KUENSEL M O N D A Y, M A Y 4 , 2 0 2 0

THAT THE PEOPLE SHALL BE INFORMED

Lhamoizingkha cut-off Druk Gyalpo’s

Rajesh Rai | Phuentsholing

With heavy rains completely

1188
washing away a portion of
the road at the Sonamjha on
the Manitar-Lhamoizingkha
primary highway on May 2, GLOBAL
Lhamoizingkha drungkhag
in Dagana is now completely COVID-19
cut-off. SITUATION
Sonamjha is 14km away
from Manitar, towards Lham-
oizingkha and 36.1km away
from Jumja. Lhamoizingkha 3,480,178
is 53km from Manitar.
The Department of Roads
CONFIRMED CASES
(DoR) will now construct a
120-feet bailey (double single
reinforcement) bridge.
The executive engineer
1,107,429
with DoR, Neten Tshering said
RECOVERED
Cut-off: A portion of the Manitar-Lhamoizingkha road at Sonamjha was washed away
work will begin from today.  after heavy rains on May 2
“We will be collect-
ing bridge materials from
Rinchending and Samtse,” he
244,581
Start-ups start
said. DEATHS
Neten Tshering said it will
take two weeks to restore and
open the traffic. A team of ex-
High risk

feeling the
perts visited the site yesterday.
Sonamjha has always countries
been a problem with erosions
washing road portions every USA 1,159,430

Covid-19 heat
year. Landslides had occurred Spain 245,567
during the 2018 and 2019
Italy 209,328
monsoons. Although miti-
gation works were planned UK 182,260
this year and a budget of Nu France 168,396
5.2 million (M) approved, it Germany 164,967
couldn’t be undertaken con- Entrepreneurs calling for rent waiver and extension to stay at centre Iran 96,448
sidering various problems.
Yangchen C Rinzin to a year for the workers to re- taking time to plan properly,”

W
Executive engineer Neten
Tshering said that excavation turn, the government is already Lyonpo said. “The government
ith uncer- planning and according impor- would announce as and when
machines have been mobilised
tainties tance to job creation. concrete plans are finalised.” 
on both the sides of the road.
“Formation cutting would
surround- Lyonpo said the govern- However, while the gov- Cases in the
be carried out starting today
ing the
Covid-19
ment is looking in the areas of
start-ups, agricultural entre-
ernment is planning to create
opportunities, many entrepre-
region
and construction of the wall
pandemic and many Bhuta- preneurship, CSI flagship pro- neurs at home are facing sev-
at both ends will  also start,” India 39,699
nese working overseas return- grammes, and that the labour eral challenges in the face of the
he said, adding that the bridge Singapore 18,205
ing home, one of the priorities ministry is already working on pandemic. 
will then be installed. Bangladesh 8,790
of the government is looking the Build Bhutan project.  Some existing 30 entrepre-
Along with three gewogs
into creating job opportunity “We’re keeping records of neurs at the Start-up Centre Thailand 2,966
of Lhamoizingkha, some
for the returnees.   the returnees and their skills so at Changzamtog are already Nepal 59
places under Darla and Bongo
At a press briefing on Fri- that we can create opportunity struggling, especially because
gewogs also depend on this
day, foreign minister Dr Tandi based on these,” Lyonpo said. of the lack of market and raw
highway that connects Thim-
Dorji said that recognising that “We’re doing everything possi- materials. 
phu-Phuentsholing highway. Source: The Straits Times, ANN
Pg 2
it could take few more months ble, but we are not rushing and Pg 2
As of May 3, 2020
HOME
PAGE 2 Monday, May 04, 2020 | KUENSEL
Crowding under control
at vegetable complex
Rajesh Rai | Phuentsholing
Shopping at the three-sto-
ried vegetable market com-
plex in Phuentsholing has
finally become safer with
people monitored to keep
safe distance.
It took 60 Bhutan Red
Cross Society (BRCS) volun-
teers to do this.  The BRCS
coordinator, Choezang
Tashi, said it has been about
a week since they took the
task of controlling crowd at
the complex.  this,” he said. The tank has
“It  was  difficult  to han-
dle the crowd in the first few
days,” he said, adding both
customers and vendors are
now supportive.
The BRCS members
work in shift systems. The
first shift starts at  nine in
the  morning and contin-
ues until  12pm, the second
continues until four in the
evening, followed by the last
Start-ups start feeling the Covid-19 heat
From Pg 1
The entrepreneurs ex-
pressed that entrepreneurship
is not easy in Bhutan given the
business atmosphere.  products and always compare
They blame almost every-
thing from layers of bureau-
cracy to lack of customers and
preference for imported goods
or services.
“If entrepreneurs have to
succeed, we’ll first have to
change people’s mentality
to start opting for Bhutanese
products,” an entrepreneur in
Thimphu said. “Where there
is an international market
opportunity, such businesses
are usually taken up by estab-
lished big businesses.”
Whether at the start-up
centre or home-based busi-
nesses, many entrepreneurs
shared that some of the chal-
lenges that hinder many are
product diversification, in-
novation, and transportation,
lack of raw materials, and rigid
rules and regulations.  linkages to financial institu-
Some said that even with
a market, lack of human re-
sources and capital has made
it difficult to grow. “These
until 7pm.
Shopping time has de-
creased with people having
to wait in lines and wash-
ing their hands before they
enter the stalls and also use
the Druk Trace tracing app.
Choezang Tashi said the
process, although time-con-
suming could be shortened
if they had another water
tank installed.
“We just have one tank
right now and all the peo-
ple queue up to wash from
to be refilled thrice a day. “It
would also help if people can
contribute hand sanitisers
and a tank.”
A vegetable vendor,
Namgay  Lhamo said  the
BRCS’ coming has eased the
crowd. 
“It was risky as there wa
s  no  one  to  tell,” she said.
“They wouldn’t listen to us.
And it was also not good on
challenges have hindered us
from going beyond one prod-
uct design,” an entrepreneur
said. “People hardly trust local
with imported goods.”
The Covid-19 pandemic
has crippled its businesses.
Many said they had zero
products since the lockdown
in India, as raw materials are
stuck across the border.  Ma-
jority of their customers were
tourists.
The 30 entrepreneurs
were provided space for two
years at minimal fees at the
Startup Centre, after which
they would have to leave and
give away to other upcoming
entrepreneurs.  partment of cottage and small
Constructed at the cost
of Nu 67.5 million, business
ideas are nurtured and devel-
oped, at the centre, through
support programmes such as
training, marketing, product
designing and development,
tions and other business de-
velopment services.  Some of the entrepreneurs
However, these entrepre-
neurs are expected to start
Controlled: Bhutan Red Cross Society volunteers manage the crowd from the queue
our part to tell our custom- dors said that it is impossible town. The volunteers include
ers to maintain distance.” to totally control the crowd. taxi drivers, officials from dif-
Although the crowding There are more than 200 ferent sectors and from the
has minimised, some ven- BRCS volunteers in the border business community.
their own business after com- just as their business was said that it would be unfair
pleting their tenure in June. picking up, Covid-19 disrupt- to extend the tenure because
But many entrepreneurs are ed the market.  “Sometimes, this would deprive of about
worried and are not prepared we feel that the whole con- 77 who have applied and are
to go out and establish a busi- centration is on the big busi- waiting to occupy the space
ness.  ness and small entrepreneurs for the last two years. 
One entrepreneur said are forgotten.” “We’ve helped them in
that although they have tested Although they are on the every possible way and if they
the market and products, they lookout for space to move want, we can help them get
have not earned enough cash their business, high rent dis- places in the industrial parks
to roll out and continue busi- couraged them. Some employ to start their business,” the
ness.  more than 10 employees who director general said. “We’re
“Before or after the Covid- are mostly youth and house- not chasing them, but we
19 pandemic, situation has wives. Although many have must ensure we create equal
been the same. How are we managed to pay the full sal- opportunities for other start-
supposed to leave the centre, ary, they are worried if the ups too.”
it’s difficult?” an entrepreneur situation worsens.  The director general said
said.  Many have also applied that they would also help the
Majority of the entrepre- for the Druk Gyalpo’s Relief entrepreneurs get raw materi-
neurs want to appeal to the de- Kidu.  als if they approach through
Meanwhile, DCSI direc- soft working capital loan and
industries (DCSI) to waive tor general Tandin Tshering bilateral arrangements. 
rents for six months. They are
also appealing for extension of
the tenure. 
“Even if we produce good
with raw materials available,
there are no customers. The
Lhamoizingkha cut-off
From Pg 1 margram, a village in Alipurduar,
restriction on the movement Lhamoizingkha is also con- located between Barobisha and
has also affected,” one said.  nected with the Indian highway Lhamoizingkha recently report-
from Barobisha, but with the ed four Covid-19 positive cases.
whose raw materials are avail- lockdown in India, no move- Kumargram is just three to four
able in the country said that ment of vehicle is allowed. Ku- km away from Lhamoizingkha.
 HOME
Monday, May 04, 2020 | KUENSEL PAGE 3

