YK Poudel

Next month, the Gyalsung National Service will welcome its inaugural batch, with 3,678 youths embarking on a rigorous three-month training programme.

This historic initiative marks the beginning of a new chapter in national service for Bhutanese youth.

The training will be conducted across four Gyalsung Academies – Pemathang Gyalsung Academy in Samdrupjongkhar, Gyalpozhing Gyalsung Academy in Mongar, Jamtsholing Gyalsung Academy in Samtse, and Khotokha Gyalsung Academy in Wangdue.

According to instructions from Gyalsung Headquarters, all enlistees will receive their reporting dates via email, which can also be accessed on the Gyalsung website.  “Reporting dates may vary for enlistees within the same Academy to allow ample time for efficient pre-training administration and transportation,” the instruction stated.

The allocation for the first two batches were done through a computerized system.

The first cohort consists of 2,108 individuals, with 600 each assigned to Pemathang, Khotokha and Jamtsholing Gyalsung Academies, and 308 at Gyalpozhing Gyalsung Academy. The second cohort includes 1,570 individuals, divided with 446 each in three academies and 232 in Gyalpozhing Gyalsung Academy.

The training for the first batch starts from September 5 and ends on December 3, 2024. For the second cohort, the training starts on December 16 and ends on March 15, 2025.

For the second batch, the training starts on April 1 and ends on June 30 for the first cohort and for the second cohort the training starts on August 1 and ends on October 30.

 The three-month training programme for the 2024 and 2025 batches includes Basic Military Training, National Education lectures, and Life Skills courses. The Royal Bhutan Armed Forces will conduct the military training, while the Royal Institute of Governance and Strategic Studies will offer leadership courses.

The Zhung Dratshang will offer Choeshey Larim, and specialists will teach Driglam Namzha, Bhutanese History, and National Security.

The National Service aims to equip Bhutanese youths with the knowledge, skills, and values necessary to realise their potential in a rapidly changing world. The programme also seeks to instill a sense of volunteerism and selfless service, preparing participants to uphold the unity, peace, security, and sovereignty of the nation.

Each Gyalsung Academy is equipped with a health unit staffed by healthcare personnel. For the first four weeks, visitors will not be permitted. “After this period, they may host pre-approved guests on Sundays, provided they have prior permission from the Training Officer or Company Commander,” according to Gyalsung Headquarters.

As per the National Budget for Financial Year 2024-25, a sum of Nu 4,970.606 mn has been allocated. Of the total budget, Nu 617.051 mn from the capital budget is streamlined towards BMT, Nu 77.1 mn for Community Security Skilling, Nu.219 million for Home Security Skilling, Nu 1,676.128 mn for Food Security Skilling, and Nu 100.734 mn for ICT Skilling.

His Majesty the King announced the launch of Gyalsung—Bhutan’s National Service—during the Royal Address on the 112th National Day of Bhutan on December 17, 2019. Gyalsung is envisioned to empower Bhutanese youth to participate in nation-building, enhancing the country’s security, peace, unity, harmony, and sovereignty.

National Service is a fundamental duty required of all Bhutanese citizens, as enshrined in Article 8.1 of the Constitution. The Gyalsung Act of the Kingdom of Bhutan was enacted by the Parliament on November 11, 2022.

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