EDITORIAL

The Bhutan Innovation Forum (BIF) marks an important moment in Bhutan’s journey towards sustainable development, economic self-reliance, and a future that embraces both tradition and modernity. As we gather to celebrate innovation, creativity, entrepreneurship, intellect and technological advancements, it is crucial to reflect on the challenges and opportunities that define …

The fact that Bhutan has 48,325 persons with disabilities (five and above), which is 6.8% of our population, should come as a wake up call for policy makers, institutions and society as a whole. The main problem for persons with disabilities in Bhutan and their family members is not the …

Fuel adulteration is a silent threat with far-reaching consequences, especially in Bhutan, where regulatory oversight remains weak. It is clear that for now the fuel adulteration is happening across the border at the expense of Bhutan and is costing us hundreds of millions if not billions. Whoever is responsible, be …

It is said that you can have only one home and no matter its challenges, your home is yours. The challenges in the last few years which have been building up over the last two decades is threatening this collective home of ours. Already, large numbers of Bhutanese have decided …

While Bhutanese head abroad to make money a major factor in them not wanting to come back is the educational facilities and systems abroad for their children. Often, this is what is holding back homesick parents and eventually they end up settling abroad. While Bhutan has been focusing on the …

For many years now, Bhutanese have been noting the drying water sources impacting both agriculture and drinking water in both rural and urban areas across Bhutan. This is a clear and visible impact of climate change as a heating planet and erratic rain and snowfall means traditional water sources can …

When it comes to education in Bhutan the discussion these days centers around teacher shortage, Dzongkha, board results, STEM subjects, Humanities, exams etc. In all of the above, important matters like student welfare, mental health, a safe school space and well-being of students is ignored or not given priority. While …

Ever since the issue of large numbers of Euro 6 diesel vehicles breaking down have come to the fore, the reaction of the responsible officials has been a mix of defensiveness and denial. The common refrain has been that no written official complaint has been filed on the vehicles or …

Whenever a service provider or official is not in office, the most probable reason will be a meeting. If a study is done on the use of time by public officials, the major chunk of time will be consumed by meetings. Meetings, when really required, are important to get more …

Bureaucracy is the practice of taking a bunch of well-meaning people and tying them up in so much red tape, rules and process that they are unable to function, and at the end even the simplest tasks takes enormous process, time and effort. Bureaucracy and the accompanying red tape does …