Entitlement

In 2017 3,844 graduates applied for 494 RCSC vacancies which would leave out 3,350 graduates. Of this one could estimate that the smaller government corporate sector takes in another 350 still leaving behind 3,000.

It is clear as day that the only viable job option for this remaining 3,000 is the private sector, either as entrepreneurs or employees. This figure does not even include those not trying for the RCSC or class 10 and 12 pass outs.

However, if one goes by the narrative among the youth the only viable job option is seen either in the civil service or in a government corporation.

It is a sad reality of Bhutan that many of the youth who do not get government jobs prefer to stay at home and be a burden on their parents, and complain about unemployment rather than take the thousands of private sector jobs available.

A recent World Bank study found that the private sector in Bhutan is badly understaffed at several key positions further weakening an already weak private sector.

Whether the fault lies in our societal culture, parenting or education, it is becoming eminently clear that the youth of today have an unrealistic sense of entitlement, and are not willing to even spend a year or two toiling to get the requisite work experience and skills.

The government is already bloated, and civil servants pay and allowances are already consuming a more than healthy chunk of the budget which means there cannot be much expansion here.

It is time for Bhutanese youth to wake up and smell the coffee, before it is too late for them and the nation.

I am afraid of privilege, of ease, of entitlement.
Tan Le