The Bhutanese Leading the way.
It will also have to circumvent vehicle import restrictions to get the new vehicles
The Bhutanese has found that the new incoming government after the 2013 general elections will have to spend up to Nu 52 mn to replace the Toyota Land Cruiser of the Prime Minister and 13 Toyota Prados for the Cabinet Ministers, Speaker, National Council Chairman and the Opposition leaders.
The Nu 52 mn figure is exempt of any taxes as government vehicles imported for ministers are tax exempt. However, if the 50 percent sales tax and 20 percent green tax is included then the market value of these vehicles go up to Nu 88 mn.
A State Trading Corporation of Bhutan Limited (STCBL) employee said, “The only available model of Prado now is the Land Cruiser Prado. Considering that the ministers in 2008 opted for the VX model the price of each VX Land Cruiser Prado now comes to Nu 3.63 mn exclusive of any taxes.” Even the cheaper model of the Toyota Land Cruiser Prado called the TX model costs up to Nu 2.83 mn.
The new Prime Minister’s Land Cruiser will cost up to Nu 4.8 mn excluding any taxes.
According to government sources the vehicles for the Prime Minister, Ministers, Speaker, NC Chairman and the Opposition Leader is brought from the Royal Government of Bhutan exchequer and is not financed by donors.
As compared to the above figures the total Personal Income Tax collected in the financial year 2011 to 2012 as per the Revenue report of the government is Nu 925.17 mn. The Business Income Tax is Nu 1.299 bn and the Corporate Income Tax is Nu 5.186 bn.
The new government will also be in a tricky position because since March 2012 the government in light of the rupee crisis banned the import of any Prados. The new government will have to violate the ban set in place by the previous government and import the vehicles.
As of now Bhutan has around Nu 21 bn in rupee loans from Indian banks and the Indian government and a total national debt of Nu 78 bn which is around 80 percent of the Gross Domestic Product. As per the Finance Ministry rupee borrowings are expected to jump to Nu 38 bn by 2014-2015 and trade deficit is expected to widen to Nu 42 bn.
Also since 2008 the cabinet had banned any other government officials like Secretaries and Directors from importing new government Prados as the Ministers themselves were using Prados.
The value of each Prado taken by the minister’s exempt of any taxes in 2008 was Nu 1.4 to Nu 1.5 mn. If the taxes applicable at the time were applied then the market value of each Prado would have been Nu 2.3 to Nu 2.4 mn in 2008.
Similarly the Land Cruiser given to the Prime Minister in 2008 cost around Nu 2.5 mn and with taxes it comes to a market value of around Nu 3.7 mn then. The Prime Minister, however, has been using a Foreign Ministry’s Toyota Crown luxury car instead of his duty Land Cruiser allotted to him.
With the 2008 cabinet order restricting import of government Prado vehicles only for ministers and the March 2012 vehicle import ban it is understood that the market value of Prados and Land Cruisers have even risen higher.
As per a Ministry of Finance circular the current Land Cruiser and 13 Prados will be taken over by the Prime Minister, 10 cabinet ministers, Speaker, NC Chairman and Opposition leader respectively.
In 2010 the cabinet had issued ministers with an additional Wagon R which at the time were found to be used mainly for the personal works of ministers.
Tenzing Lamsang / Thimphu
Budget for their cars: Nu. 52million
PIT : Nu. 925million
Yes, 5.5% of our PIT gone to buy new cars because of these guys.
Does anyone know how much it costs to construct a farm road? a school? provide safe drinking water?
sorry, not only Prados, but laptop, i-phone, fax, extension cord boxes, panel heater and even flower pots.
i know for sure, they wont take the flower pots, power extension cords, brooms, dustbins, spitoons.
given our country’s reserve position lets see what our new government and the parliamentarians would demand……. Tsawa sum at test!
So far we have been appreciating Opposition Leader for trying to set right precedent by changing his orange scarf.
