The Bhutanese Leading the way.
In response to a question during the monthly meet-the-press the Prime Minister (PM) clarified on the government’s plan to allocate Nu 1 billion to support one child from each eligible family to study abroad.
The eligibility criteria were designed to benefit economically disadvantaged families, those who have not sent any family members abroad, and students’ academic merit in getting admission.
The PM also introduced an additional factor prioritizing Gyalsung pass-outs for this opportunity. “I wish to prioritize the first batch of Gyalsups,” PM stated, “If no one from their family has gone abroad, if they have good academic performance, and if they secure admissions, we will support them.”
While the Nu 1 bn program was a PDP pledge many people came on social media to question the pledge and how wise is it for the government to send people out at this time.
Kunezang Thinley said, “I am currently experiencing some confusion. It is my hope that our government is ensuring timely access to medication. As far as I am aware, the government has provided numerous amenities for those seeking to enter the country, and now they are also facilitating departures abroad.”
People even questioned if the fund can be put to better use at home.
Kezang Wangmo said, “Already people left and are leaving even without government funds.Is that necessary? Focus on building better infrastructures, opportunities, and facilities in sectors. Here we are without basic amenities.”
On the same line Pema Rabgay said, “As good as it may sound on the paper, I genuinely think creating better opportunities at home is more sustainable for the country’s future. Going abroad has many costs associated with it and there’s only so much the government can do, the remaining cost will be an enormous burden for these families. Rather, provide scholarships to study in country, this will be less stressful for the families, good for business owners, and cheaper for the government. Invest in creating jobs and providing opportunities that aligns with current trends. No one will leave their home if there’s a good reason to stay. Please be that reason. Let’s not be hypothetical, let’s be realistic.”
Tshering said while the country is worried about citizen moving abroad with shortage of manpower within the country , the government is busy making unrealistic policies.
People also questioned if the scheme would really benefit the people it is targeting with fears that the well connected would benefit more.
Kuenga Gyeltshen said, “This will never be fair. Saying the priority will be given to whoever meets the criteria will not work. It’s better to let all the people know from the beginning itself that there is this kind of opportunity because some people who are not aware are usually those coming from the economically disadvantaged background. Children with strong family background always has more chances of receiving these kinds of opportunities as the parents puts them a step ahead in anything they do compared to those whose parents are farmers. It’s not a fair competition among the children but it’s the competition between parents.”
Others questioned why we are indirectly giving our money to Australia, that could be used for investment in the country.
Karma Gyeltshen questioned how the PDP is adding new criteria that was not there in the manifesto.
Namgay Tshering asked why there is ambiguity in the statements of politicians. He said, “There is no need for diplomacy here. All we need is clarity, such as who should be considered poor, the maximum amount a candidate can avail for pursuing further studies abroad, what is next if that Nu.1 billion fund is exhausted, and the source of funding among others.”
Semchen suggested instead of funding for aboard, the money can be injected as supplement budget to pay the private employees by topping up on the salaries of their employees till such time the company picks up the standard to pay employees at par with the government employees.
