The Bhutanese Leading the way.
Phuentsholing Thromde, which is the second largest city in the country, the population has increased from 20,537 (PHCB, 2005) to 27,658 (PHCB, 2017). In addition, the city also has the second highest unemployment rate at 4.0% (PHCB, 2017) amongst the four Thromdes.
For the 12th FYP, Phuentsholing Thromde has been allocated Nu. 2.08 bn based on Resource Allocation Formula (RAF) criteria and other important segments for the Thromde. For the population criteria, 15 percent of the total budget has been allocated.
For the Thromde’s 12th FYP, 9 key strategies have been identified. The Thromde will develop and improve critical infrastructures and ensure standards and quality, identify, build and strengthen critical HR capacity and skills. And at the same time, their effective and efficient management and utilization will also be ensured.
People Partnership Program arrangement will be initiated and there are also plans to hire experts for planning and implementation to offset lack of HR capacity and skills.
The Thromde will also promote and strengthen entrepreneurship and enterprises of all types, increase contracting and outsourcing of works and services while also ensuring quality and value for money. There are also plans to identify issues, opportunities and mitigating interventions related to cross-cutting issues and themes such as gender, climate, environment, disaster, poverty, population, and vulnerable and disabled people among others during planning and strategy formulation.
The plan also says that it will tap incentives and sectoral support available through various policies such as Economic Development Policy, Fiscal Incentive Policy, Thromde Finance Policy, Cottage, Small and Medium Industry Policy, etc. for local development and economic or business growth.
The Thromde will also identify land in collaboration with National Land Commission during the plan preparation phase to develop or facilitate the development of infrastructure for businesses, enterprises, industries, or service centers and for other social development and explore different revenue sources for becoming self-sustainable.
Phuentsholing Thromde has also identified 9 Local Government Key Result Areas (LGKRAs). The LGKRAs includes Gainful Employment Created and Local Economy Enhanced, and Transparent, Effective and Efficient Public Service Delivery Enhanced.
The other LGKRAs includes quality of Education and Skills Improved, Health and nutrition of Thromde residents enhanced, culture and traditions preserved and promoted, carbon Neutral, Climate and Disaster Resilient Development Enhanced, gender equality promoted, women and girls empowered and Democracy and Decentralization Strengthened.
The Thromde has allocated 10 percent for GHN index, 30 percent for health, 15 percent for education, 5 percent for culture, 15 percent for the environment and remaining 10 percent for safety.
Phuentsholing Thromde has six constituencies (Demkhongs) represented by an elected people’s representative called Tshogpa.
