KUENSEL

THAT THE PEOPLE SHALL BE INFORMED

M O N D AY

Merak-Sakteng Gewogs

Reaching right up to their doorsteps

In line with popular sentiment, Lyonchhoen assures complete connectivity in 11th Plan
TEMPA WANGDI
The farm roads that were left half way to Merak and Sakteng will now be stretched until the gewog offices in the 11th Plan, Prime Minister Jigmi Y Thinley said, during his meeting with people of northern Trashigang on January 19. require a hefty budget. There arent many rocks and it wouldnt need more turnings from both Thrakthri and Jigmeling, Lyonchhoen said. An estimated 24km from Thrakthri would have to be built to reach Sakteng, and eight kilometres from Jigmeling to reach Merak gewog office. Over 800 households, including those in Phongmey and Bidung, would benefit from the Sakteng farm road. Merak farm road would benefit over 280 households, as well as Phongmey and Radhi gewogs. Meanwhile, the prime minister told the villagers of Kangpara gewog yesterday that Pasaphu, Threlphu, Lamaigonpa and Zordhung villages would also be connected with farm roads in the 11th Plan.

First of the flakes :

FARMROADS
If tourism hasnt been benefitting the people more than a road, well take the roads to the gewogs, Lyonchhoen said. We should respect peoples wishes. Herders from Merak and Sakteng said tourism hasnt benefitted the community, except for a handful, who own more horses and cattle. Although we appreciate the governments decision to leave the road half way to maximise the benefits from tourism, the plan hasnt benefited all, a herder Tenzin Gembo said. Earlier, the government had decided to build the road until Jigmeling in Merak, and Thrakthri in Sakteng. It was speculated that, if the road were built to the gewogs, many tourists wouldnt halt in the villages. It was also thought to benefit the community through porter and pony charges. Lyonchhoen said taking the roads to gewog offices of Merak and Sakteng wouldnt

Druk Nyamrup Tshogpa

New solutions in new times

The latest (and fifth) party is in the process of preparing a 7-point contract with the people of Bhutan
KESANG DEMA
Just like a peach blossom, their election symbol, the party claims to be ushering in freshness, hope, and much more. And what they have to offer to people of Bhutan, going strictly by their words, is something unique, something that will match the issues confronting changing times. The fifth political party to be registered, Druk Nyamrup Tshogpa, is here to offer a viable alternative, which they feel is lacking right now. This is a new time that calls for new ideas and stronger commitments, the partys interim president, Jigme Zangpo, said. Let this team of professionals come in with new solutions. This, he said, will be done through the so-called 7-point contract with the people of Bhutan the party is in the process of preparing. The contract, which the party will reveal as time comes, will detail out their bold strategies to tackle key issues, like economy and bridging of gaps between haves and havenots.

COVER STORY

If tourism hasnt been benefitting the people more than a road, well take the roads to the gewogs
Jigmi Y Thinley The prime minister

WHATS INSIDE

PG. 9:

Court to decide on fate of tardy tenants

2 HOME

Monday January 21, 2013 KUENSEL

New solutions in new times

Druk Nyamrup Tshogpa receives certificate of registration yesterday

From Pg. 1 Elaborating further, one of the members, Nima Tshering, said, in Bhutan, while the geographic reality had not changed, its demographic reality had. So, in terms of development, instead of looking at it from geographic point of view, why dont we do it from the demographic point of view, he said, adding, while talking about youth unemployment and other problems, it could be turned into asset, by seeing it as youth dynamism and by harnessing their potential. Claiming that it was something different from the functioning of the present government, the partys interim president also said, for them, any decision-making would involve consultations with people, right from the grassroots. The kind of feeling we get

Reaching right up to their doorsteps

From Pg. 1 Accompanied by the home minister, Minjur Dorji, members of Parliament Choeki Wangmo and Lhatu, Lyonchhoen reached Kangpara yesterday, after meeting the people of Thrimshing and Khaling gewogs. It would be the governments priority to construct farm roads in remote areas like Kangpara, Lyonchhoen said. Your villages would be connected with farm roads in 11th Plan.

right now is that its a handful of people making decisions, he said. Ours would be democratic way of making decision. One of the founding members, Dr Tandi Dorji, said it was not just the prime minister or other parliament members alone that made a democracy, but that the role of other institutions and agencies must be respected. Everybody must be engaged and opinions and criticisms must be taken, he said. We havent seen this happening and this is what we, in true Nyamrup spirit, intend to do. Meanwhile, having secured registration, the party now intends to ready their documents, based on feedback election commission provided, and then head for respective constituencies. The interim president said a lot remained to be done, and that they have sleepless nights ahead. Dr Tandi Dorji said, despite being the first group to express interest to take part in the 2013 elections, they had taken a long time to build a strong team. It goes to show our intention to serve the country in a professional and dedicated manner, he said. The party that first came out in the media in January 2012 today has 41 people on the partys confirmed list of candidates. They hope to complete the list soon.

But, at the same time, wed like to welcome all those likeminded people, who believe that the country requires a viable alternative, who believes in strong political institution and who believes that, with new times, new ideas are required, we welcome them, Dr Tandi Dorji said. Meanwhile, receiving the certificate of registration from the election commission yesterday, interim president Jigme Zangpo said the party was founded on the belief that, in a healthy democracy, there must be strong political institutions that keep national interests above everything, and who provide alternative choices for the people. Nyamrup shall always strive to be such a party, he said. He also highlighted on the partys core beliefs that wealth and power should be spread among all Bhutanese, that opportunities should be provided equally, irrespective of ones station in life, that no Bhutanese is left behind, among others. Jigme Zangpo said the partys charter and manifesto was based on the principles of freedom, justice and solidarity. We believe these principles are the pillars that will hold people together, at the same time giving each individual his or her own space and voice, he said.

