cultural centre in Bhutan – Mynews India
Thimphu : Soon Bhutanese will be enjoying Indian culture as India will open up a cultural centre in Bhutan pretty soon. Bhutanese can now look forward to learning playing the sitar or the tabla and know more about Indian literature and theatre at …    [read more]

Chidambaram embarks on three day visit to Bhutan – Newstrack India
New Delhi, Aug.21 (ANI): Union Home Minister P Chidambaram on Friday left for Bhutan on a three-day official visit during which he is likely to discuss issues related to border security and activities of northeast militants. During his visit …    [read more]

Kuensel – Bhutan’s National Newspaper

Man found dead, Police investigate
28 August, 2009 – A 20-year old man was found dead on the bank of Dotikhola river in Phuentsholing on August 25, according to Phuentsholing police who are investigating the case.
   [read more]

Harsh penalties proposed
28 August, 2009 – Crave pelting down the expressway, taking your parent’s new car for a spin without a driving license or driving home after a late party? Beware!    [read more]

Reaching epidemic proportions

Chorten Vandalism 28 August, 2009 – For many eastern farmers, their chores do not end after a gruelling day’s work on the farm. Once darkness falls, they stay awake either guarding their crops from animals or guarding the village chorten from desecrators.    [read more]

Big players muscling in on apple business
28 August, 2009 – The volume of apple exported to India and Bangladesh has increased by almost 1000 metric tones (MT) since 2001, but the increase, according to those in the fruit export business, is not helping them.    [read more]

E-forestry takes root in Trongsa
Pilot scheme to be replicated nationwide and make service delivery faster

28 August, 2009 – The department of forest (DoF) is introducing an e-forestry service to improve its public service delivery system.    [read more]

Beware the poison in paint!
28 August, 2009 – A recent study by the centre for science and environment (CSE) in India has warned that the toxic content they have found in popular brands of enamel home paints could cause neurological damage, especially in children.    [read more]

Dagana under cut-off conditions
People will have to husband their resources, inner and otherwise, at least until August 31


28 August, 2009 – Knee deep in mud, a man braves the sludgy road. He looks up warily at the cliff overhead, loosened by fresh slides and ready to collapse on him. He makes it to the other end in one piece with much relief.    [read more]

Our culture under attack
28 August, 2009 – The maximum punishment is a life sentence and our prisons hold more than 115 people convicted of such crimes.    [read more]

Pressure on to perform well
LG Elections: Literacy & Skills Test27 August, 2009 – Nganglam gup, Tenzin, is under a lot of pressure these days. The 46-year-old says that voters in his village in Pemagatshel expect him to re-contest in the local government (LG) elections this year. This came after election commission officials said that candidates have to sit through various literacy and skills tests to be eligible to contest. He is a trained legal counsel and, according to voters there, he will qualify with ease.    [read more]

Gold in Bhutan?
DGM finds rock samples from Phuentsholing-Pasakha area with above average traces of gold


27 August, 2009 – The department of geology and mines (DGM) has come across a rock sample with traces of gold in it in an area between Phuentsholing and Pasakha.

The department has around a hundred more samples and will be conducting further tests to find out the economic potential or viability of the deposit.    [read more]

Bhutan Observer

His Majesty approves extraordinary sitting
Today, His Majesty the King granted a Kasho commanding the Speaker of the National Assembly and the Chairperson of the National Council to convene an extraordinary sitting of parliament. While it had been widely known that parliamentarians expected and additional joint sitting of the Civil Service and Local Government Bills, the kasho and royal messages [...]    [read more]

workshop on BRIDGE
HRH Princess Sonam Dechan Wangchuck on August 25 released electoral documents and DVDs on rules, regulations, guidelines, strategies and interpretation, at the opening of a workshop on BRIDGE (Building Resources in Democracy, Governance and Elections) Civic Education Development Project sponsored by Ausaid
   [read more]

Yangphel quarter finals tomorrow
The biggest archery tournament of the year, Yangphel Archery Tournament, has reached the quarter finals. The first match tomorrow will see Predator, Six Mongling and Daju Bhai playing at the lower bacho at the Changlimithang archery range in Thimphu.
From the 154 teams in the league, 24 teams will be playing eight matches of the quarter [...]    [read more]

Oh, this kabney protocol and naked people!
   [read more]

Stop the nangten gold rush
Last year, Pemagatshel Dzongkhag saw seven chortens vandalised in a month. This year, this month alone, eight chortens have been vandalised in three gewogs in the dzongkhag. Last June, within two nights, four chortens were lost in Thimphu Dzongkhag, including three of them from Mewang Gewog alone in a single night.
And as aways, in all [...]    [read more]

Are the political debates in Bhutan healthy?
   [read more]

Moenlam chenmo
The faithful at the Jigme Dorji Wangchuck Memorial Chorten in Thimphu where a moenlam chenmo is being presided over by His Holiness Je Khenpo. Hundreds of divotees attend the moenlam ceremonies every day.
   [read more]

Bhutan this week
Department of livestock and Humane Society International, a US-based NGO, will be jointly conducting a nationwide long-term dog population control programme to bring down the dog population in the country as well as to control rabies. The programme will start from Paro and Thimphu on September 1. The three-year programme is expected to cost around [...]    [read more]

Bhutan’s economy
Bhutan’s total outstanding external debt stood at an equivalent of US $ 680.6 million as on March, out of which US $ 339.3 million was outstanding on convertible currency loans (loans, which carry the option of conversion at a predetermined future date, into cash ) according to the latest Royal Monetary Authority’s quarterly report on [...]    [read more]

Sugar shortage in India hits Bhutan
The recent shortage of sugar in India and resulting increase in its price has hit the beverage companies in Bhutan hard as their products are mainly sugar-based.
The General Manager of Tashi Beverages, Pradeep Lavania, said the production cost of the company had increased by Nu 17 a case. “In January, the price of a kg [...]    [read more]

Bhutan News archive for 27 August 2009

August 27, 2009 - From

International Sources

KPMG identifies 11 areas for Indo-Bhutanese cooperation – Thaindian.com
Thimphu (Bhutan), Aug.23 (ANI): Leading audit, tax and advisory services firm KPMG has reportedly identified eleven keys areas in which India and Bhutan can cooperate. Titled a ‘Study of Investment Climate in Bhutan,’ the KPMG report identifies …    [read more]

Chidambaram meets Bhutan King – Thaindian.com
Thimpu (Bhutan), Aug.22 (ANI): Visiting Indian Home Minister P. Chidambaram called on Bhutan King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck here on Saturday. According to Kuensel News, the two leaders are said to have reviewed bilateral relations and discussed …    [read more]

Chidambaram holds talks with Bhutan king, PM – Hindustan Times
Home Minister P Chidambaram, on a four-day visit to Bhutan, has held talks with the country’s top leaders including the King and Prime Minister on a wide range of issues including border management, security and checking militant activities. King …    [read more]

India to set up cultural centre in Bhutan – Times of India
THIMPHU: Bhutanese can now look forward to learning playing the sitar or the tabla and know more about Indian literature and theatre at their doorsteps, literally. The Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) and the Bhutan government have agreed …    [read more]

Bhutanese monk at the Tibetan – Staten Island Advance
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — Venerable Lama Karma Namgyel, a Bhutanese Buddhist monk, is visiting the Jacques Marchais Museum of Tibetan Art on Lighthouse Hill. Lectures and special events will take place today through Tuesday. Today from 1 to 3 p.m., Lama …    [read more]

