WHY BHUTANESE JOB-SEEKERS DREAM FOR CIVIL SERVICE JOBS?

Why select jobs?

Every country has a national policy of maintaining a small, compact and efficient civil service to deliver public services. Similarly, Bhutan has such policy and Royal Civil Service Commission is a constitutional body vested with responsibilities and powers to manage the core man power of the country through comfortable, viable and stringent legislations to govern civil servants as enshrined in the Constitution of Bhutan. Numerous legislations (Acts, Rules and Regulations) that pertain to improve the quality of civil servants came into picture based on past statistics and records over the years.

For every Bhutanese, I guess it is a dream to become a civil servant and serve TSA-WA-SUM. Civil Service Commission has a good framework of rule to recruit young graduates through different stages of tests (preliminary examination, main written examination, viva voce). RCSC tries to explore, discover and test the capabilities of young graduates. Once recruited, I think civil servants of Bhutan have a secured life and good future prospects.

As far as I am concerned, the private sectors of Bhutan need to nurture and create impression to jobseekers for a secured life. There are not many Multi-National Companies (MNCs) in Bhutan where job opportunities are created for Bhutanese. Interestingly, private and corporate sectors of Bhutan are gearing up for the same and many jobseekers are looking for jobs in those sectors. Jobseekers are gaining confidence in both private and corporate sectors gradually. However, there are many factors that determine the attitudes of jobseekers. All if not most of the jobseekers want to get into civil service due benefits, incentives and healthy working environment.

RCSC serves as a guardian for all civil servants across country and looks after the welfare of each and every civil servant. 

MY PERSONAL VIEWS ON GIVING NU. 2 MILLIONS AND SERVICE UTILITY VEHICLES TO GEOGS OF BHUTAN.

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. 

MAN; A DIFFICULT CREATURE TO TAME.

While education may be a tool to guide as a light for a man to walk in the dark, it is sometimes surprise to note the tool proves otherwise. Man is a super creature on this universe that has a capability to tame and control other animals. Human beings have reached moon and places beyond imagination. Man has invented sophisticated machines and developed technologies. For instance, a man can control almost everything but it becomes a big issue when he does not know how to control and convince himself.

We harness a ferocious galloping stallion; tame giant wild elephant to work for man but a man hardly succeed perfectly in taming another man. A man also has a power to drill through a huge mountain, drive deep down to bed of an ocean, climb up to top of the highest peak in the world, etc yet a man superficially brings other humans under his control but fails practically. The repercussions of a man trying to control other men always result into violence, murder, atrocities and other inhuman acts. The world has witnessed many great personalities but yet they could not fully influence and mould the people in the way he/she wanted. Their philosophies had seldom worked in a practical world. Over the period, the world has witnessed two great world wars. The bloodiest and disastrous wars almost ended the human race from this world.

It is the ego, self centered mind set, colour, region and cultural differences that make very difficult to bring all the people under one umbrella. Practically, a teacher may teach a group of students from all walks of life but the capacity to grasp the ideas will vary. In short, what I am trying to say is “sometimes, it becomes practically very difficult to change the mindset of people who are partially or fully educated’. Though a man may superficially agree to the ideas of other man but his inner instinct over rules him. Ultimately, this results in the clash of ideas, personality, expression, etc

Person with irrational thinking will not really incline to the opinions and ideas of others. That is why, rounds of talks are convened time and again to remind and rephrase the points/ideas resolved at one point of time in the past. When an educated man becomes infamous with filthy thoughts, it results in obnoxious consequences which impact the whole society in general. If an education is a true solution to end all the violence then we need to raise a question as to why we come across violence frequently despite a good literacy rate.

Indeed, a man is a difficult creature on this universe to tame. A strong and stringent laws may be able to keep a man in a cocoon of harmonious society but he always looks for loophole in the system to do something wrong. Therefore, self control could be perhaps the best control to tame oneself to be able to suit in the civilized human society. Great books and examples may guide a man theoretically yet it is another milestone to be able to know and understand one self.

CHANGING TIMES; CHANGING BHUTAN.