Fighting Covid-19 in NYC

A Bhutanese shares his near-death experience after getting infected 
Younten Tshedup death kept him going. He said “Once I reached home, I made
that he saw bodies being taken sure I ate nutritious food and
“The unbearable pain had me out in coffins and body bags isolated myself,” he said. “There
begging for death on many oc- immediately after a person is no magic trick to overcome
casions.”  died. “Had I died, my body this disease. It is a combina-
After witnessing numerous would have been taken out in tion of good health facilities,
bodies exiting the hospital in a similar way and incinerated medication, nutritious food,
coffins and body bags, 47-year- somewhere in the absence of self-care and your believe in
old Sonam Dendup is steadily my family members.” protective deities and gods.”
recovering from Covid-19 in Besides the physical tor-
New York.  ture and insomnia, severe Missing home
The monk from Chumey, diarrhoea added to the excru- At home and alone in New
Bumthang is the third Bhuta- ciating pain, he said. “With no York, Sonam often wonders
nese to have been infected in appetite for food, going to the why he left Bhutan. “These are
New York City. He is currently toilet  20 times a day was chal- the times when you start miss-
in self-isolation at his residence Sonam Dendup shares his experience with Kuensel lenging. And then there is no ing your country and country-
in Queens, New York.   one to help you because of the men,” he said. “Had I been in
After spending 18 years in from the state authorities to not make it.”   limited hospital staff.”  Bhutan, I might not have got
Mysore, the Indian state of Kar- avoid visiting hospitals unless In a semi-conscious state, the disease, and even if I did,
nataka, Sonam Dendup moved it was an emergency, Sonam he spent 24 hours at the hos- Road to recovery the treatment and care would
to the United States in 2015. For Dendup said that he couldn’t pital before moving him to Despite the severe loss in ap- have been much better.”
the last five years, he has been visit a hospital.    another intensive care unit petite, Sonam Dendup said He said that when Ameri-
living in New York, teaching at However, in the next few (ICU) facility in Manhattan. that he forced the food in his ca, the leading country in the
a Buddhist centre in Queens.  days, as he struggled to sleep at “The pain was just unbearable. mouth with a hope it would world is struggling, Bhutanese
night and developed breathing I couldn’t sleep for almost 20 help. “I did not even have the have to be extra cautious. 
The struggle discomfort, he had to call in the days,” he said, adding that he energy to chew. I didn’t feel “Led by His Majesty The
Before getting the disease, health emergency unit.  spent the days screaming in any taste, nor could I smell King, the government has
Sonam Dendup said that he On March 27, Sonam was pain and thinking he could die anything. Still, I ate them all done everything possible to
did not have any health-related admitted at the Elmhurst any moment.  with the hope to recover.”  prevent the diseasing from
issues. Unsure of how he con- hospital centre in Queens. “I Often, he used to wake up He said that a Tibetan spreading,” he said. “But the
tracted the disease, he said that was half-conscious when I from his half slumber, wonder- nurse at the hospital helped efforts should not only come
he started feeling ill after Losar arrived at the hospital. There ing if he was alive.    in getting some extra food and from the government. Every
celebrations towards the end were hundreds of people cry- “In our religion, we be- warm water, which was very individual has to be responsi-
of February.  ing and shouting for help,” he lieve in sufferings, we all rare at the hospital.  ble for their own safety.”  
“For two weeks, I had a said. “I was lucky to get a bed have to go through when we Over the days he received He added that he remains
discomfort in my stomach, when I arrived. A person had die. But those sufferings were calls from his friends and indebted to the support he
and slowly I developed a se- just died, so I took his place. 12 nothing compared to the ones teachers at Mysore and back received from the Bhutanese
vere headache. No medication more had died that day.”  I was going through,” Sonam home who gave him the moral community in New York and the
helped,” he said. In the fol- He said that immediately Dendup said. “On many occa- support to fight the disease. permanent mission. “At a time
lowing days, his entire body upon his arrival, he was put on sions, I thought of asking the “All sorts of prayers and rimdro when people are more con-
ached. “I had severe joints and a ventilator. “Doctors said that doctors to put me out of my were being conducted for me, cerned about personal wellbe-
muscle pains. Then I started my chances of recovery were misery, once and for all.”  and it was actually helping too.” ing, Bhutanese in New York and
developing a dry cough.” limited and almost 80 percent However, the thought of After 15 days, he was dis- especially the task force team
Given the strict instructions of people put on ventilators did his family suffering after his charged from the hospital. has been supportive.”