Lyonchhoen inaugurates Khardung-Merak farmroad

Monday January 21, 2013 KUENSEL

HOME

Domestic Air Services

Flying is both faster and cheaper

Travel costs by air compare favourably with those over land for our civil servants
SAMTEN WANGCHUK
A simple comparison of existing domestic airfare with travel and daily allowances, which civil servants of P5 level and above are entitled to, favours travel by air.
25 minutes

BUMTHANG
35 minutes

AVIATION
The finance ministrys recent circular to various ministries encouraged civil servants to use domestic air services in their travels to central, eastern and southern parts of the country. Besides helping sustain the domestic air services that have been rendered groundbound than soar to the skies, the logic among authorities was to enhance efficiency and save time. The conclusion is deduced from the consideration and verbal admission of some ministrys accounts officials that civil servants, when out on tour within the country, besides preferring to drive their own cars for convenience sake, and the mileage it earned them, claim travel and daily allowance for at least a week. Since most secretaries and directors have their own pool vehicles, finance ministry officials said they rarely claimed mileage, except for their daily allowance, which was fixed at Nu 800 a day. It was mostly P5 level officers, they said, who chose to drive their own cars for official duty to various parts of the country. Calculated at Nu 14 a kilometre, a P5 level civil servant residing in Thimphu, travelling to Gelephu, which is 266km, going by road safety and transport authority figures that almost all organisations follow, from the capital city earns from mere mileage, (both to and fro) Nu 7,448. Add to that another Nu

PARO

267k
THIMPHU

m
551km
TRASHIGANG

25 minutes

266

km

GELEPHU

Cost comparison between road and flight

Position
Secretaries/Directors (On a week long tour) P5 (TA/DA/Milege)

Destination By road
(TA/DA)
Sarpang Bumthang Trashigang Sarpang Bumthang Trashigang 5,600 5,600 5,600 10,948 10,976 18,928

By flight
(Round trip)
7,350 7,350 11,400 7,300 7,300 11,400

Civil service entitlement rules

Position Secretaries/Directors P5 DA 800 500

Mileage for both calculated at Nu 14 a kilometre. Excluding hiring charges of private vehicles on reaching destination and milage to airport and back.

3,500, which is the sum of their daily allowance over a week of Nu 500 a day on reaching their destination of work, and considering they spend at least a week, including two days on travel, tots up to Nu 10,948. The same officer, who now travels to Bumthang, which is 267km from Thimphu, under the same computation and similar scenario, earns about the same amount. Drive further to the east to Trashigang, which is 551km from the capital city, and that amount almost doubles to Nu 18,928. Should they choose to board a plane, notwithstanding the rocky experience passengers flying domestic shared

initially, than endure the longwinding lateral highway, the figure works out slightly lower. Here again, the figure is deduced, excluding the charges for hiring of private vehicles for official duty once landing at the destination, which is to be done by the dzongkhag administration through annual quotation, and considering they spend two working days instead of a week. Civil servants spending two days have been based on Drukairs schedule of flying thrice a week to its domestic destinations, on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. Drukair has been chosen for the purpose of comparison, because of availability of

its fares. Therefore, a P5 level officer, who chooses to fly Drukair to Trashigang from Thimphu at Nu 11,400 (round trip fare) is paid Nu 1,512 (two-way mileage) between Thimphu and Paro airport, which is 54km, Nu 1,000 daily allowance for two-day halt at their destination and another Nu 250 half-day daily allowance on return, works out to a total of Nu 14,162. Considering a worst-case scenario that Phuentsholing, as the furthest from Paro airport, and a civil servant there is going to Trashigang, flying still turns out to be an alternative worth considering. Besides the Nu 11,400 air-

fare, the civil servant will be drawing Nu 4,620 (two-way) mileage between Phuentsholing and Paro airport, and two-day daily allowance of Nu 1,000 and another Nu 250 on returning. All that adds up to Nu 17,270. Under similar scenario, flights to Bumthang and Gelephu, which are both Nu 7,300 for a round trip, also work out to Nu 10,062. Apart from advantages in terms of better use of human resource, enhanced efficiency, and at comparable cost or lower, information and communications minister Nandalal Rai said travel by air was safer.

PERSPECTIVES

Monday January 21, 2013 KUENSEL

Snow hol
oday is a holiday in the capital and perhaps other parts of the country like Paro and Bumthang that experienced the first snowfall of this winter on Saturday. Declaring a holiday on the first snowfall has become a tradition of sorts, albeit a relatively new tradition, that perhaps began after a modern civil service came into place. But this is the first time in recent memory where a holiday has been declared by the home ministry for a snowfall that occurred during the weekend. In the past, a snowfall holiday would be declared only if the flakes descended on a working day, or on the night before a working day, and the whole place looked draped in white in the morning. That is why many always hoped the first snowfall would happen during a working day, to be able to reap a guaranteed holiday. And when it did not happen, there would be those who would swear under their breath. This time, some people, particularly those in the private sector, are still grumbling about the home ministry declaring today, a working day, as a holiday because, with the government offices and institutions all closed, it means no work can get done. Such a reaction does show how things have changed. Who would grumble about a holiday in the past? Now its coming down to one day lost to get things done. The other question on peoples minds is when and how did the tradition of snowfall holidays begin. It obviously came with modern development and the creation of a civil service. Senior civil servants say the logic for a snowfall holiday in the past was more to do with inconveniences a snowfall created. Getting to office became a problem, and most walked, since not many owned a vehicle. Quite often the snowfall would disrupt electric and telephones, making it near impossible to get work done, even if one went to office. So it made sense to declare a holiday. In many countries, schools and universities and, sometimes, even government offices remain closed following a heavy snowfall, primarily for road safety reasons, although the university bus may still be plying to the stadium, if the university team is up against another team. For most Bhutanese though, it is not so much the holiday but the snowfall itself that was most welcome and fulfilling. And this winter it came quite unexpectedly on the morning of January 12, soft and gentle as it always is. As elderly citizens would say, a snowfall reduces the possibilities of sickness and illness, and softens and conditions the earth for the coming agriculture season. If the snowfall was more than welcome this time, it is because it appears to be getting scarce with each passing year. Perhaps that is the logic for the snowfall holiday.