Hope he will also surrender his Prado selora to the National property Division to set a good example.. when country is facing rupee/economy crisis.
Accepting/approaching to/from our beloved HM for Prado at the free of cost is surprising news at this stage, whereas, the ordinary people are deprived of right to avail loan facility to construct their house and buy a car, even refused to provide the housing loan to complete the building .
There are some people in Bhutan who do not even have a safe and reliable drinking water at their door step and we have the senior government officials who want prados to travel in Thimphu city and occasionally on country side tour.
What is fair in it? New political parties should keep this in mind and serve Bhutan.
Our ex-ministers should have just taken their spare Wagon R vehicle than taking the Prados which could buy a house for a family!
as a concern citizen of bhutan ,the prados that are bought after 2008 election and given to ministers must return to the government and the next ruling party can use this.it is so devastating that ministers are given there government to them and i should too say that it is not at all fair in the eye of general public and the citizen of the country.despite of having a excellent a salary, allowance and even a good facilities they should be given a prodos back to them cos it doesnt sound good when the government do like that.
I am utterly dismayed by this news. I did not expect our leaders have such greed. I toil hard, and yet, I find it hard to sustain a family and so on. Yes, these ministers have served the country, but people like us are also serving the country in our own little ways and according to the level of salaries and perks we get. Iam losing my faith in the governance and political development in the country. I think the resigning ministers should reconsider giving up the prados, which I think is public property. It is interesting to note that some of us have not been able to hitch a ride on the office pool vehicles even for official purposes. We have been using our own maruti cars and altos to attend many official meetings.
What else can we expect from JYT!!!!!!!
The continuing tradition of freebees to already rich people is very sad. On one hand we are talking about cutting down on personal expenditures to curb ruppee and hard currency deficiency in the interest of the nation, but on the other hand if the government doesn’t mind giving out 4 million gift packets like this, what is all this hype about ruppe shortage about. The government might as well lift the ban on the import on cars and let the citizens live freely. This is the 4th PRADO freebee for many people.
Giving back prado could be joke. They DPT still come to office to make calls to do their party work. They got benefits around 13-15 lakhs for working 5 years half day or some never go to office even. Yet don’t feel guilty to take that amount n feel pinch to spend few 100s on calling their voters. Such pathetic selfish DPT members!! So full of them. Feel like vomittind thinking about them. So don’t expect prado.
X ministers milking the properties of Bhutanese people even when their mandate has coming to the end. It is shame that these rich people have basked befor his majesty for the cars and even office furnitures. This is not fair on people and to put HM in awkward position despite his graciousness. Kidus are only meant for the poor and needy yet these bunch of crooked ministers have the audacity to ask HM for the govt cars. They have grabbed lands, given million contracts to their near ones and duped people with so many sweet talking and had given themselves immense perks dying their office yrs, and they still seem bent on grabbing more wealth from the public. This is shame and their real face!!! Pls think twice before you vote again now. You hv seen the real face now!!
May be one day, some minister may claim that that want to transfer the official bungalow in their own name. So, every five year, new house, new car, new , laptop computer,etc.
Its from our income tax….. so we all need to think careful whom to vote.
As i am one of taxpayer of this country and provided equal and liberby to rise voice if everyone feel it is for welfare of the general public. The policy makers and laws uphold always say that under the law every one is eqaul and but when they come to their benefits they forget those who are living in such poor condition in the remotest part of the country.
It was so surprised to hear by common citizen like me to hear that such huge amount Nu.56 mm is required to purchase for new prados for new govt.
What don’t this current govt. have to take away all those given by the govt. but it is not used by the govt. fund but it is used from the fund collected from their taxpayers. If such fund used for certain expenses then how far the govt. will take care all the development. Please just think of us who voted to you once and don’t let our trusts and dream shatter.