Bhutanese double gold medallist – Kuensel Online
23 August, 2009- A Bhutanese civil servant has been awarded two gold medals for topping the masters in public administration (MPA) examinations and his outstanding performance in the final year from Rashtrasant Tukadoji Maharaj (RTM), Nagpur …    [read more]

India’s cultural centre in Bhutan – Mynews India
Thimphu : Soon Bhutanese will be enjoying Indian culture as India will open up a cultural centre in Bhutan pretty soon. Bhutanese can now look forward to learning playing the sitar or the tabla and know more about Indian literature and theatre at …    [read more]

Chidambaram embarks on three day visit to Bhutan – Newstrack India
New Delhi, Aug.21 (ANI): Union Home Minister P Chidambaram on Friday left for Bhutan on a three-day official visit during which he is likely to discuss issues related to border security and activities of northeast militants. During his visit …    [read more]

Bhutan’s record worries CEDAW – Kuensel Online
30 years after signing convention, women in the country still getting a raw deal 21 August, 2009 – Almost three decades after Bhutan ratified the convention on elimination of all forms of discrimination against women (CEDAW), Bhutanese women’s …    [read more]

Indian co denies gender bias in Bhutan project – Press Trust of India
Thimphu, Aug 26 (PTI) Hindustan Construction Company (HCC), engaged in the construction of the Punatsangchu Hydroelectric Project in Bhutan, has said that it is not following any gender discriminatory employment policies. “It’s not company policy not …    [read more]

Kuensel – Bhutan’s National Newspaper

Pressure on to perform well
LG Elections: Literacy & Skills Test27 August, 2009 – Nganglam gup, Tenzin, is under a lot of pressure these days. The 46-year-old says that voters in his village in Pemagatshel expect him to re-contest in the local government (LG) elections this year. This came after election commission officials said that candidates have to sit through various literacy and skills tests to be eligible to contest. He is a trained legal counsel and, according to voters there, he will qualify with ease.    [read more]

Gold in Bhutan?
DGM finds rock samples from Phuentsholing-Pasakha area with above average traces of gold


27 August, 2009 – The department of geology and mines (DGM) has come across a rock sample with traces of gold in it in an area between Phuentsholing and Pasakha.

The department has around a hundred more samples and will be conducting further tests to find out the economic potential or viability of the deposit.    [read more]

Help in sight for low vision students
UNICEF-sponsored special need assessment for the visually impaired in Khaling


27 August, 2009 – Students with low vision in three schools in Khaling, Trashigang, are getting their eyes checked by doctors to determine the extent of the problem and to introduce devices that can make reading and learning easier for them.    [read more]

Closing the Buddhist knowledge gap
Mahabodhi Society general secretary advises keeping youth abreast


27 August, 2009 – Visiting the Memorial Chorten in Thimphu, Dr Rewatha Thera, asked a Bhutanese lam what the decorations or flags adorning the structure for the annual Moenlam Choenmo symbolised. The lam, after some hesitation, replied that he had no idea.    [read more]

Subsidy towards universal telecom service
27 August, 2009 – The two major information communications technology (ICT) operators,
Bhutan Telecom (BT) and Tashi InfoComm (TI) have received a Nu 188.4m subsidy to link every part of Bhutan with telecommunications facilities by 2011.    [read more]

The Baligang bridge on the Dagana

27 August, 2009 – Sunkosh highway, 31 kilometres from Daga Dzong, which collapsed on August 20. The department of roads is building a bypass across the Baligang stream.

Photo: Gyem Thinley    [read more]

Qualifying our local leaders
27 August, 2009 – It’s not going to be easy becoming a gup or member of a local government office.

The election act stipulates that the interested candidate must be ‘functionally literate’ and possess adequate skills to be able to discharge duties as a local government office bearer.    [read more]

New Thai school inspired by GNH

26 August, 2009 – The approach that humanity should not rely solely on economic indicators to measure progress is gaining ground in Thailand.    [read more]

Electoral manuals released
Streamlining and bringing clarity to existing election rules

26 August, 2009 – The election commission of Bhutan (ECB) yesterday released 21 electoral manuals to streamline and give clarity to existing election rules, regulations and guidelines, which had caused confusion among Bhutanese voters and political candidates during the first elections in 2008.    [read more]

Sweeping changes
Revised FDI Draft Policy26 August, 2009 – The revised foreign direct investment (FDI) policy proposes allowing 100 percent investment in manufacturing and services, land ownership, more foreign workers, greater access to foreign exchange, external borrowing and allowing investment in existing companies.    [read more]

Bhutan Observer

Behind an archery tournament
A rchery is traditional and more disciplined, but, behind the scene, it has its fair share of action and excitement.
Playing archery in Bhutan is not merely a game of releasing an arrow and hitting a target.
It is an art steeped in superstitions and beliefs.
That Bhutanese are superstitious is a legend. So it is without doubt [...]    [read more]

Eve teasing – fun or nuisance?
I t’s the same old story every day. Step on the street in the morning and you jump out of your skin as a car hurtles towards you and changes direction just before smashing you to a pulp and the driver gives you an infuriating laugh.
Even as you are still cursing him under your breath, [...]    [read more]

Lucky draw for movie fans
Sungchop Magmi, a film that took six years in production, was out in May this year. But the producer has now stopped screening it for he has bigger plans.
Thinley Dorjee Khan, the producer, will be releasing 10,000 DVDDVDs of the film in all 20 dzongkhags in the first week of September. Forty marketing girls will [...]    [read more]

Actor and mother, at once good
To say that Dorji Wangmo is a woman who wears many hats is an understatement. This creative actor, director, producer and scriptwriter has devoted her life to the young Bhutanese film industry besides her children. How does this busy mother of five do it all?
D orji Wangmo has worked successfully with many of the industry’s [...]    [read more]

Hope for dry Wamrong
Wamrong town, located midway between Samdrup Jongkhar and Trashigang, is not a planned town. For several decades, the town has been suffering from a chronic water shortage.
The entire Wamrong area, including the government facilities, has been getting water supply from the same source constructed some 30 years back when the town began to take shape.
The [...]    [read more]

Of those 6 months in Phuenthsoling
In searing heat, I frantically walked through the street alleys and threw surreptitious glances at partially-clad girls. I often asked them if they were commercial sex workers. What on earth was I doing? Rabi C Dahal recalls his stint in Phuentsholing
On my transfer to Phuentsholing bureau, my editor had only one line to tell me: [...]    [read more]

Trashigang flourishes
In the 9th five-year plan, Trashigang Dzongkhag spent big on roads, power tiller tracks, irrigation channels, soil and water conservation and farmer training, according to the annual dzongkhag report.
In gewogs like Khaling, Lumang and Udzorong, it spent Nu 10.9 million building new farm roads and power tiller tracks. Five gewogs, including Bidung, Lumang, Samkhar and [...]    [read more]

Denchi-Khangma farm road in the offing
Khangma village in Pemagatshel will probably have a farm road by next year. The survey for the proposed 15-km road is being undertaken by the dzongkhag.
Once completed, the 113 households of Khangma will be connected to the proposed township in Denchi. The proposed farm road will also benefit 20 households of Lanangzore village under Chongshing [...]    [read more]

Out of drayang into weaving
Twenty-year-old Tshering is earning a decent living today after she left her work at a drayan. Tandin Pem reports
After dropping out of class VIII four years ago, Tshering Lham went to Paro to live with her sister. Opportunities presented themselves to her, but she did not want to continue her studies.
Originally from Dagana, Tshering started [...]    [read more]