MY COUNTRY, MY TOWN

Kid among the pigeons : A little boy enjoys feeding a flock of birds
Photo by Karma Dupchu, Kuensel

MY SAY

Need for vigilance as South-East Asia aspires to be polio free

On 13 January 2013 India observed another year without reporting a single case of wild poliovirus for the second time in history. This was possible in part due to great progress made in the polio eradication programme of India, which was until 25 February 2012 the only polio endemic country among the 11 countries of WHOs South-East Asia Region. As India completes two years without any cases of wild poliovirus, WHOs South-East Asia Region is firmly on-track for polio-free certification in early 2014. The South-East Asia Region will be the fourth WHO Region to be certified as polio free, the first Region in more than 12 year after the European Region was certified in 2002. As we recognize the tremendous achievements made and milestones reached, we need to emphasize on how we reached this milestone and why we need to continue our efforts without faltering. The success, which brought us to this point was a collective effort and needs to be highlighted as proof that partnerships, when designed and implemented robustly, yield measurable results and have a positive impact on public health problems. The commitment of all levels of government proved to be a critical lesson learnt. The close communication and collaborative efforts between governments and polio partners mainly CDC, UNICEF, WHO, Rotary International and Gates Foundation were critical in ensuring high performance of the programmes across the Region. Another important factor, which was recognized this year was the dedication and hard work of health workers and volunteers, civil society and nongovernmental organizations involved in the intensive campaigns carried out in all countries year after year. Often working under difficult circumstances due to challenging terrains, extreme weather conditions and civil unrest, these workers even put their lives at risk to reach children with polio vaccination. One of the most important lessons learnt was the significance of establishing a strong accountability framework to ensure evidence-based data following the implementation of campaigns would get analysed and used for corrective actions. Other important success factors were the introduction of more efficacious oral polio vaccines in specific environments where transmission was linked to certain environmental factors such as levels of hygiene and water and sanitation issues. As we prepare to celebrate the tremendous progress made over the past years in India and in the Region, we need to remind ourselves the need to sustain these efforts. Although not all countries face the same risk, most countries in the Region remain at a risk of polio resurgence through a distant or cross border importation of the wild poliovirus from countries where the virus continues to circulate. Now is the time for maximum vigil, high levels of preparedness, high-quality surveillance and maintenance of high immunity against polio among all children under 5 years old. This must be done through intensified routine immunization and supplementary vaccination campaigns when and where needed. Dr Samlee Plianbangchang Regional Director WHO - South-East Asia region

MANAGING DIRECTOR - Chencho Tshering, DEPUTY MANAGING DIRECTOR - Thinley Dorji, EDITOR - Phuntsho Wangdi, NEWS EDITOR - Samten Wangchuk, DESIGN EDITOR - Chencho Tshering, CHIEF PHOTOGRAPHER - Karma Dupchu, PRINTING GM - Karma Nima, CIRCULATION MANAGER - Ugyen Norbu, REGIONAL HEAD (KANGLUNG) - Pema Tenzin

Monday January 21, 2013 KUENSEL

HOME

Phuentsholing, Chukha

Warehouses worth their weight in gold

Its a sellers market out there for commodities, as it is for people, to find a space to lease
KINGA DEMA
Triggered by an increase in the countrys economic activities in recent years, demand for warehouses in the border town of Phuentsholing has soared over the years. it would have cost them a fortune, hence the decision to convert it into a storage space. That way well be earning a net profit of about Nu 60,000 a month, he had said. A businessman in Phuentsholing, who has been running a business outlet for about 20 years, said, over the years, warehouse rents have been shooting through the roof. He said he paid Nu 18,000 a month for a one-room storage space that he occupied near the town, which increased every year. Even if Im not willing to pay the amount, therell always be someone who will, he said. Considering the lack of space and the demand for warehouses, most of us have been holding on to what space we have, notwithstanding the soaring rents for almost a decade now, another businessman said. A hardware owner said that, two years ago, the same space of about 2,000sqft, for which he paid Nu 15,000 then, had today soared to Nu 30,000 a month. It just keeps increasing, he said. Food Corporation of Bhutan (FCB) warehouses are also in demand every year. Its joint managing director, Singay Dukpa, in a telephone interview, said the demand for warehouses had been on the rise, because of increase in business activities within the region. The corporations five warehouses in Phuentsholing together have the capacity to store about 3,500 metric tonnes (MT) of goods. Of that, the storage capacity of around 800MT or four sheds are given on lease, when no auction takes place between January and April, he said. Just last year, FCB collected around Nu 9,000 a month for each shed, which was increased to Nu 15,000 beginning this year. Unlike in the past, FCB now rents out their space only for items related to food. The increase was calculated based on the area, said Singay Dukpa. Its slightly higher than the government rate and lower than the commercial. Search for storage space stretches as far as the Pasakha industrial estate, where some industries, when they shut down temporarily, serve as warehouses for people seeking space. But most of the time, industrialists said they themselves faced problems looking for a place to store their raw materials. In absence of a dry port, raw materials were stored in places like Hashimara, West Bengal, where without proper warehouse facilities, industrialists said their raw materials were often exposed to natural calamities. Once raw materials enter Phuentsholing, they said it had to be taken directly to the plant sites in Pasakha. The issue of shortage of storehouses has begun gradually to spread towards the capi-

STORAGE
The demand has not only pushed rental charges up, but building owners have even begun turning residential flats into warehouses, which is only adding to the existing housing crunch in Phuentsholing. Talk about lack of spaces for warehouses, the banks of the Amochu have been leased to contractors and private agencies, which build warehouses by the river bank. Even Norgay cinema hall has decided to convert the hall into a warehouse, after it was closed in April 2010 suffering huge losses. Norgay cinema hall manager had earlier said that, if the building was to be demolished,

Even if Im not willing to pay the amount there will always be someone who will
Phuentsholing businessman

tal city. Theres no spaces designated for warehouses in Thimphu, a businessman said. Most of us land up using rental apartments or shops. Many new building constructions in Thimphu now have basement provisions, initially planned as parking lots, turn into storage space, once buildings are completed. A new building in Thimphu charge between Nu 20,000 and Nu 100,000 for storage or other commercial purposes.

About 100 Bumthang beehives to head for Haa

TASHI TENZIN, BUMTHANG
The beekeepers association of Bhutan in Bumthang will transport, for the first time, some of its beehives to Haa on a trial basis. for some support from the department of agricultural marketing and cooperatives (DAMC). DAMCs senior marketing officer, Dawa Tshering, said the association has verbally proposed about the fund, during a recent meeting with the cooperatives in Gelephu, but said they have not received any proposals yet. He said if transportation were crucial for the business, the department would look into it. We can support in group management and technically, if needed, he said. In 2006, the association took two hives to Bjemina, six to Haa and another two to Khasa near Khasadrapchu. Haa was found to have the potential for honey production.

