The Bhutanese Leading the way.
In the 13th FYP, the government aims to establish a social protection system that systematically addresses pressing social protection and welfare issues.
In absence of a comprehensive system administered by a single entity, this initiative is expected to maintain and foster Bhutan’s unique culture of self-reliance while ensuring that the vulnerable have the support needed to improve their lives.
Progress towards this outcome will be based on the creation of a robust system and integration of its mechanisms into government programs by 2029.
To enable an environment for comprehensive social protection, the government will develop and put in place the necessary policy and guidelines. Key to this will be the alignment of existing policies and their alliance under a comprehensive Social Protection Policy, outlining programs, target groups, and funding approaches.
To enhance vital social protection programs, improvements will be made to national life insurance coverage and premiums, along with pension and provident scheme coverage. Additionally, new systems will be established to support families, address unemployment, respond to emergencies and disasters, provide unpaid care-work assistance, and more.
To ensure a sustainable population outlook, emphasis will be made on advocating for work-life balance and implementing positive measures to encourage couples to have children.
Among the key challenges, one is Bhutan’s rapid urbanization that has led to a housing shortage in Phuentsholing, forcing many to live in Jaigaon, India. Housing developers face challenges such as high land acquisition and construction costs, expensive development finance, and difficulty repaying commercial housing loans.
This results in a high rent burden in urban areas, with over 40 percent of monthly household income spent on housing rent.
Addressing the needs of vulnerable groups requires a coordinated approach, with policies often failing to address issues like violence, mental health conditions, substance abuse, and exploitation.
Also, to address the needs of Persons with Disabilities (PWD) is particularly challenging due to lack of infrastructure, assistive technology, special needs educators, and social stigma.
His Majesty The King’s Kidu Program is a crucial social protection mechanism, which grants land to the landless poor, cash and/or in-kind support to families affected by natural and other calamities, and education support, among others benefiting the most vulnerable sections of Bhutanese society.
Currently, government mechanisms are limited to those employed in the formal sector. So, further study is needed to ensure a sustainable, inclusive, and universal coverage throughout the life cycle, aligning with the Royal Kidu Program
