KP Sharma

Over two years after the Royal University of Bhutan (RUB) discontinued Arts course in tertiary educational institutes, the education ministry has yet to hold formal discussions with RUB to address the issue.

The abrupt change affected many students. Despite this, no major reforms have been made to the arts stream in Classes XI and XII, which continues to be offered in schools.

Arts students feel that studying arts subjects in high school limits their opportunities for tertiary education within the country, raising questions about the effectiveness of continuing the arts stream at the school level.

Dissatisfied with the slow pace of the discussion, Several MPs in the National Assembly (NA) recently raised concerns on behalf of students and parents, questioning the government’s support for arts education.

The MP from Dewathang-Gomdar constituency, Tshering Penjor, asked whether the ministry and the RUB had sufficient consultations before the decision, stressing the need to recognise the importance of arts and commerce alongside science and technology.

“While we appreciate the emerging importance of science and technology in leveraging development, we also recognise science as a mere tool. To facilitate development in a sustainable manner anchored on humane values, Arts and Commerce are also equally important and cannot be ignored,” he said.

MP from South Thimphu, Tshewang Rinzin, highlighted the struggles faced by the affected Arts students and urged the ministry to develop a comprehensive support plan.

“Those who were affordable, they have joined private schools, but the scenario is not the same for those who cannot afford to study in private schools,” he said.

MP from Khamdang-Ramjar constituency, Namgay Dorji, criticised the ad-hoc decision by RUB and the government’s failure to protect students.

He stated the importance of allowing students to choose courses based on their interests rather than imposing subjects based on national priorities.

Namgay Dorji also pointed out that STEM courses in the country are substandard, citing research by the former Royal Education Council and PISA.

Offering a solution to the issue, Mongar MP, Naiten Wangchuk, suggested the government could take over private schools in the non-performing loan category and reinstate arts courses.

Responding to the queries, Education and Skill Development Minister Yeezang De Thapa said the ministry had not discussed the matter with RUB due to the absence of an education reform council.

The minister mentioned plans to establish a council to review and update the curriculum to meet current needs and skill development requirements.

Lyonpo said that the council’s composition has not been finalised but suggested it should include educationists and experts from within the ministry.

However, there are calls for the council to include members from diverse backgrounds to ensure inclusivity and creativity.

The policy change has also influenced students’ stream choices in schools, shifting from personal interest and ability to market scope and social status, according to the teachers.

A teacher in Samtse reported a decline in arts stream enrolment, with students opting for commerce or science, even if they were not interested, in hopes of better future opportunities.

“In the past, we had many sections of arts, but now they are reduced to one or two,” the teacher said.