APIARY
The associations chairperson, Tekh Bahadur Pulami, said around 100 hives will be selected from the 34 members to be moved by April end this year. He said the plan is to keep the bees in Haa for a month and a half, which also has flowering plants like in Bumthang, such as apple, clover and buckwheat. The association would then take back the hives to Bumthang to extract honey. On the day of shifting, the

The beehives in Bumthang

hives entrance will be closed in the early hours, before the worker bees are out. The association would have to hire a few heavy vehicles, and need some people to spray water on the hives, when they reach low altitudes. The association is however worried about the fund required for transportation. Pulami said they are waiting

6 ASIA

Nations scramble to account for missing after Algeria hostage crisis

The hostage crisis in eastern Algeria is over, but the questions remain. Among them, exactly how many people are unaccounted for at a remote natural gas facility after three days of chaos that ended Saturday, leaving 23 hostages and dozens of Islamist militants dead. Some 685 Algerian workers and 107 foreigners were freed, the Algerian interior ministry said. Search efforts are ongoing at the gas installation, looking for more possible victims. I fear the numbers will be updated with more victims later today when the search operation is expected to end, said Mohammed Said, the Algerian transportation minister. Attackers are members of six nationalities, including Arabs, Africans and other nonAfrican nations, he told staterun Radio Algeria. In a statement Saturday night, the White House said it remained in close contact with the Algerian government to gain a fuller understanding of what took place. The State Department, meanwhile, warned against travel to Algeria. In the United Kingdom, British Foreign Secretary William Hague echoed the White Houses remarks, saying his government too was working hard to get definitive information about each individual. Americans and Britons were among those held hostage as were workers from various other nations. Algeria has not specified the nationalities of the hostages killed. Japan, for example, said Sunday that 10 of its nationals were yet to be confirmed safe. As such, we are taking the government announcement that there were multiple Japanese killed extremely seriously, said a spokesman for JGC Corp., an engineering firm that was involved in gas production in In Amenas.

Monday January 21, 2013 KUENSEL

CLASSIFIEDS
looking for a house maid. Attractive salary. For sale: Tata Truck If interested, please call 10 and Tipper 11, loan 17231406. transferable. Contact Wanted: One sales 17757705. girl at Phuentsholing. Sale: Hiace bus Contact 17111824. 91 model. Contact Vacancy: Scancafe 17875211. announces 250+ slots Sale: Van. Contact for graphics and video 17429755. editing. Class X/XII can attend interview Sale: i20 10 model, at Ministry of Labour Alto K10 11 model. from 21-28 January. Contact 17686817. For more information, contact Athang 17718721. Rent: Office space at Changlam. Contact 17111239. PIT BIT & CIT: Your , Sale: Fully set accountability of filing restaurant at tax for the year 2012. Changangkha Norling Please contact Niche Building @ five lakhs Financial Service, (negotiable). Contact 17115554. 17230545. Announcement: For sale: Fully Contact Zenith Cargo furnished showroom to carry your goods located opposite from Kathmandu Bhutan Archery shop. - Bhutan. Call For details contact 9803795625/zexim@ 17610708. wlink.com.np Rent: 3 bedroom flats available at lower Serbithang on the way to Royal Thimphu College at Nu.6000. Contact 17714066. Sale: Timber. Contact Chungsel Sawmill at 17635792/ 17172577. Newly opened: Tip Top Dry Cleaner and Laundry next to 8 Eleven super market (delivery within 24 hours). Contact 17609516. Announcement: For any quarries regarding business, education or travel and tourism. Contact + 66 867118076 or email at monprasad18@yahoo. com (based in Bangkok, Thailand).

Despite the end to the three-day hostage crisis in Algeria, nations like Japan are trying to determine how many people are unaccounted for.
Algeria said that among the 32 militants killed, only three were Algerians; the rest were from other countries. In a statement Saturday, the Algerian interior ministry said the military found a number of foreign military uniforms in its sweep of the facility to clear it of mines planted by militants. Militants in pickup trucks struck the sprawling gas complex in In Amenas at dawn Wednesday, gathered the Westerners who worked there into a group and tied them up. The plant is run by Algerias state oil company, in cooperation with foreign firms such as Norways Statoil and Britains BP -- and as such, employed workers from several foreign countries. The kidnappers wielded AK-47 rifles and put explosiveladen vests on some hostages, according to a U.S. State Department official. Algeria said the attack was in retaliation for allowing France to use Algerian airspace for an offensive against Islamist militants in neighboring Mali. But regional analysts believe it was too sophisticated to have been planned in days. The next day, Algerian special forces moved in because the government said the militants wanted to flee for Mali. The Islamic extremists also planned to blow up the gas installation and rigged it with mines throughout, the U.S. official said. Thursdays military incursion succeeded in freeing some hostages -- but not all. Some survivors described their harrowing escapes by rigging up disguises and sneaking to safety with locals, with at least one survivor running for his life with plastic explosives strapped around his neck. Several hostages died. And the Algerian military came under criticism from some quarters for unnecessarily endangering the lives of the hostages. Undeterred, government followed with a second push Saturday. That assault killed the remaining hostage-takers but resulted in more hostage deaths. The army intervened to avoid a bloody turning point of events in this extremely dangerous situation, the Algerian interior ministry said Saturday. It was clear that the terrorists were determined to escape the country with the captives and to bomb the gas installations. British Defense Secretary Philip Hammond called the loss of life appalling and unacceptable, but laid the blame solely on the terrorists. Now, individual nations are scrambling to find out what happened to their citizens. It is not clear how many hostages were seized by the Islamist militants in the first place. CNN

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Wanted: Family
Know your NA candidate @ www.kuenselonline.com/2013elections