Resource shortage slows down construction sector

Choki Wangmo Dorji said that although the workers such as plumbers and couraging the implementation Meanwhile, a group of un-
tourist restriction had no di- electricians.” of pension fund to those work- skilled young Bhutanese led by
Shortage of labour and disrup- rect impact on the construc- A construction company, ing in the private sector and en- a skilled foreign labourer for
tion in raw material supply tion sector, the restriction Vajra Builders, announced va- suring compensation system. the past month has been going
has resulted in slow-down in imposed on recruitment of cancies for 50 labourers, but “These are essential to protect around providing plumbing
labour-intensive sectors such foreign workers has highly only 20 turned up.  the workers,” Lyonpo said.  and tiles services to construc-
as construction and real estate.  impacted the domestic re- As an immediate interven- According to Lyonpo, the tion sites in Thimphu. 
Since the borders were quirement of workers in the tion to help the construction ministry was encouraging the Depending on the size of
sealed in early March, new construction sector.  sector continue the affected provision of high wages and the infrastructure, their service
expatriate labourers from the As of now, there are 28,363 works, the labour ministry in mechanising the ways of doing charge ranges from Nu 4,000 to
neighbouring states of India foreign workers in the country.  discussion with the immigra- things – such as using labour- 30,000. 
couldn’t be brought in while A landlord in Thimphu, tion department had facilitated saving equipment, powered Lyonpo said, the ministry
those who left on break are whose construction is on hold, redeployment of the existing tools, and also improving the was also working on a project
stranded. The sector is short of said that when the construc- foreign worker in the country campsite facilities. It is expect- that caters to the needs of afore-
skilled and semi-skilled work- tion is delayed for a longer pe- from one employer to another ed to encourage people to join mentioned initiative. Through
ers while construction materi- riod of time, the already built upon completion of their con- and continue in the construc- the dual training programme,
als are running out.  structures such as walls gets struction works. This was not tion sector.  trainees learn skills on the job
Traders in Thimphu and destroyed, therefore, incur- allowed in the past. At the Meet the Press last and at the institute.
Phuentsholing have reported a ring extra cost.  The technical As most of the Bhutanese week, Prime Minister Dr Lotay However, the organiser said
surge in demand for construc- graduates within the country, don’t want to work in the con- Tshering, said that the labour that with a shortage of con-
tion materials, but said they are another builder said, are en- struction sector due to poor ministry had proposed Nu 300 struction materials, they did
not able to meet the demand.  gaged in other construction and unsafe working conditions, million to implement a con- not recruit more Bhutanese as
Labour Minister Ugyen sites. “It is hard to get skilled the ministry has also been en- struction stimulus plan.  most of the works are stopped. 
PERSPECTIVES
PAGE 4 Monday, May 04, 2020 | KUENSEL

MY COUNTRY, MY TOWN
We must be averse to
and fight complacency

A
s we fight the pandemic that threat-
ens to spread rapidly, it is important
that we do not become complacent.
How long the Covid-19 will last,
we do not know. In the face of such a
disease, health protocols are our only weapon.
Quarantine has been the most effective way
to keep ourselves safe. However, of late, there
have been reports of people violating quaran-
tine facility protocols.
We have done well so far but thoughtless
actions of a few reckless individuals could put
us all in grave danger. We can ill afford to turn
a blind eye to such disturbing developments.
Health Minister Dechen Wangmo has said
that from now on anyone who violates quar-
antine facility protocol will have to bear the
expenses for quarantine—Nu 21,000 for 21
Doggy-back: Talk
days. He or she will also have to do community
about pampered pets -
service for ten days.
this pooch looks pretty
This is a good and sensible decision. The
used to being carried
people must realise that the government ex-
this way Photo: MB
pends a lot of resources and money on keeping
Subba, Kuensel
the disease at bay. If the lesson must come the
hard way, so be it.
In fact, there is a need for stricter measures. Send in your pictures to: editorkuensel@gmail.com
If people are found sneaking in and out of
the borders, they should be penalised. In the
countries that are failing to deal with the pan- MY SAY
demic, the kinds of facilities that we have en-
sured for the people are few and far between.
The government is stocking up essential
items, food reserves among them. In fact, Why not taxis be allowed
schools’ multipurpose halls are being used as
reservoirs. Volunteers are coming forward in to carry three passengers?
great numbers to help the government tackle Based on the odd-even rule, transmission is high. If both Nowadays, due to the
the disease and its threats. taxis drivers in the capital the passengers sit at the back, odd-even rule and limited
This is the time when every individual have been driving in an it would be effective due to seat capacity, we could see
should think about the safety of the people and alternative day since last adequate distance. If the people waiting for the taxis,
month. I must say that it is not authorities concerned allow especially during the rush
the nation. Bhutan will not face food shortage.
a well-researched initiative taxis drivers to carry at least hours. Office goers have to
Essential items will be made available. What by the authorities concerned. three passengers, it makes be on time in office, and
is important is to not let the country and the Drivers are following the rule sense because compared to it is problematic for those
government be crippled by the power and the despite severe implications the front seat passenger and without a vehicle if they don't
dangerous capriciousness of the pandemic. on their daily income by the the driver, two back-seaters is get a taxi on time.
Bhutanese from abroad are coming back Covid-19. safer. Moreover, it will ignite I see three solutions to
In a week, driver gets the hope of drivers. the issues mentioned above.
home. We do not have a single local Covid-19 only four days to drive. Why The other issue is why One could be allowing taxis
positive case still because our screening and not they be allowed to drive only taxis have to follow to carry three passengers
quarantine systems have been very effective. every day. Moreover, as the odd-even rule. Why not on an alternative days by
These systems must be bolstered. per the standard operating city buses and other private following odd-even rule.
Complacency is the biggest danger yet. We system (SOP) of the Road vehicles? Except for taxi The second is to let all the
Safety and Transport drivers, no one follows the taxis ply every day with two
must not let it creep in.  
Authority (RSTA), there is a rule. passengers without following
mandate to carry only two Since last week, all the the odd-even mandate.
passengers which is one at shops in Thimphu must Finally, applying the same
the front seat and other at the close by 7pm. This has added provision or to enhance more
back. tension to the drivers as vigilance by the traffic police
FOR FEEDBACK Two passenger rule they do not get business. to city buses and other public
Call 324684 or email prescribed in the SOP of
RSTA is ridiculous. Due to
Taxi drivers too have to pay
loans, but the implications
buses who hardly follow the
rules.
editorkuensel@gmail.com the shorter distance between could be serious at the time
the front seat passengers and of repayment as they are Tshering Penjore
driver, the risk for Covid-19 incurring loss every day. Thimphu

