Being a
Bhutanese, the pledge of giving Nu.2 million to each geog had generated a set
of mixed feelings in my mind from the day this pledge was formally made by
People’s Democratic Party during election campaign. Though, it would be
absolutely unfair to oppose on this topic at this time yet I strongly feel
making my own personal judgement is worth justifiable in any forum. Therefore,
I request readers’ discretion at first instance before I precede blogging. It
is not my intention to undermine/underestimate any institution neither to hurt
anyone at any cost. This blog is purely based on personal views.
Politically,
the pledge of allotting Nu.2 million to each geog might had been a tactic to garner
votes but this idea seemed very genuine and beneficial to general public at
larger interest. Such a step is a true manifestation of devolving of
centralized powers (Wangtse Chirpel)
to common people in reality. Moreover, it also signals a direct assigning/vesting
of responsibility to people at grass root level (local government) for the
first time in Bhutanese history and making them accountable to what they plan
and do. All in one, what I am trying to say is “Gups are given full financial powers in terms of planning,
implementation and follow-up to directly benefit their geogs”
Unlike
in the past, Gups need to be extra careful in discharging their duties
especially in financial matters. According to some sources, the biggest concern
for Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) for next five years is how this budget
will be utilized effectively by the geog in most transparent and accountable
manner. Similarly, National Council members expressed their concern about how
this budget will be meaningfully utilized during the first sitting. There are
many factors why ACC and National Council members are worried; a handful of uneducated
gups (No formal education) in some geogs, inexperienced and lack of competent
human resource dealing with financial matters at geog level, etc. I personally
feel it is immature at this stage to give Nu. 2 million to a geog before
considering possible loop holes which might hinder the implementation. If serious
attention is not given, it may result to fraud, corruption, misuse of fund etc.
Some Gups may land behind jail after five years.
The Service Utility vehicle (SUV), Bolero for each geog is yet another good
pledge that many people will cherish when it is materialized. This vehicle will
help common people to carry dead bodies (corpse) to cremation grounds, ferrying
sick people to hospitals during emergency, carrying surplus farm produces to
markets, etc. However, there is every chance that this facility may be misused
by local leaders for personal gain. Therefore, it is always recommended that a
stringent terms and conditions are placed properly in the system before the
geogs are provided with vehicles.
In
Bhutan, the degree of physical development in geogs varies from each other.
Some geogs already have roads, electricity, clean drinking water, good
communication facilities, good irrigation channels etc while some geogs
especially in the east, south and north are deprived of such facilities.
Instead, the past government had entertained these geogs with other
alternatives. Therefore, I think fund may be allotted to the geogs based on the
factors like availability of facilities, population, area, etc.
It is my
premature views and the real scene will be witnessed by every citizen in next
five years.
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