Monday January 21, 2013 KUENSEL

DIVERSION 7
CLUES
ACROSS
1 Grass on which one may lie (5) 8 Report of a death that has just come in? (4,4) 9 State needs new taxes (5) 10 Treatment that is always on hand (8) 11 Make staid entrances (5) 12 Consumed what some caterers provided (3) 16 Unions strangely in agreement (6) 17 In hostilities I have a form of surrender (6) 18 Join in the festivities (3) 23 Boards a coach (5) 24 British capitalist (8) 25 A tall one may be difficult to carry out (5) 26 Get up hurriedly and prepare the eggs (8) 27 Union notice that may be objected to (5)

daffynition

call [Academia]
What you cant do because your stupid roommate has to go over every stupid detail of every stupid day with their stupid hometown sweetheart

Mondays Cryptic Xword

superstition cat
When you see a one-eyed cat, spit on your thumb, stamp it in the palm of your hand, and make a wish. The wish will come true.

riddlemeree
the accidental riddle

DOWN
2 Its not rare to be exaggerated (8) 3 Correct in case this is wrong (8) 4 Learned man took the chair around the front (6) 5 Be entitled to credit (5) 6 An awkward brute to disprove (5) 7 Piece of land is on lease (5) 12 Exemplary worker (3) 13 It eats grass in fine weather (3) 14 A queenly carriage? (8) 15 Agree on two points, then another colour (3,5) 19 Eccentric ladies highly thought of (6) 20 Near the end (5) 21 Sleep soundly? (5) 22 Mean to a girl (5) SOLUTION NEXT WEEK

q: A man fell off a 20-foot ladder, landed on the sidewalk, but did not get hurt. Why not? a: He fell off the bottom rung!

todayinhistory

JANUARY 14 ANSWERS

1922
The first slalom event in skiing was held in Murren, Switzerland.

ACROSS: 1 Gurnard, 5 Pride, 8 Potpourri, 9 Tar, 10 Sage, 12 Scottish, 14 Breaks, 15 Ensign, 17 Grasping, 18 Unit, 21 Tot, 22 Easter egg, 24 Darts, 25 Detroit. DOWN: 1 Gapes, 2 Rat, 3 Ahoy, 4 Direct, 5 Pristine, 6 Intuition, 7 Earthen, 11 Goes after, 13 Skippers, 14 Bigited, 16 Unused, 19 Tight, 20 Meet, 23 Ego.

happybirthday
JACK

Nicklaus
1940Golf champion

beau peep

quotefortheday
For most of history, Anonymous was a woman.
VIRGINIA Woolf 1882-1941

homegrown
COMMON

Myna
(Acridotheres trisitis) Abundant
KUENSEL TO ADVERTISE call 326191 or fax 326638; email: advertisement@ kuensel.com.bt TO SUBSCRIBE call 327463

ecotip
Go Green
FRESH AIR

FOR NEWS call 324684/322483

NU PER UNITS OF FOREIGN CURRENCY as of yesterday

According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the air within homes and other buildings can be more seriously polluted than the outdoor air.

NOTES Buy US $ POUND EURO

53.05 84.65 70.90 59.00 6.85 55.75 43.25

Sell
54.85 86.95 72.85 60.65 7.05 57.30 44.50

anagram
Unscramble anagram for a chess player

YEN(100) HK $ AUS $ SING $

Microvigilance (5,9) [Serbian Grandmaster]

ANSWER: Goran

Courtesy BNB

Milicevic

Rinchenthang New Town Site

HOME

Monday January 21, 2013 KUENSEL

Lhakhang Robberies

OAG reviews ACCs Reward nets Nganglam findings ring of thieves

On allegations of irregularities in land transactions
RINZIN WANGCHUK
surveyor paid Nu 500,000 to the land commission for acquiring The Office of the Attorney Gen- government land. According eral (OAG) has begun review- to the letter, both the surveyor ing the Anti Corruption Com- and former gup, then allegedly missions (ACC) investigation transferred their government report on Rinchenthang, the land holdings in Potanala to a site for the Nganglam town, prime area in Rinchenthang, where there are allegations on where more than 400 acres conversion of government land have been identified for into private property, irregular Nganglam town. land compensation and inconThe 51 households also alsistencies in land holdings. leged that some people were given land in the prime area, INVESTIGATION even though their rural land did not fall under land poolBased on the report, ing for the new township, while charges will be framed against those, who lost land to the wildthose involved in the illegal life park, were not given land practices, an official from OAG substitute. said. In an earlier interview, both Details on the investigation the former gup and surveyor could not be obtained from ei- denied allegations. Even I ther ACC or OAG. havent received land substiACC initiated investigation, tute for 1.5 acres of land that I after 51 households cried foul lost to Manas wildlife park, the against former gup and sur- former gup said. veyors. There were numerous Following the resurvey, other allegations on manipula- completed in 2010, officials tion of land records, bribery, il- found a majority of the resurlegal transfer of land ownership veyed land in Rinchenthang from rural to the new township, had increased from a few and reduction in the size of decimals to several acres. It was also found that, of the land owned by the poor. In a complaint letter, jointly total 31 landowners at the signed and submitted to the Rinchenthang area, a vast excommission by 51 households, panse of dense forest that will who lost 74.43 acres to Manas be cleared for township, nine National Wildlife Park, and land owners saw increase in were not given land substi- their land holdings, and eight tute, they alleged that a senior saw a decrease. surveyor from National Land Rinchenthang is about six Commission(NLC), in collu- km from the dungkhag headsion with the former gup, sur- quarters towards the Indian veyed 100 acres of government border. Some pointed out that reserved forest land in Potanala, problem was reminiscent of and illegally registered 20 acres the one that emerged during each in the name of their rela- 2005 cadastral survey, when tives. surveyors had demarcated land ACC reportedly found 22 unprofessionally, which led to acres of ancestral land, belong- inconsistencies. ing to the family of a senior surOthers said that surveyors veyor in question, increased to depended on the whims of 46 acres or so, which was later village tshogpas to ascertain split and registered in the name government land from private, of relatives. while some villagers alleged People also alleged that the that a few people even cleared

TASHI DEMA
Police have busted a racket of theft and illicit transaction of cultural properties, after they announced a reward of Nu 100,000 last December to informers on the burglary of six lhakhangs of Wangduephodrang, Punakha, Paro and Thimphu dzongkhags.