Bhutan, sandwiched between two giant countries (China to the North & India to the South) has been an independent country isolated from outside world until she opened her eyes to the global communities in late 1960s. Under leadership of visionary kings, Bhutanese have been enjoying unprecedented peace, prosperity and harmony. Though small in terms of size and population, Bhutan maintained and preserved its unique identity i.e. her culture and tradition.

However, western lifestyles have started creeping into Bhutanese soil since Bhutan entered into an era of modernization in 1960s. Historical records show that the first modernization started with clearing of highway from Phuentsholing to capital city, Thimphu. Similarly, modern education geared up with the establishment of Haa Ugyen Dorji School apart from traditional monastic education in Bhutan. Today, Bhutanese people enjoy a good road networks, communication, electricity, reliable infrastructures, clean drinking water, free medical facilities and more importantly, a harmonious community.

Within past four to five decades, Bhutan has changed a lot. As truly said by someone, “Education is a true tool for human civilization”, Bhutan has achieved a good literacy rate. Today, the international community eyes on the progresses made by Bhutan. This credit is solely dedicated to our successive kings who have worked ceaselessly for the welfare of Bhutanese people.

Unique Bhutanese cultures and traditions preserved and maintained over generations by Bhutanese have been a strong tool in maintaining its independence. Today, Bhutan Tourism attracts thousands of tourists annually mainly to witness Bhutanese culture and tradition. From the way Bhutanese speak to the dresses they wear is very unique in nature manifesting its uniqueness. Having understood its significance, Bhutan now has many museums, programs and institutions dedicated to promote and disseminate cultures and traditions of Bhutan.

Guided by unique development policy of “Gross National Happiness”, Bhutan is striving to become economically vibrant through tapping clean renewable source of energy. Hydropower sector is a main focus to generate income understanding the fact that Bhutan has many torrential rivers across the country. Recently, United Nations also adopted “Happiness’ as a development paradigm which clearly underlines that world appreciates Bhutanese policies of sustainable development.

In 2008, a historic event was printed in Bhutanese history as Bhutan witnessed a transition from Monarchy to Constitutional Democratic Monarchy form of government where fourth King Jigme Singye Wangchuk devolved powers to citizens to elect and form government. The first Constitution of Bhutan was enacted and endorsed by first parliament of Bhutan. Unlike in other countries, Bhutan did not encounter any violence and communal disharmony during a historic transition. Far sighted visionary King has peacefully instituted democratic form of government in Bhutan.

In 2008, two political parties contested election for first parliament of Bhutan. Druk Phuensum Tshogpa (DPT) was elected as ruling party and People’s Democratic Party (PDP) as opposition party. Under democratic governance, Bhutan witnessed galloping developments in all spheres of Bhutanese sectors. However, some notable controversies sprung up which confused many Bhutanese. I personally feel those controversies have culminated and reflected in 2013 parliamentary election results. This shows that Bhutanese voters are aware of polity. People’s Democratic Party came into power as ruling government in 2013 and Bhutanese people eye on them to fulfill their pledges and promises. Four aspiring political parties contested for second parliamentary election of Bhutan.

Bhutan will come across many new events and challenges. Bhutan is unique and should continue to remain unique in terms of policy, culture, tradition and association so that world knows the impact Bhutan makes in the international community. While domestic politics may seem meager for some countries, I think Bhutan seriously considers both domestic and international equally important.

Therefore, it is a collective responsibility of each and every citizen of Bhutan to remain united and work for the betterment of future generations. 

BHUTANESE POLITICIANS TOO RIGID TO ACCEPT UNCERTAINTIES???

"SOMETHING THAT WE DO NOT WANT TO KNOW"

With the institution of Democracy in Bhutan in 2008, the first five years of democratically elected government is now over. That was a new history in Bhutanese politics after having spent a peaceful time under leadership of our visionary Kings for a century. Bhutanese got the right to elect their own leaders as enshrined in the Constitution of Bhutan. However, I think the democracy of Bhutan is still at nursery stage and it needs time to nourish. But the unavoidable circumstances do come on its way straining its move to a vibrant democratic Bhutan.

