… in his State of the Nation report

Thinley Namgay 

Eleven national highways will be widened and seven new highways will be constructed to boost public infrastructure in the fiscal year 2024-2025. Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay announced this while presenting the state of the nation report yesterday at the National Assembly.

To ensure the timely completion and quality of public infrastructure, the Prime Minister said the government would establish dedicated monitoring teams.

Private sector

To improve the ease of doing business, the government will lift the moratorium on loans through the Economic Stimulus Programme. Moreover, low-interest loans will be facilitated to encourage new business startups, and business-friendly policies, regulations and guidelines will be implemented.

The Prime Minister said the government would improve policies, systems, and services to develop and diversify tourism. “The government will focus on identifying and tapping into new tourism markets.”

Rural development

In the current fiscal year, 20 gewog centre roads will be repaired and blacktopped, and maintenance works for 200 chiwog roads will also be facilitated. This financial year will also witness 47 new irrigation projects, chain-link fencing in about 200 chiwogs,

and policies and programmes to identify and prioritise cereals, fruits, and livestock products, and provide better access to markets.

Lyonchhen said the government will introduce a low-interest loan programme to enable farmers to purchase power tillers and develop policies and plans for crop and livestock compensation and insurance. Lyonchhen also pledged to formulate policies and plans to increase rural life insurance.

Hydropower, ICT and FDI

The Prime Minister said the construction of Punatsangchhu-1 Hydroelectric Project will resume soon and the Punatsangchhu-2 Hydroelectric Project will be commissioned this year.

The government is currently working to develop the Kholongchhu, Suchhu, Burgangchhu, Yungichhu, Druk Bindu-1, Druk Bindu-2, Gamri-1, Begana, and Jomori projects.

The Prime Minister also pledged to support the development of the ICT sector, facilitate business opportunities for ICT companies, initiate the establishment of a third Internet gateway, and work towards reducing internet tariff charges.

The Economic Development Board will explore and identify diverse economic opportunities to attract and enhance foreign direct investments (FDI) in the country. Moreover, the Prime Minister said the government would enhance the FDI policy and create special investment opportunities for Bhutanese living abroad.

Youth

The government plans to upgrade and promote all vocational training institutes to impart essential vocational skills to youth, develop and implement national sports plans, and provide necessary facilities and support to schools to promote sports.

“We will develop policies and plans to support interest-free loans to our youth pursuing higher studies abroad,” the Prime Minister said, adding that the government is committed to addressing substance abuse issues through collective action, and a new specialised school will be developed for students struggling with substance use.

Culture and tradition

The government will continue the construction of Sarpang Dzong while sacred temples such as the Rigsum Gonpa, Sangag Choekhor, and five others will be renovated and expanded. The Dechen Phodrang Monastic School will be reconstructed.

The government also intends to prioritise the development and promotion of Dzongkha through ICT and institute specialised training programmes in performing arts.

Health and education

The government will develop a detailed project report for a specialised cancer hospital in the country, and explore new ideas and strategies to expand the Health Trust Fund. In line with the Royal Kasho on education reforms, the government will enhance and strengthen education policies, plans, and programmes, and also initiate the upgradation of 63 schools to central schools.

Public service delivery

The government committed to working with the Royal Civil Service Commission to advance ongoing reforms and develop policies, systems, and guidelines to start delivering timely and quality public services through an integrated service centre.

Members of local governments will be consulted and undergo orientation training on the 13th Plan.

The government will formulate policies and plans to facilitate home ownership for individuals without homes by offering low-interest loans. Moreover, policies will be developed to provide allowances for mothers who give birth to a third child.

Regarding the Gelephu Mindfulness City, the Prime Minister reiterated the government’s commitment to fulfill His Majesty vision by coordinating with project officials to ensure that the government and the people wholeheartedly support the project.

The Prime Minister also expressed the government’s support for the Gyalsung Programme, which is scheduled to commence on September 5 this year.