Sherab Lhamo

In a community forum held yesterday in Bji-Katsho-Eusu, candidates made pledges regarding student abroad programs, farm machinery loans, and benefits for newborns.

Lhendup Wangdi, the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, addressed the shortage of health workers despite the presence of many hospitals in the country. If elected, the PDP committed to hiring expert doctors and health workers to address this issue.

Highlighting the agricultural sector, Lhendup shared that in chiwogs, there are limited power tillers. The party pledged to provide interest-free loans to individuals interested in purchasing power tillers, other machinery, and those looking to buy cows and jerseys.

For students unable to afford studying abroad, the PDP promised to support by sponsoring one child from each household to study in countries like Australia and Canada, provided they meet the necessary qualifications.

Tshering Dorji, the Bhutan Tendrel Party’s (BTP) candidate, focused on education, pledging to provide lunch to schools and transportation services on a need basis. Additionally, the BTP promised a universal basic income for non-pensioner senior citizens above 65 years.

The BTP party also committed to providing Alu Sarkey Tendrel Thue of Nu 15,000 to all newborns up to the age of 18 years.

Around 50 people attended the common forum at the Uesu Gewog Center yesterday morning. Dorji Yuden remarked, “Both the candidates presented themselves as strong and capable.”

Tshering Om, 51, expressed satisfaction with the common forum, stating that the candidates delivered effectively.