Unveiling My Agendas for the New Ministers

The new government was formed under the dynamic leadership of Lyonchhoen Tshering Tobgay as the Prime Minister (for 2024-2028). There is no looking back now for whatever reasons that has happened during the entire election period. 

 

Whether we like it or not, the general public has given the People's Democratic Party (PDP) the power to rule for the next five years and hopefully they will set a good precedence for the future of the country. 

 

However, as a concerned citizen, I would like to spell out a few agendas for the new ministers. 

 

1. Ministry of Health

 

In the words of Karthik Ganesh, "the foundation for all happiness in life is health. There is no compromise on the health of anyone in the society. Therefore, we must pay the highest attention to the health system of any nation." 

Therefore, I would like to share a few lines with the new cabinet minister to push agendas on ways to make health easily accessible to all ages and all corners of the country. 

 

a. Work out a way to get the e-token system mentioned with specific room and time, especially in our National Referral Hospital (JDWNRH), and Regional Hospitals. So unnecessary lining, waiting and crowding can be kept at a minimum. 

 

b. Finding ways to establish some good private clinics with international standard infrastructures and working culture may drive quality public service delivery and attitude of our people, health professionals, and society. 

 

c. Redesign and expand the infrastructures of the present RIHS. Increase student intake to multifold and do away with all diploma courses. Make a bilateral and affiliate with some European health institutes so that our health professionals get equal justice to work anywhere in the world with their nursing degrees or any other qualifications. 

 

2. Ministry of Education and Skills Development

 

a. Make Assessments more vigorous and more transparent with technology. We don't want our teachers to simply give face value at the end of each term. Should we continue to determine the real ability of our learners by a 3-hour exam test, our education system will continue to remain behind. Time to explore means to be little more than one single exam score. 

 

b. Redesign Quality School Infrastructures place-based and grade-wise. There is no point in primary schools having the same classroom height as higher secondary levels. Same football field and library size. I still wonder how it makes sense to have the same sized classroom door, footsteps, and amenities. Our preschools should be way attractive, and fun-loving places with a lovely environment. 

 

c. Pay utmost attention to primary schools in terms of human resources and facilities. If we continue to compromise our primary schools, we will continue to fail more productive youth. We need some of the best human resources to be in our primary schools because a child's fundamental years begin in primary school. No matter what, primary kids need care and special attention. Therefore, we must make a plan to make preschool more attractive and wholesome. 

 

d. Encourage and incentivize teachers across all domains in the content creation platform. I saw many talented pools of educators who can change the course of our education mania. 

 

e. Look out and make a mass national move to redesign our food habits, especially in boarding schools. Can we be a little more creative than a 'rice, curry, and dal' meal all day long? We have mountains of fresh, organic, and green vegetables to make healthy meals. Our cook can do a little more homework. Appoint a separate in-charge responsible for meals in schools. Let's be serious! I feel school is a good place to form our habits and values. 

 

f. Send an executive order to all the agencies to avoid disturbances in school. No ad hoc program of visitors, no chadri, and unnecessary exchange programs that bear not much learning. 

 

3. Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport

 

I believe infrastructure and transport are key components in the success of any country. Without any doubt, it is the backbone of any economy, and without it, a country can be left behind. 

 

Therefore, on many occasions, I have always raised my antenna on how our road network is built. I don't mind a narrow stretch but more smooth and safe is all I wish for a peaceful ride. Similarly, there is always a need for better bridges, more and appropriate road signage that the ministry can do along with other affiliated agencies. 

 

4. Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock

 

This ministry by far can frame a policy that seemingly can encourage our farmers to grow more vegetables and foods. Setting up a chain of easy access to markets at each level is important. In addition, setting up an easy buying and selling mechanism right from the farmers' doorsteps can encourage them to grow even more food items. 

 

I am always intrigued by how more developed nations manage their perishable food so well, the magic is in setting up cold storage, not just one big one in one place, based on population density and need based. 

The Kind of Ministers I Would Like to See

Source: His Majesty's Official Facebook Page

After a week of speculation both in social media and the public domain, the People's Democratic Party (PDP) has finally unveiled the names of new cabinet ministers, who have great portfolios. 

Whether we like it or not, PDP will set direction for the nation as to where it should go, and what it should achieve in the next five years and beyond. 

Anyway, for the next five years, we have given them our voice to represent us in all forms. We made our conscious choice of not just the party, but also the candidate whom we think can help us unconditionally and bring a lot of prosperity in our community. 

Interestingly, amongst the voters, the choice for cabinet ministers remained for their constituency, District, or close one because they had the power to represent them well, better than the non-lyonpo Demkhongs. 

It won't be fair to see "One Single Demkhong, or few Districts" developing better than the rest. Whether lyonpo is of place A or B, shouldn't make a difference in anything. They are entrusted to play a fair role for all of us, and I am sure they would perform their duty with due diligence. I don't mind ministers from any part of the country so long as they serve the country, people, and king with conviction. 

I don't have any personal favorites because I believe in fairness, or damtsi. I don't have a choice for a Demkhong, neighbors, or someone I know. I would like our Lyonpos to be someone whom we can trust and look up to and remember for putting up a legacy of a good system.