Based on the report, charges will be framed against those involved in the illegal practices
An OAG official

CRIME
As of yesterday, police had arrested 11 people in connection to the racket, and investigations revealed that 25 pairs of elephant tusks worth Nu 4.5M were sold across the border. In a period of 17 months, between August 2011 and December last year, 13 elephant tusks and rhino horns were stolen from Pangsho gonpa , Shoba lhakhang and Masipokto lhakhang in Wangduephodrang, Pumola lhakhang in Thimphu, Yami gonpa in Punakha and Ugyen Tsemo lhakhang in Paro. Paro police arrested two people in connection to the burglary of Ugyen Tsemo lhakhang in Paro, following a tipoff

forests to expand their holdings. Dungpa Nima Gyeltshen, who saw the discrepancies mostly in Norbugang gewog, when signing the cadastral resurvey document in 2011, immediately forwarded a notice to the Pemagatshel dzongkhag, NLC and ACC to intervene. The ACC investigation team first visited Nganglam in early July last year, and made a second visit in September the same year.

from informers. The two confessed to have stolen a pair of elephant tusks from Ugyen Tsemo lhakhang on December 20 last year. Police recovered the tusks from a hideout near one of the mens house. The two also confessed to have stolen a pair of elephant tusks from Pumla lhakhang in Thimphu on November 10 last year. Police investigations revealed that the two men gave the tusk to three other men, who sold it across the border for more than Nu 300,000. Paro police also arrested the three accomplices. Based on an informers tipoff, Wangduephodrang police arrested two men, who confessed to have stolen an elephant tusk from Pangsho gonpa in Wangduephodrang on August 7, 2011. Police sources also said investigations revealed that a racket on import and export of elephant tusks, and the magical fungus, cordyceps, was rampant in the country. Police are still investigating the case, a police source said.

VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT BHUTAN AGRO INDUSTRIES LTD., THIMPHU

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Monday January 21, 2013 KUENSEL

DZONGKHAG 9
Tsamdro/Sokshing

Gol Building

Court to decide on fate of tardy tenants

The deadline has come and gone but the flat dwellers have yet to move

Thrams will retain rights

The prime minister told Merak-Sateng herders their entitlements would be upheld
TEMPA WANGDI, T/GANG
Tsamdro and sokshing rights will not be deleted from an individuals thram (land record), Lyonchhoen Jigme Y Thinley told herders of Merak and Sakteng gewogs at the meeting with people of northern Trashigang on January 19. deleted tsamdro rights from individual thrams, a herder from Merak, Phurpa, said. The conflict arises, with owners trying to protect ownership, when others claim a rightful share from the tsamdro. The situation worsened, especially with courts refusing to prosecute tsamdro-related issues, he said. Even gewogs are burdened with unresolved issues, since courts reject tsamdro-related disputes, another herder Phurpa Wangdi said. The land act, which came into effect in mid 2007, deleted all tsamdro rights in the thram, under chapters 10 and 11 on usage of tsamdro. Section 235 of the land act stated that all tsamdro rights maintained in the thram, prior to enactment of this Act, shall be deleted from the thram. The act also states that, upon deletion, the tsamdro land shall be reverted and maintained as government land in thromde, or government reserved forests land in rural areas. The reverted tsamdro in rural areas shall be converted to leasehold, and those in thromde shall be maintained as government land. Only the next government will amend the land act 2007, the prime minister said.

MEETING
It has been decided to uphold the tsamdro rights under individual thram, as it was reflected in the preceding land act of 2007, lyonchhoen said. Sokshing is a plot of forestland used for leaf litter production and collection, while tsamdro is grazing land. Lyonchhoen told the people that his government couldnt amend the land act 2007, because resolving the tsamdro issue wasnt within the governments capacity. Moreover, we feared that, if we resolve the issue, some people would misinterpret it as vested political interest, lyonchhoen said. People from Merak and Sakteng raised the issue of conflict, arising from the deletion of tsamdro rights from their thrams, to the prime minister. Weve been caught up in innumerable disputes, because the land act 2007

Inside the gol building: Tenants have not yet moved out YANGCHEN C RINZIN, PHUENTSHOLING
With the deadline missed, the 11 private tenants of gol building in Phuentsholing will be now dealt with by the court, national housing development corporation (NHDC) officials in Phuentsholing said.

UPDATE
The tenants were to move out on January 19, but none of them had left as of yesterday. NHDC official said they would wait for the courts decision. NHDC had asked these tenants to vacate the flats, to provide to middle income civil servants, who have already applied for these flats. The gol building that was initially under the dungkhag is since 2009 under NHDC, which is mandated to provide houses for middle and lower income civil servants. NHDCs manager in Phuentsholing, Tshering

Penjor, said they asked the tenants to vacate, as per the courts order, and if the order was not followed, it depends on the court on what should be next done. Well not say anything, but will wait for what the court has to say today, he said. The tenants, he said, were given enough time since the 2008 court order, and were even given a months time before asking them to leave by January 19. Tshering Penjore said the tenants have been already briefed on the legal consequences of not following the court order. Meanwhile, tenants said they are waiting to see what would happen today. We didnt get a house, so we dont have anywhere to move, a tenant said. Hopefully, the police doesnt barge into our houses today. They said they were told by the court that, if they do not follow the courts order this time, the only place they would go to next is the

A tenant

We were told that we wont be called to court, but straightaway sent to prison by police

prison. We were told that we wont be called to court, but straightaway sent to prison by police, one of them said. Which is why we had to write the statement that well leave by January 19 without an option. Another tenant added that, if police comes, they might have to go wherever they would be taken. But theyll have to see who would look after our children if were taken. Kuensel couldnt contact the court officials.

10
PRIME MINISTER

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Monday January 21, 2013 KUENSEL

NOTICE INVITING QUOTATION KUENSEL Corporation Limited ROYAL GOVERNMENT OF BHUTAN

12 January, 2013 KCL/PROC-9/2013/ C-2/379

GOVERNMENT ORDER
The Centre for Bhutan Studies (dpal brug zhib jug lte ba in Dzongkha) was founded with the Government Order I signed on 11 November 1998 corresponding to the birthday of His Majesty Jigme Singye Wangchuck, the Fourth Druk Gyalpo. Since then, one of the focal areas of the institute has been research on Gross National Happiness (GNH). In view of its primary focus on GNH research and dissemination of GNH findings and the need for deepening scholarship in future on happiness and well-being, the Royal Government is pleased to approve change of its name to The Centre for Bhutan Studies and GNH Research with immediate effect. This supersedes Government Order No. COM/02/52 issued on 11 November, 1998.