Weaving through life
Aum Choki did not have any background in weaving but the art always interested her. More than two years ago, she started employing weavers who weaved for her handicrafts shop. Today, she has 13 of them.
“Earlier, some of them weaved at home when I placed the order but now they come and weave at the [...]    [read more]

Bhutan News archive for 26 August 2009

August 26, 2009 - From

International Sources

KPMG identifies 11 areas for Indo-Bhutanese cooperation – Thaindian.com
Thimphu (Bhutan), Aug.23 (ANI): Leading audit, tax and advisory services firm KPMG has reportedly identified eleven keys areas in which India and Bhutan can cooperate. Titled a ‘Study of Investment Climate in Bhutan,’ the KPMG report identifies …    [read more]

Chidambaram meets Bhutan King – Thaindian.com
Thimpu (Bhutan), Aug.22 (ANI): Visiting Indian Home Minister P. Chidambaram called on Bhutan King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck here on Saturday. According to Kuensel News, the two leaders are said to have reviewed bilateral relations and discussed …    [read more]

Chidambaram to visit Bhutan – New Kerala
New Delhi, Aug 20 : Home Minister P.Chidambaram will leave for Thimphu Friday on a three-day official visit to Bhutan, his first foreign tour after taking over the portfolio Dec 1 last year. During his visit, Chidambaram will meet the King of Bhutan …    [read more]

Indian co denies gender bias in Bhutan project – Press Trust of India
Thimphu, Aug 26 (PTI) Hindustan Construction Company (HCC), engaged in the construction of the Punatsangchu Hydroelectric Project in Bhutan, has said that it is not following any gender discriminatory employment policies. “It’s not company policy not …    [read more]

New Thai school inspired by GNH – Kuensel Online
26 August, 2009 – The approach that humanity should not rely solely on economic indicators to measure progress is gaining ground in Thailand. Generating a paradigm shift away from materialism, and towards public policies centred on alternative …    [read more]

Chidambaram holds talks with Bhutan king, PM – Hindustan Times
Home Minister P Chidambaram, on a four-day visit to Bhutan, has held talks with the country’s top leaders including the King and Prime Minister on a wide range of issues including border management, security and checking militant activities. King …    [read more]

India to set up cultural centre in Bhutan – Times of India
THIMPHU: Bhutanese can now look forward to learning playing the sitar or the tabla and know more about Indian literature and theatre at their doorsteps, literally. The Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) and the Bhutan government have agreed …    [read more]

Bhutanese double gold medallist – Kuensel Online
23 August, 2009- A Bhutanese civil servant has been awarded two gold medals for topping the masters in public administration (MPA) examinations and his outstanding performance in the final year from Rashtrasant Tukadoji Maharaj (RTM), Nagpur …    [read more]

Bhutanese monk at the Tibetan – Staten Island Advance
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — Venerable Lama Karma Namgyel, a Bhutanese Buddhist monk, is visiting the Jacques Marchais Museum of Tibetan Art on Lighthouse Hill. Lectures and special events will take place today through Tuesday. Today from 1 to 3 p.m., Lama …    [read more]

India’s cultural centre in Bhutan – Mynews India
Thimphu : Soon Bhutanese will be enjoying Indian culture as India will open up a cultural centre in Bhutan pretty soon. Bhutanese can now look forward to learning playing the sitar or the tabla and know more about Indian literature and theatre at …    [read more]

Kuensel – Bhutan’s National Newspaper

New Thai school inspired by GNH

26 August, 2009 – The approach that humanity should not rely solely on economic indicators to measure progress is gaining ground in Thailand.    [read more]

Electoral manuals released
Streamlining and bringing clarity to existing election rules

26 August, 2009 – The election commission of Bhutan (ECB) yesterday released 21 electoral manuals to streamline and give clarity to existing election rules, regulations and guidelines, which had caused confusion among Bhutanese voters and political candidates during the first elections in 2008.    [read more]

Sweeping changes
Revised FDI Draft Policy26 August, 2009 – The revised foreign direct investment (FDI) policy proposes allowing 100 percent investment in manufacturing and services, land ownership, more foreign workers, greater access to foreign exchange, external borrowing and allowing investment in existing companies.    [read more]

Lack of drain undermines wall

Zhemgang Dzong26 August, 2009 – When the retaining wall behind the Zhemgang dzong got washed away on the morning of August 19, most people said it was because of the incessant rain over the past few days.
   [read more]

More rain havoc on highway
26 August, 2009 – The situation of the Trongsa-Gelephu highway has worsened with the Wachenchu changing course and washing away 200 m of the Yurmong sector road on August 22.    [read more]

LG elections lingering on
26 August, 2009 – No one is quite sure when the special joint session of parliament will be convened to pass the ‘urgent’ bills that got stuck in the July session.    [read more]

Apple season opens on a high
26 August, 2009 – Langa Dorji held a large red apple in one hand and gently wiped it with the other. “This is the best apple from Bhutan,” he said, turning it around slowly at his depot in Semtokha. “In America, it can get more than a 1,000 USD a metric tonne (MT).”
   [read more]

Blue collars in business
Three VTI graduates’ success stories prove the scope of their profession


25 August, 2009 – Since the labour ministry started the vocational training institutes (VTI) in 2003 to realise self-sufficiency in skilled manpower and to cut unemployment, there are more than 1,500 unemployed graduates.    [read more]

Capacity building for democracy
BRIDGE CEDP Workshop25 August, 2009 – Members of the National Assembly, educational institutes, media, election commission and civil societies will meet in Paro today to develop a professional module called ‘Democracy In Our Place’ to explore concepts of democracy and good governance.    [read more]

PM accepts Mahabodhi society presidency
25 August, 2009 – Prime Minister Lyonchhoen Jigmi Y Thinley will be president of the Mahabodhi society, a Buddhist organisation based in India.
   [read more]

Bhutan Observer

Lucky draw for movie fans
Sungchop Magmi, a film that took six years in production, was out in May this year. But the producer has now stopped screening it for he has bigger plans.
Thinley Dorjee Khan, the producer, will be releasing 10,000 DVDDVDs of the film in all 20 dzongkhags in the first week of September. Forty marketing girls will [...]    [read more]

Actor and mother, at once good
To say that Dorji Wangmo is a woman who wears many hats is an understatement. This creative actor, director, producer and scriptwriter has devoted her life to the young Bhutanese film industry besides her children. How does this busy mother of five do it all?
D orji Wangmo has worked successfully with many of the industry’s [...]    [read more]

Hope for dry Wamrong
Wamrong town, located midway between Samdrup Jongkhar and Trashigang, is not a planned town. For several decades, the town has been suffering from a chronic water shortage.
The entire Wamrong area, including the government facilities, has been getting water supply from the same source constructed some 30 years back when the town began to take shape.
The [...]    [read more]

Of those 6 months in Phuenthsoling
In searing heat, I frantically walked through the street alleys and threw surreptitious glances at partially-clad girls. I often asked them if they were commercial sex workers. What on earth was I doing? Rabi C Dahal recalls his stint in Phuentsholing
On my transfer to Phuentsholing bureau, my editor had only one line to tell me: [...]    [read more]

Trashigang flourishes
In the 9th five-year plan, Trashigang Dzongkhag spent big on roads, power tiller tracks, irrigation channels, soil and water conservation and farmer training, according to the annual dzongkhag report.
In gewogs like Khaling, Lumang and Udzorong, it spent Nu 10.9 million building new farm roads and power tiller tracks. Five gewogs, including Bidung, Lumang, Samkhar and [...]    [read more]

