It is said that the best of intentions combined with the wrong means can lead to the worst outcomes. In Bhutan’s case, this saying would be applicable to how we come up with laws, even in this day and age, to deal with a host of issues. The most infamous …

The current government is well into the middle of its term and so it is taking stock through its midterm review of government ministries, agencies and the Dzongkhags. This is an important exercise that brings about a certain degree of accountability in the system and also allows the government to …

A longish discussion on a well-known key to Bhutan’s shorted economy Making Sense of it All So, why is all this important? How does this essay’s pre versus post hydroplant commissioning theory tie in to observable trend in the real sector? Why a long-winded soliloquy on a relatively simple sector …

On 11th July 2013, an article by a respected investigative journalist in The Indian Express newspaper, said that given the state of diplomatic ties India would not stop at just withdrawing kerosene and LPG subsidies. It quoted internal Ministry of External Affairs notes that proposed slowing down 10th plan funding …

Pre and Post-Commissioning Gains Indeed, people are mostly correct (mostly being the operative word) in assuming that hydropower means economic growth for Bhutan. But, where many believe that it is earnings from power sales that drive the growth surges, the real value addition takes place much earlier on. This theory …

Kezang Dorji, who travelled for 3 days to reach Thimphu from his village in Merak, realized his heart’s desire and the purpose of his journey, when he had the joy of receiving an Audience with His Majesty The King, and offering his wishes for the Royal Birth. Kezang, who is 50 years old, expressed …

A longish discussion on a well-known key to Bhutan’s shorted economy This paper is an offhand review of Bhutan’s economy in recent years, with a few weak attempts at humor and anecdotes to keep it interesting. The descriptives are kept at a minimum and at no point is quantitative analysis …

The new debate on the Rising East program of the government is more complicated than what it appears to be. All socio-economic data and indicators have always shown that Eastern Bhutan is broadly the poorest and least developed region of Bhutan, sharing similar features and problems. The poverty and problems …

If you are travelling to Thimphu and have half an hour to spare would you like to time travel three centuries back into Bhutanese history at Wangsisina? It’s not known when the house was exactly built but in 1788 the 19th Druk Desi lived in that house, which is evident that …

The special 36th birthday of our Monarch on 21st February which is also in the same month as the birth of The Gyalsey is also a time to reflect on better understanding the success of His Majesty the King’s reign in the face of rapidly changing circumstances. Each of our …