The Bhutanese Leading the way.
MoESD cites declining national enrolment, approves kitchen and dining hall for 2025–26
During the 18th Meet-the-Press session held on 1st August 2025 the Ministry of Education and Skills Development (MoESD) shared that despite developmental activities taking place in Lingmithang Middle Secondary School in Saling Gewog, and nearby area of Mongar, and rising community expectations, upgrading the school into a boarding school is not currently planned.
The school has long been struggling without basic infrastructure, such as a dining hall, kitchen, science lab, and multipurpose hall. The school serving day meals, is increasingly catering to students from remote villages like Drogsar, Mangling, and Sengor.
Further, population is expected to grow due to new development projects in Lingmithang and Bongdeyma.
The Department of School Education (DSE)’s Director, Tashi Namgyal, acknowledged the school’s critical role in supporting students from far-flung communities and recognized the local government’s appeal. However, he emphasized the need for a long-term, data-driven approach to school infrastructure investments, particularly in light of the country’s declining student population driven by lower birth rates.
He said that while the ministry understands the demand and appreciate the school’s importance in the region, the national strategy requires assessing sustainability and resource optimization.
He shared that the Mongar town, which is just 45 minutes away already has schools equipped with hostel facilities, along with a higher secondary school serving the broader educational needs of the area.
Although a boarding upgrade was not approved, MoESD confirmed that improvements are on the way. A budget has been allocated for the construction of a kitchen and dining hall in the 2025–2026 financial year to enhance the school’s ability to serve nutritious day meals and provide a more conducive learning environment.
MoESD further assured that it would continue to monitor enrollment patterns and the impact of ongoing regional developments to ensure that future interventions remain responsive and sustainable.
While hopes for a boarding facility may be deferred, the approval of key facilities marks a step forward for Lingmithang MSS in meeting its growing responsibilities.
