𝐁𝐡𝐮𝐭𝐚𝐧 𝐀𝐥𝐥𝐨𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬 𝐍𝐮. 𝟏𝟔.𝟕 𝐁𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐡𝐞𝐧𝐬𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐏𝐮𝐛𝐥𝐢𝐜 𝐒𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐄𝐧𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬

…𝒈𝒐𝒗𝒆𝒓𝒏𝒎𝒆𝒏𝒕 𝒇𝒐𝒄𝒖𝒔𝒆𝒔 𝒐𝒏 𝒌𝒆𝒚 𝒊𝒏𝒇𝒓𝒂𝒔𝒕𝒓𝒖𝒄𝒕𝒖𝒓𝒆, 𝒉𝒖𝒎𝒂𝒏 𝒓𝒆𝒔𝒐𝒖𝒓𝒄𝒆 𝒅𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒍𝒐𝒑𝒎𝒆𝒏𝒕, 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒍𝒐𝒄𝒂𝒍 𝒈𝒐𝒗𝒆𝒓𝒏𝒂𝒏𝒄𝒆 𝒕𝒐 𝒊𝒎𝒑𝒓𝒐𝒗𝒆 𝒄𝒊𝒕𝒊𝒛𝒆𝒏 𝒘𝒆𝒍𝒍-𝒃𝒆𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒅𝒓𝒊𝒗𝒆 𝒆𝒄𝒐𝒏𝒐𝒎𝒊𝒄 𝒈𝒓𝒐𝒘𝒕𝒉 𝒊𝒏 𝒕𝒉𝒆 2024-2025 𝒇𝒊𝒔𝒄𝒂𝒍 𝒚𝒆𝒂𝒓

By Lhendup Wangmo

In a significant move to enhance the country’s public service infrastructure, the government of Bhutan has allocated Nu. 16,721.932 million to the General Public Service Sector for the fiscal year 2024-2025. This allocation represents 17% of the total national budget and is aimed at improving the efficiency and effectiveness of public service delivery. The funds are expected to ensure that citizens have access to essential services that contribute to their safety, health, and overall well-being.

Key initiatives supported by this allocation include the development and implementation of vital systems such as the Land Lease Information System and Geographic Information System (GIS). These systems are designed to streamline land management processes and improve the nation’s spatial data capabilities. Another important initiative is the enhancement of Bhutan’s hydromet networks, which will significantly improve forecasting services essential for weather and climate predictions. Additionally, the rollout of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) is expected to modernize the country’s economic prospect, simplifying tax processes and contributing to overall economic growth.

The government’s budget also prioritizes the development of Bhutan’s human resources. A substantial allocation of Nu. 824.730 million has been set aside for Human Resource Development (HRD) in the civil service. This funding is part of the government’s ongoing efforts to build a professional, skilled, and motivated public sector workforce. Of the total HRD allocation, Nu. 319.955 million is directed to the Royal Civil Service Commission (RCSC) for capacity-building initiatives, while Nu. 200 million will be used to professionalize civil service positions. In addition, the budget includes Nu. 67 million for cost-sharing programs, Nu. 20 million for executive-level training, and Nu. 504.775 million for competency-based HRD programs, all of which are essential for strengthening the skills and competence of public servants.

Another noteworthy component of the 2024-2025 budget is the allocation of Nu. 110.418 million to the Bhutan Olympic Committee, reflecting the government’s commitment to developing sports infrastructure and promoting a healthier, more active population. This investment will support the construction of new facilities and help Bhutan maintain its participation in international sports competitions, further boosting the nation’s global presence in sports.

The government is also focusing on decentralization and empowering local governments with resources to carry out development activities at the grassroots level. A total of Nu. 29,714.149 million has been allocated to Dzongkhags (districts), Gewogs (sub-districts), and Thromdes (municipalities), with Nu. 14,376.402 million designated for current block grants to cover mandatory and controllable expenses. These funds are crucial for ensuring the smooth functioning of local government services and the implementation of various development projects. Furthermore, Nu. 168.895 million has been set aside for centrally executed activities under the Department of Surface Transport, which will fund infrastructure development, including road construction and maintenance.

A key feature of the fiscal year’s budget is the flexibility it provides to local governments. A capital block grant of Nu. 3,833.761 million has been allocated for the implementation of projects aligned with the objectives of the 13th Five Year Plan (FYP). This funding will allow local governments to prioritize projects according to the specific needs of their communities. Notably, Nu. 1,500 million has been earmarked under the Government of India’s Small Development Projects (SDP) initiative, funding vital projects such as road development, irrigation, drinking water supply, waste management, sanitation, and flood protection. Additionally, Nu. 637.500 million will be allocated for chain link fencing projects in Chiwogs, and Nu. 7,686.231 million will be directed to central agencies to support initiatives benefiting local governments.

Further, the National Assembly of Bhutan has been allocated Nu. 154.077 million, with the bulk of this funding (Nu. 150.570 million) directed toward recurrent expenses. A portion of the budget, Nu. 3.507 million, will be used for capital expenditures such as office furniture, equipment, and critical renovations. The National Council of Bhutan will receive Nu. 101.295 million, with Nu. 98.911 million for recurrent expenses and Nu. 2.384 million for infrastructure improvements. Similarly, the Anti-Corruption Commission has been allocated Nu. 152.603 million, including Nu. 7.256 million for specialized anti-corruption training programs.

The Election Commission of Bhutan will receive Nu. 48.328 million to support the smooth conduct of elections and referendums. This includes Nu. 6.387 million for the adoption of ICT technologies in voting systems in collaboration with the GovTech Agency. Additionally, Nu. 20 million has been set aside under the General Reserve to cover expenses for bye-elections. The Royal Audit Authority has been allocated Nu. 214.633 million, which will support the outsourcing of audit services and capacity-building programs for auditors. Furthermore, the Royal Civil Service Commission will receive Nu. 782.274 million, with a significant portion of these funds directed toward human resource development and various undergraduate scholarship programs.

In an effort to nurture the next generation of responsible citizens, the Gyalsung program has been allocated Nu. 4,970.606 million. This initiative, designed to instill national pride and responsibility in Bhutan’s youth, will fund various skill development programs, including military training, community security, food security, and ICT education. This reflects the government’s broader commitment to preparing young Bhutanese to become skilled and engaged citizens, equipped to contribute to the nation’s development.

The government’s comprehensive budget for the 2024-2025 fiscal year highlights its commitment to enhancing public service delivery, building a capable and motivated workforce, improving infrastructure, and promoting the well-being of the Bhutanese people. These strategic investments aim to create a prosperous, inclusive, and well-functioning society, ensuring that essential services are in place to support the country’s safety, education, health, and economic development. By prioritizing these areas, the government is positioning Bhutan for sustained growth and an improved quality of life for its citizens.