National News

The people of Bartsham ge­wog in Trashigang, are ea­gerly waiting for their newly under construction five sto­ried Chador Lhakhang. Chador Lhakhang is one of the sacred monasteries in the eastern Bhutan. Ini­tially, it was Goemba Ring­bu but renamed as Chador Lhakhang after the replica of Chana Dorji, (Varjapani) was brought and kept in the temple. Later Dilgo Khyen­tse Rinpoche gave …

The Civil Society Organiza­tion (CSO) Quarterly Meet­ing was hosted by Bhutan Media Foundation on Dece­meber 28 at Namgay Heri­tage in Thimphu to discuss issues concerning civil soci­ety in the country. The various heads of CSOs and members attend­ed the meeting discussing certain issues and agendas including the establishment of Core Coordination Com­mittee (CCC) secretariat, Proposal to Bhutan Founda­tion, Helvetas plans …

A group of vendors have approached the Prime Minister after the Centenary Farmers Market (CFM) management increased the rent. This didn’t go well with the agriculture minister. During the Friday meet, Agriculture Minister, Yeshey Penjor said that vegetable vendors are causing disturbances without following proper procedures. As per the 17th Board Meeting held on 29 October, the CFM Management notified …

People and officials of Samtse got utmost satisfaction after they prepared for months and hosted the 111th National Day successfully. D z o n g k h a g administration staff, Pema Chogay said that he has witnessed two National Day celebrations in Samtse, once in 2002. “Comparing with the last one, the 111th is one of the most successful …

When Sherab Dema, 3rd year Biochemistry student of Samtse College of Education won a jersey cow as a prize during the 111th National day, everybody thought she would sell it, as she is a student. But the student from Bikhar, Trashingang had other ideas. She doesn’t want to part with the cow and its little calf. It is no ordinary …

Lhuentse held its annual Tshechu starting from eight till twelve of eleventh month of the Bhutanese calendar. The 5 days long tshechu was performed in the courtyard of the Dzong. The festivals consisted of various masked dance including Deygye Bakcham (Vasana masked dance of eight classes of violent deities), Guru Tsengye (Eight manifestation of Guru Padmasambhava) and traditional cultural dances. …

An increasing number of farmers in Tongzhang, Trashi Yangtse, are growing varieties of vegetables in groups. The group was formed in 2012, after the new agriculture program was introduced in their villages. Currently there are four groups in four villages under Tongzhang gewog; Changmadung, Brongkashing, Gorshing and Pang. A group consist of 18-20 members lead by a chairperson each. Earlier …

When most of the Bhutanese have less interest in singing our traditional songs, Johan Westman from Sweden working in Samtse College of Education as music lecturer could sing Zhungdra beautifully, more than Bhutanese on National Day. He was looking for opportunity to present song in the morning but due tight program, he was given to sing in the evening where …

What would come as good news for students, the government has decided to do away exams for primary schools. It will be done in phases and replaced by a formative assessment where students will be judged on modern assessment systems and not only exams. The decision has come after consultations with the Bhutan Council of School Examination and Assessment. How …

Dhensel Research and Consulting (DRC) firm is currently conducting a survey on strengthening media assessment capabilities to advocate for a gender-sensitive media. The survey aims to strengthen the environment for press freedom, journalistic safety and/or self-regulation for on-line media through favourable policies and practices. It is also to promote good governance and transparency by developing pluralistic media institutions including community …