DEMOCRACY IN ACTION

Pemaling Gewog in Samtse is facing a significant challenge as fruit drop rates has increased dramatically, impacting the livelihood of local farmers. Agriculture extension officer, Dechen Lham, who has dedicated 10 years to working in the region before a transfer to Haa and subsequent return, reports that fruit drop has …

Samtse’s orange orchards, once the largest orange-producing region, is now battling a relentless enemy known locally as “Jaruwa” or fruit drop. This pervasive issue, caused by the citrus/chinese fruit fly known scientifically as Bactrocera minax (Enderlein) threatens the orange farmers’ livelihood, yet they remain steadfast and hopeful despite the odds. Heran Chettri …

May is Mental Health Awareness Month Despite the absence of definitive studies on the causes of mental health conditions within the nation, The PEMA Secretariat acknowledges the global recognition of the multifaceted nature of mental health issues. With this understanding, the country has integrated mental health components into its National Health Survey …

Government agencies, education institutions and private companies websites give contact details from phone numbers to emails but how updated, efficient or effective are they. Numerous instances have occurred where there was a deficiency in the response time to urgent questions from the public, as well as instances when the phone …

As of 30 April 2024, the Competition and Consumer Affairs Authority (CCAA) has successfully collected fines amounting to Nu 1,027,200 for unethical business practices. Additionally, CCAA has facilitated refunds amounting to Nu 30,000 for aggrieved consumers. A total of nine consumer complaints were registered in April, with 5 cases successfully …

The Royal University of Bhutan (RUB) Vice Chancellor, Nidup Dorji, has confirmed that the convocation will be held for the graduates of 2019-2023, totaling to 17,160 individuals. In a departure from tradition, the convocation will not be a grand gathering at the Royal Institute of Management’s (RIM) Hall, instead, the …

Responding to a question asked during the 3rd Meet-the-Press session, held yesterday, on whether Bhutan will implement the Bhutan Baccalaureate (BB) curriculum in schools amidst the departure of trained teachers, the Minister for Education and Skills Development, Yeezang D Thapa, said that despite an attrition rate of five teachers (trained …

During the 3rd Meet-the-Press on 26 April, the Prime Minister (PM) said submitting the nomination of the current Finance Minister Lekey Dorji to be the Finance Minister is his worst decision as well as his best decision. PM explained that it was the worst decision because the Finance Minister really …

The latest three-month from December 2023 to February 2024 report reveals a remarkable statistic: zero doctors have left their position at the Jigme Dorji Wangchuck National Referral Hospital (JDWNRH). The report indicates development in the retention of experienced healthcare professionals, and brings hope to the ongoing challenges in Bhutan’s healthcare …

As per Royal Bhutan Police’s (RBP) statistic 2023, there were 3,669 individuals arrested, which includes 356 individuals below 18 years of age, 1,545 youths, and 1,768 adults. Offence wise, 2,810 individuals were arrested for substance use, 759 for trafficking, 61 illegal sales of inhalants and solvents and 39 illegal possessions. …