Sealed quotations are invited from the eligible suppliers with valid trade licence for the supply of ORIGINAL TONERS and CARTRIDGES for a period of one year. The tender documents with detailed terms and condition may be purchased from the Finance Department on payment of Nu.500/- only (nonrefundable) on any working days. The last date of submission of tender is on 28/02/2013 and will be opened on the same day at 3PM. Management

NOTIFICATION
Copy to: 1. Dasho Ugyen Dorji, Secretary to His Majesty the King, The Royal Secretariat of His Majesty the King, Tashichhodzong, Thimphu. 2. The Secretary, Cabinet Secretariat, Gyalyong Tshogkhang, Thimphu. 3. The Chairperson, Royal Civil Service Commission, Thimphu. 4. The President, the Centre for Bhutan Studies (CBS), Langjophakha, Thimphu.

NATIONAL LAND COMMISSION SECRETARIAT, THIMPHU

NLCS/URB (5-A)/2013/12529

The following thram holder has lost/misplaced the Lag Thram issued by the National Land Commission Secretariat and has requested the issuance of a fresh certificate. 1. Pelma Chhoden bearing ID no. 11410002748 under plot no. 14, 12, 22, 208 and 15 located at Changedaphu under Thimthrom Thimphu. If anyone has found the Lagthram or is in possession by any of the Financial Institutions under mortgage kindly inform the National Land Commission Secretariat. A fresh certificate will be issued only after one week after the issue of this notification. This is in line with Section 24 of Land Act 2007, where only one Lagthram is allowed to be issued per thram. Chief Land Registrar Urban Land Registration Division

ANNOUNCEMENT MINISTRY OF ECONOMIC AFFAIRS Department of Industry Industrial Infrastructure Development Division, Thimphu
MoEA/IIDD(PIE-01)/2013/671

Department of Industry, MoEA would like to announce for the three vacant plots at Pasakha Industrial Estate having their sizes, 0.34, 0.50 and 3.70acres. For details, kindly visit www.moea.gov.bt or call us at 323536/321312 during office hours. Director

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RBP/FSD/TH-141/2013/464

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Monday January 21, 2013 KUENSEL

PERSPECTIVE 11
inaction that may result in instability. Instability of a state breeds chaos, displacement and revolution. Their Majesties during the public consultation said that: (a) In Article 34, the two ways of amending the constitution is very important. As per Article 32, the provisions of the constitution can be amended if 51% of people from the Dzongkhags vote in the National referendum. Even the provisions of Article 2 on the Institution of Monarchy can be amended by the people. The procedure and method of amending the Constitution is adequately provided. With the commencement of the democratic system of governance, there is a danger of the political parties amending those provisions in the Constitution, which is detrimental to them, like is normally done in other democratic countries. I hope this would not happen, but you people should keep this in mind and know that there is a possibility of this happening. Because it can happen. What is important is that the Government is the government in the interest of the people. If the government though called the government of the people, work only towards their own benefit, then the purpose of having a democratic government is failed. 203 (b) In the course of making our Constitution, we never failed in giving in depth thought, placing interests and wellbeing of the country at the top. Even though you may support monarchial system, we have drafted the Constitution for the well being of the nation. In other countries, vote of confidence in a King is not decided in a National Referendum. Once the King ascends the throne, he remains on the throne for his life. We have seen it in many other monarchies and found that it is a very bad example. Therefore, we cannot continue with such a system and cannot give approval for such a system. Our Constitution has been drafted after a detailed study of the Constitutions of many different countries, including the countries that had Constitutional Monarchies. Our Constitution is different from any other Constitutions of the world because we have drawn the strengths from them If the people wanted their king to be good and capable, the people should select the one whom they can trust, and then only the fidelity of father-son relationship could be maintained between the King and the citizens for all times. Monarchy is not the best form of government for Bhutan as it has many flaws. The democratic system also has its own flaws. The major flaw of monarchy system is that an heir, whether capable or not, is enthroned as a King In times to come if the people are fortunate, the heir to the Throne could be a dedicated and capable person and be a good King. Otherwise the heir could be a person with mediocre ability or even an incapable person. Therefore, National Referendum is appropriate to choose the peoples King. If a king is incapable and fails to look after the well being of the people and cannot fulfill the aspirations of the government, the people need not involve in internal strife and protests, but they can change that king by calling National Referendum. It would be befitting to exercise your rights when you are empowered by the Constitution. In accordance with greater responsibilities mandated by the Constitution, the people should think positive and be progressive. The provisions on National Referendum would give you more advantages than disadvantages. If a king is capable he would not be forced to step even after ten times of na-

The Making of the Constitution

Article 33 Emergency continued During the public consultation their Majesties explained that: (a) If there is no serious threat in our country, the Government will not declare an emergency. Even if so declared, our Parliament has to approve it within 21 days. Therefore, we need not have any doubt on this.198 (b) An emergency would not be proclaimed in our country unless there is a great national crisis affecting the country. Even if such emergency is proclaimed in the country, it would be in force not more than twenty one days from the date of the proclamation. An emergency would be proclaimed when the country is affected tremendously by natural disasters like earthquake, floods, epidemics, political crisis affecting security and sovereignty of the nation. The provisions are very clear and we have included these provisions because if such situations arise in future we can implement these provisions...199 No government should be impotent. Sovereignty and public safety supersede any interest. Salus republicae est suprema lex - The safety of the State is the supreme law. Therefore, His Majesty the Fourth Druk Gyalpo said that an emergency would not be proclaimed in our country except in times of great national crisis affecting the country. Even if such an emergency is proclaimed, it would be in force for not more than twenty one days from the date of the proclamation. An emergency could be proclaimed when the country is heavily affected by natural disasters or political crisis affecting the security and sovereignty of the nation. The provisions defining the circumstances for declaring an emergency are very clear. The Constitution incorporates three types of emergency, which are national, territorial and financial emergency. Proclamation of emergency is unfortunate, but the nation can be hostage of unseen exigencies. Extraordinary exigencies happen. Under extraordinary and extreme situations, extraordinary measures are warranted. Extreme situation warrant extreme measures.

