𝐒𝐚𝐦𝐝𝐫𝐮𝐩 𝐉𝐨𝐧𝐠𝐤𝐡𝐚𝐫 𝐈𝐧𝐝𝐨-𝐁𝐡𝐮𝐭𝐚𝐧 𝐆𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐒𝐩𝐮𝐫𝐬 𝐂𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐄𝐧𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐝 𝐈𝐧𝐟𝐫𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐮𝐜𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐂𝐨𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧

…𝒄𝒐𝒍𝒍𝒂𝒃𝒐𝒓𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒗𝒆 𝒆𝒇𝒇𝒐𝒓𝒕𝒔 𝒃𝒚 𝑩𝑰𝑭𝑨 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝑰𝑩𝑭𝑨 𝒑𝒂𝒗𝒆 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒘𝒂𝒚 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒔𝒎𝒐𝒐𝒕𝒉 𝒕𝒓𝒂𝒏𝒔𝒂𝒄𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏𝒔 𝒂𝒕 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝑰𝒏𝒅𝒐-𝑩𝒉𝒖𝒕𝒂𝒏 𝑮𝒂𝒕𝒆, 𝒆𝒏𝒉𝒂𝒏𝒄𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝑪𝒓𝒐𝒔𝒔-𝑩𝒐𝒓𝒅𝒆𝒓 𝒄𝒐𝒏𝒏𝒆𝒄𝒕𝒊𝒗𝒊𝒕𝒚

By Babita Kharel

In recent months, the Indo-Bhutan Gate at Samdrup Jongkhar has become a focal point of concern, as trade difficulties and administrative hurdles have led to tensions and disruptions for Indian and Bhutanese nationals alike. Central to the issue is managing the complexities of cross-border transactions, exacerbating challenges for travelers and traders navigating through intricate customs procedures and administrative requirements at checkpoints.

Dorji Namgyel, Traders Representative at the Dzongkhag Business Development Committee of Samdrup Jongkhar, said, “There is a need for streamlining entry processes to enhance efficiency. The establishment of separate entry points designated for different categories of travelers, such as laborers and casual visitors, would expedite the process and ensure smoother experiences for all. Trade challenges, particularly between Samdrup Jongkhar and cross-border regions, have further compounded the situation.” Namgyel outlined various factors contributing to these challenges, including the elevated Cost of Sale (COS), which encompasses Bhutan Sales Tax (BST) ranging from 5% to 30% depending on the purchased item, labor charges, and high house rents. Essential commodities like Doma (Betel Nut) and Pan (Betel Leaf) face difficulties in local vending due to the imposition of high taxes, leading to disparities in accessibility for consumers across the border.

Similarly, Punit Sarda, an Assamese merchant, spoke on the practical challenges encountered while traversing through the Indo-Bhutan Gate to reach Samdrup Jongkhar. Sarda highlighted delays in customs processes and disparate treatment upon entering Bhutan, emphasizing the need for simplified and more accessible checkpoints with adequate support for travelers. He expressed optimism that addressing these issues would yield mutual benefits for individuals from both countries engaged in cross-border trade.

Others emphasized the importance of infrastructure improvements and enhanced logistical support at checkpoints to ease the burden on travelers and traders, thus ensuring more efficient cross-border movement. Additionally, addressing regulatory hurdles, such as high taxes and complex customs procedures, is essential for creating a conducive environment for trade and economic exchange.

One of the vendors in Samdrup Jongkhar said, “Travelers may face certain challenges, but to my knowledge, they are not being treated unfairly. However, people endure difficulties when entering, as they have to wait in long lines. Especially during the summer and rainy seasons, this wait becomes arduous, dissuading many from revisiting. To address this issue, I suggest implementing a solution similar to the provision of shelters in Phuentsholing. By offering a well-equipped shed for those waiting in line, we can mitigate the discomfort experienced by visitors. Such an improvement would not only enhance the overall experience for individuals entering but also encourage repeat visits, contributing to the region’s tourism and economy.”

Dev Narayan Pokhrel, a grocery shop owner in Samdrup Jongkhar, emphasizes the importance of the Bhutan-India Friendship Association (BIFA) as a platform for fostering collaboration and mutual understanding between India and Bhutan. He highlights the role of such associations in bringing together various stakeholders, including individuals, organizations, and government representatives, to exchange ideas and strengthen the bonds of friendship and cooperation between the two countries. Moreover, Pokhrel suggests that it is essential to provide thorough guidance to travelers visiting both India and Bhutan. This guidance could include information about cultural norms, customs, and local regulations, as well as recommendations for responsible and respectful behavior while traveling. By ensuring that travelers are well-informed and prepared, the India-Bhutan Friendship Association can contribute to positive interactions between visitors and local communities, further promoting goodwill and understanding between the two nations.

Tshering Namgyel, the General Secretary of BIFA, said, “We are working hard to give people passing through the gates better services; however, few people believe that we are inactive in guiding travelers. In order to provide individuals with a comfortable waiting area while awaiting transactions, we have also proposed a pedestrian gate that is akin to Phuentsholing. We frequently organize festivals and events for people from both borders so they can participate and appreciate the strong bond that exists between BIFA and the India-Bhutan Friendship Association (IBFA), India. In addition, we are working to facilitate travel for people after the pandemic.

As stakeholders on both sides of the border anticipate decisive action, the Indo-Bhutan Gate stands as a symbolic gateway. Its efficient operation is crucial for realizing the full potential of economic cooperation and fostering friendship between these neighboring towns.

In light of the challenges faced by both sides, diplomatic dialogue and cooperation are paramount to finding sustainable solutions that benefit all stakeholders involved. By fostering an environment of understanding and collaboration, two bordering towns can overcome the current trade disruptions and strengthen their longstanding bilateral relations for mutual prosperity and growth.