Visit: There were no questions or issues raised to the Prime Minister during his meeting with the people of Chang gewog in south Thimphu yesterday.

Lyonchoen Tshering Tobgay said that it is important to visit the gewogs nearest to the city but unlike most gewogs, Chang has 100 percent coverage of basic infrastructures and facilities like road, sanitation, electricity, health and education. “If there is no proper planning then there is a risk of the budget being wasted.”

Therefore, Lyonchoen Tshering Tobgay said that it is the responsibility of the people to monitor if the budget is being spent according to plans and policies.

He said that the 11th Plan budget outlay for the gewog is Nu 23.69M (million). The total approved budget for the past three years is Nu 15.02M, while the total expenditure in the last three years is Nu 12.67M.

The gewog has about Nu 8.79M this fiscal year.

Of 245 households in Chang gewog, three are empty.

Lyonchoen said that it is the responsibility of the government to build public infrastructures and provide adequate human resources to provide services to people. “But it is the responsibility of the people to take good care of the infrastructure and utilise the services well,” he said. “People should volunteer to repair the damaged infrastructure.”

He also said while it is the responsibility of the government to educate people and create awareness on social and health issues, people are responsible to listen and keep themselves healthy.

The Prime Minister also said there are 13 schools in Thimphu dzongkhag with 206 teachers for 3,273 students. The teacher student ratio is 1:16. “It is good because teachers can give more attention to the students,” he said. “Respect and take care of the teachers because they teach our children.”

Lyonchoen also urged parents to be responsible and discipline their children from a young age so that they can grow up to be a good and productive citizen of the country. “The teachers will do their job and you do your part. Being affectionate towards your child is important and it is equally important to discipline your child.”

With the visit of Dagala and Chang gewogs in Thimphu yesterday, Lyonchoen Tshering Tobgay has visited 137 gewogs in the country so far.

Dechen Tshomo