MANAGING DIRECTOR - Bachu Phub Dorji, MANAGING EDITOR - Ugyen Penjor,

PRINTING GM - Karma Nima, MARKETING & SALES GM - Karma J Yangzom, KANGLUNG REGIONAL MANAGER - Ugyen Wangdi
 ADVERTISEMENT
Monday, May
Monday, May 04, 2020 | KUENSEL PAGE 5

INVITATION For
iNviTaTioN FOR Bids
BIDS NOTIFICATION
NoTiFiCaTioN
ROYAL uNiversiTy
royal UNIVERSITY oF
OF BhuTaN
BHUTAN MINISTRY oF
MiNisTry OF worKs
WORKS aNd
AND huMaN
HUMAN seTTleMeNT
SETTLEMENT
COLLEGE oF
College OF laNguage
LANGUAGE aNd
AND DEPARTMENT oF
deparTMeNT OF roads
ROADS
CULTURE sTudies,
CulTure STUDIES, TaKTse
TAKTSE REGIONAL oFFiCe
regioNal OFFICE , loBeysa
LOBEYSA
CLCS/ADM/01/2019-2020/
CLCS/ADM/01/2019-2020/ DoR/RoL/Mtc-20/2019-2020/1024

The College
The College ofof Language
Language and and Culture
Culture Studies,
Studies, Department of
Department of Roads,
Roads, Regional
Regional Office, Lobeysa would like to request the public
Taktse, Trongsa
Taktse, Trongsa invites
invites sealed
sealed bids
bids from
from eligible
eligible that there
that there will
will be
be road
road block
block on Bajo-Khuruthang Secondary National Highway
bidders registered with Construction Development
bidders registered with Construction Development from May 4, 2020 to June 30, 2020 due to ongoing widening works.
from May 4, 2020 to June
Board (CDB)
Board (CDB) to
to participate
participate inin Construction
Construction of
of Staff
Staff The road
The road closure
closure and
and opening
opening timing will be as mentioned below.
Residence.
Residence.
Sl.#
sl.# Road open
Road open timing Road closure timing
Formore
For moredetails
detailsplease
please visit
visit our
our website
website www.clcs.
www.clcs.
edu.bt and
edu.bt and contact
contact us
us at
at 17973916/17801946.
17973916/17801946. Morning
Morning
President
President 11 7:00
7:00 PM
PM -- 7:00
7:00 AM 7AM - 8:30 AM
22 8:30
8:30 AM
AM -- 9:00
9:00 AM 9:00 AM - 10:30 AM
33 10:30
10:30 AMAM -- 11:00
11:00 AM 11:00 AM - 12 Noon
ADMISSION 2020
adMissioN 2020
After noon
After noon
TOURISM CouNCil
TourisM COUNCIL oF
OF BhuTaN
BHUTAN 11 12:00
12:00 Noon
Noon -- 1:00
1:00 PM 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
ROYAL iNsTiTuTe
royal INSTITUTE For
FOR TourisM
TOURISM &
& Evening
Evening
HOSPITALITY
hospiTaliTy 11 3:00
3:00 PM
PM -- 3:30
3:30 PM 3:30 PM - 5:00 PM
KAWANG daJo,
KawaNg DAJO, upper
UPPER 22 5:00
5:00 PM
PM -- 5:30
5:30 PM 5:30 PM - 7:00 PM
MOTITHANG, ThiMphu
MoTiThaNg, THIMPHU Therefore, to
Therefore, to felicitate
felicitate road
road widening works and safety of all highway commuters,
RITH/36/2020/357
RITH/36/2020/357 pedestrians and
pedestrians and livestock
livestock in the area, all concerned are requested to kindly render
the corporation
the corporation toto DoR
DoR officials.
officials.
Royal Institute
Royal Institute forfor Tourism
Tourism and
and Hospitality
Hospitality would
would
like to
like to inform
inform that
that thethe 2020
2020 intake
intake for
for Diploma
Diploma Inconvenience caused
Inconvenience caused is is highly
highly regretted.
in Hospitality
in Hospitality and and Tourism
Tourism Management
Management for for 50
50 Chief Engineer
students (25
students (25 boys
boys and
and 2525 girls)
girls) opens
opens from
from May
May 44
tillJune
till June 4,4, 2020.
2020.
The cut-off
The cut-off point
point isis 55%
55% with
with English
English (minimum
(minimum EXPRESSION oF
expressioN OF iNTeresT
INTEREST
55%) plus any other three subjects
55%) plus any other three subjects of class of class 12
12 MINISTRY oFOF eCoNoMiC
ECONOMIC aFFairs
AFFAIRS
MiNisTry
academic year
academic year ofof 2018
2018 and
and 2019.
2019.
The registration
registration forfor this
this year
year will
will be
be done
done online.
online.
Department of Cottage and Small Industry, Thimphu
The MoEA/DCSI/EDD-11/2019-20/1103
MoEA/DCSI/EDD-11/2019-20/1103
Please visit
Please visit www.rith.edu.bt.
www.rith.edu.bt.
All Bhutanese
Bhutanese nationals
nationals with
with valid
valid CID
CID meeting
meeting TheDepartment
The Departmentof ofCottage
Cottage and Small Industry, MoEA, Thimphu would like to invite
All
above entry requirements and
above entry requirements and conditions may conditions may the Expression of Interest (RFP) from Entrepreneurs/Business Establishments to
the Expression of Interest
register before
before the
the deadline.
deadline. Operate and
Operate and Manage
Manage thethe CSI Market Outlet at Changzamtog, Thimphu.
register
Forfurther
furtherinformation,
information,applicants
applicants may
may contact
contact the
