Thinley Namgay 

The Opposition Party clarified that the government has addressed the concerns raised by the Opposition regarding disparities in the budget allocation of the Small Development Project (SDP) grant to gewogs, thromdes, and dzongkhags.

The opposition MPs expressed dissatisfaction with the SDP budget distribution by the government and submitted a written letter requesting a review.

MP for Gangzur-Minjey , Loday Tsheten, said, “This issue has now been resolved. All local governments will receive equal funds in the 13th plan. Each Gewog will get Nu 34M.”

He stressed that all the citizens and gewogs are now satisfied with the progress. 

In October, the opposition wrote to the government about the SDP fund, highlighting concerns regarding the allocation of the SDP budget to gewogs and dzongkhags. The letter pointed out significant disparities between constituencies represented by the ruling party and the opposition, as well as between constituencies with ministers.

The letter called for a more equitable distribution to ensure fair development across the nation in line with public aspirations and Article 9 of the Constitution.

It also highlighted discrepancies between Phase one SDP activities and the local priorities set by dzongkhag tshogdu, which undermined decentralisation policies and exacerbated regional disparities.

The letter urged a review of the allocation to ensure fairness and inclusivity for all regions and communities.

MP Loday Tsheten said that when the government initially prepared the blueprint for the SDP fund, opposition MPs were unaware of it. However, when they reviewed the blueprint, many discrepancies were identified.

Of the total Nu 10 Billion allocated for the SDP, Nu 7 Billion is allotted to gewogs, with Nu 1.5 billion each for thromdes and dzongkhags.

MP for Maenbi-Tsaenkhar,  Tempa Dorji,  said  that the concerns raised by the Opposition Party on the SDP were among the most critical issues addressed by the Party so far.

He added that while people were unhappy with the perceived silence of the opposition, the party prioritises achieving results over the process and emphasised that the party’s actions are aligned with the unity of the country.