Denchi-Khangma farm road in the offing
Khangma village in Pemagatshel will probably have a farm road by next year. The survey for the proposed 15-km road is being undertaken by the dzongkhag.
Once completed, the 113 households of Khangma will be connected to the proposed township in Denchi. The proposed farm road will also benefit 20 households of Lanangzore village under Chongshing [...]    [read more]

Out of drayang into weaving
Twenty-year-old Tshering is earning a decent living today after she left her work at a drayan. Tandin Pem reports
After dropping out of class VIII four years ago, Tshering Lham went to Paro to live with her sister. Opportunities presented themselves to her, but she did not want to continue her studies.
Originally from Dagana, Tshering started [...]    [read more]

Weaving through life
Aum Choki did not have any background in weaving but the art always interested her. More than two years ago, she started employing weavers who weaved for her handicrafts shop. Today, she has 13 of them.
“Earlier, some of them weaved at home when I placed the order but now they come and weave at the [...]    [read more]

Police changing, for the better
Even as it is losing its independent status to the Home Ministry, Royal Bhutan Police is initiating a lot of reforms and changes. According to the Chief of Police, Colonel Kipchu Namgyel, he wants police to be more approachable.
Interpol has praised the Police-Youth Partnership Programme which was initiated to establish a link between the police [...]    [read more]

First Bhutanese to run world-class marathon
Rinzin Dorji, 34, a tourist guide, is representing Bhutan in the marathon going to be held in New York on November 1. He will be the first Bhutanese to run alongside international runners from all across the world.
Rinzin worked for Amankora, Paro, from 2004 to May this year. He quit his job to participate in [...]    [read more]

Bhutan News archive for 25 August 2009

August 25, 2009 - From

International Sources

KPMG identifies 11 areas for Indo-Bhutanese cooperation – Thaindian.com
Thimphu (Bhutan), Aug.23 (ANI): Leading audit, tax and advisory services firm KPMG has reportedly identified eleven keys areas in which India and Bhutan can cooperate. Titled a ‘Study of Investment Climate in Bhutan,’ the KPMG report identifies …    [read more]

Chidambaram meets Bhutan King – Thaindian.com
Thimpu (Bhutan), Aug.22 (ANI): Visiting Indian Home Minister P. Chidambaram called on Bhutan King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck here on Saturday. According to Kuensel News, the two leaders are said to have reviewed bilateral relations and discussed …    [read more]

Chidambaram to visit Bhutan – New Kerala
New Delhi, Aug 20 : Home Minister P.Chidambaram will leave for Thimphu Friday on a three-day official visit to Bhutan, his first foreign tour after taking over the portfolio Dec 1 last year. During his visit, Chidambaram will meet the King of Bhutan …    [read more]

Chidambaram holds talks with Bhutan king, PM – Hindustan Times
Home Minister P Chidambaram, on a four-day visit to Bhutan, has held talks with the country’s top leaders including the King and Prime Minister on a wide range of issues including border management, security and checking militant activities. King …    [read more]

India to set up cultural centre in Bhutan – Times of India
THIMPHU: Bhutanese can now look forward to learning playing the sitar or the tabla and know more about Indian literature and theatre at their doorsteps, literally. The Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) and the Bhutan government have agreed …    [read more]

India’s cultural centre in Bhutan – Mynews India
Thimphu : Soon Bhutanese will be enjoying Indian culture as India will open up a cultural centre in Bhutan pretty soon. Bhutanese can now look forward to learning playing the sitar or the tabla and know more about Indian literature and theatre at …    [read more]

Bhutanese monk at the Tibetan – Staten Island Advance
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — Venerable Lama Karma Namgyel, a Bhutanese Buddhist monk, is visiting the Jacques Marchais Museum of Tibetan Art on Lighthouse Hill. Lectures and special events will take place today through Tuesday. Today from 1 to 3 p.m., Lama …    [read more]

Chidambaram embarks on three day visit to Bhutan – Newstrack India
New Delhi, Aug.21 (ANI): Union Home Minister P Chidambaram on Friday left for Bhutan on a three-day official visit during which he is likely to discuss issues related to border security and activities of northeast militants. During his visit …    [read more]

Bhutan’s record worries CEDAW – Kuensel Online
30 years after signing convention, women in the country still getting a raw deal 21 August, 2009 – Almost three decades after Bhutan ratified the convention on elimination of all forms of discrimination against women (CEDAW), Bhutanese women’s …    [read more]

Two Bhutanese killed in Bangalore motorbike accident – Kuensel Online
Update: 19 August, 2009 – Two Bhutanese students, a 25-year-old man and a 20-year-old woman were killed on the spot in Bangalore, when the motorcycle they were riding collided head on with a Tata truck, a vehicle similar to the Tata sumo. The …    [read more]

Kuensel – Bhutan’s National Newspaper

Blue collars in business
Three VTI graduates’ success stories prove the scope of their profession


25 August, 2009 – Since the labour ministry started the vocational training institutes (VTI) in 2003 to realise self-sufficiency in skilled manpower and to cut unemployment, there are more than 1,500 unemployed graduates.    [read more]

Capacity building for democracy
BRIDGE CEDP Workshop25 August, 2009 – Members of the National Assembly, educational institutes, media, election commission and civil societies will meet in Paro today to develop a professional module called ‘Democracy In Our Place’ to explore concepts of democracy and good governance.    [read more]

PM accepts Mahabodhi society presidency
25 August, 2009 – Prime Minister Lyonchhoen Jigmi Y Thinley will be president of the Mahabodhi society, a Buddhist organisation based in India.
   [read more]

Reborn school renews hope
Opened after almost 20 years, Tsholingkhar CPS will allow children their right to education

25 August, 2009 – Hemanta Subba is a happy girl these days. The 10-year-old has all the reason to be so this year. She need not herd cattle and look after her younger brother and sisters but can attend school.    [read more]

PM leaves for Japan today
25 August, 2009 – Prime Minister Lyonchhoen Jigmi Y Thinley left for Japan today on the invitation of the Japan junior chamber of commerce.    [read more]

Mr Thimphu

25 August, 2009 – The new Mr Thimphu, Wangchen, strikes a pose. The internal auditor with Bhutan power corporation and owner of Planet Gym bagged the title on Sunday after winning the heavyweight category.
   [read more]

The child labour debate
25 August, 2009 – The imagery of minors, some barely in the teens, working in greasy conditions in workshops in Thimphu usually brings out two reactions.    [read more]

Shelter for homeless kids
Not just a helping hand but also a bridge back to mainstream society

Project Hope24 August, 2009 – The national commission for women and children (NCWC), with support from Save The Children fund (SCF) will set up Bhutan’s first transitional shelter for children, who are homeless, abused, neglected, emotionally disturbed or face other difficult cir*****stances.    [read more]

Twin calves spawn superstitious fears

24 August, 2009 – The birth of identical twin calves has stirred concerns and superstitions in a small hamlet of Rongthong under Kanglung gewog.    [read more]

Safety concerns obviate female employment
Punatsangchhu I Project24 August, 2009 – The Hindustan construction company (HCC) that is involved in building the Punatsangchhu I project has denied following any gender discriminatory employment policies.    [read more]