During 2008 election, there were many speculations about cases of corruption, misuse of money and resources to garner votes, misleading voters, political candidates throwing parties, bribing in terms of monetary, transportation, things etc. There were also cases where voters were even threatened with harsh consequences by grass root level party workers if they do not vote for the party that they supported.

According to psephologists, if such cases are true then it is a true sign of unhealthy democracy. There are many Constitutional institutions like Anti Corruption Commission, Election Commission of Bhutan, Office of Attorney General and strong Judiciary system in Bhutan to curb and prevent unhealthy politics if any. However, few fishes do get out of the net and their presence and effects are felt. Hence, it is a duty of each and every citizen of Bhutan to prevent such trends of politicking in Bhutan.

In 2008, People's Democratic Party (PDP) contested national election  against Druk Phuensum Tshogpa (DPT) in which DPT won with a landslide margin of seats in the parliament. That was the time for PDP when they did not believe the election results. PDP had to serve the country as first opposition party of first Democratic Bhutan. Similarly in 2013 election, Druk Phuensum Tshogpa (DPT) failed to get the required number of seats to be a ruling party though DPT won Preliminary Round of election. Therefore, many questions need to be raised;

     1. Are Bhutanese politicians over estimate the numbers? OR

     2. Are Bhutanese politicians so rigid to accept the loss? OR

     3. Bhutanese voters are so intelligent in electing a government? OR

     4. Bhutanese politicians are power hungry?

Instead of causing division among communities, villages or families, Bhutanese politics should promote Unity, Peace and harmony. Our country is very tiny sandwiched between two giant countries. Therefore, unity and promotion of peace and tranquility among its citizen is the only way to survive. Moreover. the vibration of international politics has already felt in Bhutan and will be felt too. It is sole duties and responsibilities of parliamentarians to deliberate and legislate policies pertaining to sustainable economy instead of fulfilling personal desires.

In political dynamics, we can always expect the unexpected. Just as the number of sweets that matters for a kid, number of votes matters for the politicians. I think Bhutanese politicians may have to learn to accept loosing and winning is also a part of election as in other sports too. The mindset of voters do change.

A true politician is like a social activist and social worker who always fights and works for the welfare of those drowned with problems. And this is a problem with many politicians around the globe once they are elected to power by the voters. The journey of democracy in Bhutan has just begun. Politicians need to know election is a game of numbers and uncertainty. 

Bhutanese politicians may have to learn to practise a habit of Winning and Loosing. 

MY 200 DAYS REPORT CARD IN CIVIL SERVICE. (1st January- 20th July, 2013)

Having got an appointment letter from Royal Civil Service Commission (RCSC) of Bhutan as Civil Servant on 1^st January 2013, I started my service to TSA-WA-Sum (King, Country and People) with Oath Taking ceremony convened by RCSC.

As Post Production Officer under National Post Harvest Centre (NPHC), Ministry of Agriculture and Forests, I met and got introduced among NPHC fraternity. The head office of NPHC is in Paro, Bhutan and has three regional offices at Dagapela (Dagana), Shumar (Pema Gatshel) and Goling (Zhemgang). These three regional offices look after post production activities in Agricultural sector and value addition of fruits and vegetables in the Integrated Food Processing Plants.

Presently, I am posted in Integrated Food Processing Plant (IFPP) at Dagapela under Dagana Dzongkhag. As the mandate of National Post Harvest Centre backs, our regional office works to reduce post harvest losses of cereals, fruits and vegetables through trainings, value addition and introduction of post harvest technologies.Other important mandate of NPHC is to maximize food products from agriculture resources through research and development of appropriate post production technologies; post harvest and food processing.

Below is Integrated Food Processing Plant, NPHC (Dagapela);

Integrated Food Processing Plant.

During my 200 days in the service, I have learnt and achieved following works;

Gave technical support and guidance to Daga Shindrey Tshogpa (Farmers’ Group) in processing of products like orange pulp, bamboo shoot pickle, Dollai chilli pickle, sauerkraut, etc.