Ya i too agreed wit wat karma n kadola wrote at the above statement
If only we want to get rid of these greedy ministers, better vote for new party. Otherwise, these ministers will have one more free prado after 5 years.
It is indeed sad to learn that we Bhutanese are so used to taking everything free. we are thoroughly pampered and completely spoil. For those of you expecting everything of free and taking free can you really digest something which is not yours but a hard earned tax payers money. Lets not forget that we are in the land of GNH and people of GNH are suppose to think in the larger interest of the country. For Gods sake at least pay something in return so that you create a precedent for the successor.
we are pampered and thoroughly spoil. So used to taking free and expecting free.
new party will rid Alto or Maruti car if we vote for them
Thanks god! PM, Ministers N Speaker n Chairmen bungalow is not given. save this for our children’s share.
whether anyone has delivered anything or not, I dont know. But surely, the Royal Government of Bhutan has delivered 4 Prados each to many of the senior Minister till date.
Now forget about Ministers even some Secretaries of the Ministries have covered Prados with tarpaulin….Intention are clear…
so, its upto you now,
with so much politics, corruption, happeining
its upto you to decide for whom to vote
The govt who robbed you for 5 years or a diff party, with new hopes
There is structural flaw in our system, and the decision makers will not want to correct it because they can always benefit from it. They can always ask soelra because they are accessible to higher authority at any time whereas for common people how they can ask Prado as Soelra not even maruti or Alto. This kind of horse trading will continue if there is no proper check and balance.
By nature human being have temptations and want to acquire more. In the long run, this is not good for all of us. DPT Ministers have to surrender the Prados as this will badly backfire them and the credibility of the DPT and government will be tainted and will be viewed very negatively by the common citizens. The common people will think that the Ministers and higher authority are “hands in glove”. Once they have this kind of image, it will take very long time to rebuild the credibility. DPT please surrender the Prados and create the conducive atmosphere befitting the democratic nation. Do not loot us, we are tired of the corrupt practices at the top and their collusions.
You should by now be able to get the clear message of the people. Hope Prados are returned and the democratically elected Ministers behave likewise, or else people in the democratic nation of Bhutan may not think twice to hold the Ministers accountable for their unacceptable behaviours now or in the long run- people will be very unforgiving.
This revealation of Ministers asking His Majesty to grant expensive vehicles as ‘soelrey’ is shocking, disgraceful and the last straw of the present government which acts holier than thou when it comes to treating others and preaching GNH and humility to rest of the country and even at international forums. Even if His Majesty granted it without being asked they should have gracefully declined saying ‘Thank you Your Majesty but this will not go down well for the country’s image and public opinion’.
The out -gone ‘Cabinet’ should have an emergency session and decide to return the ‘soelra’ and save not only the country’s image but their chances of returning to power. In other words, in the enlightened self- interest do something noble and put the money where the mouth is.
Yours
Shocked & shattered
Where is the common sense in our highly rated DPT ministers. With each step it takes, the DPT ministers are digging deeper and deeper their own graves. “You can fool some of the people all the time, all of the people some of the time. But you can’t fool all the people all the time”. Thank you for serving five unproductive years and please take what is rightfully yours. Do not hide behind the Solera excuse and try to rob the country when it needs most is your care, understanding and protection.
The prados are worth Nu.350,000/-only now with 15% depreciation for five years. So let the Ministers take them as kidu from the 5th King. That way the Ministers of next govt. will also work hard to get Prado Kidu at the end of their term. This should also serve as TALENT HUNTING FACTOR to encourage young and dynamic people to join POLITICS.
As per Facts’s rate of calculation of depreciation anything like building, vehicle etc will become worthless in 6.5 years. In that case Fact should give up all his property older than 6 years as they become worthless.
Dear Fact, can we pay Nu. 350,000 and get Prado from the DPT Ministers. I don’t think you will get at Nu.350,000. You can give to the School Principals and field people intead of these Ministers, if that is so cheap. Fact must be getting mad as the people of Bhutan are unhappy with the DPT Ministers.
