Service centre run by former gyadrungs benefit rural people in Tsirang

Choki Wangmo | Tsirang

When the post of Gyadrungs were phased out earlier this year, gewog administrations faced challenges in delivering basic public services to rural communities.

But for the villagers in Tsirang dzongkhag, the situation is different.

When the government announced the abolishment of the Gyadrung post, Tandin Dorji and his two friends did not waste time seeking opportunities in other sectors. They made use of their skills and started an integrated service centre in Damphu town.




The service centre located near Moenlamthang in town is currently a busy place for residents of the 12 gewogs seeking thram, civil registration, and G2C services, among others.

Within four months, about 1,000 clients had availed these services. In a month, they earn Nu 32,000.

Tandin Dorji, who served as Barshong Gyadrung for the last six years said that most of the clients came from the rural places. When the Gyadrung post was abolished, it created a gap in public service delivery, he said.

“Some of the gups and mangmis are inexperienced and some have to attend to other social duties. Most of the villagers are illiterate and need help with online services,” he said.




The situation is dire in some gewogs without the gewog administration officers.

A client from Damphu, Tshering Nidup, said that many villagers were unaware of the proper procedure in the gewog and required help. “The services are timely, effective and cheap.”

The charges for the services range from Nu 15 to Nu 350.

He said that villagers travel hours to their gewog centres only to be told that they did not bring complete documents. “As the service providers are well aware of the procedures in the gewog, people do not have to waste time.”

Sonam Dorji from Mendrelgang recently needed to draft a sales agreement. He went to the right place. “I availed the service from the centre. They are friendly and give priority to clients. It is convenient too,” he said.




It is not always easy to avail services from the gewog administrations, he added.

However, Tandin Dorji said that they face challenges in providing basic legal services. “If we could attend informal training at the court, it would help enhance our skills.”

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