𝐎𝐏𝐈𝐍𝐈𝐎𝐍 – 𝐁𝐮𝐢𝐥𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐅𝐮𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞 𝐃𝐞𝐩𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐬 𝐎𝐧 𝐀𝐝𝐝𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐄𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲𝐝𝐚𝐲 𝐑𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐞𝐬

Tenzin Drukpa

As Bhutan continues to plan ambitious new ventures, the country is also undergoing quiet but significant transformations that receive far less attention. These changes are unfolding across classrooms, civil offices, digital spaces, and in conversations among young Bhutanese weighing their future. While the spotlight remains fixed on structural and economic innovation, the deeper shifts shaping the country’s development are taking place within its institutions, its people, and its values. Addressing these requires more than vision. It calls for realism, critical engagement, and a willingness to strengthen the foundation before building higher.

One such shift is the country’s entry into digital financial technology, particularly the use of clean energy to mine cryptocurrency. On the surface, this seems like an innovative step toward diversifying the national economy using available resources. With Bhutan’s energy sector primarily driven by hydropower, the mining of digital currency has been promoted as a sustainable source of revenue.

owever, such framing must be treated with caution. Large-scale digital mining, even if powered by renewable energy, places pressure on water resources and infrastructure. It also carries volatility, as global cryptocurrency markets remain unpredictable. More importantly, the long-term social and environmental costs need to be fully understood. The benefits of this venture must be measured not just by revenue but by how transparently and fairly these earnings are used for national development. This requires proper regulation, open communication with the public, and safeguards to ensure that risks are not passed on to communities.

Another reality confronting Bhutan today is the outflow of its young population. The decision of thousands of Bhutanese to seek employment or education overseas reflects a growing gap between aspiration and opportunity. Despite investments in training and skilling programmes, the local job market remains limited. Young people often see few viable options at home. A recent effort to bring back citizens through reintegration programmes has had only modest results, with many still waiting for stable employment. Reversing this trend will take more than short-term incentives. It will require the development of strong local industries, support for entrepreneurship, and the removal of structural barriers that discourage risk-taking. When young people believe they can build their future in Bhutan, the choice to stay becomes meaningful.

Education is central to this discussion. Bhutan’s efforts to expand digital learning platforms and introduce modern content in classrooms are important steps. Collaborations with international partners and use of new technology are helping to modernise the education system. Yet significant challenges remain. Rural schools often lack the tools, trained teachers, or internet access necessary to fully benefit from these innovations. Inconsistent implementation across regions risks widening the education gap.

or these reforms to succeed, there must be equal attention to curriculum relevance, language inclusion, teacher development, and emotional support for students. Technology alone cannot resolve the deeper issues in the education system. There needs to be a sustained commitment to making learning accessible, inclusive, and adapted to the country’s diverse contexts.

At the same time, Bhutan’s digital landscape is transforming how people communicate, share information, and form opinions. The rapid growth of social media usage has created new spaces for expression and connection. However, these spaces also bring challenges. Cases of online abuse, misinformation, and unsafe content are becoming more frequent. There is growing pressure for stronger regulation, but the response must be carefully balanced. While it is necessary to ensure safety and accountability online, excessive control may limit open dialogue. Instead of relying only on restrictions, Bhutan should invest in digital literacy.

Citizens, especially youth, must be taught how to navigate digital platforms responsibly. Schools and institutions should promote critical thinking and responsible communication, while also encouraging respectful disagreement. Creating a healthier digital culture will require collaboration between government, educators, families, and technology providers.

Another issue that often goes unspoken is the erosion of morale within the civil service. The public sector remains one of the largest employers in the country, yet many civil servants report feeling undervalued and disengaged. Limited opportunities for advancement, unclear performance standards, and slow decision-making processes have contributed to a sense of frustration. This affects not only the individuals working in the system but also the quality of services provided to the public.

o restore trust and effectiveness, Bhutan must take a serious look at reforming its institutional culture. This means ensuring that merit is recognised, that young professionals have a voice, and that accountability is tied to performance. A transparent and motivated civil service is essential to national progress. Reforms should aim not only at improving efficiency but also at renewing a sense of public duty and pride in service.

These developments- emerging industries, youth migration, education gaps, digital change, and civil service fatigue- are not separate threads. They are connected by a deeper need for thoughtful, inclusive development. Bhutan has the potential to chart its own path, one that balances tradition with progress and values with innovation. But doing so requires attention to detail, patience, and a willingness to look beyond immediate returns.

As the country moves forward, it must remember that lasting development is not measured by how many projects are launched but by how many lives are improved. The real challenge is not in building new infrastructure but in strengthening the structures that already exist. Bhutan does not lack ideas. What is needed now is to align those ideas with the everyday realities of its people and institutions. That is where true transformation begins.