If the new govt buys new prados for the new ministers then it is violation of the rule becoz there is import ban on cars. But i’m sure they will lift the ban first so that they can buy and then again impose ban so that others will not be able to buy.
Sunmoom You are writing little sense anyway. That is the benefit of being lyonpos. While in civil service people have got vehicle quota without taxes and other levies. That is again the previllage of being in govt. service. If you were in one of the Lyonpos’ shoes you would have wished the samething. All human has unlimited wants/greeds. You would have wished to keep the Prado as Souvenir of being served as Lyonpo during your entire life- to show to your children, grand children and so on. Being served as Lyonpo is highest achievement in a life time that too a farmers’ son or daughter.
OL tried a political stunt by removing his Kabney and Patang, taking people for a ride.
If OL so genuine in his approach, why isn’t he do the same with his share of Paro???
let these vech be name plated as Zimba, Thakur, nandey khandu, Norbu and its leader JYT to be known as tax payer money looted from ex-chequer..
Are you guys voting again to DPT, if you vote you are cowards and supports this loots.
Lucky many did not ask also PA and PS to take away !
it is time for we citizen of the country to change government. JYT may ruin peaceful country. look at his wealth………. how he is skillful in invading land of other people. he may be having land in all twenty dzongkhags. Speaker and Home minister are suffering because of him.
lets go for pdp or other new party.
Manjid Kumar
You go to hell and vote for your party. Why bother others! When you die you will die alone. You can not take anyone with you. Can you? NO. So be it yourself!
To fact of fake, the one who encourages looting the properties of Bhutan, Prados are properties of the people of Bhutan and these DPT Ministers, OL, and Thrizin cannot just rob us. We just cannot imagine the system we have. Of all these days, we were proud that we have the best system in the South Asia region, we are losing this pride because of our inability of the Ministers to satisfy their greed.
Ours is a small nation, we cannot play like Bangladesh and India or Nepal, anything we do in Bhutan has dire consequences because of its smallness, so there is every reason and logic to be sensitive to the public opinion and leaders must refrain from cheating and looting the public. If fact or fake is in the likes of looting the public your days are not far behind, you will soon catch up with those people convicted by the Courts one day or the other including the Ministers if they don’t surrender the Prados. We say this with very clear conviction, we will also talk this with all the people that matter to Bhutan if these goons have no shame. So far we respected our leaders of our country, we respected our country, now we are beginning to rethink the types of leaders ruling us. We are seeing now day light robbery, fake or fact cannot just become thick skin and insensitive to the views and opinions of the public. A time may come when you will regret for misusing the power and for looting the public properties including the Prados. We will ensure that this property is returned and we will continue to hard press those looters of Prados, this is no joke- we are angry with the Ministers for robbing the Prados. We wish to see Parados are returned within this week or two. These Prados are not meant for them to ride during their campaign. That is why, fake or fact, we are saying if the people at the top collude and loot the public properties, the loyal citizens will lose faith in the system. We are of the view that maintaining clean system and having a faith to our leaders is utmost important than looting the public properties like Prados. Do you (fake or fact) think we can have unity and harmony if leaders keep on looting? Do you think there will be social cohesion and equity, if there is daylight robbery like this? This is not the correct way to compare with the vehicle quota? This is gross misuse of power and Ministers abusing the flaw of the weak structural system we have. Ministers would not like to correct this flawed system because they want to exploit it to satisfy their temptations and greed. If there is no proper check and balance system in place, these Ministers will always exploit to benefit themselves.
This is a food for thought for all of us, but we need the Prados back, whether OL, DPT or NC chairperson, there is no excuse for them to take Prados even if they were granted by the King, this is highly objectionable. Rupee crisis, common people not able to meet their basic needs and Ministers getting soelra/kidu-the biggest joke in the democratic history of ours, hope some common sense will prevail on them and initiate to return Prados. We are seriously saying, we are losing our faith to the system that was once highly regarded.
