The Bhutanese Leading the way.
For the first time, Members of Parliament from both houses and political parties among others also addressed the NGOP this year
The Prime Minister, Labour Minister, President of Bhutan Kuen-Nyan Party, Vice President of Druk Nyamrup Tshogpa and other senior government official yesterday met the graduates, who are currently attending the National Graduate Orientation Programme (NGOP) in Thimphu.
Lyonchhen Tshering Tobgay told the graduates that being a Bhutanese meant different to different people, but all Bhutanese think and understand the Tsa- Wa -Sum.
Lyonchhen reminded the graduates of the sacrifices that parents and relatives have had to make for them. “Some have not qualified for government school after completing class X and XII, but your parents have scarified the money to enroll you in private schools. I know many of you have completed your graduation from private colleges. So many of you present here have much to thank your parents for completing your graduation,” Lyonchhen said.
For the first time, members of various constitutional bodies, Parliamentary houses and political parties among others addressed the graduates this year.
Bhutan Kuen-Nyam Party (BKP), President Sonam Tobgay besides thanking Lyonchhen for the opportunity to address the gathering said, “In the real world, it is difficult but there are ample of opportunities for you, only thing we need is to do in right direction. My humble suggestion to all of you present here is do not lose hopes in terms of employment for it is good as long as you have the spirit burning in you to be a productive citizen.”
Druk Nyamrup Tshogpa (DNT), Vice President Achyut Bhandari said DNT was formed by group of professionals, who have various experience in government and private sectors. “We felt that there was a need for additional political parties because in 2008 election, there were only two parties qualified for the general election. We had a great responsibility on our head, therefore, we must work together to make democracy work for Bhutan.”
He also urged the graduates to not give up easily. “Some people start and do businesses for 6 months and if it does not go well, they closed it and try another. I am not saying it is bad but you should find out why it is not going well and you should analyze what have learned in college and universities,” he told the graduates.
During the Question Hour session, a graduate from Geddu College of Business Studies, Pema Dorji inquired on government’s assistance towards organic farming to which Lyonchhen said he would personally meet interested graduates and talk about it if they’d consider it seriously.
Phuspa Sharma, a graduate with a micro- biology degree is not happy as she has been directed by the RCSE to register under general category. She raised the issue and also pointed out that masters degree course in her major has not been recognized by the commission.
Lyonchhen said, “Civil service must get serious. If they require specialists, they should be willing to accept it and be willing to recognize their qualifications. As you have spent lot of time and money in accruing your important specialization, if you are going to join civil service and civil service is not acknowledging the value you acquired then it will be terrible waste for you and RCSE.”
Lyonchhen said he was not in a position to promise instantly to do anything specifically but will look into the system. “I will try to reform the civil service to make it flexible enough to accommodate exactly what the civil service needs. I will sit and discuss with RCSE and look into it,” he assured.
Another graduate Tshering Lham asked about the need to abolish the Preliminary Exam (PE) for graduates which was actually pledged by the government during its campaign.
Lyonchhen asked to graduates how many at the gathering wanted PE to which a majority responded in a chorus that they didn’t want it.
Lyonchhen said, “From my view, after studying for more than 15 years, RCSE is judging the capability of a graduate in one day. I think conducting PE is not fit to judge the capability of a person in one day. PE will not help select the most capable person. I think RCSE should look into this matter and system needs to be changed.”
Lyonchhen also added that the government will talk with RCSE about it and assured change in the system by next year.