Bhutan Observer

Actor and mother, at once good
To say that Dorji Wangmo is a woman who wears many hats is an understatement. This creative actor, director, producer and scriptwriter has devoted her life to the young Bhutanese film industry besides her children. How does this busy mother of five do it all?
D orji Wangmo has worked successfully with many of the industry’s [...]    [read more]

Hope for dry Wamrong
Wamrong town, located midway between Samdrup Jongkhar and Trashigang, is not a planned town. For several decades, the town has been suffering from a chronic water shortage.
The entire Wamrong area, including the government facilities, has been getting water supply from the same source constructed some 30 years back when the town began to take shape.
The [...]    [read more]

Of those 6 months in Phuenthsoling
In searing heat, I frantically walked through the street alleys and threw surreptitious glances at partially-clad girls. I often asked them if they were commercial sex workers. What on earth was I doing? Rabi C Dahal recalls his stint in Phuentsholing
On my transfer to Phuentsholing bureau, my editor had only one line to tell me: [...]    [read more]

Trashigang flourishes
In the 9th five-year plan, Trashigang Dzongkhag spent big on roads, power tiller tracks, irrigation channels, soil and water conservation and farmer training, according to the annual dzongkhag report.
In gewogs like Khaling, Lumang and Udzorong, it spent Nu 10.9 million building new farm roads and power tiller tracks. Five gewogs, including Bidung, Lumang, Samkhar and [...]    [read more]

Denchi-Khangma farm road in the offing
Khangma village in Pemagatshel will probably have a farm road by next year. The survey for the proposed 15-km road is being undertaken by the dzongkhag.
Once completed, the 113 households of Khangma will be connected to the proposed township in Denchi. The proposed farm road will also benefit 20 households of Lanangzore village under Chongshing [...]    [read more]

Out of drayang into weaving
Twenty-year-old Tshering is earning a decent living today after she left her work at a drayan. Tandin Pem reports
After dropping out of class VIII four years ago, Tshering Lham went to Paro to live with her sister. Opportunities presented themselves to her, but she did not want to continue her studies.
Originally from Dagana, Tshering started [...]    [read more]

Weaving through life
Aum Choki did not have any background in weaving but the art always interested her. More than two years ago, she started employing weavers who weaved for her handicrafts shop. Today, she has 13 of them.
“Earlier, some of them weaved at home when I placed the order but now they come and weave at the [...]    [read more]

Police changing, for the better
Even as it is losing its independent status to the Home Ministry, Royal Bhutan Police is initiating a lot of reforms and changes. According to the Chief of Police, Colonel Kipchu Namgyel, he wants police to be more approachable.
Interpol has praised the Police-Youth Partnership Programme which was initiated to establish a link between the police [...]    [read more]

First Bhutanese to run world-class marathon
Rinzin Dorji, 34, a tourist guide, is representing Bhutan in the marathon going to be held in New York on November 1. He will be the first Bhutanese to run alongside international runners from all across the world.
Rinzin worked for Amankora, Paro, from 2004 to May this year. He quit his job to participate in [...]    [read more]

RBP – defence force, civil department or corporation?
The parliamentary discussion on the police bill and decisions thereof left me in a state of confusion. I would like to put forward my quandary in the following areas for public opinion.
Administrative control
The parliamentary decision was to maintain it with the Ministry of Home Affairs but my own understanding of the Article 28 of the [...]    [read more]

Bhutan News archive for 24 August 2009

August 24, 2009 - From

International Sources

KPMG identifies 11 areas for Indo-Bhutanese cooperation – Thaindian.com
Thimphu (Bhutan), Aug.23 (ANI): Leading audit, tax and advisory services firm KPMG has reportedly identified eleven keys areas in which India and Bhutan can cooperate. Titled a ‘Study of Investment Climate in Bhutan,’ the KPMG report identifies …    [read more]

Chidambaram meets Bhutan King – Thaindian.com
Thimpu (Bhutan), Aug.22 (ANI): Visiting Indian Home Minister P. Chidambaram called on Bhutan King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck here on Saturday. According to Kuensel News, the two leaders are said to have reviewed bilateral relations and discussed …    [read more]

Chidambaram holds talks with Bhutan king, PM – Hindustan Times
Home Minister P Chidambaram, on a four-day visit to Bhutan, has held talks with the country’s top leaders including the King and Prime Minister on a wide range of issues including border management, security and checking militant activities. King …    [read more]

Chidambaram to visit Bhutan – New Kerala
New Delhi, Aug 20 : Home Minister P.Chidambaram will leave for Thimphu Friday on a three-day official visit to Bhutan, his first foreign tour after taking over the portfolio Dec 1 last year. During his visit, Chidambaram will meet the King of Bhutan …    [read more]

India’s cultural centre in Bhutan – Mynews India
Thimphu : Soon Bhutanese will be enjoying Indian culture as India will open up a cultural centre in Bhutan pretty soon. Bhutanese can now look forward to learning playing the sitar or the tabla and know more about Indian literature and theatre at …    [read more]

India to set up cultural centre in Bhutan – Times of India
THIMPHU: Bhutanese can now look forward to learning playing the sitar or the tabla and know more about Indian literature and theatre at their doorsteps, literally. The Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) and the Bhutan government have agreed …    [read more]

Bhutanese double gold medallist – Kuensel Online
23 August, 2009- A Bhutanese civil servant has been awarded two gold medals for topping the masters in public administration (MPA) examinations and his outstanding performance in the final year from Rashtrasant Tukadoji Maharaj (RTM), Nagpur …    [read more]

L. Kent Wolgamott: A look at the varied images of Buddha – Lincoln Journal Star
Where: Lentz Center for Asian Culture, Hewit Place, Lower Level, 1155 Q St. When: through Dec. 18 Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Friday; 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday; 1:30 to 4 p.m. Sunday Admission: Free Special Event: Tibetan Buddhist monks …    [read more]

Bhutanese monk at the Tibetan – Staten Island Advance
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — Venerable Lama Karma Namgyel, a Bhutanese Buddhist monk, is visiting the Jacques Marchais Museum of Tibetan Art on Lighthouse Hill. Lectures and special events will take place today through Tuesday. Today from 1 to 3 p.m., Lama …    [read more]

Chidambaram embarks on three day visit to Bhutan – Newstrack India
New Delhi, Aug.21 (ANI): Union Home Minister P Chidambaram on Friday left for Bhutan on a three-day official visit during which he is likely to discuss issues related to border security and activities of northeast militants. During his visit …    [read more]

Kuensel – Bhutan’s National Newspaper

Shelter for homeless kids
Not just a helping hand but also a bridge back to mainstream society

Project Hope24 August, 2009 – The national commission for women and children (NCWC), with support from Save The Children fund (SCF) will set up Bhutan’s first transitional shelter for children, who are homeless, abused, neglected, emotionally disturbed or face other difficult cir*****stances.    [read more]

Twin calves spawn superstitious fears

24 August, 2009 – The birth of identical twin calves has stirred concerns and superstitions in a small hamlet of Rongthong under Kanglung gewog.    [read more]

Safety concerns obviate female employment
Punatsangchhu I Project24 August, 2009 – The Hindustan construction company (HCC) that is involved in building the Punatsangchhu I project has denied following any gender discriminatory employment policies.    [read more]

Dagana reels from rain damage

UPDATE24 August, 2009 – Dagana will remain cut off for another week, according to officials from the department of roads (DoR) in Dagapela.    [read more]

