Wangchuks’ administrative empire
Not only at the economy, the wangchuks have expanded their empire over the administrative circle of the country. This was meant to protect their interest and let there be no other opposition to their authority.
They had tied up the marital relations with Dorjis, but of late they have been flushed away. And the administrative mechanism has of the country has been brought under the control of the wangchuks by appointing wangchuks in the important positions. Here I have collected a few of such examples. Hope you would enjoy them. Have a good reading.
Jigme Wangchuk’s wife Phuntsho Choden is daughter of Chimi Dorji, Thimphu Dzongpon
His second son Namgyal Wangchuck was his personal representative in the Ministry of Social Services, Minister for Home Affairs in 1990, for Health and Education 1998.
Choki Ongmo Wangchuck was agent for foreign relations, royal chamberlain and governor of Ha. Her son Topga, Yulgyal Rimpoche was raised to the honorary rank of a provincial governor in 1968 and Zhanang Zodpa (General Secretary) of the Karmapa Labring 1968-1981, and to the 17th Gyalwa Karmapa 1982-1997. Was member Karmapa Charitable Trust 1968-1997.
Jigme Dorji’s daughter Ashi Sonam Choden Wangchuck is king’s representative in the Ministry of Finance in 1974-1989 and 1991-1996, and Agriculture in 1991-1994 and 1997-1998. She was also the special adviser at the Ministry of Finance in 1990-1991 and 1996-1997. She was chair of the council of Ministers 1998, Royal Insurance Corporation since 1975, Druk Air since 1980, National Women’s Association of Bhutan since 1981, Royal Civil Service Commission. 1982-1991, and Royal Monetary Authority since 1982.
Another daughter Ashi Dechen Wangmo Wangchuck was vice-chair of Planning Commission 1971-1972, king’s representative in the Ministry of Development in 1976-1985, Agriculture in 1985 and 1994-1997, Communications Ministry in 1992-1998 and Minister for Agriculture in 1985-1992. She was second member of the cabinet in 1991-1992, member Royal Civil Service Commission in 1982-1991. She is married to Tshering Wangda, who is joint secretary at Ministry of Home and Cultural Affairs since 2000.
Jigme Singye’s first wife Ashi Dorji Wangmo is Founder and President of Tarayana Foundation since 2003, President of the Sherubtse College
Second wife Ashi Tsering Pem is President of Bhutan Youth Development Fund. Fourth wife Ashi Sangay Choden is UN FPA ambassador since 1999
Jigme’s second son Jigyel Ugyen Wangchuk is the trustee of Tarayana Foundation since.
Another son Khamsum Singhye Wangchuk is 2nd-Lieutenant of Royal Bhutan Army since 2005.
Jigme Khesar Namgyal Wangchuck is Chancellor of the Royal University of Bhutan since 2003, Chief Patron of the Scout Association of Bhutan, Chair of the Bhutan Trust Fund for Environmental Conservation, Patron of the Royal Society for the Protection of Nature (RSPN), Bhutan Shooting Federation (BSF) 1997, India Bhutan Foundation, European Convention of Bhutan Societies, Oxford Centre for Buddhist Studies, and Bhutan Chamber of Commerce and Industry. He is also the president of the Bhutan-India Friendship Association.
More to come, please have patience.