May be under the monarchical system, Prados were granted for different purpose and need, but this cannot be under a different system for obvious reasons- rupee crisis, increased people’s voice, accountability to the constituencies and all this makes people to question the government. That is why Ministers and government have to be more careful and sensitive to the views and opinion of the public and important to remain clean to garner the public support and to increase the credibility and image of the government and the country. Fake or fact you got to learn the long term interest of the nation instead of killing the goose at one go!!!!
What about secretaries taking the prados with them?
If OL does not surrender the Prado, he is as good as the DPT goons and people will now test his principles whether the stand he took against the DPT so far holds water!!
I was wrong to think that the OL was a good principled man. Alas, it takes just one prado to entice him. Imagine him being the PM, with all the temptations, he will be no better than our very own JYT.
Most of us know that his surrendering his kabney and patang is just a political stunt BUT the village folks, who are not in touch with the daily happenings in the capital do not see it as one. They see it as a humble/noble gesture by a humble man. These politicians are all out to fool us again.
This democracy is bringing out the worst in everyone. Its a contest of who can fool the most.
Soelra to the wrong people. It is unjust enrichment. Ministers should walk with their faces masked.What the hell have they done for the last 5 years. All mess and corruptions and nepotism everywhere favouring their kids and kins and in-laws. Bhutan heading in the wrong directions.
Mr. Sunmoom,
I appreciate your concern despite giving all the justifications. Now tell me what you and I can do here? Prados have gone never to come back because it is no use crying over spilled milked. If you are so patriotic join politics, serve for five years as Lyonpo(if elected and you are capable) and if the PRADO of your duty is gifted to you, then you refuse to take it. This is the only option left with us. You should learn to appreciate others success and and learn to mourn/comfort when someone is in despair. If you do this much you do not have to perform good deeds to realize merits. Bye!
Respect to the OL ~ at least there’s one politician acting in a principled way.
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=605177059494924&set=a.226392144040086.68990.213963285282972&type=1&theater
To OL, we were worried that you were being trapped by the polluted design of DPT and include you as one of their mafia member. Please stand by the principle. In the beginning if you refer to our articles, we told you that you could be a Minister but not a PM because something is missing in you. Over the last five years, you have emerged as one of the true leaders of Bhutan and that there is growing confidence in you amongst our communities. Qualification wise, experiences wise, leadership wise and from every angle, we are convinced that you can be a leader of the country one day. Please do keep up your work above all temptation and personal greed, where possible try to bring institute system that is good for overall interest of the country. Do not leave any grey areas where Ministers can exploit to benefit their greed and personal interest. Once again we are convinced that you could possibly lead this beautiful nation of ours one day. We need a clean man who can sacrifice all the personal temptations and greed.
To our honourable PM, we are losing our faith in you, may be you have served this nation for many decades and how many Prados and Land cruisers you would have taken both officially and without the public notice during these tenure. We had been a staunch supporter of you personally and the DPT. But our faith in you is beginning to genuinely fading slowly because of your vested interest and most importantly the last incidence of PRADOA issue make us shame and cannot even think that we are supporter of you and the DPT. We even cannot think that you could become so cheap and greedy to ask soelra and kidu from HM when the country is running Rupee crisis, when common people are finding difficult to meet their basic needs. You could have graciously resigned with clean manner without any polluted baggage. Certainly your ending was very bad, we have still hohpe that somel lights and wisdom will prevail on you and that DPR will return Prados and Land cruisers.
