𝐎𝐏𝐈𝐍𝐈𝐎𝐍-𝐁𝐮𝐢𝐥𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐎𝐮𝐫 𝐂𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐲 𝐚𝐧 𝐀𝐭𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐃𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐎𝐮𝐫 𝐎𝐰𝐧 𝐂𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐳𝐞𝐧𝐬

In the heart of Thimphu, the Olakha Workshop once echoed with the sounds of bustling activity and the cacophony of traffic. But during my recent visit after six months, a perplexing tranquility had replaced the usual hustle. The lively ambiance that had typified this area, resembling a vibrant fish market with its noisy energy, was nowhere to be found. It felt like a scene out of a ghost town, where the once-thriving workshop now stood almost desolate.

Curiosity compelled me to question the workshop’s mechanic about this stark transformation. His eyes reflected my confusion, and it was clear that my inquiry hadn’t resonated. After clarifying, he replied with a wistful smile, “I know exactly what you mean. It’s as if everyone has vanished, leaving behind an eerie silence. Our earnings have plummeted by over sixty percent. I worry about feeding my kids and supporting my family.”

This encounter made me ponder: has an exodus of our fellow citizens, seeking opportunities abroad, cast such a shadow over places like the Olakha Workshop? If the working classes, like those frequenting the workshop, are dwindling, what repercussions could this have on our economy? What if we lose the backbone of our society, the workforce that drives our nation’s progress?

The workshop’s plight raises a broader concern about the health of our overall economy. Are our shops and businesses faring any better? Does the government comprehend the repercussions of this workforce drain on our economy and our nation as a whole? It’s imperative that a comprehensive study, survey, and analysis are conducted to gauge this trend’s momentum and devise proactive strategies to retain our workforce.

Consider the substantial investments our government has made in their education and healthcare. These citizens are not mere statistics; they are the outcome of budgets dedicated to cultivating productive individuals who are meant to uplift our economy, contribute to national development, and enrich our nation. It’s not only their education that’s at stake; it’s the potential of a stronger, self-reliant Bhutan that could be compromised if we let them slip away.

At the precipice of their prime contributing years, we need to ask ourselves why they are leaving our homeland and, equally importantly, what could entice those who remain to stay. The urgency of the situation is crystal clear; we cannot afford to let this trend continue unattended. The government must step up, assess the reasons for this workforce shift, and enact measures that make our country an attractive destination for our own citizens.

For our nation to thrive, we must address this issue as a top priority. It’s a call to action, a rallying cry for every stakeholder, be it the government, private sector, or civil society. We need collaborative efforts to stem this tide of departure and create a more conducive environment for our citizens to flourish within our own country.

To achieve this, we must recognize that our citizens are not just units in an economic model; they are the lifeblood of our nation. Every citizen’s departure chips away at our collective future, leaving gaps that are not just economic, but also cultural and social. Our communities lose the diverse tapestry of experiences and skills that shape our nation’s resilience.

The government, armed with the insights of thorough research, must devise and implement comprehensive policies. It’s time to create incentives that encourage our citizens to stay and contribute to our country’s growth. This might include enhancing job opportunities, providing a favorable business environment, and nurturing entrepreneurship. Our nation’s future depends on retaining our best and brightest, and the onus rests on the government to foster an environment where their talents can thrive.

Moreover, addressing the core issues that compel citizens to seek opportunities abroad is crucial. This requires improving job prospects, creating an enabling business environment, and nurturing entrepreneurial ventures. Equally important is the enhancement of work-life balance, family support systems, and a conducive ecosystem that makes living and working in Bhutan attractive.

Additionally, the government must explore the expansion of industries and sectors that can generate employment opportunities. Identifying emerging sectors and facilitating their growth can not only absorb the workforce but also lead to diversification and resilience in the economy.

Leveraging our unique cultural identity can also be a potent tool. Promoting Bhutan as a hub for arts, culture, and eco-tourism can create job avenues that resonate with our national values while also attracting talent and revenue.
However, reforming policies and strategies requires not only insight but also political will. The challenges are complex, and the solutions multifaceted. A cohesive effort is needed, with all stakeholders collaborating to reinvigorate our nation’s prospects.

The Olakha Workshop’s silence serves as a stark reminder that the pulse of our nation is at stake. The loss of vibrancy in one area reflects a deeper challenge that we must confront collectively. As concerned citizens, it’s our responsibility to urge the government to take immediate action. We must ensure that every citizen, regardless of where they stand on the economic ladder, has a reason to believe in and contribute to the prosperity of their own homeland.

The time for action is now, and the urgency cannot be overstated. If we don’t act promptly and decisively, the silence that has settled over places like the Olakha Workshop might extend to more corners of our nation, silencing the potential that Bhutan holds. Preserve our workforce, and build a Bhutan that thrives within its borders, driven by the determination and dreams of its citizens.

The owner of an old car
Thimphu