Kuensel Newspaper

(Not) Home (Not) Alone

10 March, 2010 - The sight of a child�s first day at a childcare centre conjures up the image of a boy described by Shakespeare in the second of the seven stages of a man in one of his plays, As You Like It.

On the other side of the beat

10 March, 2010 - Life in the capital city did not turn out as rosy as Echu Kumari dreamed when she left her home in Samtse a few years ago in search of a better life in Thimphu.

Focus on economic growth and equity

Rishore Coal Mine: Currently there are 89 mining leases are in operation with 150 new applications.

Draft Mineral Development Policy 12 March, 2010 - To ensure equitable distribution of wealth, the draft mineral development policy has proposed a �One mining lease to an individual or to a company.�

Many fingers in one pie

Controversy over ownership between ABTO and TCB

Tourism Development Fund 12 March, 2010 - The government�s decision to use Nu 26 million from the tourism development fund (TDF) as funding to market Bhutan as a tourism destination under the McKinsey plan has led to differences between the association of Bhutanese tour operators (ABTO) and the tourism council of Bhutan (TCB) over the fund�s control and ownership.

Appointment under process

The High Court appointments await a new incumbent

Attorney General 12 March, 2010 - The appointment of the new attorney general, who will complete the formation of the national judicial commission, is now going through various selection processes, said a government spokesperson.

Chances of cheaper rates

Druknet Broadband 12 March, 2010 - In a move that would further make internet access cheaper, Druknet, the country�s largest and oldest internet service provider is considering slashing the price of its cheapest personal broadband package.

Power to the people

12 March, 2010 - Prime Minister Jigme Y Thinley has sent a strong message to the dzongdags � let party workers participate in development process or the government would resign together with the party workers.

Kidu land left fallow

Sarpang�s absentee plot-owner problem

Under lock and key: An empty house on an undeveloped plot in Umling, Sarpang

12 March, 2010 - Many people, resettled through provision of kidu land in Sarpang dzongkhag, do not live on or cultivate their land, which officials and farmers say is causing inconveniences.

Work to resume (on date of completion)

Bypass Setback: Prime land was sacrificed for this unfinished project

Chamkhar-Dekiling Bypass 12 March, 2010 - Shopkeepers have sacrificed some of the best locations they had occupied and farmers, some of their fertile lands, for construction of a bypass between Chamkhar and Dekiling towns in Bumthang.

Subsidies only for outgoing and round trips

The national airline bases fares on �best market practice�

Drukair Fares 12 March, 2010 - Bhutanese travelling abroad were privileged to fly in and out of the country in the national airline at a subsidised rate compared with tourists visiting the country.