Chencho Dema | Punakha 

The  new 156-bedded hostel which was consecrated yesterday has come as a huge relief to the students who were crammed in hostels of the College of Natural Resources in Lobesa, Punakha.

The food science and technology laboratory (FST Lab) would benefit BSc in Food Science and Technology programme, which was being run without a proper laboratory.

Pro Vice Chancellor of RUB Dr Samdrup Rigyel said, “These are only a few of the many assistance that the CNR received from the GoI.”  

In the 11th Plan, CNR constructed a multi-purpose hall, convention centre and new state-of-art academic infrastructure which has enabled CNR to expand and raise the capacity of students up to 1,000 for the first time at a cost of Nu 172.95 million.

“At a time when the whole university is undergoing a series of transformations, these improved infrastructural facilities in the college would go a long way in improving the quality of education and producing competent and employable graduates in the market,” Dr Samdrup Rigyel added.

The new hostel and lab facilities have been constructed through the Government of India’s Project Tied Assistance of Nu 94.5 million.  

Indian Ambassador Sudhakar Dalela and officials from Thimphu and Punakha dzongkhag attended the consecration ceremony.

The GoI has also supported the construction of a Digital Fab Lab through its Trade Support Facility.

Ambassador Sudhakar Dalela said that the new FST Lab will allow researchers and students to gain hands-on experience in the field of food sciences, nutrition and technology. The Lab will also provide a controlled environment for experimentation and analysis and allow for safe handling and testing of food products.

“We are following the current transformation process being undertaken in Bhutan, including in the Education Sector. We’re committed to expanding our collaboration in the education sector, tailoring it to the future requirements of Bhutan,” he said.

He offered assistance to facilitate institutional and research linkages, and faculty and student exchanges between the CNR and Indian institutions for an enriching and academically rewarding experience for both sides.

CNR president Sonam Wangchuk said that the construction of these facilities is a significant milestone in the development of CNR and is also crucial to ensuring quality education.

“The new hostels and the FST lab are not just buildings; they represent opportunities for our students to learn, grow, and develop into future leaders,” he said.