State of Twa-Wa-Sum
As he twisted the name of the report from ‘State of the Nation’ to ‘State of the Tsa-Wa-Sum’, PM Tshering Tobgay mentioned, “Some are concerned that I do not believe in GNH. Today, I ask them to put their fears to rest. I am not only a firm believer of GNH, but a practitioner.”
Unfortunately, a GNH practitioner shifted from previous government’s policy to concentrate on GNH-influenced annual report to Royal-loyal report. PM Tobgay deviated from government’s priority on GNH.
As I compared his report to that of the previous years, Tobgay’s report is like a literary essay. Jigmi Thinley used to present almost 100-page reports with facts and figures and complete evidences of what had been accomplished in the past one year. The latest report merely presents any figures and evidences that actuates the essence and emotions mentioned in the report. It was fairly a disapproval of the previous government and achievements made through hard work of the government employees.
Tobgay’s 31-page report is more concern on appreciation of royal family and civil service. In fact, Tobgay spent almost 40 percent of his report on exaggerating the contribution made by the royal family for progress and prosperity of Bhutan. It gives good sense of humour that contribution made by other people is valueless.
Tobgay has explained briefly on why kind granted kidus on land, money, health but he appeared short on explaining why census kidus were issued. “By granting census kidu……”
For him democracy is a royal kidu. He surmised the 2008 transition was a historic occasion that heralded the beginning of a new era in the history of Bhutan. Unfortunately, we don’t have a day to celebrate this history. When is Bhutan’s democracy day?
Tobgay in most cases not sure what his government wanted to achieve. The essay like report incorporates sentences like this:
But we need to do something as their (media) health is critical for a well functioning democracy.
Tobgay was staunch supporter of media fraternity and advocated for state support towards stabilising state of private media. His rise in power turned fiasco for media industry.
Tobgay’s statement with regard to DHI raised some questions. His statement appears DHI is part of the government machinery.
He has said,
Druk Holding and Investments (DHI) has as one of its mandates – “to lead and stimulate private sector development”. And it has the vision to turn Bhutan into a globally competitive economy. These objectives mirror ours. We will also invite DHI and its Companies – with their wide experience and reach – to partner with us to achieve our common goals.
Tobgay copied idea from Nepalese communists who have in recent years campaigned for “One Village – One Product”. Positively, to accomplish this, the government, companies and individuals must make investments. Investments fuels economic growth and leads to prosperity. However, Tobgay has requested Bhutanese to save money. While Tobgay says, “Nations that prosper have citizens that save”, I say ‘Nations that prosper have government, companies and individuals who invest”.