Do we need a minister to bring change in our community? 

I have had a little odd feeling over some social media comments from the past many years; "One Lyonpo from Sarpang". "One Lady Lyonpo". "One Lyonpo from the East". "One Lotshampa Lyonpo'' and so on. 

Do we need this precedence?

We want to see developed Sarpang, Pemagatshel, and not the rest of our Dzongkhags. We want only our girls and women to be empowered and the Southern region to be better than the North. In years to come, I would rather like to see "Developed Bhutan" and not just a lucky few places. Therefore, as a tiny nation with a shrinking population, we must put aside the question of gender, caste, religion, and region. 

We would like our ministers to embrace a growth mindset and change. If one lives by this mantra, I'm sure they can become a wise leader and unquestionably change society. Life is a continuous journey of learning and evolving, and by being open to new experiences, ideas, and perspectives, one can easily become a good leader who can take the nation forward. 

I would like our ministers to build a strong network of people not just to fulfill some of their silly promises. They need to be surrounded by like-minded circle who can support and inspire each other to take a step forward. In addition, the culture of mentorship, and guidance would do miracles and set a legacy for the future leaders. 

I am always intrigued by the "quality" thing and an eye for small details. What have we learned from "JICA Bridge" over two decades? What have we learned in planning, work ethics, and the magical hands of Japanese Engineers? 

I would like our leaders to have a little time to stop over any of the Japanese-made bridges for what it means for "quality, design, and beauty" they have given us. Nonetheless, from their engineering marvel to craftsmanship, we must learn the art to produce our version of "high-quality" work and the finishing touches. 

I would like to suggest new ministers to handle projects and infrastructure development very carefully and wisely. Now they shouldn't make the same mistake twice. They must demand the highest and the finest standards in quality and work execution. They must set standards. They must brand us not just in the standard and quality but also in performance.

 

Why was Steve Jobs so successful? 

"He is famous for his eye for Beautiful Design and the Highest Quality Products. Sculley said, "he had a knack for recruiting the best people to work for him". 

What made Steve Jobs different from others? 

It's not for his looks but for his commitment to "Perfection". Today who doesn't want an iPhone?

Can we brand our nation like Steve Jobs's Apple? 

It is possible. We're already branded for 'Gross National Happiness'. We just need someone to polish our system. Therefore, to be like Steve Jobs's Apple, we must build a vibrant system with courage and toughness. 

Lee Kuan Yew is another person I admire for what he has done in transforming Singapore to the most prosperous and developed nations in the world. 

Lee Kuan Yew's advice, which I always keep in my heart, really helped me stay clean and positive in life.

This is the line of Mr. Lee, which touches the depth of my heart every time I come across. "I have no regrets. I have spent my life, so much of it, building up this country –Singapore. There's nothing more that I need to do. At the end of the day, what have I got? A successful Singapore. What have I given up? My life." 

As I sincerely congratulate our new cabinet ministers, it is super-important that each ministry rises to greater heights under new leadership... and that is all I wanted. 

Take-home message from Chhokhor_Tang (Bumthang) general election public debate

As Bhutan gears up for the third general round of elections, we can see so many political glitches. There are numerous attacks for both the candidates and the party by other party representatives and fellow Bhutanese citizens. But, the more severe was between the two different party candidates when they were on live tv programs. 

Like any other constituencies the Chhokhor_Tang general election public debate between former Journalist Dawa and DPT incumbent Pema Gyamtsho has surprised me more. Although they come from the same blood, I never thought they would be this polite to each other because they represent two different political parties. Like in Bumthang, other Dzongkhags also have similar family members taking part in elections from different parties but never was like DNT Dawa and DPT Pema Gyamtsho. Both are fighting to win the political race with their own party motto and pledges. To me the debate between them was very lively. At any point of the debate, I did not feel like the debate between two different party candidates. Instead of being very rude and talking more for self, they were perhaps supporting each other more. The debate was very professional, educative, goal oriented, clear and matured. Overall it was meaningful and straight. No personal attack. The fight was absolutely clean. Both seemed clever. I salute them. Some highly qualified and experienced candidates who lack professionalism and maturity in democratic process need to learn from them. 

The best part of the live program was one never put the other down to lure the live vote stating so many ambiguous party pledges. Both the candidates were substantially superior and eloquent. We want such quality leaders.  

People of their constituency should feel proud of them. They have represented all of them to the next level of humanity. Both have quality and they can work perfectly under the feet of His Majesty and the people. If people elect DNT Dawa, he has the quality to become cabinet minister and DPT Pema Gyamtsho can still lead his team with his 10 years of experience and can become the next Prime Minister of Bhutan.

The final choice must come from the people and not them. Let the public decide their fate in a free and fair manner. I feel public debate must be something like this, sublime and vibrant.

Why BKP lost their primary election?

When the party motto fails, politics is a game of luck and it favors the other party. BPK have lost their third parliamentary primary election for a few silly reasons.  

Like any other party, BKP was a good combination of people and could have become one very strong and capable political party if elected. 

