The Bhutanese Leading the way.
The Industry Census Report 2024 found that out of the 12,197 establishments surveyed, 86 employed a total of 133 individuals with disabilities only. This is after the National Council’s Social and Cultural Affairs Committee in June 2024 submitted a review report on the state of persons with disabilities, noting that internationally, some countries have implemented employment quotas in both the government and private sectors.
The government during the monthly meet-the-press was asked on the measures it is taking to make jobs in the public and private sectors more inclusive and accessible for persons with disabilities.
The Minister for Industries, Commerce and Employment Namgyal Dorji said, in Bhutan’s unique context, with its small population, narrow labor market, and deeply rooted cultural values of compassion and community, rigid employment quotas for persons with disabilities (PWDs) may not be the most effective or sustainable approach.
He said while such quotas can guarantee representation, they risk creating tokenism and administrative burdens, especially for small and medium enterprises (SMEs), which form the backbone of Bhutan’s private sector.
“Instead, a more balanced and dynamic approach focuses on incentive-based hiring, where employers receive fiscal benefits, public recognition, or other rewards for creating inclusive workplaces.”
He said at the same time, targeted skills development programs are crucial to preparing PWDs for meaningful employment, ensuring they contribute effectively and competitively.
Lyonpo said Bhutan can also leverage its strong community spirit to promote social entrepreneurship and self-employment, encouraging PWDs to become job creators themselves. By combining these approaches, Bhutan can foster genuine inclusion while nurturing a workforce that is skilled, competitive, and compassionate, without distorting natural labor market dynamics.
“Therefore, the government has consistently made employment promotion a key pillar of its development agenda, with inclusivity embedded as a guiding principle.”
He said the Department of Employment and Entrepreneurship (DoEE) is responsible for employment facilitation, offering a wide range of school-to-work transition support services such as job engagement programs, skills training, entrepreneurship development, and direct employment referrals, ensuring that these services are accessible to all segments, including PWDs.
To strengthen this commitment, the recently launched Youth Engagement and Livelihood Program (YELP) Guideline 2024 explicitly identifies PWDs as a priority target group, alongside startup entrepreneurs, vocational graduates, overseas returnees, individuals in conflict with the law, and laid-off employees.
Importantly, Clause 12 of the guideline exempts PWDs from undergoing the standard selection process, making them automatically eligible for program benefits, which include one-year support with possible extensions. 10 PWDs have been supported under YELP
In parallel, the Government actively supports entrepreneurship development for PWDs to foster economic self-reliance.
For instance, from January 16 to 30, 2024, the Ministry conducted a Basic Entrepreneurship Course in Phuentsholing for 16 persons with disabilities (8 male, 8 female). This hands-on training equipped participants with business planning, financial management, and marketing skills, and supported them in developing business plans in sectors such as massage services, ready-made incense production, café operations, and a mindful training institute. This reflects both their creativity and their ability to tap into emerging economic opportunities.
He said through these targeted efforts blending inclusive policy design, skill-building, and entrepreneurship support the Government is nurturing a more inclusive labor market, where PWDs can access meaningful employment while contributing to Bhutan’s economic resilience in ways that align with its values of compassion, dignity, and economic self-reliance.
Lyonpo said they are reviewing all support measures and incentives in place currently to bring more impact looking at not just what MoICE can do but what more can be done by other government agencies, including SOEs, DHI companies and others.