Defending champs knocked out
Stage set for quarterfinals

Yangphel Archery Tournament24 August, 2009 – Defending champion of the Yangphel archery tournament, Shardha was knocked out of the competition yesterday after a marathon match, which started on Saturday.    [read more]

Empowering our women
24 August, 2009 – There is no denying that we need more women at political and decision-making levels. Even in the civil service only 30 percent are women.
   [read more]

Bike For Life: Cycling For Cancer
23 August, 2009 – When there’s a drive behind each powerful push on the pedal, the thrill of biking heightens.    [read more]

Pema Yangkey- Green to the Screen
23 August, 2009 – Bright and bubbly, Pema Yangkey oozes enthusiasm the moment she talks. At just 22, the young actress has already three movies to her repertoire and worked with several veterans of the Bhutanese film industry, like Nidup Dorjikss, Lhaki Dolma and also with new faces like Chencho Dorji and Kezang Tobden. She was also nominated for the best female newcomer award at the last film festival.    [read more]

Two-Tone Shoes Gaining Foothold
23 Auhgust, 2009 - “A woman with good shoes is never ugly,” say fashion experts like Coco Chanel. And the good news is that shoes with a splash of colour have surfaced in the market.
   [read more]

It was never meant to quell this way…
23 August, 2009 – A shrivelled and a derelict heart ceases to pump, dire lungs vexed, forgets to respire, dreaded and thoughts forfeit my sanity when I remember how we had ended the way we should never have. The gloomy shadows of pain had now become mine. The song once melodious, I now condemn being the words of lament. The enlightening, lucid and bright sky now seems to darken and tangle up my way. The blemish of love is tangible and goes deep!    [read more]

Bhutan Observer

Weaving through life
Aum Choki did not have any background in weaving but the art always interested her. More than two years ago, she started employing weavers who weaved for her handicrafts shop. Today, she has 13 of them.
“Earlier, some of them weaved at home when I placed the order but now they come and weave at the [...]    [read more]

Police changing, for the better
Even as it is losing its independent status to the Home Ministry, Royal Bhutan Police is initiating a lot of reforms and changes. According to the Chief of Police, Colonel Kipchu Namgyel, he wants police to be more approachable.
Interpol has praised the Police-Youth Partnership Programme which was initiated to establish a link between the police [...]    [read more]

First Bhutanese to run world-class marathon
Rinzin Dorji, 34, a tourist guide, is representing Bhutan in the marathon going to be held in New York on November 1. He will be the first Bhutanese to run alongside international runners from all across the world.
Rinzin worked for Amankora, Paro, from 2004 to May this year. He quit his job to participate in [...]    [read more]

RBP – defence force, civil department or corporation?
The parliamentary discussion on the police bill and decisions thereof left me in a state of confusion. I would like to put forward my quandary in the following areas for public opinion.
Administrative control
The parliamentary decision was to maintain it with the Ministry of Home Affairs but my own understanding of the Article 28 of the [...]    [read more]

Working out for Mr Thimphu title
Weightlifters and bodybuilders in Thimphu are working out hard for the upcoming Mr Thimphu Contest on August 23. Tashi Wangchuk, 24, works out every day for one and a half hours.
He will be contesting in the heavyweight category as he weighs 87 kg. It is the first time that he will be contesting in such [...]    [read more]

Railway comes to Tori Bari
The work on the golden jubilee railway project resumed in the first week of August. The project, which started in December last year, was suspended due to unfavourable weather conditions.
Originally, the railway line was planned to run from Hashimara to Phuentsholing proper but now, it will run from Hashimara to Tori Bari near the Pasakha [...]    [read more]

Proliferation of banned bags
The reinforcement of the ban on plastic bags in last May is ineffective. People say that, unless an alternative is offered, plastic bags will be used.
At the vegetable markets, along the highways and on the streets, fruits, cheese, butter, and many kinds of snacks are packed and sold in plastic bags.
Since the ban was first [...]    [read more]

This new crop in the rice fields sends us abegging!
   [read more]

Champs meet again
Two winners of last year’s tournament are back in the final in the inter-departmental football tournament in Phuentsholing. The College of Science and Technology (CST), the defending champions, and Bhutan Chemicals and Carbide Limited (BCCL), last year’s runners-up, will clash in the final tomorrow.
The semi-finals kicked off on August 18 between the CST and Royal [...]    [read more]

A King’s Dream
A tribute to the first King of Bhutan, Druk Gyalpo Ugyen Wangchuck, on his death anniversary
Exactly, eighty-three years ago, our first king, Gongsar Ugyen Wangchuck (1862-1926) died. Today, on 21 August, as we quietly celebrate the anniversary of his death, let us take a glimpse of his life to study his dream for our country. [...]    [read more]

Bhutan News archive for 23 August 2009

August 23, 2009 - From

International Sources

Chidambaram holds talks with Bhutan king, PM – Hindustan Times
Home Minister P Chidambaram, on a four-day visit to Bhutan, has held talks with the country’s top leaders including the King and Prime Minister on a wide range of issues including border management, security and checking militant activities. King …    [read more]

KPMG identifies 11 areas for Indo-Bhutanese cooperation – New Kerala
Thimphu (Bhutan), Aug.23 :iLeading audit, tax and advisory services firm KPMG has reportedly identified eleven keys areas in which India and Bhutan can cooperate. Titled a ‘Study of Investment Climate in Bhutan,’ the KPMG report identifies …    [read more]

India’s cultural centre in Bhutan – Mynews India
Thimphu : Soon Bhutanese will be enjoying Indian culture as India will open up a cultural centre in Bhutan pretty soon. Bhutanese can now look forward to learning playing the sitar or the tabla and know more about Indian literature and theatre at …    [read more]

Chidambaram meets Bhutan King – New Kerala
Thimpu (Bhutan), Aug.22 : Visiting Indian Home Minister P. Chidambaram called on Bhutan King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck here on Saturday. According to Kuensel News, the two leaders are said to have reviewed bilateral relations and discussed …    [read more]

Bhutanese double gold medallist – Kuensel Online
23 August, 2009- A Bhutanese civil servant has been awarded two gold medals for topping the masters in public administration (MPA) examinations and his outstanding performance in the final year from Rashtrasant Tukadoji Maharaj (RTM), Nagpur …    [read more]

India to set up cultural centre in Bhutan – Times of India
THIMPHU: Bhutanese can now look forward to learning playing the sitar or the tabla and know more about Indian literature and theatre at their doorsteps, literally. The Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) and the Bhutan government have agreed …    [read more]

Home Minister to leave for Bhutan today – Thaindian.com
New Delhi, Aug 21 (ANI): Union Home Minister P. Chidambaram will leave for Thimphu today on a three-day official visit to Bhutan. During his visit, he will meet King of Bhutan Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, Prime Minister Jigmi Y Thinley, Fourth …    [read more]

Bhutanese monk at the Tibetan – Staten Island Advance
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — Venerable Lama Karma Namgyel, a Bhutanese Buddhist monk, is visiting the Jacques Marchais Museum of Tibetan Art on Lighthouse Hill. Lectures and special events will take place today through Tuesday. Today from 1 to 3 p.m., Lama …    [read more]

Chidambaram embarks on three day visit to Bhutan – Newstrack India
New Delhi, Aug.21 (ANI): Union Home Minister P Chidambaram on Friday left for Bhutan on a three-day official visit during which he is likely to discuss issues related to border security and activities of northeast militants. During his visit …    [read more]