Honorable PM, 7 to 10 years ago when the nation was under the monarchical system, Prados were granted to Ministers for different purpose and need, but this cannot be continued under a democratic and different system for obvious reasons- rupee crisis, increased people’s voice, accountability to the constituencies and all this makes people to question the government. That is why Ministers and government have to be more careful and sensitive to the views and opinion of the public and important to remain clean to garner the public support and to increase the credibility and image of the government and the country. PM need to learn the long term interest of the nation instead of killing the goose at one go!!!! Prados and Land cruisers are properties of the people of Bhutan and these DPT Ministers and Thrizin cannot just rob us. We just cannot imagine the system we have. Of all these days, we were proud that we have the best system in the South Asia region, we are losing this pride because of our inability of the Ministers to satisfy their greed.
So far we respected our leaders of our country, we respected our country, now we are beginning to rethink the types of leaders ruling us. We are seeing now daylight robbery, Ministers cannot just become thick skin and insensitive to the views and opinions of the public. A time may come when you will regret for misusing the power and for looting the public properties including the Prados. We will ensure that this property is returned and we will continue to hard press those looters of Prados, this is no joke- we are angry with the Ministers for robbing the Prados. We wish to see Parados are returned within this week or two. These Prados are not meant for them to ride during their campaign. That is why, we are saying if the people at the top collude and loot the public properties, the loyal citizens will lose faith in the system. We are of the view that maintaining clean system and having a faith to our leaders is utmost important than looting the public properties like Prados. Do you (PM) think we can have unity and harmony if leaders keep on looting? Do you think there will be social cohesion and equity, if there is daylight robbery like this? This is not the correct way to compare with the vehicle quota? This is gross misuse of power and Ministers abusing the flaw of the weak structural system we have. Ministers would not like to correct this flawed system because they want to exploit it to satisfy their temptations and greed. If there is no proper check and balance system in place, these Ministers will always exploit to benefit themselves and put our HM in awkward situation by asking kiddy/soelra. Shame on these beggars although they hold the position of Ministers, you have the guts to ask for kidu/soelra, it goes well if kidu/soelra is asked by the needy people. Remember that kidu/soelra if given to unfortunate ones and poor people will be appreciated. If kidu /soelra is given to rich and the powerful it signifies the collusion amongst the people in power and common citizens will view this very negatively and the reaction of the public will be very intense and strong.
This is a food for thought for all of us, but we need the Prados back, whether OL, DPT or NC chairperson, there is no excuse for them to take Prados even if they were granted by the King, this is highly objectionable. Rupee crisis, common people not able to meet their basic needs and Ministers getting soelra/kidu-the biggest joke in the democratic history of ours, hope some common sense will prevail on them and initiate to return Prados. We are seriously saying, we are losing our faith to the system that was once highly regarded.
If this trends of soelra continues: It may only be good for few and rich people and bad for other poor people. we common people need to collectively think about it and raise our views and concerns accordingly in an appropriate platform: we must make a right choice when we vote for a new government in 2013.
Chhu yesalu chhap tsap!! interesting to hear “PRADO AS Soielra” what is next now????
Wai Kancho
Ofcourse few ministers are well settled due to their inherited properties, but others are ordinary citizens like us= Lyonpo Nandalal, Lyonpo Thakur, Lyonpo Minjur, OL, NC Chairman, Lyonpo Dorji Wangdi, Lyonpo Zangla, Lyonpo of Agriculture etc. They just joined politics and attained this position. If you can you also have equal opportunity to join politics. All the best
Its sad to see that Bhutan is creating such precedent. In one had, we say we are poor, but if such things happens and we are not aware of this, one day.. for sure .. we can see ourself in a very tight and complicated situation. I just pray that we realize this, before it is too late.
People of Bhutan should be aware that every penny counts, and this comes from the pocket of individual in terms of taxes. Good check and balance should be maintain and we as bhutanese should be a team and drive the country forward towards development. Minimizing internal expenses of the country will add up to the economy of the country, and this should be well understood by our leaders.
Such trend would prevail, and at the end we the nation would be the sufferers. As a employee of a firm, we are never rewarded with any office belongings, and the same must prevail for every employee of this nation, These things belong to the people of Bhutan, and must be returned after been used. WE ARE HERE TO SERVE THE PEOPLE, AND NOT LET THE PEOPLE SERVE AND SUFFER FOR US.
