Lyonchhen Tshering Tobgay, who was on a gewog tour in Punakha, clarified about the JDWNRH corporatisation issue at two meetings. Lyonchhen visited the 200th gewog yesterday.
In Guma gewog, Lyonchhen informed the people on false reports of charging people at JDWNRH after its corporatisation. He explained that health is a welfare granted by Their Majesties and no one can charge people for health.
He also urged the people to venture into the Rural Enterprise Development Corporation Limited’s (REDCL) schemes to enhance livelihoods. So far only two projects of mushroom cultivation and Dairy farming has been undertaken under the REDCL’s loan scheme.
Lyonchhen met the people of Barp gewog, Punakha on December 9. Lyonchhen spoke on the importance of working hard to achieve collective success for the country.
He said that the government builds schools, roads, and hospitals, provide free medical facilities, but that the people should be responsible and look after the infrastructure.
The gewog has 50 private power tillers. Barp gewog has 723 households and no gungtong. The government has provided three power tillers to the dzongkhag. The people asked the government for a power tiller operator as they do not have enough operators. Lyonchhen said he would ask the agriculture ministry to provide training to interested people from the gewog.
Rinchen Dorji, a resident of Talo, thanked the government on strengthening the local government by providing power tillers, utility vehicle, excavator and backhoe, among others.
After the meeting in Talo gewog, Lyonchhen met the people of Lingmukha gewog yesterday. Lyonchhen asked the gathering that they should apply for loans from the REDCL as only two projects have been undertaken so far.
People of the gewog thanked the government for increasing life insurance scheme from Nu 15,000 to Nu 30,000, among others.
Lyonchhen also took part in the nationwide cleaning initiative in Bajo town, Wangduephodrang on December 9. He thanked the people of Bajo for taking part in this important initiative and said that this is a small way to pay our tribute to His Majesty The King for the selfless service for the country and people. The initiative was launched last year to commemorate the 10th year reign of His Majesty The King.
Lyonchhen also attended the passing out parade of the 27th batch of the Desuups in Tencholing, Wangduephodrang.
He said that Bhutanese must thank His Majesty The King for the many achievements the country has achieved in a span of 11 years and for ensuring peace, prosperity, security and wellbeing of our nation. “We should commit to fulfill the noble wishes of His Majesty The King,” he said.
Lyonchhen was accompanied by Health minister Tandin Wangchuk, Kabisa-Talo member of Parliament Dophu Dukpa, and deputy Speaker Chimi Dorji.
Staff Reporter