Bhutan Daily News 05-01-24

Saidpiece
Jan 6, 2024
2 min read

1. Challenges in Women's Political Participation

Gender biases persist as Bhutanese women encounter hurdles in contesting parliamentary elections, with limited representation from both BTP and PDP, reflecting societal norms and skepticism about female leadership.

2. Poverty Disparities Among Districts

The National Statistics Bureau's Poverty Mapping Survey highlights significant variations in poverty rates across gewogs in Monggar, Zhemgang, and Chhukha districts, signaling diverse living standards.

3. Voting Constraints for Overseas Bhutanese

Nearly 500,000 voters are expected to participate, but Bhutanese abroad, accompanying dependents, are unable to cast votes, sparking disappointment among some, notably a group in Australia.

4. Fuel Shortage Gripping Lhamoi Dzingkha Dungkhag

Lhamoi Dzingkha Dungkhag in Dagana faces acute fuel shortages, recently culminating in residents returning empty-handed or with minimal fuel from the sole local depot.

5. Worrisome Water Source Depletion

Salibi village in Gongdue Gewog relies on Weringla Lake for water needs. However, its dwindling levels prompt concerns. The Gongdue Gewog Administration plans to revive the lake to safeguard this crucial resource.

6. Underutilization of Cold Storage Facilities

Despite government efforts to build Cold Storage Facilities for surplus produce, farmers in Wangdue Phodrang remain hesitant. Only three individuals have utilized these facilities in the past five months.

7. Livestock Predation Woes in Wogmanang Chiwog

Asiatic wild dog attacks in Wogmanang Chiwog, Trashi Yangtse, lead to cattle losses, distressing farmers without any compensation scheme for their losses.

8. Election Promises in Sarpang

Candidates contesting Shompangkha Constituency's seat vow to explore Yenlag Thromde and mini-hydropower stations, highlighting these promises in a public debate.

9. Partnership for Construction Sector Training

Bhutan's collaboration with Japan's JICA aims to train civil engineers and technicians for five years, seeking to bolster the country's construction sector.