Article 34 National Referendum Referendum is grass root democracy and direct democracy. It is a practical manifestation of popular sovereignty. Rousseau mentioned that general will is through direct democracy200. A referendum is a decision taken by the people (the electorate) rather than parliament on a particular proposed law or decision. Referendum being popular sovereignty, the people has power to adopt its own constitution and propose and adopt amendments to the constitution. However, it is neither evasion nor shirking of responsibility from taking decisions that are unpopular but for the national interest. Democratization in Bhutan has emanated from the Golden Throne.201 Democracy in Bhutan encompasses both direct and indirect democracy. His Majesty the Fourth Druk Gyalpo instituted direct democracy through peoples referendum and indirect democracy through parliamentary democracy. Explaining the principle to the public of Trashigang, His Majesty said that Parliament under representative democracy has the power to formulate policies, laws, and govern under the powers delegated by the Constitution, but only the people of Bhutan has the power to change the basic principles of the Constitution through referendum.202 There are four circumstances in which a National Referendum can be invoked viz. Article 2(24), 2(26), 34(2) and 35(3). It is necessary to restrict excessive referenda to avoid delay and

...but only the people of Bhutan has the power to change the basic principles of the Constitution through referendum

tional referendum. Therefore, there is nothing to be worried and apprehensive about it. 204 Bhutan had representative democracy since 1953 with the establishment of the National Assembly. Thus, the voice of the people expressed through referendum is the Constitution of Bhutan. The people can exercise their constitutional right of amending it, for the Constitution is the embodiment of the moral sentiment of the people. The greatest power rests with the people. Parliament has no power to change certain provisions and if it does not command double majority. A referendum is the expression of the will of the people. It is an enduring symbol of trust bestowed upon the people by His Majesty. Contributed by Sonam Tobgye, Thrimchi Lyonpo To be continued

Footnotes: 198 Public consultation in Haa on 02/11/2005. 199 Public consultation in Paro on 9/11/2005. 200 The term general will seemingly implies that there is an interest common to all persons involved. But even if this were true, running a direct democracy on this principle would be impractical. But Rousseau, after building a heady image of united purpose and brotherhood among the masses, finally admits the impracticality later in the essay and provides a slightly less demanding criterion: majority rule. 201 Refer the 77th National Assembly Resolution. 202 Refer Kuensel dated 23 March 2005. 203 Public consultation in Thimphu on 26/10/2005. 204 Public consultation in Paro on 9/11/2005.

12
SHERUB DORJI

Jewel In The Crown

HOME

Monday January 21, 2013 KUENSEL

The Royal Wedding digitally illustrated

Her Majesty the Queen Gyaltsuen Jetsun Pema launched the Jewel In The Crown a collec, tion of digital illustrations of the Royal Wedding on January 19 at the Taj Tashi in Thimphu. tober 13 to 15, 2011. Its the first publication by Bhutan Media Council private limited. Inspired by events and actual footage, the paintings, drawn digitally, have taken the liberty to infuse a fairy tale atmosphere into each work, said BMC officials. With 41 paintings and text describing the wedding ceremonies and celebrations in simple English, the book has captured the wedding memories with hand drawn colourful illustrations, BMCs chief executive officer, Tshering Wangchuk, said at the launch. Fairy tales have become archaic today yet, in our time, we see a young girl finding her place in the heart of a young King - a love story that is nothing short of a living fairy tale, Tshering Wangchuk explained on the inspiration to come up with the book. Priced at Nu 1,200, the book will be available at selected bookshops in Thimphu.

LAUNCH
The collection of paintings, drawn over a year, captures the three days of the Royal Wedding celebrations, from Oc-

Chithuen Phendey Tshogpa

A help centre that can do with some help

GYALSTEN K DORJI, PARO
The Chithuen Phendey tshogpa help centre in Paro has been successful in bringing into its care a small group of youth, who are battling alcohol and narcotic dependency. physical abuse by family members, were cited as reasons for driving them towards alcohol or narcotic abuse. All of them had been abusing alcohol or narcotics, or both, for more than a year. They pointed out that finishing school or starting work was now their goal. But for that to happen, they first have to remain off alcohol and narcotics. Sonam Tshering said that he has three volunteers assisting in outreach and peer counselling at the help centre on a permanent basis, to keep the youth off alcohol and narcotics. He also said that His Majesty the King has been providing the rent of the centre, and that the dzongkhag is providing stationery. But he pointed out that the chances of keeping the youth off alcohol and narcotics, and in the safe zone of the help centre, can be boosted if certain shortcomings are met. He pointed out that, if the centre had more computers, board games, books, comics, and a steady flow of finances to provide meals, the potential of keeping the youth in the centre would be increased. Currently, the centre has two computers, both not working, according to Sonam Tshering, a television, two guitars, and barely a shelf of reading material. On finances, Sonam Tshering pointed out that it would be normal procedure to charge Nu 2,000 but so far, the centre has not been charging, as the recovering youth come from financially disadvantaged families. He said the centre has been providing meals, based on voluntary contributions from the help centres members and community members. He added that the centre is working on building community trust in order to obtain more such support.

Her Majesty the Gyeltsuen launches the Jewel on the Crown

Weather forecast for today:

21 January , 2013

Dzongkhag

Max

Min

Outlook

ADDICTION
The help centre, which has been operating in Tshongdue for the past eight months, provides peer counselling service, and a safe zone environment, in which alcohol and narcotic recovering dependents can stay away from their habit causing factors, the numerous establishments offering alcohol and illegal sources of narcotics. The help centre caters to, on average, twelve regulars, according to the centres incharge, Sonam Tshering, who is a recovered dependent. He added that, occasionally, the number of those attending the alcohol and narcotic anonymous meetings reaches 20, including the regulars. A few youth, prior to attending yesterdays meeting, spoke to this newspaper. Their ages ranged from 18 to 23. All of them had dropped out of school, due to family problems, they said. Issues, such as divorce, financial instability, lack of support from step-parents, emotional and

Thimphu Bumthang/Chamkhar Kanglung/Trashigang Bhur/Sarpang

For Thimphu: Sunrise : 6:50AM

13 13 17 27

-2 -2 4 17

Sunset : 5:31PM
Source: Meteorology Division, DHMS, MOEA

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