Product Profile

 Trained around 100 farmers on Food Safety and Value addition of agricultural produce.

Value Addition of farm produce.

Trained more than 100 farmers on Post Harvest Handling of oranges under both Tsirang and Dagana         Dzongkhags.

Farmers training.

Training on Post Harvest Handling of Citrus.

Gave Hands On Training of Deep fat frying machines to potato growing farmers’ group and potato growing farmers.

A Farmer operating a sealing machine.

    Monitored and follow up of construction of 30 improved maize and potato cold stores in villages under Tsirang and Dagana Dzongkhags.

Maize & Potato cold store.

Trained farmers on Zero Energy Cold Store (ZECS) facilities funded by SAARC Development Fund at IFPP centre.

Zero Energy Cold Store, (Through SAARC Development Fund)

    Developed new products like Rose syrup, Blended Herbal Rose & Mint tea under Post Production Research and Development mandate. Research on a pilot scale is under way on crab apple candy and juice.

Rose syrup

 Analytical food testing and recording the observations in the    laboratory.

    

 Some of the photos taken during field visits are;

Tent during tour.

Tour in Tsirang Dzongkhag.

Travelling in summer (Leeches).

With two senior most civil servants.

     My journey in the civil service of Bhutan has just begun...................................

MY COLLEGE LIFE AND FRIENDS.

My world was a blank page when I first reached College of Dairy and Food Science Technology in Udaipur, Rajasthan, India. That was for the first time I started experiencing many new things; first travel in train, first time in Delhi, first time trying to talk in Hindi and first time away from Bhutan and for the first time entering into the place where average temperature was 40 degree Celsius. Moreover, it was for the first time I entered into a class with pant and shirt among other Indian classmates. The most embarrassing thing was when other college mates started staring at me at each step I took in the college. I guess that was how my college life chapter opened.

My Bhutanese senior, Dorji Rinchen came all the way from College about 8 hours travel by bus to collect me. I had never seen my senior until that day though I talked to him over phone. My nervousness and home sickness escalated as I moved far and further away from Bhutan. Though weak in the heart, I gathered my confidence and started thinking that everything was part of my life ahead.

On 13^th October 2008, I reached Udaipur accompanied by my senior and he took me directly to D.T Boys Hostel to his room. By that time, I was physically exhausted after days of travelling and obviously due to heat too. I went to take shower in the bathroom and I was so shocked to see a room full of DT Boys Hostellers who came to see me. All I can recall was my senior who was compromising with them to let me rest.

Next day, I went to College with my senior and he took me to Dean’s chamber, introduced me to H.O.Ds, Professors, lecturers and other classmates. My senior helped me to do admission formalities and also to open bank account in Rajasthan Bank Ltd. After all my admission formalities were completed, I went to attend my class for the first time. When I first entered the class, everyone started starring at me which I got nervous and cold sweat. Right after one class was over, every student in my class turned back to me and started asking my name, address and bla bla bla… Majority of them were talking in Hindi which I did not understand. Fortunately, a handful of students did talk to me in English.

My first day in the class and college is still vivid; Kailash Verma and Manish Parsoya sat next to me surrounded by others like Chandra Shekhar Salvi, Shankar Dayal Sagar, Purushottam Meena, Om Prakash Meena, Hariman Meena who all later became my close group friends. They helped me every time since then, and started to teach me Hindi. Some of our group photos are shown below;

University Campus

After getting selected during Campus interview.

University Road.

Holi Festival.

Picnic at Nandeshwar.

My friends came from different places under Rajasthan state; Manish Parsoya from Sikar District, Chandra Shekhar Salvi from Chittorgarh District, Shankar Dayal Sagar from Baratpur, Purushottam Meena from Kota, Kailash Verma from Rajsamand, Om Prakash Meena from Jaipur and Hariman Meena from Dausa districts.

Mr. Kailash Verma.