52 million needed for the next set of ministers? oh wow. Where does the next gov get this amount from? Will it dig another hole to fill up this hole? From where do I get all the money to pay for the cars for my ministers when I become the next Prime Minister? Take another loan to fill this shortage?
My “foreead is tickling” too now.
Breaking News:
OL hands over his duty vehicle to Govt.
This has following repercussions:
1. It is a publicity and later he will take double of what he lets go now.
2. He has also switched on to white Kabney which demeans HM’s Kabney conferred to him.
3. If he really cared for the country and the people, why did he use the PRADO in the first place only. Maruti Alto or TATA Nono would do the job of taking an OL to his office.
La ho! Thank Gowd M not one of the DPT members. I won’t be able to show my face for the shame!
Going to HM to request to grant solra, to look like HM appreciated them for their gud works, khai. It all came out anyway. I see greed and scheme in the deed. Too clever the JYT for a small nation to get plundered.
The prados new govt. cud use n save govt. expenses. They want to say the begged here in there for donations n they deserve the prados? Our donors will be ashamed. Donor give for supporting dev. for the people not for the ministers to plunder.
So sad and ashamed. I feel shy to show my face for them as we voted for these greedy eaters. Neva knew they are such skunk.
I highly acclaim the gut of both ex-Lyonchen and ex OL for doing what they did. The former asked for the car and the later rejected. Now comes the question what drove them both to such action. The former stepped forward for his own self-interest while the later was prompted because the people thinks its the right thing to do.
What the OL did recently – give up his lyonpo scarf and surrendering of his Prados is the type of quality of leadership lacking in Bhutan inspite of all the efforts our Kings have made during monarchy time and even now.
The qualities exhibited by the OL show he is now ready to lead the next government. This election we youth need to make our voices and choices heard.
Thanks to OL for surrendering his Prado. …rich are becoming richer and poor are becoming poorer in Bhutan. middle and low income group Government servants who have served the Tsa-Wa sum with full dedication for more than 2-4 decades can also ask for soelra. They are the main Engine of Government
Machinery. They are the real unsung heroes.
Does anyone know what happens to these gifted prados, a soilra from the HM which all ex-lyopnpos graciously accepted without a blink? Looking at the past trend, normally, the lyonpos sell off these gifts to the highest bidders demanding a price that is higher than the prevailing market value based on their claims that these vehicles were excellently maintained (from the govt budget of course) and very well taken care of. In fact, very true, all lyonpos really do take care of these govt cars as if they own them privately. And yes, as if they knew already they would actually own these vehicles at the end of their term in office. Ultimately, these soilras are turned into money, which in turn help these lyonpos in fattening their bank balance. With the current ban on imports of vehicles into the country, these ex-lyonpos certainly do know the swelling market value of the royal gifts. So, this is how the story of the minister’s prados ends.
i am glade we have selfless citizen like the former opposition leader. i love it and hope to understand many bhutanese through such understanding. as a civil servant i earn Nu. 15000 in a month, out of which, i contribute Nu.1500 as a pit to the national wealth. in a year i have net disposable income of Nu. 162000; just 6.5% of their one time solra. very amazing and worrying for all times.
i thirst for a leader like opposition leader and i would vote and urge to vote him on…cheers opposition leader, we want what you did.
my fellow bhutanese, lets be mindful of our contribution -pvt. employees, corporate employees, civil servants and the employers, and exercise our right. lets make bhutan a beautiful place to live in and lets enjoy the benefit of our contribution to the government. m fade-up with the old time ruling strategy of the DPT……..sorry
Have a close glaze into the eyes of former OL, there are thousands of Jackles, Foxes and all the sly instincts. If he leads the next govt., Bhutan will head for DOOMS day. Things are becoming very scarry, unstable,and precarious. May God save Bhutan.