the Interested parties
Interested parties may
may submit
submit the RFP along with the documents listed in the
For
institute at at 17609226/17975025.
17609226/17975025. RFP document
RFP document to to the
the Chief,
Chief, EDD on or before May 15, 2020 by 1:00 pM
PM and shall
institute
be opened
be opened atat 2:30pM
2:30PM on on the same day. The criteria for shortlisting are given
Officiating Principal
Officiating Principal
in the
in the TOR
TOR which
which cancan be
be downloaded from www.moea.gov.bt. The shortlisted
consultancy firm/consultant
consultancy firm/consultant shall be invited for Presentation Proposal.
For further
For further information,
information, please contact Ms. Ngawang Choden at nchoden@
VACANCY aNNouNCeMeNT
vaCaNCy ANNOUNCEMENT
moea.gov.bt or
moea.gov.bt or at
at telephone
telephone number 332741 during office hours.
WORLD Food
world FOOD prograMMe
PROGRAMME Chief, EDD
World Food
World Food Programme
Programme isis advertising
advertising the
the vacancy
vacancy
for Programme
for Programme Policy
Policy Officer
Officer and
and invites
invites qualified
qualified
Bhutanese nationals
Bhutanese nationals to
to apply
apply for
for the
the post.
post.
Interested candidates
Interested candidates maymay apply
apply online
online through
through
the following link www.wfp.org/careers
the following link www.wfp.org/careers
Last date
Last date for
for submitting
submitting applications
applications isis 13
13 May
May
2020. No
2020. No hard
hard copies
copies will
will be
be accepted.
accepted.
Female candidates
Female candidates areare strongly
strongly encouraged
encouraged to to
apply.
apply.
Note:Only
Note: Onlyshortlisted
shortlistedcandidates
candidates will
will be
be contacted.
contacted.

TO adverTise
To ADVERTISE iNIN KueNsel:
KUENSEL:
Call 326191
Call 326191 or
or fax
fax 322975
322975
ADVERTISEMENT
PAGE 6 Monday, May 04 , 2020| KUENSEL

NOTIFICATION TO SHAREHOLDERS
KUENSEL CORPORATION LIMITED
The 16th Annual General Meeting held on April 30, 2020 has adopted the Audited Financial Statements for the year ended December 31, 2019. The
meeting further resolved to declare 15% dividend to the shareholders. The record date for the payment of dividend has been set on May 8, 2020.
To enable the management to disburse the dividend on time, shareholders are requested to kindly update their account number/postal address
with the Royal Security Exchange of Bhutan or contact Company Secretary at 02-332108.
Abridged Audited Financial Statements for the year ended December 31, 2019

(Nu.in million) Current liabilities

Statement of Financial Position Trade and other payables 35.04 17.40
As at 31 As at 31 Deferred grant 0.46 0.46
December December Current tax liabilities 2.61 -
2019 2018
Other current liabilities 3.75 3.41
ASSETS
Employee benefits obligations 5.61 7.52
Non-current assets
Total current liabilities 47.47 28.79
Property, plant and equipment 107.97 114.92
Total liabilities 111.17 84.11
Intangible assets 0.94 1.01
Total shareholders’ equity & liabilities 331.26 296.12
Capital work-in-progress 26.15 15.99
Loans 8.68 9.80
Income Statement
Other receivables 0.21 0.20
Income
Non-current tax assets 1.21 0.33
Revenue 193.58 180.33
Other non-current assets 1.07 1.24 Other income 9.14 2.45
Total non-current assets 146.22 143.50 Total income 202.72 182.78
Current assets
Expenditure
Inventories 33.91 36.20
Cost of material consumed 27.93 25.45
Trade and other receivables 77.97 46.71
Purchase of stock-in-trade 4.57 14.20
Loans 5.72 5.29
Changes in inventories of work-in-
Cash & cash equivalents 60.49 62.50 4.52 4.00
progress and stock-in-trade
Other current assets 6.95 1.91
Employees’ benefits expense 77.96 77.25
Total current assets 185.04 152.61
Depreciation and amortization 9.40 9.50
Total assets 331.26 296.12
Other expenses 52.61 37.15
EQUITY AND LIABILITIES: Total expense 177.00 167.54
Shareholder’s equity Profit before tax 25.72 15.24
Share capital 50.00 50.00 Less: Income tax expense
Other equity 170.10 162.00 Current tax 8.92 (0.26)
Total shareholders’ equity 220.10 212.00 Deferred tax (0.75) (1.27
Non-current liabilities Profit after tax 17.55 16.77
Long term borrowings 14.16 14.16 Other comprehensive income/(loss) (3.46) (1.74)
Deferred grant 5.52 5.98 Total comprehensive income 14.10 15.03
Deferred tax liabilities 6.02 6.78
The Financial Statements have been prepared in accordance with the
Employee benefits obligations 38.01 28.40 Bhutanese Accounting Standards (BAS).
Total non-current liabilities 63.70 55.32 Management