Bhutan’s record worries CEDAW – Kuensel Online
30 years after signing convention, women in the country still getting a raw deal 21 August, 2009 – Almost three decades after Bhutan ratified the convention on elimination of all forms of discrimination against women (CEDAW), Bhutanese women’s …    [read more]

Kuensel – Bhutan’s National Newspaper

Bike For Life: Cycling For Cancer
23 August, 2009 – When there’s a drive behind each powerful push on the pedal, the thrill of biking heightens.    [read more]

Pema Yangkey- Green to the Screen
23 August, 2009 – Bright and bubbly, Pema Yangkey oozes enthusiasm the moment she talks. At just 22, the young actress has already three movies to her repertoire and worked with several veterans of the Bhutanese film industry, like Nidup Dorjikss, Lhaki Dolma and also with new faces like Chencho Dorji and Kezang Tobden. She was also nominated for the best female newcomer award at the last film festival.    [read more]

Two-Tone Shoes Gaining Foothold
23 Auhgust, 2009 - “A woman with good shoes is never ugly,” say fashion experts like Coco Chanel. And the good news is that shoes with a splash of colour have surfaced in the market.
   [read more]

It was never meant to quell this way…
23 August, 2009 – A shrivelled and a derelict heart ceases to pump, dire lungs vexed, forgets to respire, dreaded and thoughts forfeit my sanity when I remember how we had ended the way we should never have. The gloomy shadows of pain had now become mine. The song once melodious, I now condemn being the words of lament. The enlightening, lucid and bright sky now seems to darken and tangle up my way. The blemish of love is tangible and goes deep!    [read more]

Long haul to Samcholing school

Without boarding or teacher’s quarter facilities, it’s a 10 km hike back
and forth

23 August, 2009 – Going to school in remote Bhutan
involves hours of walking. In Samcholing, Trongsa, it is not just some
students either.

   [read more]

Bhutanese double gold medallist

Photo: GOLD STANDARD – Kinzang Dorji, assistant civil
registration and census officer, MoHCA

23 August, 2009- A
Bhutanese civil servant has been awarded two gold medals for topping the
masters in public administration (MPA) examinations and his outstanding
performance in the final year from Rashtrasant Tukadoji Maharaj (RTM),
Nagpur university, Maharashtra, India.    [read more]

Electronic device versus wildlife forays

Photo: EARLY WARNING SYSTEM – TNP officials demonstrate
light and alarm fencing

23 August, 2009 -Officials of the
Thrumshingla national park (TNP) have designed an electronic alarm and
light fencing device to help farmers and park officials keep guard over
their fields and identify wild animals raiding crops. The device will
alert the guard with a loud siren, once an intruder touches the wires
and automatically switches on a battery powered light.    [read more]

Thuthog & Phuetsog make it to quarters

23 August, 2009 - If the name of the team had
anything to do with its archers, Gyenen Jakpa Melan, the protective
deity, could not protect his archers yesterday from getting beaten in
the tournament.
   [read more]

MoU to study cordyceps

23 August, 2009 – The Bhutan Pharmaceuticals, a private company
will undertake studies on Ophiocrodyceps sinensis (Yartsa Goenbub) and
other insect-fungi to make an inventory, do*****ent, develop culture
collection and screen potential commercial application for two years in
the country.

   [read more]

Yongla Gonpa gets Water Supply

22 August, 2009 – The drudgery of fetching water from long distances has finally ended for the monks of Yongla gonpa in Pemagatshel with the completion of a new water supply.    [read more]

Bhutan Observer

RBP – defence force, civil department or corporation?
The parliamentary discussion on the police bill and decisions thereof left me in a state of confusion. I would like to put forward my quandary in the following areas for public opinion.
Administrative control
The parliamentary decision was to maintain it with the Ministry of Home Affairs but my own understanding of the Article 28 of the [...]    [read more]

Working out for Mr Thimphu title
Weightlifters and bodybuilders in Thimphu are working out hard for the upcoming Mr Thimphu Contest on August 23. Tashi Wangchuk, 24, works out every day for one and a half hours.
He will be contesting in the heavyweight category as he weighs 87 kg. It is the first time that he will be contesting in such [...]    [read more]

Railway comes to Tori Bari
The work on the golden jubilee railway project resumed in the first week of August. The project, which started in December last year, was suspended due to unfavourable weather conditions.
Originally, the railway line was planned to run from Hashimara to Phuentsholing proper but now, it will run from Hashimara to Tori Bari near the Pasakha [...]    [read more]

Proliferation of banned bags
The reinforcement of the ban on plastic bags in last May is ineffective. People say that, unless an alternative is offered, plastic bags will be used.
At the vegetable markets, along the highways and on the streets, fruits, cheese, butter, and many kinds of snacks are packed and sold in plastic bags.
Since the ban was first [...]    [read more]

This new crop in the rice fields sends us abegging!
   [read more]

Champs meet again
Two winners of last year’s tournament are back in the final in the inter-departmental football tournament in Phuentsholing. The College of Science and Technology (CST), the defending champions, and Bhutan Chemicals and Carbide Limited (BCCL), last year’s runners-up, will clash in the final tomorrow.
The semi-finals kicked off on August 18 between the CST and Royal [...]    [read more]

A King’s Dream
A tribute to the first King of Bhutan, Druk Gyalpo Ugyen Wangchuck, on his death anniversary
Exactly, eighty-three years ago, our first king, Gongsar Ugyen Wangchuck (1862-1926) died. Today, on 21 August, as we quietly celebrate the anniversary of his death, let us take a glimpse of his life to study his dream for our country. [...]    [read more]

Do you read daily?
   [read more]

Who works our little farmland?
If the latest research findings are anything to go by, Bhutan seems to be losing track of its development.
According to a study conducted by the agriculture research centre in Wengkhar, Mongar, the limited wetland in the six eastern dzongkhags is laid fallow at an alarming rate.
Figures fly in the face of many of our national [...]    [read more]

Wetland fallowing doubles
Around 51 percent of the total rice consumption in 50 of the 69 gewogs in the six eastern dzongkhags is imported, according to a study conducted by the agriculture research centre in Wengkhar in Mongar Dzongkhag.
According to the study, out of 8883 acres of wetland in the six dzongkhags, around 1192 acres have been laid [...]    [read more]

Bhutan News archive for 22 August 2009

August 22, 2009 - From

International Sources

Chidambaram meets Bhutan King – Newstrack India
Thimpu (Bhutan), Aug.22 (ANI): Visiting Indian Home Minister P. Chidambaram called on Bhutan King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck here on Saturday. According to Kuensel News, the two leaders are said to have reviewed bilateral relations and discussed …    [read more]

Bhutanese monk at the Tibetan – Staten Island Advance
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — Venerable Lama Karma Namgyel, a Bhutanese Buddhist monk, is visiting the Jacques Marchais Museum of Tibetan Art on Lighthouse Hill. Lectures and special events will take place today through Tuesday. Today from 1 to 3 p.m., Lama …    [read more]

Chidambaram in Bhutan – Kuensel Online
22 August, 2009 – The Indian home minister, P Chidambaram, arrived yesterday in the country on a four-day official visit. The home minister was received by Bhutan’s home minister, Lyonpo Minjur Dorji, the foreign secretary, Daw Penjo, and the Indian …    [read more]

Home Minister to leave for Bhutan today – Thaindian.com
New Delhi, Aug 21 (ANI): Union Home Minister P. Chidambaram will leave for Thimphu today on a three-day official visit to Bhutan. During his visit, he will meet King of Bhutan Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, Prime Minister Jigmi Y Thinley, Fourth …    [read more]

