Thinley Namgay  

Upholding the Constitution, enacting timely laws and formulating policies were some of the common pledges of the seven candidates contesting the National Council’s (NC) election from Mongar.

The primary focus of the candidates’ pledges was on improving people’s livelihoods.

Chhimi Dorji, 56, from Kengkhar pledged to be responsive to citizens’ needs,  promote balanced socio-economic development, and support entrepreneurship to achieve self-reliance.

He pledged to help increase alimony to benefit children of separated parents, support hydropower development, and address issues related to the human-wildlife conflict.

Dorji Wangmo, 46, from Gongdue  committed to strengthening the cultural and social fabric, ensuring that Mongar gets the best out of the 13th Plan, and revising policies that are detrimental to people’s progress.

Dorji Wangmo pledged to open an office in Mongar to understand the problems facing the residents. Improving farm roads and strengthening social media rules to prevent online scams are her priorities.

Jigme Tenzin, 58, from Shermuhoong vowed to improve economic opportunities by reviewing government policies based on research, reviewing existing loan policies for rural economic development, and boosting employment.

He said that the current 10. 25 percent loan interest rate for rural people needs to be reduced. He said that a comprehensive policy is required to address the mismatch between skills and job requirement.

The incumbent NC member, Sonam Pelzom from Tsamang, pledged to promote and protect women and child rights and ensure successful implementation of the remaining 12th Plan development activities, and 13th Plan.

The 36-year-old said that she would assist to harmonise the laws, ensure exhaustive public consultations to solve urgent problems and support the promotion of culture and national language.

Tashi Penjor, 37, from Ngatshang promised to review policies to motivate public servants to enhance service delivery, enhance agriculture and livestock production, solve unemployment and promote entrepreneurship culture.

He pledged to increase homeownership through attractive loan schemes and review policies to increase the life insurance claim amount from Nu 30,000 to Nu 150,000.

Tshering Dorji, 36, from Chagsakhar pledged to frame policies for inclusive youth and human development, technology-driven service delivery, and skills and entrepreneurship development.

He wants to enhance policies to improve connectivity, productivity, and market reliability.  His priority is also to enhance collaboration between the two houses of parliament in addressing issues facing society.

Tshering Wangchen, 43, from Narang pledged to assure all policies benefit from public consultations and in-depth research, address key national issues, and revise existing loan policy by consulting various stakeholders.

Tshering Wangchen said that one of the reasons for indulging in drugs and substance abuse despite strong laws is poor economic conditions. To address the issue, he said, the country’s economy has to improve, and parents should also nurture children well from an early age.

The public debate was telecast live from Mongar Central School on March 31.