ANNOUNCEMENT CLASSIFIEDS
KUENSEL CORPORATION LIMITED
NU. PER UNITS OF FOREIGN CURRENCY
as of yesterday
Kuensel would like to request all our valued clients to mention the bill
NOTES
number against which you are making the payments in the particulars Vacancy: Required TTI
civil graduates. Contact Buy Sell
column in your e-payment instruction voucher and similarly in the
17609330. US $ 74.00 76.30
deposit slip for over the counter deposits, and kindly mail the payment POUND 92.45 94.95
instructions/deposit slip to revenueofficer@kuensel.bt EURO 80.30 82.55
Announcement: Contact YEN (100) 69.30 71.25
Zenith Cargo to carry your HK $ 9.55 9.80
To advertise Call 326191 or fax 322975; goods from Kathmandu AUS $ 48.35 49.70
to Bhutan. Mail: haripkr@ SING $ 52.45 53.95
Email: kuenseladvertisement@gmail.com gmail.com. Wechat: Courtesy BNB
harikarki
 HOME
Monday, March 04, 2020 | KUENSEL PAGE 7

Volunteers build house

for homeless man
Neten Dorji | Trashigang

After battling leprosy for Now, I don’t

years, Tumpo could no long- have to
er work in the fields when he
turned 30. Given the desper-
worry about
ate conditions of his limbs, it anything. I
was simply impractical.   don’t have
Today, he is 67. But by
his looks, he seems much to sleep in
older, and the people in the others house
community fondly call him, anymore,”
Memey Tumpo.  
From Leyphu, Yangnyer
in Trashigang, he can barely
walk, even with the help of
his walking staff. 
Life has been tough on
him, thinks Memey Tumpo. formed the volunteer group
He is physically disabled and to provide immediate help
his sibling is deaf and mute.  to Memey Tumpo, they de-
“It had never been easy Memey Tumpo would move to his new home soon cided to continue to help
to live after my hands and others in the community. 
legs became impaired,” he weekends and took more construction materials for Gyeltshen Memey Tumpo “We have made sure this
said.  than a month to complete the project.  was moving from one empty time, he can have a home
He depends mainly on the construction.  “Together with the con- shelter to another.  before monsoon, and we
neighbours, some are dis- Memey has distant tribution from the dzong- “After dzongkhag admin- will also provide him with
tant relatives, living nearby relatives in the village and dag, business community of istration agreed to provide mattresses, blankets and
and in the village who pro- nearby. “But they are busy Trashigang, contractors and CGI sheet and timber, we kitchen items later.” 
vide him with the essentials looking after their children. shopkeepers, we’re happy started to build the house Memey Tumpo has al-
and firewood for his earthen Moreover, their only source that we managed to build a for him.” ready started shifting some
stove.  of livelihood is their farm,” decent house for him,” said The gewog officials, desu- of his household items to his
But he is all smiles and said Memey Tumpo.  Nedup Gyelteshen.  ups, community base scouts new house. 
happy these days because Tumpo receives His It was the second such and volunteers committed “Now, I don’t have to
soon he will have a new Majesty The King’s monthly house the group built for the their weekend times for the worry about anything. I
home to live.  destitute allowance. He also needy in the gewog. The first past one month and fifteen don’t have to sleep in others
About 45 individuals, received stock of essential one was for an older woman.  days to construct the house.  house anymore,” said Meme
including staff of the Yang- items as kidu.   According to Needup Although members Tumpo. 
ner gewog, Community base The project coordinator
scouts, teachers, students, and Yangnyer gewog ad-
civil servant, and desuups, ministrative officer, Needup
volunteered to construct a Gyeltshen said that benefac-
house for him. tors donated more than Nu
They built the house on 30,000 as cash and other

SUCCESSFUL HAND WASHING

Use these handwashing steps to keep germs out of your department.

1 Wet Hands
2 Use soap
3 Lather for
20 seconds

4 5 6 Bhutanese working in UN Peace Keeping Missions, UN headquarters in New York, UN

agencies, funds and programmes in other regions contributed Nu 4.617Million including
Rinse Air dry hands or Turn taps off with paper
use paper towel towel if available

Nu 1.617M to the Prime Minister’s Covid-19 response fund on April 27.

DIVERSION Monday, May 4, 2020| KUENSEL
PAGE 8

Namchu Wangden
Karma Phuntsho is a social thinker
and worker, the President of the
Loden Foundation and the author of
many books and articles including
The History of Bhutan.
The Buddha is said to have opened
the Kālacakra maṇḍala and given
Kālacakra teachings on the full
moon day of the third month. One
of most popular calligraphic sym-
bols in Bhutan and the Himalayas
is the Namchu Wangden (རྣམ་བཅུ་
དབང་ལྡན་) stack of letters which sym-
bolize the essence of the Kālacakra
cycle of teachings. For both its
efficacy as an advanced spiritual
system and the cosmological and
astrological content, the Kālacakra
tantra is one of the most influen-
tial tantric teachings followed by
all the Tibetan Buddhist schools.
It is the last major tantric cycle
La: the hips and earth
Ma: the spine and all five ele-
ments
Kśa: the head and awareness
Ha: the crown and space
Visarga: the left channel and red
fluid
Bindu: the left channel and white
fluid
Nāda: the central channel and
vital air
The concept of Other or Alterna-
tive Kālacakra refers to the configura-
tion of divine mansions and dei-
ties associated with the practice of
Kālacakra. This is further subdivided
into the configuration of palatial
mansions, the figures of deities, the
principles, philosophies and en-
lightened energies they represent,
and the various practices of tantric
moon and the red disk as the
sun, in Namchu Wangden, the
meditation to actualize the divine el-
ements. The ten letters symbolize the
different aspects of enlightenment.
The Namchu Wangden is drawn
on eight layers of seat representing
the four natural elements and four
heavenly bodies. It is often flanked
by the syllables E and Vaṃ which
represent the enlightenment ener-
gies of wisdom and compassion.
The Namchu Wangden monogram is
painted on wall hangings, religious
monuments, temple walls and hous-
es, carved on shrines and amulets,
and today also printed on shirts, caps
and other objects. It is believed to
bring blessings to the object and the
user, and also clear away misfortunes
and problems. It is one of the most
widely used artistic monogram in
Bhutan and the Buddhist Himalayas.