1. Debasing or uprooting corruption from the system. Word "Corruption" has always a negative connotation for whatever maybe the affairs. People have misinterpreted the concept of corruption this time. Corruption motto did not interest more people. They mean to make a corrupt free society through a good system in the next five years. BKP wanted to debase and uproot all forms of corruption for a better future of the country and people. 

2. They have failed because they have not appointed any party coordinators, or they have not used any money to bribe anyone anywhere in any-form. 

3. The other could be probably for her straight forward spoken tone, which everyone felt she would dominate and she is incapable to become Prime Minister of Bhutan. 

4. She was a female president. In a patriarchal society like ours, it is very difficult for a female counterpart to raise their voice. There is very less trust for any female friends. Thus, she and her party failed.

But she is the one last piece who can probably serve king, country and people with utmost loyalty and dedication. There won't be anyone above her who can serve TSA-WA-SUM. 

Know your NA Candidate

Honestly, our party lacks long-term pledges and the environmental conservation agenda to deliver. Thus, I voted but not only for the water pledges. 

While all the political parties gear up to publicize their party, party president, themselves and their pledges for next five years and –beyond, it is also important to know the right party and the right candidate who can possibly serve the nation well. Whoever comes into power, they must keep the wheels of development and progress turning without increasing the national debt. Therefore, they must be creative and workable.

Whatever and however they sell themselves and the party, the only two best and the lucky party will see the light of the day after 15^th October and two losing parties have to be in the queue for the next five years. Although, the journey of the two winning parties will become one step closer in crowning the victory but at the same time it will be more intense and challenging to pass the final test. For which they must be smart and selective for whatever they will talk and how they will walk their talk.  

Whoever comes into power, they must remember that they represent all the four parties in their best suit, they must live up to their full promises from their office or they must remain committed in their good behaviors, actions and will. More importantly, we want proper progress and the wholesome development to take place. We want someone who believes in the most fundamental principles of life and someone who can really unite people as one nation and one people. 

Winning doesn't lie in the party president, party motto and the pledges. But, the winning formula lies in those who have travelled to the furthest and to the remotest pocket of their constituency. They must or have to win the heart of the people they come across. 

I doubt their one-day luck but one is sure to win the race. One will decorate in full blue kabney and the pathang for the next five years. Therefore, I wish good luck to all the party representatives of my constituency on and after 15th October. 

NA representatives of Sergithang-Tsirangtoed constituency.

Are we ready for the Water Pledges?

Instead of more water flowing in our water taps, the onset of summer brings in more water shortage. And this is our perennial problem for decades now. Perhaps, there is a very scarce water shortage in a water rich country.  But with the election nearing, party campaigning on high and tight, the hopes in access to safe and sufficient drinking water supply for every household is becoming quite hopeful and impressive, whoever comes into power. Since, all the four political parties have their water agenda to deliver. However, I am a bit worried about this embellish pledge for how far it takes and works for the common need.

I am happy for the handsome and excited big party promises but worried equally for not being so genuine. I could see their pledges would cost more than a country's total revenue for five years. If this is the case, why our two governments have terribly failed to solve this water problem which they are promising now. They felt the urgency, but they have failed to deliver their services to people for the last 10 years are something very unexpected.

Now they claim that the main problem of insufficient water supply is all due to the poor water management system in place. Whom shall we blame for this? What have our two governments done for all these many years? We must understand the difference between –physical water scarcity and economic water scarcity. Ours is economic water scarcity, which means improper planning and distribution of infrastructures and insufficient human capacity to meet the demands. Current data states that around 80% of homes lack the access to clean drinking water supply which is something to worry for a small country like ours. 

When our taps go dry for almost every day, should we feel proud of our mountains and valleys or should we feel proud of our governments for not doing enough.

Bhutan being in the greater Himalayas should out-stand with enough drinking water supply. Going objectively by the number of mountains, trees, glacial areas and the population we should easily achieve the goal of clean and sufficient drinking water by now. In fact, this problem should have invariably been solved and focused 10 years before and not now. 

Although globally water is becoming scarce and an extremely rare element. But it shouldn't be an excuse for all of us and walk the talk for the future. It is extremely important that every effort must be made to restore this problem at the earliest not only as a party convention and candidate wooing for a vote in their constituency.  Nonetheless, we can have rice shortage and salt issues. It is understandable for a mountainous country but not this water shortage at all. 

Although, in our context one thing is obvious that human settlement and streams or rivers are perfectly mismatched. About 87% of human settlement is away from the periphery of streams/rivers but it should not be an excuse. Thus, I feel bogus party pledges should not stand for this.

Of late, the research based in London and USA made me think overly for which they have found out that, "levels of plastic fibers in popular bottled water brands could be twice as high as those found in tap water." Which means bottled water is no safer to drink. What are we supposed to drink, when our home taps go dry for almost 24 hours a day?

The more shameless is when you get your monthly water bills so high, when your taps still go dry for a month. Interestingly, water in Zhemgang has become more expensive than Lobster Frittata and forget about fueling your own body with clean water. 

I am a bit worried about the very curious party febrile air forming now about all ambitious promises. However, I am ready to vote for the party whose primary agenda is in conserving environment and not for anyone else.