Not all surprises are pleasant, of course.

The members of the mass media, particularly the press, had one flung unto them yesterday at the grand hall of the National Assembly. It was downright egregious to say the least, a commentary less than palatable for the journalists for practising their trade with more than commendable sense of professionalism given the circumstances of challenges they are wadding past.

They could not help being squeamish, of course.

The lack of tact, coming from where it did, was unconscionable.

For one, media bring to the notice of the public only those records that are let to the open with an official seal of approval. They cannot, have not, and will never do anything above and beyond their mandate to educate and inform the nation and the people. Responsible Bhutanese media have taken upon themselves to be less entertaining for whatever the word could mean in situations left unhinged. One dark light perhaps is all the colour that is most visible.

Of course.

From some quarters, the media is seen unnecessarily worsening the youth unemployment situation in the country. What a waste we laid each individually and together on the name of the nation’s progress! Apparently, even as unemployment figures are increasing, of young people in the country squarely on, the media had to be quiet.

The relationship between the media and the authorities has always been uneasy. So should it always be inasmuch as the health of a democracy is concerned.

There are many job openings made available in the many state-owned enterprises for the young Bhutanese jobseekers, we are told. But there aren’t enough takers. A familiar ring? These opening were made because the private sector is weak and is not in the position to create lucrative and stable jobs in the country. But if our young jobseekers are looking for secure and well-playing jobs, why are they jobless still?

Unemployment, of the youth in the main, will likely feature as the main campaign topic in the upcoming elections among the many issues of national interest that will be brought to the election plinth. And, it should be treated no less with a fine-tooth comb.

If the civil servants, who compile and give us these numbers of rising youth unemployment year after year, frightening as they are, someone is keeping the secret.

Who is going to stand the racket?

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