The Bhutanese Leading the way.
Sonam Tobgay R
Sonam Tobgay R, 39, holds a Masters in Commerce from Osnamia University, Hyderabad and has 12 years of work experience in teaching.
Sonam said, “I feel that my age is the right age to shoulder any responsibility, it is neither too old nor too young. I have the perfect combination of qualification and experiences, and since I come from a teaching background, I understand diverse needs of the people.”
If elected, he said he will focus on regionally balanced development. “It is clear that some regions in Bhutan are growing much more than others, with some even showing ‘growth strains’.”
He pointed out that while national economic growth is a main policy objective, but where such a growth should occur is less clear. “So most of the policies that we frame will be based on balanced regional development. There should be considerations and concession made to the less developed dzongkhags in term of interest of loan, taxation, etc.,” he said.
Pema Wangda
Pema Wangda, 31, holds a Bachelor’s degree in Science from Sherubtse College and worked as a manager and culture guide at Blue Puppy Tours and Treks for 7 years.
He said, “People’s hope and aspiration is my priorioty. I have successfully completed De-Suung Integrated Training Program to serve our country and people with unconditional love.”
His experience as a culture guide has convinced him of promoting tourism in the eastern circuit. “It is evident that with the waiver of Sustainable Development Fee for tourists visiting eastern districts, more tourists are expected to visit. Also I believe that promotion of tourism is fundamental because it would not only result in increase in the number of tourists visiting eastern region but also in the development of the regions.”
Ugyen Dorji
Ugyen Dorji, 28, graduated as a Civil Engineer from Chhatrapati Shahuji Subharti Institute of Technology and Engineering under Swami Vivekananda Subharti University, Meerut, Utter Pradesh in 2017.
He said, “The people of Trashigang should vote for me because I am a young and energetic, optimist and a responsible citizen of the country. If people vote for me, I shall bring in policies to support the old age and disabled people.”
Chheki Wangchuk
Chheki Wangchuk, 53, holds a Master’s degree in Economics from Punjab University, Chandigarh, India. He began his career as a lecturer of Economics at Sherubtse College and served with SNV. From 2011, he worked for the team to set up the Agency for Promotion of Indigenous Craft (APIC) as part of the project for Accelerating Bhutan’s Socio-Economic Development and served as its first Chief Executive Officer.
He said, “I have the understanding of the aspirations of our people and the challenges they face during my humble career spanning over 26 years as an academic, development worker and management personnel. These professions have put me in direct touch with our people with diverse age group and backgrounds.”
Chheki said, “My aim is to prioritize the economic prosperity for rural communities and the youth. If people elect me, I shall focus on legislation and policy which will prioritize and spur private sector growth, job creation, innovation and enterprises. I shall also address issue of youth unemployment by working on laws and policies that will encourage entrepreneurship and self employment.”
Jamyang
Jamyang, 31, holds a Bachelor’s of Arts degree and served as sales executive in Royal Insurance Corporation of Bhutan Limited (RICBL), Phuentsholing for about 6 years.
He said, “If people elect me as their NC member, I shall address issues such as Gungtong, regional imbalance and poverty and also focus on agriculture marketing policies since most people depend on agriculture for livelihood.”
Lhatu
Lhatu, 51, from Lumang holds a Master’s degree in Business Administration from Bharathiar University, Tamil Nadu and Bachelor’s degree in Commerce from Sherubtse College. He served as Member of Parliament (MP) in the National Assembly from 2008 till 2013 from DPT. He also worked head of operations at United Nation Development Programme (UNDP).
Lhatu said, “Having a wide range of experiences, including law making and reviews with exposure in almost all the 20 dzongkhags, I am prepared to be a NC member who could best understand and represent people’s hope and aspirations in the Parliament.”
Ugyen Phuntsho
Ugyen Phuntsho, 26, has a Bachelor’s degree in Economics and Population Studies and was a dairy farmer and a businessman.
Ugyen Phuntsho said, “Given the chance to serve the people of Tashigang, no matter how young, I shall assure that I can equally bring changes for a better tomorrow.”
He said young people bring in the zeal for innovation and creativity. “I would especially like to focus on youth related issues. Being a youth myself, I feel I have a better understanding of what a youth feels. I feel that I can actually connect with the youth who play a crucial role in building our nation as a whole. I want to ensure that the youth of today are given more importance so that they are groomed to become better citizens.” He said he will pay attention to youth related policies and help address the hardships faced by people in Trashigang.