Sly or not, OL seems to be a better man than JYT. What OL really is, we don’t know yet. What JYT is, we KNOW it all! If you don’t, you must be blind!
So far till now, no MPs have sacrificed shit to the country. They have all been taking, taking, taking from us, from the moment they joined office. At least this OL showed them all how to let go of an expensive gift (worth 2 million).
I am not surprised by what DPT did. It all started with fighting for patang, salary hike, vehicle quota and I knew something like Prado as Soelra will come. This is what DPT is popular for, filling the insatiable desire. This also proves how bad a politician they are.
I regret to have voted them in 2008.
Oh ! It is a heart breaking news
Here lies the Equity & Justice. Please wait for the share
As a citizen of the country and a taxpayer, it would be wrong of me not to register my protest in the strongest terms possible against the move of the outgoing ministers to gift themselves with their official Prados. I as a voter like many others, who gave our previous vote to this party to bring in these ministers, we feel greviously wronged and shocked that they should gift themselves with this Prados without consulting those who put them in power. It is a crying shame that they dragged the crown into their selfish and dirty game. I can’t imagine on what grounds they justify such acts of self indulgence, but perhaps its only us to blame for blindly putting our faith in these most inhuman and insatiable daylight robbers of the inocent and ignorant. Wasn’t Gyelpozhing a same kind of gimmick that they defended ?.I sacrificed my only vote for these party purely based on my analysis that experience was the key requisite to take our infant democracy forward,. As the years rolled over, I was more and more inclined to think, from the actions and reactions of the government, that they thought they were doing us a favour. Today as they exit they want to take their pound of flesh.
Gyelpozhing was executed more tacitly and tactfully but today they do not hesitate to rob us so brazenly. Have we given them so much authority that they can just about do anything they wish?
Some are referring to it as seolra from the King, some call it Kidu. I would say it is neither. A seolra is something that the king bestows on a subject for some exemplary contribution – its not demanded or requisitioned. Moreover, the only overwhelming contribution that is visible at the end of their tenure – is the precarious positioning of the country – on the brink of economic disaster. From this count they defintely do not deserve the royal soelra. A kidu is something that is granted by the king to the downtrodden and the helpless to uplift their welfare. It is obvious from their armada of land cruisers and prados, etc, accumulated over the years through various means, our ministers hardly look downtrodden. They would be last ones to come into contention for a Kidu.
With every one feeling the crunch of the econmic downturn, this is hardly the time for selfish adventurism. Therefore, I would like to make my sincerest request to the ministers who pledged to serve us, to serve us by not making matters worse. I am sure that not all the ministers think alike. Surely, some of your conscience must call!
Now I am on the look out for a new party!
Laksam, I most humbly beg to disagree with you. OL will make a good leader and the team he has behind him will give all the support to ensure that head and heart are in the right places. The OL is a hands on person and has tremendous energy and guile to get things done. We ought to give him a chance. We cannot afford to remain diehard DPT supporters, for our true loyalty should be towards this blessed country. Palden Drukpa Gyallo!!!!!!!!
This is the system of GNH country where big fishes are escaped and smaller ones will hang. If its for the smaller one thousands counts a lot and concern authorities make a through investigation and punished them but when it comes to bigger ones billions count a less and concern authorities are blind and deaf to it.
Government’s New Happiness…..Druk Prado Tshogpa…………….
Hi guys,
if the DPT comes again in the Power after five years they will definitely ask HM for the Ministers’ Enclave (Mothithang) as begged Soilra. They can ask kidu for themselves to HM but nothing for the voiceless citizens. Truly they are professional beggars…………..they get whatever they want after all they are the only ones who served the Tsa Wa Sum selflessly…………….???
This time let’s go for the working party instead of barking party….so vote wisely………….
Truly Democracy has come to Bhutan but not for the people but for the Government (DPT).