transmitted from India to Tibet.
The Namchu Wangden, literally the
powerful one with ten aspects, is a
calligraphic symbol containing the
mantra spell of Kālacakra tantra
written in the stylized Lantsa script
which is a Tibetanized version of
the Indian Ranjana script.
The symbol is generally made
up of ten components including
the seven syllables of mantra, ha
kṣa, ma la va ra ya (ཧ་ཀྵ་མ་ལ་ཝ་ར་ཡ་
) and three elements of a crescent
indicating the visarga (ཿ) allophone
or namched (རྣམ་བཅད་), a disk
indicating anusvara/bindu (་་་ཾ ) al-
lophone or jesungaro/thigle (རྗེས་སུ་
ང་རོ ་/ཐིག་ལེ་) and a wisp symbolizing
the nāda character.
The structure and symbol-
ism of the mantra monogram is
given in the Vimalaprabhā (དྲི་
མེད་འོ ད་), a commentary on the
Kālacakratantra attributed to the
Shambala king Mañjuśrīyaśas
(འཇམ་དཔལ་གྲགས་པ་). Based on the
fifth verse of the Kālacakratantra,
the Vimalaprabha explains the
ten aspects of existence which are
associated with ten sites of articu-
lation of different sounds. They
are the moon, sun, space, wind,
fire, water, earth, outer inanimate
world, moving animate world, and
formless realm. The ten sounds or
letters are said to arise respectively
from these ten aspects of existence
and the letters are to be written one
on top of the other in order to form
the Kālacakra monogram. Unlike
other drawings, where the crescent
is portrayed in white colour as the
Sudoku
crescent is associated with the
visarga and sun and thus red in
colour and the disk with anus-
vara and moon and thus white
in colour.
The symbolism of the
monogram is further elaborated
in some texts by explaining the
three levels of the outer (ཕྱི),
inner (ནང་) and other (གཞན་)
concepts of Kālacakra.
The Outer Kālacakra relates
to the physical world including
the planets and constellation
of stars and the ten letters are
associated with different aspects
of the physical world.
Ya: black wind element
Ra: red fire element
Va: white water element
La: yellow earth element
Ma: multicoloured Mt Meru
and desire realm
Kśa: green form realm
Ha: blue formless realm
Visarga: red sun
Bindu/anusvara: white moon
Nāda: deep blue space
The Inner Kālacakra refers
to the internal phenomena of
sentient beings, their body parts,
sacred energy channels, chan- How to play
nel networks and the energies
and fluids. On this level, the Fill in the grid so that every
ten syllables have the following row, every column, and every 3
symbolism. X 3 box contains the numbers
1 through 9.
Ya: the soles of feet and wind
Ra: the shins and fire
Va: the knees and water Answer
 PERSPECTIVE
Monday, May 04, 2020 | KUENSEL PAGE 9

Consumer Protection in Bhutan in the

challenging times of Covid-19 Pandemic

T
riggered by
the novel
coronavirus
outbreak in the
beginning of
this year, there was a panic
buying of rice and other
essential items, as well as
health products; The Office
of Consumer Protection will
need to continue to enforce
the Consumer Protection
Act of Bhutan 2012 rigor-
ously. Particularly, monitor-
ing the supply and prices
of essential commodities,
disseminating accurate
information to the public in
a timely manner, as well as
sanctioning rogue traders. It
needs also to call on import-
ers and retailers to stabilize
their supply and price.
The Kuensel newspaper
reported recently that the
price of some of the essen-
tial commodities like rice
and potato, among others
have increased in most
Dzongkhags even as most
markets have seen fewer
customers each day in the
past few weeks.
In response to the
Covid-19 pandemic the
United Nations is calling for
a focus on the protection
and empowerment of indi-
viduals in the marketplace
based on consumer rights,
and for co-ordinated strate-
gies across nations and
intergovernmental bodies
to build fair, safe, resilient
and sustainable economies
through consumer protec-
tion. The areas that need
immediate attention, which
are directly relevant to the
circumstances of Bhutan
include, inter-alia:
Vulnerable Consumers
in Bhutan
They face the biggest risks
in terms of the immediate
impact on health and mor-
tality, and the economic
downturn that will follow.
Covid - 19 pandemic will
disproportionately affect
people living with non -
communicable diseases, in
areas with poor air quality,
in informal jobs, with no
internet connectivity, with
inadequate housing or with
limited savings.
The right to health is a
priority for consumer
protection:
This is one of the UN
Consumer rights. Health
services, education, aware-
ness and implementation
of preventive measures
should be resourced as a
matter of urgency to ensure
access for all. Products that
help consumers protect
themselves from Covid - 19
should be affordable and
readily available. Markets
for essential products such
as disinfectants, masks
and gels should be closely
monitored to ensure their
availability, and if neces-
sary temporary price caps
introduced to protect the
health of consumers during
the pandemic.
Food and essential com-
modities
Consumers can face shortages
and exponential price rises for
food and other essential com-
modities which may cause
major detriment as supply
chains are facing disruption
because of panic buying and
a fall in production capac-
ity. Consumers, especially
the most vulnerable, must
continue to be able to access
safe and healthy food. Local
markets and livelihoods must
be protected and shifts to sus-
tainable practices that align
with Gross National Happi-
ness development philosophy
should be encouraged.
Excessive pricing and
profiteering
The enforcing agencies
must enforce legisla-
tion, sanction those who
charge excessive prices or
cause artificial shortages;
promote transparency in
pricing; introduce limits on
pricing of essential goods;
act against secondary
seller and traders that take
advantage of the current
situation.
Prioritise stopping the
spread of misinformation
Removing content, ac-
counts and groups that
spread misinformation and
verify and promote trusted
content, warn consumers
against Covid-19 related
scams, and advise consum-
ers how to protect them-
selves.
Offer financial security
Protection from financial
losses from unforeseen
changes to circumstances
with appropriate refunds or
alternatives offered; respect
legally guaranteed refunds;
and make dispute resolu-
tion services work more
effectively.
Access to trusted online
services and information
Access to trusted services
and information becomes
more important than ever
when the usual access
routes to essential goods
and services are suddenly
disrupted. Internet access
for more people could be
secured through subsidised
devices and data, and in-
creasing data allowances.
The current Covid-19
pandemic will pass. Under
His Majesty’s enlightened
leadership and the govern-
ment’s prudent manage-
ment, our country will
emerge stronger and united
society if we build on the
strong foundations of our
culture and values - Values
of solidarity, interdepend-
ence, mutual assistance
and respect for our nature
based on the teaching of
Lord Buddha.
Contributed by
Dophu Tshering
Former Chief Trade Officer
Dept. of Trade, MoEA
Disclaimer: The views
expressed in this article
are authors own.

