Editorial

In a country that has long prided itself on decentralization and citizen-centric governance, it is deeply troubling that numerous gewogs across the country are functioning without the very personnel who make local governance possible. While national leaders continue to advocate for greater autonomy and service delivery at the grassroots, their words ring hollow when basic administrative roles such as Gewog …

In the vast sweep of our nation’s history, there are moments that define generations- not just by what leaders do, but by how the people respond. Today, Bhutan stands at such a moment. With the launch of the Gelephu Mindfulness City Nation Building Bond (GNBB), His Majesty The King has offered every Bhutanese citizen within the country a rare and …

The state visit of Their Majesties King Maha Vajiralongkorn Phra Vajiraklaochaoyuhua and Queen Suthida Bajrasudhabimalalakshana to Bhutan on April 25, 2025, marks an extraordinary chapter in the diplomatic history of the two kingdoms. It is not merely an expression of ceremonial goodwill but a profound affirmation of the spiritual, cultural, and strategic ties that have quietly matured over decades. This …

The recent directive from the Ministry of Education and Skills Development has, quite expectedly, stirred a national conversation. Whenever significant reform touches education, the foundation of any nation’s future, it naturally invites scrutiny, praise, and disagreement. Yet beneath the rising debate lies something deeper- an effort to restore the values and direction of Bhutan’s education system. This is not merely …

Bhutan, a country proud of its carbon-negative status, stands as a rare global beacon in combating climate change. Yet, ironically, it is facing severe repercussions from the very crisis it strives to mitigate. The glaciers that sustain the kingdom’s vital river systems are melting at an alarming rate, triggering cascading effects on both the environment and the people who rely …

Bhutan is increasingly targeted by growing narcotics trafficking networks, particularly heroin and brown sugar. The Royal Bhutan Police has reported 20 drug trafficking cases this year alone, signaling a troubling surge in narcotics entering the country. Bhutan’s position as a transit point for international drug syndicates is a serious concern, and the question is: how do we prevent this crisis …

In a world where corruption and financial mismanagement have derailed nations, Bhutan’s commitment to fiscal discipline stands as a model for good governance. Fiscal responsibility has long been a cornerstone of Bhutan’s approach to governance, with the Royal Audit Authority (RAA) playing a pivotal role in ensuring that this principle remains at the heart of public administration. The recent Annual …

A significant exodus from the civil service has raised alarms about the future of governance. Over 2,000 civil servants have resigned, with more than 1,400 voluntarily leaving their positions due to concerns over stagnating wages, slow promotions, excessive workloads, and lack of career advancement. This crisis highlights a deeper issue: the failure of the current system to meet the needs …

The increasing reliance on digital tools for crime detection and prevention marks a significant shift in law enforcement practices in Bhutan. The Royal Bhutan Police (RBP) has partnered with Bhutan Telecom (BT) and TashiCell (TC) to enhance crime investigations through mobile tower tracking. While this initiative has proven effective in solving cases, it also raises critical concerns about privacy, data …

A nation’s civil service is not just about numbers- it is about efficiency, equity, and adaptability. While recent figures indicate growth in the workforce, they also reveal deeper structural imbalances that threaten the very foundation of good governance. For a small nation, a well-functioning and inclusive civil service is not just an administrative necessity but a prerequisite for national progress. …