By the way, we had interesting nick names to our friends among ourselves; I was called as Captain, Ajay Devgan for Kailash Verma who was a great fan of Ajay Devgan. Kailash would maintain his French cut moustache style and hairstyle like Ajay Devgan. And yeah, he would also keep Ajay Devgan as his mobile wall paper. At times, Kailash would speak movie dialogues of Ajay Devgan. He would read notes prepared by Om Prakash Meena towards last minute.

Mr. Manish Parsoya.

Manish Parsoya, who we popularly called him as “Mr. Akon” was very interesting. We would sit down together and I still remember saying that he wanted to go till Mumbai to meet Akon when Akon came to promote songs of Ra-One movie which he sang. He was a true fan of Pitbull too. That was the reason why he would trim his hair so short all time. He would mimic dialogues and actions of many Bollywood actors and Comedian. We used to call him as “Nana Bhai”. Manish is one who, I have partied for most times and he taught me Hindi.

Mr. Hariman Meena.

Hariman Meena was called as “Professor”. There is a reason behind why we called him as Professor. Hariman Meena was a career oriented guy who would be with books all the time. And we found him in tension and worries all the time. He wears spectacles which resembles like our Professor, Dr Subramanium of our College too.

Mr. Purushottam Meena

Purushottam Meena was called as “Haroti Hero” as he was fun loving guy. But his mood used to swing everytime. I mean he was a moody guy. He loves partying everyday if not most often. His local dialect was Haroti and he would wear black goggles whenever he rode a bike.

Mr. Shankar Dayal Sagar. 

Shankar Dayal Sagar was called as “Shahid Kapoor” for collection of Shahid Kapoor’s wall paper photos. And Sagar was also a gym freak as I was. We used to frequent to gym as Gym facility was very close to our hostel. Sagar used to dress in Shahid’s style.

Mr. Om Prakash Meena.

                        

Om Prakash Meena was the shortest among our group friends. That is why we gave “Gutti” or “Rajpal Yadav” names to him. He never used to get annoyed whenever we tried to make fun of him. But he used to forget most often. I still remember calling him during lecture when his mobile was in ringing mode, and he was subsequently warned by lecturer.

Mr. Chandra Shekhar Salvi.

We used to call as “Mr Remo” to Chandra Shekhar Salvi as he would show his dance moves at any places; like hostel, canteen, tea stall, college corridor, and even on roads. He was also one of the busiest friends as he would go to canteen and tea stall frequently. He was a care free guy as he would write his assignments towards the last minute. He would be short of attendance and he approached me to write an application to Dean seeking permission and mercy to sit for examination. I still remember his dialogue, “Sonam, don’t fear, Salvi is here”. Riding bike with him was one interesting moment during college days. He would run after Hariman’s notes whenever exams approached.

We used to go out in the city together for movies, shopping and to visit places. The most enjoyable moments were picnic to Nandeshwar, Udaipur visit during first year, visit to chottorgarh fort, playing football in the rain, table tennis in hostel, cricket match against juniors, etc.

Another memorable moment was obviously the celebration of Birthdays where we used to kick and bash up birthday boy. Going for a late night walk inside University campus, celebration of Holi festival with colours, and grand party after declaration of academic results, compromising after misunderstanding, college politics, camp fire outside hostel, chess competition among hostelers were some important memories which are still fresh within me and I guess the same will be with those of my friends. Above all, gathering at a tea stall (Shivji Thadi) every evening and morning for a chat and cracking jokes and many more.

 During four years degree, we stood and stayed together. We really had a good time and today, they are working in different organisations across India;

1.      Kailsh Verma, ITC Limited, West Bengal.

2.      Chandra Shekhar Salvi, Mehsana Dairy, Gujarat.

3.      Shankar Dayal Sagar, Mehsana Dairy, Gujarat.

4.      Purushottam Meena, Kota Dairy, Rajasthan.

5.      Om Prakash Meena, Jaipur Dairy, Rajasthan.

6.      Hariman Meena, Electricity Board Of India.

7.      Manish Parsoya, Pursuing Masters Degree.

Therefore, I wish them a very Good Luck.