Chidambaram to visit Bhutan – New Kerala
New Delhi, Aug 20 : Home Minister P.Chidambaram will leave for Thimphu Friday on a three-day official visit to Bhutan, his first foreign tour after taking over the portfolio Dec 1 last year. During his visit, Chidambaram will meet the King of Bhutan …    [read more]

Bhutan pays India half a million daily as interest – Press Trust of India
Thimphu, Aug 16 (PTI) Bhutan pays more than Rs 5 lakh every day as interest on the Rs 5 billion borrowed from India to meet its currency requirements. An official from Bhutan’s central bank said India is the largest trading partner and almost 80 per …    [read more]

Chidambaram embarks on three day visit to Bhutan – Newstrack India
New Delhi, Aug.21 (ANI): Union Home Minister P Chidambaram on Friday left for Bhutan on a three-day official visit during which he is likely to discuss issues related to border security and activities of northeast militants. During his visit …    [read more]

Editorial : The Media and the Message – Kuensel Online
22 August, 2009 – The Media, the print media in particular, is only interested in negative coverage. That is the one constant feedback on the Bhutanese press. It is mainly coming from government officials, the bureaucracy, and the elected government …    [read more]

Saturday’s World Track and Field Results – CNN Sports Illustrated
1, Abel Kirui, Kenya, 2 hours, 6 minutes, 54 seconds. 2, Emmanuel Kipchirchir Mutai, Kenya, 2:07:48. 3, Tsegay Kebede, Ethiopia, 2:08:35. 4, Yemane Tsegay, Ethiopia, 2:08:42. 5, Robert Kipkoech Cheruiyot, Kenya, 2:10:46. 6, Atsushi Sato, Japan, 2:12 …    [read more]

Bolt falls short of perfection at worlds – The State
BERLIN — Usain Bolt’s third gold medal of the world championship was met with a sense of disappointment Saturday because the Jamaican 400-meter relay team failed to set a world record. Since the Beijing Olympics, Bolt had won five major gold medals …    [read more]

Kuensel – Bhutan’s National Newspaper

Yongla Gonpa gets Water Supply

22 August, 2009 – The drudgery of fetching water from long distances has finally ended for the monks of Yongla gonpa in Pemagatshel with the completion of a new water supply.    [read more]

The Media and the Message
22 August, 2009 – The Media, the print media in particular, is only interested in negative coverage. That is the one constant feedback on the Bhutanese press.

It is mainly coming from government officials, the bureaucracy, and the elected government.    [read more]

Chidambaram in Bhutan

22 August, 2009 – The Indian home minister, P Chidambaram, arrived yesterday in the country on a four-day official visit.    [read more]

Cap on Truckloads causes Heartburn
RSTA’s ceiling on carrying capacity sparks fears of essential commodity price rise

22 August, 2009 – The price of rice and cement in Gelephu and other nearby towns could shoot up with the road safety and transport authority (RSTA) reinforcing an earlier notification that reduces the carrying capacity of 10-wheeler Indian trucks.    [read more]

Vaccine to Safeguard Girls
Initiative by Royal Grandmother will protect against the most prevalent form of cancer among women

Health : 22 August, 2009 – Bhutanese teenage girls will receive protection against cervical cancer, the most prevalent form of cancer among Bhutanese women.

   [read more]

Bhutan’s record worries CEDAW
30 years after signing convention, women in the country still getting a raw deal

21 August, 2009 – Almost three decades after Bhutan ratified the convention on elimination of all forms of discrimination against women (CEDAW), Bhutanese women’s participation in public and political life is still poor.    [read more]

First private insurance company
21 August, 2009 – The country’s first private insurance company and the second in the kingdom, Bhutan insurance ltd (BIL), opened shop yesterday in Thimphu, promising to provide quality and faster service and become the country’s insurer of choice.    [read more]

Indian culture close-up
21 August, 2009 – Ever yearned to play the sitar or tabla? Discuss or learn more about Indian literature, theatre and sculpture?

The chance is here. The cultural diplomacy arm of the Indian government, the council for cultural relations (ICCR) and the government have agreed to open a cultural centre in Thimphu.    [read more]

New manual plugs old loopholes
Procurement Rules 2009 : 21 August, 2009 – Local government heads and contractors in Trashigang agreed that there were many loopholes in the old procurement manual, which left room for collusion and corruption, when the revised procurement manual was presented to them on Wednesday.    [read more]

Dagana stranded again
Rain damage – The Sureytar road damage stranded passengers travelling between Gelephu – Thimphu

21 August, 2009 – Dagana is cut off for the second time in three months.
Heavy rainfall on the night of August 19 caused landslides, which blocked the highway at several places and damaged three bridges.

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Bhutan Observer

Working out for Mr Thimphu title
Weightlifters and bodybuilders in Thimphu are working out hard for the upcoming Mr Thimphu Contest on August 23. Tashi Wangchuk, 24, works out every day for one and a half hours.
He will be contesting in the heavyweight category as he weighs 87 kg. It is the first time that he will be contesting in such [...]    [read more]

Railway comes to Tori Bari
The work on the golden jubilee railway project resumed in the first week of August. The project, which started in December last year, was suspended due to unfavourable weather conditions.
Originally, the railway line was planned to run from Hashimara to Phuentsholing proper but now, it will run from Hashimara to Tori Bari near the Pasakha [...]    [read more]

Proliferation of banned bags
The reinforcement of the ban on plastic bags in last May is ineffective. People say that, unless an alternative is offered, plastic bags will be used.
At the vegetable markets, along the highways and on the streets, fruits, cheese, butter, and many kinds of snacks are packed and sold in plastic bags.
Since the ban was first [...]    [read more]

This new crop in the rice fields sends us abegging!
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Champs meet again
Two winners of last year’s tournament are back in the final in the inter-departmental football tournament in Phuentsholing. The College of Science and Technology (CST), the defending champions, and Bhutan Chemicals and Carbide Limited (BCCL), last year’s runners-up, will clash in the final tomorrow.
The semi-finals kicked off on August 18 between the CST and Royal [...]    [read more]

A King’s Dream
A tribute to the first King of Bhutan, Druk Gyalpo Ugyen Wangchuck, on his death anniversary
Exactly, eighty-three years ago, our first king, Gongsar Ugyen Wangchuck (1862-1926) died. Today, on 21 August, as we quietly celebrate the anniversary of his death, let us take a glimpse of his life to study his dream for our country. [...]    [read more]

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Who works our little farmland?
If the latest research findings are anything to go by, Bhutan seems to be losing track of its development.
According to a study conducted by the agriculture research centre in Wengkhar, Mongar, the limited wetland in the six eastern dzongkhags is laid fallow at an alarming rate.
Figures fly in the face of many of our national [...]    [read more]

Wetland fallowing doubles
Around 51 percent of the total rice consumption in 50 of the 69 gewogs in the six eastern dzongkhags is imported, according to a study conducted by the agriculture research centre in Wengkhar in Mongar Dzongkhag.
According to the study, out of 8883 acres of wetland in the six dzongkhags, around 1192 acres have been laid [...]    [read more]

New insurance company
The second insurance company in Bhutan, Bhutan Insurance Limited, was started yesterday in Thimphu. The first fire policy of new insurance company was bought by Ugyen Rinzin, the chairperson of the company, at the opening ceremony.
The company, which will offer general schemes such as personal insurance, commercial insurance, industrial insurance and liability insurance, will keep [...]    [read more]