To adverTise iN KueNsel:
Call 326191 or fax 326638;
e-mail us at: kuenseladvertisement@gmail.com
HOME
PAGE 10 Monday, May 04, 2020 | KUENSEL

VTOB dedicated Teacher’s

Day to His Majesty The King
Thinley Namgay  five packages or volumes for
classes PP to XII.
There were no children. Nor A total of 85 video lessons
were there cards or hugging made into SIM were already
teachers as a group of teachers delivered to 20 dzongkhags
celebrated the Teacher’s Day from April 25-28. It is a part of
on May 2. 238 video lessons to be con-
The teachers of VTOB verted into SIM in the package
(Teachers of Bhutan Volun- one and two.
teers) dedicated the day to The package one lessons
His Majesty The King with the began from May 2, and it will
theme “My King My Greatest end on May 8. Package two
Teacher” at Motithang Higher materials are in the printing
Secondary School.  process.
Commemorating the day, Phuntsho Lhamo, an edu-
VTOB also launched a five- cation specialist and advisor to
minute VTOB YouTube chan- the department of the school
nel. It is one of VTOB’s five education said that a pilot test-
future projects.  Teacher’s Day this year was dedicated to His Majesty The King ing of the SIM had been carried
  In this project, teachers out for 66 students of Thimphu,
and students can contribute a Paro, Punakha, and Dagana.
five-minute video on themes “MoE got feedback from
such as inspirations, academ- those students in terms of il-
ics, life skills, values, music, and lustrations, concept, clarity of
awareness. Teachers or stu- the language, and instructions
dents portraying in the video being not clear. MoE would fix
should be in national dress and these issues in the second pack-
VTOB committee will verify the age,” said Phuntsho Lhamo.
video before uploading. For the convenience of
Other future projects classes PP to III, the ministry
VTOB presented were  Druk also launched the recorded
Lopens, Bhutan Children’s radio lessons of the SIM.  The
Writeshop,  Lopen Lobthru lessons will be aired daily
Zhibtshoel, and the Lobthru on Kuzu FM from 10:30pm
Lamtoen.  to 12pm and BBS radio from
Druk Lopens programme Officiating Secretary with the Ministry of Education, Karma Tshering launched the SIM 2pm to 5pm.
will help to create a VTOB
magazine either in print or Majesty, our beloved King, for preparing video lessons.    
online. Bhutan Children’s his unwavering love and sup- Chief guest and the officiat-
writeshop aims to build writ- port to our people.”  ing Secretary with the Ministry of
ing habits in children both in  The day also marked the Education, Karma Tshering said TOMORROW
Dzongkha and English.  parinirvana of Zhabdrung that teachers must work hard to
Lopen-Lobthru Zhibt- Ngawang Namgyel and the fulfill the aspirations of His Maj- Good Day
shoel  is a teacher-student birth anniversary of the Third esty The King and the society. 
collaborative research project Druk Gyalpo.  “Understanding the impor- Bad Day
to enhance knowledge for VTOB coordinator, Sonam tance of teachers, the govern- A good day for rituals (laza):
those born in the rat and pig years.
students beyond classroom Norbu, said that the day was ment has increased the teach-
learning. Lobthru Lamtoen is a unique. “In schools, students ing allowance. Teachers have Generally a good day (sogza):
programme that will inculcate celebrate Teacher’s Day, but this to work towards producing those born in the ox, dragon and dog
years.
values, competencies, skills year VTOB teachers are celebrat- nationally rooted and interna-
and attitudes for the students.  ing the day on behalf of all the tionally competent youth,” said A bad day (shedza):
A Teacher’s Day musical teachers in the country to pay Karma Tshering. those born in the snake and horse years.
video dedicated to His Majesty tribute to His Majesty The King.” Meanwhile, the education
The King was also launched. Another teacher, Kinley ministry launched the Self –In-
Besides lyrics and the tune, Tenzin, said that His Majesty structional Materials (SIM) on Time of issue: 04:00 PM,
singers are all from VTOB.   is an extraordinary teacher. May 2.  The printed form of SIM SUNRISE : 5:21 am |SUNSET : 6:35 pm 03 May 2020
VTOB Lozey was also “VTOB celebrates the day with is aligned with the video lessons
presented which highlights pride and respect.”  which were broadcast on BBS
the journey of VTOB and col- Since the Covid-19 appre- television channels.
laborative effort at this time to hension, the VTOB group has The activity-based SIM Gasa Trongsa Bumthang Sarpang Phuentsholing
prevent Covid-19.  been preparing video lessons to would benefit approximately
A press release from VTOB
stated,  “There is no greater op-
engage students meaningfully.
More than 400 video lessons
about 17,000 students in the
country who are staying at far-
16 21 20 29 28
portunity than now, amid the
6 9 8 21 16
were completed so far.  flung villages without access
Covid-19 pandemic, to honour Currently, there are 4,404 to internet, television, and e-
Source: National Center for Hydrology and Meteorology.
the greatness of leadership be- VTOB teachers in the country, learning facilities. For any weather information: Call hotline 335578
yond the self and earth, to His and around 500 are in Thimphu Materials are divided into

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